tourism lodging facilities

These 12 unique lodges let you stay within US national parks

Apr 22, 2024 • 13 min read

At lodges like the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park, the accommodations are almost as grand as the scenery. Almost © VCNW / Shutterstock

Get up close to the splendor of the USA’s majestic national parks.

Little more than a century ago, riding the rails to one of a grand lodge within a US national parks ranked among the most luxurious vacations you could take.

And while plenty of park accommodations remain exclusive – so much so that year-long wait-lists aren’t unheard of – the options have expanded considerably, from historic log-and-stone icons to new safari-inspired tented camps.

Still, for all the lodges’ variety, the very best have at least one thing in common. They offer unrivaled views of – and unparalleled access to – some of the greatest shows on Earth: spouting geysers, teeming wildlife, smoking calderas and countless other marvels.

Here are 12 of our favorite in-park lodges that provide an experience of these wonders like no other.

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1. Jenny Lake Lodge, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Occupying another prime swath of  Wyoming  wilderness barely 30 miles from Yellowstone ,  Grand Teton National Park  packs in all manner of magic, from glittering rock spires to mirror-like glacial lakes. And the most famous one, Jenny Lake, is home to a beloved, eponymous lodge that’s tucked into a stand of spruce at the foot of the Tetons.

Having evolved from a 1920s dude ranch to a AAA Four Diamond eco-resort, Jenny Lake Lodge kits out its 37 old-timey cabins with everything from down comforters to heated floors. Check out the individual room categories for details, then book the Signature Stay for nightly five-course dinners (the kitchen here is famous for locally sourced specialties, award-winning wine selections and stunning Teton views); daily gourmet breakfasts; guided horseback rides (these fill up fast, so sign up ASAP); cruiser-style bikes; and other amusements and activities. And because of the lodge’s small scale, outsized reputation and limited season (June to early October), this is another one of those places with the possibility of year-long wait-lists – so get planning early.

Pack up and set out on these wild Wyoming road trips

2. Under Canvas Bryce Canyon, Utah

About an hour from Zion sits another of  Utah ’s crown jewels:  Bryce Canyon National Park , the sunset-hued  hoodoo  hotspot. And on a nearby plain – with views for days of red rocks and mountains – sits a recently opened outpost of glamping favorite  Under Canvas . A solar-powered, safari-style camp with 50 tents, the resort offers plenty to do onsite, from yoga in the morning to campfires, s’mores and live music at night. But since any guest here is surrounded by amazing excursion possibilities , a resident “experience coordinator” will also help you plot your off-campus activities.

For starters, you’re on Bryce Canyon’s doorstep; whether you go out with a guide or on your own, you can hike, e-bike or drive through the park’s spire-filled dreamscape. Also within easy driving distance are  Red Canyon  (home to yet more hoodoos);  Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument  (a geologic wonderland spanning 1.87 million acres); and Widstoe (a little ghost town last populated – at least by the living – in the 1930s). At day’s end, stretch out on your meticulously appointed bed and, if you’ve booked a Stargazer tent, stare up at the dazzling display. Under Canvas books reservations from May until September.

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3. The Lodge at Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Overlooking the cerulean gleam of  Oregon ’s Crater Lake from the rim of the caldera,  Crater Lake Lodge  is one of the most dramatically positioned examples of Parkitecture. Below lies the nation’s deepest lake, and while you may not be able to see to the bottom (it’s 1943ft down), the water is astoundingly clear. Little wonder an eponymous  national park  and lodge were established here in 1902 and 1915, respectively.

You’ll still feel that bygone era in the lodge’s great hall – all rustic stone fireplaces and exposed beam ceilings – and in 71 TV-free rooms, many of which have lake views that rival anything you could see on a screen. For a closer look at the water, take the Cleetwood Cove Trail down to the shore and hop a boat ( make sure the tours are on offer  when you’re there), or brave a brisk dip (the surface temperature barely cracks 60°F). If you haven’t warmed back up by the time you reach the top of the trail, check out the sustainably sourced soups of the day at the lodge’s restaurant. It’s open from May to early October, as is the lodge itself.

