Eco-Friendly Hotels Near Yosemite National Park with Verified Sustainability
Several hotels near Yosemite National Park hold verifiable sustainability certifications including LEED Silver, Green Key ratings, and B Corporation status. This guide covers specific properties with documented environmental initiatives, explains which accommodations offer EV charging and shuttle access, and identifies options both inside and outside the park with renewable energy systems and waste reduction programs.
LEED and Green Key Certified Hotels Near Yosemite National Park
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite holds multiple third-party environmental certifications including double LEED Silver certification and a Green Key 5-Key rating (the highest level possible). This section details verified sustainability practices at certified properties near the park.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite (Fish Camp)
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is located at 1122 Highway 41, Fish Camp, CA 93623, approximately 2 miles from Yosemite National Park's south entrance. The resort holds double LEED Silver certification (one for the main resort expansion, one for the wastewater treatment plant) and a Green Key 5-Key rating.
The property operates an on-site wastewater treatment plant that is chlorine-free and produces recycled water for landscaping irrigation. Remarkably, 95% of water from the system is captured, treated, and reintroduced into the watershed. The resort has eight Tesla Superchargers plus multiple J1772 (universal) Level 2 chargers available to guests.
Cabin #41 operates completely off-grid using solar panels that generate enough renewable energy to power the entire cabin. Energy Star-rated equipment and LED technology throughout the property improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The resort uses low-flow water fixtures throughout, biodegradable laundry detergent, and serves organic and sustainable food products in its restaurants (Sierra, Jackalope's, Timberloft, and Embers). The property has received the Keep America Beautiful Award and State of California Waste Reduction Award for its environmental programs.
Room rates vary by season. The property is approximately 40 minutes driving from Yosemite Valley. Tenaya Lodge is a designated YARTS stop on the Highway 41 route, allowing guests to use public transit to enter the park without driving. The south entrance provides access to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Wawona Hotel, and Wawona Golf Course.
B Corporation Certified Lodges Near Yosemite National Park
Evergreen Lodge and Rush Creek Lodge are sister properties that hold B Corporation certification, meeting rigorous standards for social and environmental performance verified by B Lab.
Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite (Groveland)
Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite is located at 33160 Evergreen Road, Groveland, CA 95321, approximately 1 mile from Yosemite National Park's Hetch Hetchy entrance and approximately 40 minutes from Yosemite Valley via Highway 120.
The property developed Tuolumne County's first commercial greywater system, which enables the resort to reuse more than 1 million gallons of shower and laundry water annually for landscape irrigation. Additional eco-friendly practices include low-flow water fixtures, solar heating, greywater recycling for native plant landscaping, and high-efficiency lighting.
The lodge emphasizes a back-to-nature experience with no TVs in rooms and a commitment to locally sourced, organic, seasonal, and sustainably grown food in its menus. The property offers cabin-style accommodations with rustic appeal and operates year-round.
Evergreen Lodge is located near the Hetch Hetchy entrance, which provides access to less-crowded areas of Yosemite compared to Yosemite Valley. The lodge does not offer shuttle service to Yosemite Valley—guests drive approximately 40 minutes via Highway 120.
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite (Groveland)
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite is located at 34001 Highway 120, Groveland, CA 95321, approximately 1 mile from Yosemite National Park's Big Oak Flat entrance on Highway 120. The contemporary mountain resort is a sister property to Evergreen Lodge and maintains the same B Corporation certification.
The property operates a water reuse program and commercial greywater system. Solar panels supply a portion of the property's power needs, and EV charging stations are available to guests. The resort uses low-flow water fixtures and high-efficiency equipment throughout.
The location provides approximately 30-40 minutes driving to Yosemite Valley via Highway 120. No shuttle service operates to the park—guests drive their own vehicles or arrange private transportation.
Both Rush Creek Lodge and Evergreen Lodge self-fund and operate an on-site youth employment and enrichment program as well as environmental stewardship efforts as part of their B Corporation commitments.
Lodging Inside Yosemite National Park
Lodging inside Yosemite National Park is operated by Yosemite Hospitality, a subsidiary of Aramark. Properties inside the park implement sustainability practices but do not hold the same third-party certifications as gateway hotels.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Yosemite Valley Lodge is located at 9006 Yosemite Lodge Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, in Yosemite Valley. The lodge operates eight Level 2 EV charging stations (four in front of the Alder building, four between the Laurel and Juniper buildings) with J1772 connectors available to the public (no guest requirement).
The property underwent renovations in 2010 that incorporated eco-friendly features in guest rooms. Specific sustainability certifications have not been publicly confirmed for current operations. The lodge provides access to Yosemite Valley's free shuttle system, eliminating the need for driving within the valley once you arrive.
