Firefall Location
Convenient access to all areas of Yosemite
Location
We are blessed with a truly magical and convenient location to enjoy all of Yosemite National Park and the surrounding Stanislaus National Forest. Firefall Ranch is located 15 miles from the Park’s Highway 120 west entrance, providing an ideal launching point for exploration into all parts of Yosemite. Our Yosemite resort is a 2.5 hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area along scenic Highway 120, the most direct route to Yosemite from the Bay Area, offering year-round access to the Park.
Firefall is also situated 15 miles from its sister property, Rush Creek Lodge, making both lodges the most conveniently located of all Yosemite lodging options for access to the three most renown parts of the Park: Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows and Hetch Hetchy.
The charming Old West town of Groveland is the last town you pass through on your way to Yosemite from Hwy 120 West. You’ll find Firefall 7.5 miles east of Groveland.
In Winter, Tioga Pass on Hwy 120 East is closed on the Eastern side of Yosemite (near Nevada), but Hwy 120 West where we’re located is open all year, providing direct access to us and Yosemite. In winter, roads are plowed as necessary after snowfalls, and carrying chains is periodically required, so guests should call ahead and come prepared during periods of winter weather.
- 2.5-3 hours from the San Francisco Bay Area (2 hours from the Livermore Valley)
- 2.5 hours from Sacramento
- 2.5 hours from Fresno
- 5-5.5 hours from Los Angeles
Surrounding area highlights include forest, meadows, rivers, swimming holes, fire roads, and scenic vistas. Visit with our Recreation team in Reception for planning advice and more drive times to Yosemite’s major icons as well as our favorite local spots. Below you can view drive times from the lodge to some of our favorite nearby places in the National Forest and Yosemite.
| Minutes Drive from Lodge | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | Carlon Falls | 3.8 mile out-and-back hike to a waterfall, swimming |
| 40 | Hetch Hetchy Reservoir | Hiking, history, waterfalls & fishing |
| 10 | Preston Falls Trailhead | Hike along Tuolumne River, swimming |
| 30 | Merced Grove Trailhead | 3 mile out-and-back hike to Giant Sequoias |
| 35 | Tuolumne Grove Trailhead | 3 mile out-and-back hike to Giant Sequoias |
| 5 | Rainbow Pools | Swimming and picnic area |
| 55 | Yosemite Valley | Trails, waterfalls & massive granite walls |
| 75 | Olmsted Point | View of Half Dome & Tenaya Lake |
| 75 | Tenaya Lake | Largest alpine lake in Yosemite, swimming, picnicking, paddle boarding, fishing and hiking |
| 85 | Tuolumne Meadows | Large alpine meadow, the starting point for many popular hikes, fishing |
| 100 | Mariposa Grove | Large Grove of Giant Sequoias, home to Yosemite's largest Giant Sequoia |