The Summit House

Things to Do

"Our family loved the hiking, fishing, golf, horseback riding, and the swimming hole.  The Summit House is the perfect place to stay in Yosemite."  Dennis Choate, San Francisco

The activities are numerous including golf, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and climbing the trails of Chilnualna Falls. 

Chilnualna Falls Day Hike (strenuous)

- 8.2 miles (13.1 km) round-trip; 5 hours. 2,400 feet elevation gain

- Begin at Chilnualna Falls parking area, two miles up the Chilnualna Falls Road

- The trail leads from the bottom of the parking area and along cascading Chilnualna Creek for a half mile (0.8 km). A series of switchbacks then lead away from the creek into the open forest, where you'll get views of the Wawona area.

Sunbathing and swimming in the south fork of the Merced River, which is only a short walk from the house, are among the summertime treats.

The Merced River was designated as 'Wild and Scenic' by Congress in 1987.  It is the policy of the United States that certain selected rivers possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values, and shall be preserved in free-flowing condition.  They and their immediate environments are protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. The National Park Service manages 81 miles of the Merced River.    

In the winter, picturesque Badger Pass is close by and offers marvelous family downhill and crosscountry skiing.

Badger Pass:  http://www.yosemitepark.com/BadgerPass.aspx
- Open daily from 9-4:00 PM during the season
- Season: generally mid-Dec to late Mar
- 10 runs: 35% beg, 50% int, 15% adv
- Beginner-friendly terrain park
- 5 lifts: 4 chairs, 1 handle tow
- Elevation: 7,200 to 8,000 ft
- Vertical drop: 800 ft
- Avg Temp range: 30-60 degrees F
- 85% of slopes are beg and int levels
- Badger Pups kids program (4-6 yr olds)

MORE ACTIVITIES!

Auto Touring - http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/touring.htm
    Check  current road conditions.
Backpacking - http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm
Biking - http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/biking.htm  
    Bicycles are available for rent.  http://www.yosemitepark.com/Activities_Biking_BikeRentals.aspx
Birdwatching - http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/birdwatching.htm
Fishing - http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/fishing.htm
    The California Department of Fish and Game web site lists current sport fishing license fees.
Hiking - http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hiking.htm 
Horseback Riding - http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/stock.htm
    Guided mule rides and both pack and saddle trips are available through DNC Parks & Resorts at   
     Yosemite from spring through fall.
Rock Climbing - http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/climbing.htm
    Climbing instruction and guide service are available.  Contact Yosemite Mountaineering School at 
    209/372-1000 for information on rates and schedules.
Tours - http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tours.htm
    DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite offers bus tours year-round.
Water Activities (swimming & rafting) - http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/water.htm
    Rafting along the Merced River is popular during summer. You can rent a raft (typically in June
    and July, but it varies from year to year, depending on water level) or bring your own.  
    (Other non-motorized vessels, such as kayaks, are also permitted.)
Winter Sports (cross country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding & snowshoeing) -
    http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wintersports.htm

AREA INFORMATION

If you are interested in learning more about the Yosemite National Park area, you may want to visit these websites:

Yosemite Association - www.yosemite.org

Yosemite National Park Service - www.nps.gov/yose/