Room rates vary significantly by season, with peak summer rates substantially higher than off-season winter rates. Book well in advance—inside-park lodging fills months ahead for summer dates.
The Ahwahnee
The Ahwahnee is located at 1 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, in Yosemite Valley. The historic 1927 hotel underwent major fire protection and rehabilitation projects that improved accessibility, building systems, and operational enhancements while maintaining the historic architecture.
Environmental practices at The Ahwahnee are managed by Yosemite Hospitality as part of park-wide operations, but specific third-party environmental certifications have not been publicly confirmed. The property provides access to Yosemite Valley's free shuttle system.
Room rates at The Ahwahnee are significantly higher than other Yosemite lodging options, reflecting the historic property's iconic status.
Hotels with EV Charging Near Yosemite
Several gateway hotels provide EV charging stations for guests, supporting low-emission transportation to the park. Some locations:
- Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite (Fish Camp): Eight Tesla Superchargers plus multiple J1772 (universal) Level 2 chargers
- Yosemite Valley Lodge (inside park): Eight Level 2 chargers with J1772 connectors (available to the public)
- Rush Creek Lodge (Groveland): EV charging stations available
- Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn (Oakhurst): J1772 Level 2 chargers (fees may apply for non-guests; confirm at check-in) and Tesla Destination charging
For additional EV charging locations near Yosemite, check the Alternative Fuels Data Center for current station information.
YARTS Shuttle Access to Yosemite
The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) provides public shuttle service from gateway towns to Yosemite Valley. YARTS can bundle park entrance fees on certain services, and YARTS riders are exempt from vehicle reservation requirements during peak hours. However, YARTS tickets can sell out during peak season—book in advance to secure shuttle access. Check current Yosemite access rules and YARTS schedules before planning your trip.
Hotels with Direct YARTS Access:
Highway 140 Route (from Mariposa/Midpines):
- Yosemite View Lodge (approximately 2 miles from Arch Rock entrance—YARTS stop at property)
- Yosemite Cedar Lodge (approximately 8 miles from park entrance—YARTS stop at property)
- Indian Flat Campground (YARTS stop at property)
Highway 41 Route:
- Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite (Fish Camp—YARTS stop at property)
YARTS Highway 140 route stops at Curry Village, Yosemite Valley Lodge, and Yosemite Village inside the park. All other YARTS routes (Highway 120, Highway 41, Highway 395/120E) connect with the Yosemite Valley Shuttle at Yosemite Village.
YARTS operates daily with morning, midday, and afternoon options (schedules vary by season). Check YARTS website for current schedules and fares.
How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Hotel Near Yosemite
Prioritize properties with third-party environmental certifications like LEED, Green Key, or B Corporation status. These certifications require verification by independent organizations and meet specific measurable standards.
Verified third-party certifications near Yosemite
- Tenaya Lodge: LEED Silver (double), Green Key 5-Key
- Evergreen Lodge: B Corporation certified
- Rush Creek Lodge: B Corporation certified
Key environmental practices to look for
- On-site renewable energy (solar panels, off-grid cabins)
- Greywater recycling systems for landscape irrigation
- On-site wastewater treatment reducing impact on local water systems
- EV charging infrastructure
- Low-flow water fixtures and Energy Star equipment
- Organic, local, sustainably sourced food in restaurants
- Documented waste reduction and diversion programs
Location considerations
- Properties near park entrances reduce driving distances
- YARTS shuttle access eliminates the need for driving (check current access policies and book YARTS tickets in advance during peak season)
- Inside-park lodging provides access to free Yosemite Valley shuttle
- Hetch Hetchy entrance (Evergreen Lodge) offers access to less-crowded areas
Best Time to Book Eco-Friendly Yosemite Lodging
Inside-park lodging at Yosemite Valley Lodge or The Ahwahnee requires booking several months in advance for summer dates. Rooms become available approximately 366 days before arrival through the Yosemite Hospitality website.
Gateway hotels like Tenaya Lodge, Evergreen Lodge, and Rush Creek Lodge offer more availability but still fill during peak summer season (July-August) and holiday weekends. Booking 2-3 months in advance typically secures availability at competitive rates.
Shoulder season (April-May, September-October) provides lower rates, better availability, and pleasant weather for hiking. Winter (November-March except holidays) offers the lowest rates but requires checking road conditions and potential closures on Highway 120 (Tioga Road closed in winter).
YARTS shuttle service operates year-round on Highway 140 but may have reduced schedules during winter months. Book YARTS tickets in advance during peak season, as they can sell out. Check current schedules before booking if you plan to rely on shuttle transportation.