Here are the best things to do in Oregon

4. Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

A joint venture of the Yellowstone Park Association and the Northern Pacific Railroad, the  Old Faithful Inn  has welcomed guests to the heart of America’s first national park since 1904. Over the decades, the lodge has become renowned for not only its namesake  geyser  views, but also for its pioneering of a distinctly American architectural style. “Parkitecture” (also known as “National Park Service rustic”) relies heavily on local materials, hand-hewn finishes and an overall harmony with nature. And there could be no grander prototype than this inn, designed by architect Robert Reamer. One of the world’s largest log structures, it goes big on everything from lobby height (nearly 80ft) to fireplace materials (500 tons of rhyolite) to interior balconies (four levels’ worth).

The nearly 330 guest rooms, by contrast, range from cozy quarters with shared bathrooms to spacious suites. (Old Faithful Inn fills up fast for its May-October season, so book as early as possible.) Whatever room category you book, it won’t include A/C, wi-fi or TV. And you won’t mind one bit. 

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5. The Ahwahnee, Yosemite National Park, California

California’s  most iconic national park  is home to the almost as iconic  Ahwahnee . This Yosemite Valley lodge – one of architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood’s Parkitecture standouts – has hosted everyone from  Ansel Adams  to Queen Elizabeth to Barack Obama since its 1927 debut. And as dazzled as visitors have always been by the centerpiece dining room, with its soaring ceilings, pine trestles, granite pillars and massive chandeliers, the views from its larger-than-life windows don’t hurt, either. In fact, without even leaving the hotel grounds, you can spy  Half Dome, Glacier Point and Yosemite Falls .

Beyond the main lodge, where the 97 rooms range from standard to presidential (JFK stayed in the latter), you’ll find 24 cottages. You’ll also find internet access that’s unexpected in a national-park hotel so historic and secluded. But the only thing you’re likely to be doing online is posting shots from the  Yosemite Falls Trail , Mirror Lake Loop and all the other stunning hikes you’ll be doing. The hotel is open year-round .

The best things to do in Yosemite National Park

6. Four Seasons Resort and Residences, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Sitting at the gateway to Grand Teton and tempting guests with a full roster of excursions in both that park and neighboring Yellowstone, the  Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole  offers luxury between the two iconic parks. And while the local wildlife-viewing opportunities in these parts are the stuff of legend – as you might expect along a superhighway for elks, bisons, moose and bears – the resort offers an adventure in September that’s unequivocally bucket-list-y: a Day with the Wolves .

A private “flightseeing” trip will serve as the appetizer (think aerial views of Old Faithful) before touch-down at Yellowstone, where an expert guide will school you in the history and behavior of local gray wolves before you set out to find them. For all their elusiveness, these remarkable creatures were hunted down and eliminated from Yellowstone in the 1920s, then reintroduced in the ’90s. With the population growing but fragile, a portion of each trip’s proceeds will go to continued conservation efforts.

Back at the mothership, you’ll find the same level of luxury that you would at any of the storied brand’s outposts. In Jackson Hole , that means everything from marble bathrooms to celebrity-chef partnerships to seasonal ski concierges. You read that last bit correctly: the nearly 160-room resort stays open all winter (and year-round) , a distinct local advantage.

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7. Oasis at Death Valley, Death Valley National Park, California

First opened in 1927 as the Furnace Creek Inn, this enclave hosted the Hollywood A-list from the outset, with studios booking rooms here for desert film shoots, and stars then returning for fun – and seclusion. (Clark Gable and Carol Lombard spent a portion of their honeymoon at the inn.) The property has since morphed considerably, expanding to include a second hotel – the Ranch at Death Valley – plus the world’s lowest-elevation golf course, at 214ft below sea level.

After falling into disrepair, the complex has recently undergone an epic renovation (complete with 22 new casitas, 80 new cottages and 224 refreshed rooms) and is now the AAA Four Diamond  Oasis at Death Valley . Note that the “oasis” part isn’t figurative: amid the surreal salt flats and rock formations of  Death Valley National Park , the property sits on an actual oasis, with 80,000+ gallons of water rising to the surface daily.

