Where to stay in Yosemite Oct 2025

Question

Travelling from SF but possibly from Monterey to Yosemite in Oct then on to Las Vegas to fly home.

Where do people recommend to stay in Yosemite? Will be for couple of nights maybe near a lake to just chill for a couple of days. 4 adults. Planning to travel the tiogo pass and visit Lee vining then down through Death Valley with the possibility of a 1 night stop there too?

Never been to any these before

Answer

For an October trip to Yosemite with 4 adults, especially if you want to stay near a lake and relax for a couple of days, there are several options both inside and just outside the park. October is a quieter time, but some accommodations inside the park may already be booked or closing for the season, so early planning is important.

Inside Yosemite Valley:

Yosemite Valley Lodge: Located close to Yosemite Falls, very convenient for short walks and easy access to the main valley attractions. Not directly on a lake, but near the Merced River.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite (just outside the south entrance): A full-service resort with rooms, cabins, and great amenities. About 1 hour from Yosemite Valley; relaxing setting near Tenaya Lake is possible with a short drive.
Curry Village (also called Half Dome Village): Offers hotel rooms, canvas tent cabins, and standard cabins near the river. Good mix of budget and convenience.

Staying near a lake:

Tenaya Lake area: Along Tioga Road (Highway 120), beautiful views, great for chilling and picnics. Limited lodging immediately by the lake, so most people stay in nearby cabins or campgrounds.
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge / Campground: Higher elevation, opens later in the summer; scenic lakes nearby. By October, this area might be closed due to early snow, so check in advance.

Other considerations for your route:

Since you plan to travel Tioga Pass and visit Lee Vining, staying near the eastern entrance (Tioga Pass / Lee Vining) can make your travel more relaxed. You could spend the night in Lee Vining before heading through the pass or after coming down from Tioga Road.
For a stop in Death Valley on the way to Las Vegas, consider Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells for one night. In October, temperatures are milder, making it comfortable for exploring.

Recommendations:

If you want to be fully immersed in Yosemite with easy access to scenic drives and short walks, Yosemite Valley Lodge or Curry Village are ideal.
If your priority is lakeside relaxation and a quieter atmosphere, consider staying near Tenaya Lake or slightly outside the park with Tenaya Lodge.
Book as early as possible for October, especially with four adults, since rooms inside the park fill quickly.

Overall, for your itinerary—SF or Monterey to Yosemite via Tioga Pass, then down through Death Valley to Las Vegas—staying inside the valley or near Tenaya Lake gives a mix of convenience and scenic enjoyment, while still allowing flexibility for your drive and exploration.

Where to stay in Yosemite Oct 2025

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