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Table of Contents
Eco-Friendly Hotels Near Yosemite National Park with Verified Sustainability
Several hotels near Yosemite National Park hold verifiable sustainability certifications including LEED Silver, Green Key ratings, and B Corporation status. This guide covers specific properties with documented environmental initiatives, explains which accommodations offer EV charging and shuttle access, and identifies options both inside and outside the park with renewable energy systems and waste reduction programs.
LEED and Green Key Certified Hotels Near Yosemite National Park
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite holds multiple third-party environmental certifications including double LEED Silver certification and a Green Key 5-Key rating (the highest level possible). This section details verified sustainability practices at certified properties near the park.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite (Fish Camp)
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is located at 1122 Highway 41, Fish Camp, CA 93623, approximately 2 miles from Yosemite National Park's south entrance. The resort holds double LEED Silver certification (one for the main resort expansion, one for the wastewater treatment plant) and a Green Key 5-Key rating.
The property operates an on-site wastewater treatment plant that is chlorine-free and produces recycled water for landscaping irrigation. Remarkably, 95% of water from the system is captured, treated, and reintroduced into the watershed. The resort has eight Tesla Superchargers plus multiple J1772 (universal) Level 2 chargers available to guests.
Cabin #41 operates completely off-grid using solar panels that generate enough renewable energy to power the entire cabin. Energy Star-rated equipment and LED technology throughout the property improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The resort uses low-flow water fixtures throughout, biodegradable laundry detergent, and serves organic and sustainable food products in its restaurants (Sierra, Jackalope's, Timberloft, and Embers). The property has received the Keep America Beautiful Award and State of California Waste Reduction Award for its environmental programs.
Room rates vary by season. The property is approximately 40 minutes driving from Yosemite Valley. Tenaya Lodge is a designated YARTS stop on the Highway 41 route, allowing guests to use public transit to enter the park without driving. The south entrance provides access to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Wawona Hotel, and Wawona Golf Course.
B Corporation Certified Lodges Near Yosemite National Park
Evergreen Lodge and Rush Creek Lodge are sister properties that hold B Corporation certification, meeting rigorous standards for social and environmental performance verified by B Lab.
Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite (Groveland)
Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite is located at 33160 Evergreen Road, Groveland, CA 95321, approximately 1 mile from Yosemite National Park's Hetch Hetchy entrance and approximately 40 minutes from Yosemite Valley via Highway 120.
The property developed Tuolumne County's first commercial greywater system, which enables the resort to reuse more than 1 million gallons of shower and laundry water annually for landscape irrigation. Additional eco-friendly practices include low-flow water fixtures, solar heating, greywater recycling for native plant landscaping, and high-efficiency lighting.
The lodge emphasizes a back-to-nature experience with no TVs in rooms and a commitment to locally sourced, organic, seasonal, and sustainably grown food in its menus. The property offers cabin-style accommodations with rustic appeal and operates year-round.
Evergreen Lodge is located near the Hetch Hetchy entrance, which provides access to less-crowded areas of Yosemite compared to Yosemite Valley. The lodge does not offer shuttle service to Yosemite Valley—guests drive approximately 40 minutes via Highway 120.
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite (Groveland)
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite is located at 34001 Highway 120, Groveland, CA 95321, approximately 1 mile from Yosemite National Park's Big Oak Flat entrance on Highway 120. The contemporary mountain resort is a sister property to Evergreen Lodge and maintains the same B Corporation certification.
The property operates a water reuse program and commercial greywater system. Solar panels supply a portion of the property's power needs, and EV charging stations are available to guests. The resort uses low-flow water fixtures and high-efficiency equipment throughout.
The location provides approximately 30-40 minutes driving to Yosemite Valley via Highway 120. No shuttle service operates to the park—guests drive their own vehicles or arrange private transportation.
Both Rush Creek Lodge and Evergreen Lodge self-fund and operate an on-site youth employment and enrichment program as well as environmental stewardship efforts as part of their B Corporation commitments.
Lodging Inside Yosemite National Park
Lodging inside Yosemite National Park is operated by Yosemite Hospitality, a subsidiary of Aramark. Properties inside the park implement sustainability practices but do not hold the same third-party certifications as gateway hotels.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Yosemite Valley Lodge is located at 9006 Yosemite Lodge Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, in Yosemite Valley. The lodge operates eight Level 2 EV charging stations (four in front of the Alder building, four between the Laurel and Juniper buildings) with J1772 connectors available to the public (no guest requirement).
The property underwent renovations in 2010 that incorporated eco-friendly features in guest rooms. Specific sustainability certifications have not been publicly confirmed for current operations. The lodge provides access to Yosemite Valley's free shuttle system, eliminating the need for driving within the valley once you arrive.