While you can stay here year-round, you may not want to stray much farther than the swimming pools in summer, Death Valley being the hottest place on Earth. Come fall, once temperatures drop into the 60s and 70s, the biking, hiking and horseback riding trails call. Each desert adventure is its own reward, of course – but hitting the new spa once you’re back at the Oasis is a nice bonus.

How to visit California, one of the USA’s most expensive states, on a budget

8. El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Albert Einstein slept here. So did Teddy Roosevelt. And Oprah. Indeed, the Grand Canyon’s longest-operating hotel (not even a mile from the Maswik Lodge) has drawn boldface names since its opening day. Debuting in 1905 as another of Fred Harvey’s famed properties,  El Tovar  aimed to lure high society with lodgings that fell somewhere between Swiss chalet and Norwegian villa. And whether it was the Europhile design – or the hotel’s placement right on the rim of the canyon – something clearly worked.

Countless visiting dignitaries have since checked into the Presidential Suite (including several actual presidents). Another longstanding favorite is the Zane Grey Suite, a memorabilia-filled ode to the legendary Western novelist who honeymooned at the hotel in 1906 that includes a balcony looking out onto the historic  Hopi House  (with bonus views of the  Grand Canyon , of course). Beyond these 78 unique rooms and suites, El Tovar also offers up plenty of adventure. Just don’t return to the hotel famished from hiking or rafting without a table at  El Tovar Dining Room . Reservations are required at lunch and dinner – and you’ll see why, given the number of day-trippers who likely had the same idea. The good news for everyone is that the restaurant, and the hotel, are open year-round.

These are the best times to visit Grand Canyon National Park

9. Zion Lodge, Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park ’s  only in-park lodge  was commissioned by the Union Pacific Railroad and designed by Parkitecture giant Gilbert Stanley Underwood in the mid-1920s. Though a fire destroyed the main building in 1966, many of the surrounding cabins survived; the restored central structure nods to the original design. 

While this is the rare historic park lodge that comes with wi-fi and TVs in its 81 rooms and suites (though the 40 cabins have neither), screen time probably won’t figure prominently into your stay here, given what’s right outside. A hiker’s paradise packed with red rocks, slot canyons and tiered waterfalls, Zion offers such iconic excursions as Angel’s Landing. If you’re looking for something that requires less stamina and adrenaline, consider the scenic drive that cuts through the main section of Zion Canyon and lets you access the trails that run along the Virgin River (the same river that leads to the otherworldly Emerald Pools). Post-adventure, head to the  Red Rock Grill , where anything you order will be paired with stellar canyon views, especially from  the deck. Both the grill and the lodge are open year-round.

Introducing Utah’s national parks

10. Volcano House, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

This historic caldera-rim hotel  (its street address is literally 1 Crater Rim Dr) overlooks the  Kilauea Caldera  at the summit of the youngest and most active shield volcano in  Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park . So it’s perfectly placed for guests to take in mesmerizing and ever-shifting plumes emanating from the  Halemaʻumaʻu Crater , the main geologic feature you’ll see if you book a Volcano Crater View or Deluxe Crater View room from among the 33 rooms (total) on offer here. The panorama is particularly dramatic from the hotel’s  Rim Restaurant,  where the tables by floor-to-ceiling windows are a sunset hotspot. Another is Uncle George’s Lounge , named for George Lycurgus, who acquired the original mid-19th-century Volcano House in 1895.

Since then, the hotel has evolved almost as consistently as the volatile landscape it overlooks. A lava-rock fireplace is one of several historic touches you can find throughout the property; modern additions include in-room wi-fi and sound machines. Of course, the main draw is what lies outside your front door: among other standouts, the surrounding national park is home to  Mauna Loa , the world’s largest volcano.

