Wuksachi Lodge, Sequoia National Park

Location

With its eponymous trees as high as 20-story buildings, it’s easy to forget about the park’s collection of sweeping meadows, plunging canyons and soaring peaks; however, be on the lookout for cougars and black bears. At the lodge’s site, swap mobile phone reception for a 7,200-foot alpine elevation as you enjoy the area’s remote setting with local hiking paths and cross-country ski trails. You’ll also be within a short drive of Kings Canyon’s breathtaking gorge.

Accommodation

Guest rooms are carefully spaced 100-200 yards from the main lodge and are designed to blend into the environment with local materials such as granite rock, oak, cedar and hickory woods used in their construction. Comfortable rooms feature queen-sized beds, private en suites and even a ski rack. Given the lodge’s location, you’ll be pleased to hear that rooms have excellent central heating. Upgrade to a Deluxe or Superior Room for larger accommodation.

Dining

The Wuksachi Lodge’s premiere dining venue, The Peaks Restaurant, brings fresh, sustainable cuisine to an idyllic wood-cabin setting complemented with views over the national park. Enjoy dishes such as grass-fed beef burger and pan-seared ruby-red trout in sage brown butter. Breakfast is a hearty buffet affair while lunch menus include soups, sandwiches and salads. Alternatively, purchase a ticket to the barbecue where you’ll partake in an all-you-can-eat cookout under the stars in Wolverton Meadow. Back at Wuksachi, the Watchtower Deli lets you hit the trails sooner with fresh deli sandwiches and grab-and-go snacks perfect for picnics.

Facilities

The rock-rimmed fireplace of the main lodge is Wuksachi’s focal point while its surrounding natural qualities are definitely its biggest attraction. Spend your days hiking between Sequoia’s giant trees or driving along scenic routes to its famous spots such as ‘Giant Forest Grove’ or the imaginatively named ‘Big Trees Trail’. In the evening, return for cocktails in the lounge accompanied by national park views through floor-to-ceiling windows.