Room rates vary significantly by season, with peak summer rates substantially higher than off-season winter rates. Book well in advance—inside-park lodging fills months ahead for summer dates.
The Ahwahnee
The Ahwahnee is located at 1 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, in Yosemite Valley. The historic 1927 hotel underwent major fire protection and rehabilitation projects that improved accessibility, building systems, and operational enhancements while maintaining the historic architecture.
Environmental practices at The Ahwahnee are managed by Yosemite Hospitality as part of park-wide operations, but specific third-party environmental certifications have not been publicly confirmed. The property provides access to Yosemite Valley's free shuttle system.
Room rates at The Ahwahnee are significantly higher than other Yosemite lodging options, reflecting the historic property's iconic status.
Hotels with EV Charging Near Yosemite
Several gateway hotels provide EV charging stations for guests, supporting low-emission transportation to the park. Some locations:
- Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite (Fish Camp): Eight Tesla Superchargers plus multiple J1772 (universal) Level 2 chargers
- Yosemite Valley Lodge (inside park): Eight Level 2 chargers with J1772 connectors (available to the public)
- Rush Creek Lodge (Groveland): EV charging stations available
- Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn (Oakhurst): J1772 Level 2 chargers (fees may apply for non-guests; confirm at check-in) and Tesla Destination charging
For additional EV charging locations near Yosemite, check the Alternative Fuels Data Center for current station information.
YARTS Shuttle Access to Yosemite
The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) provides public shuttle service from gateway towns to Yosemite Valley. YARTS can bundle park entrance fees on certain services, and YARTS riders are exempt from vehicle reservation requirements during peak hours. However, YARTS tickets can sell out during peak season—book in advance to secure shuttle access. Check current Yosemite access rules and YARTS schedules before planning your trip.
Hotels with Direct YARTS Access:
Highway 140 Route (from Mariposa/Midpines):
- Yosemite View Lodge (approximately 2 miles from Arch Rock entrance—YARTS stop at property)
- Yosemite Cedar Lodge (approximately 8 miles from park entrance—YARTS stop at property)
- Indian Flat Campground (YARTS stop at property)
Highway 41 Route:
- Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite (Fish Camp—YARTS stop at property)
YARTS Highway 140 route stops at Curry Village, Yosemite Valley Lodge, and Yosemite Village inside the park. All other YARTS routes (Highway 120, Highway 41, Highway 395/120E) connect with the Yosemite Valley Shuttle at Yosemite Village.
YARTS operates daily with morning, midday, and afternoon options (schedules vary by season). Check YARTS website for current schedules and fares.
How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Hotel Near Yosemite
Prioritize properties with third-party environmental certifications like LEED, Green Key, or B Corporation status. These certifications require verification by independent organizations and meet specific measurable standards.
Verified third-party certifications near Yosemite
- Tenaya Lodge: LEED Silver (double), Green Key 5-Key
- Evergreen Lodge: B Corporation certified
- Rush Creek Lodge: B Corporation certified
Key environmental practices to look for
- On-site renewable energy (solar panels, off-grid cabins)
- Greywater recycling systems for landscape irrigation
- On-site wastewater treatment reducing impact on local water systems
- EV charging infrastructure
- Low-flow water fixtures and Energy Star equipment
- Organic, local, sustainably sourced food in restaurants
- Documented waste reduction and diversion programs
Location considerations
- Properties near park entrances reduce driving distances
- YARTS shuttle access eliminates the need for driving (check current access policies and book YARTS tickets in advance during peak season)
- Inside-park lodging provides access to free Yosemite Valley shuttle
- Hetch Hetchy entrance (Evergreen Lodge) offers access to less-crowded areas
Best Time to Book Eco-Friendly Yosemite Lodging
Inside-park lodging at Yosemite Valley Lodge or The Ahwahnee requires booking several months in advance for summer dates. Rooms become available approximately 366 days before arrival through the Yosemite Hospitality website.
Gateway hotels like Tenaya Lodge, Evergreen Lodge, and Rush Creek Lodge offer more availability but still fill during peak summer season (July-August) and holiday weekends. Booking 2-3 months in advance typically secures availability at competitive rates.
Shoulder season (April-May, September-October) provides lower rates, better availability, and pleasant weather for hiking. Winter (November-March except holidays) offers the lowest rates but requires checking road conditions and potential closures on Highway 120 (Tioga Road closed in winter).
YARTS shuttle service operates year-round on Highway 140 but may have reduced schedules during winter months. Book YARTS tickets in advance during peak season, as they can sell out. Check current schedules before booking if you plan to rely on shuttle transportation.
Become a Dyme member to support cleaner, low-impact travel and unlock exclusive prices.
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