Redwoods Cabins at Wawona or Yosemite Valley Lodge?

Question

So my wife and I will be coming to Yosemite for 3 nights during the first week of June. Right now I have us booked in a cabin at The Redwoods in Wawona, but i am debating switching to a room at Yosemite Valley Lodge (price is the same). My main concern is that YVL has no AC. Will it be too hot without AC while we are there? Obviously being in the Valley is much more convenient and we were hoping to go to Hetch Hetchy too, so that would cut our drive down significantly, but I keep going back and forth because sleeping in a really hot room is torture... any advice would be much appreciated.

Answer

For early June, Yosemite Valley temperatures are generally mild to warm. Daytime highs in the Valley often reach the mid-70s to low 80s °F (24–28°C), while nighttime lows can drop into the 50s °F (10–15°C). That means while daytime hiking may feel warm, nights are usually cool enough that the lack of air conditioning in Yosemite Valley Lodge (YVL) is typically manageable for most people.

Here are some considerations for your choice between The Redwoods in Wawona and Yosemite Valley Lodge:

Yosemite Valley Lodge: The main advantage is location. You’ll be in the heart of Yosemite Valley, within walking distance of Yosemite Falls, shuttle stops, and convenient access to Hetch Hetchy (shorter drive). Being centrally located saves time and allows early morning or late evening walks when the Valley is quieter.
The Redwoods at Wawona: Offers cabins with AC, which may be more comfortable for sleeping if you’re sensitive to warm rooms. Wawona is about a 1–1.5 hour drive to the Valley floor, so each visit involves a longer drive, and it is less convenient for Hetch Hetchy excursions.
Temperature and comfort: Most travelers report that YVL rooms, even without AC, are tolerable in early June. Windows can be opened at night for cool air, and fans are often provided. If you are a particularly light sleeper or extremely sensitive to warmth, Wawona’s AC cabins may be worth it, but for the average visitor, YVL is fine.

Other tips to help you decide:

Check the weather forecast before your trip. If a heat wave is expected, the AC in Wawona may be more attractive.
Consider your itinerary: if most of your plans involve early starts or late evenings in the Valley, YVL’s location is a huge convenience.
Evening and morning valley walks are cooler, so you might only experience higher temperatures during the mid-afternoon, when you may be out hiking anyway.

In summary, Yosemite Valley Lodge is generally comfortable in early June despite lacking AC, and the convenience factor is significant. The Redwoods at Wawona offers AC for guaranteed cool nights, but at the cost of longer drives to main Valley attractions. If your main priority is easy access to sights and shorter drives, YVL is usually the better choice for most visitors.

Redwoods Cabins at Wawona or Yosemite Valley Lodge?

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