Traveling to Hawaii? Read up on how to choose the best island  

11. Maswik Lodge South, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park ’s first new lodging in more than 50 years,  Maswik Lodge South  is a 120-room reimagining of a 1970s predecessor. But the aesthetic here harkens back to an even earlier time, when the Fred Harvey Company  and the Santa Fe Railroad opened a motor lodge on the site in 1927. Though the new complex has modern interiors with everything from A/C to satellite TV, the reintegrated original stone pillars lend a sense of history, while the surrounding ponderosa pine forest lends a sense of place – one that’s particularly fragrant from your private patio.

Guests here enjoy all the services of nearby Maswik Lodge – and you’ll want to check in at the Transportation & Activities Desk, where the team will help you book a full range of Grand Canyon options, from rafting to mule riding to historic-train touring. Also accessible at the main lodge is the all-important food court, where you can refuel on pot pies, mac ’n’ cheese and other hearty favorites. The restaurants, like the lodge, are open year-round.

15 unforgettable experiences in US national parks

12. Many Glacier Hotel, Glacier National Park, Montana

Another Swiss chalet–inspired and railway-funded paragon of Parkitecture, the  Many Glacier Hotel  opened on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake in 1915 and quickly became known as “the gem of the West.” The structure is unquestionably grand, particularly the four-story, vaulted-ceilinged lobby with interior balconies and a helical staircase (the latter a replica of the original). Its remote location – far from the well-trodden Going-to-the-Sun Road  – only adds to the appeal.

In this stunning swath of  Glacier National Park , there’s so much to see and do that the absence of TVs and wi-fi in the 214 guest rooms won’t matter. The short list of local adventures includes kayak trips, horseback rides, lake cruises, hikes to glaciers and tours on the park’s famed Red Buses. Book at least one meal at the  Ptarmigan Dining Room , where microbrews and craft cocktails pair beautifully with the peak-filled panorama. The restaurant, like the hotel, is open from June to mid-September.

These Glacier National Park hikes will make you want to get your backpack

This article was first published February 2022 and updated April 2024

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National parks 101: who runs the lodges and dining establishments.

The General Store at Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley National Park is a concessionaire-run operation/David and Kay Scott

Many travelers (readers of the Traveler excepted) mistakenly believe commercial facilities in the national parks – lodging, dining, and retail - are operated by the federal government. 

While national park officials have ultimate oversight on things such as pricing, these facilities are operated by private companies that bid for the right to rent rooms, operate dining facilities, sell T-shirts, and offer specified activities such as trail rides and guided tours. NPS rangers continue to staff visitor centers and offer interpretive activities, but nearly all commercial activities are handled by the private sector.

Not all facilities most of us consider being in the national parks are actually in the parks. Several lodges, including Glacier Park Lodge, Apgar Village Lodge (both at Glacier National Park), Stehekin Valley Ranch (North Cascades National Park), Dornan’s Spur Ranch Cabins (Grand Teton National Park), and three of four lodges in Death Valley are privately owned and not subject to national park oversight. Room rates and food prices at these facilities do not have to be approved by the National Park Service.

Concessionaires for decades benefited from sweetheart deals that offered little revenue to the national parks. Yosemite Park and Curry Company operated in Yosemite for nearly a hundred years before the right to handle the park’s lodging and food service was turned over to Delaware North, a company that at the time owned dog tracks and the Boston Garden, but had no experience in the national parks. The corporation has since become a major player as a national park concessionaire.

Due in part to insufficient funding by the federal government, national parks have become more aggressive in squeezing concessionaires for a greater share of concession revenues. Parks are also requiring concessionaires to spend more of their own money for improvements and new buildings. In some instances, a concessionaire that spends a large amount of money on a capital project such as new cabins gains a leasehold interest (similar to a share of ownership, although it can’t be retained if a new concessionaire is selected) in the property that is gradually depreciated during its projected life. If the investing concessionaire loses a renewal of the contract to another company, any remaining leasehold interest is recouped, either from the new concessionaire or the NPS.

Xanterra Parks & Resorts, a private company that for many years had served as the primary concessionaire in Yellowstone National Park, in 2013 won a contract to operate business facilities in the park for an additional 20 years. The length was double that of most contracts, in large part because the Yellowstone contract required a large investment on the part of concessionaire. It also offered a different road to investment recovery. Xanterra spent nearly $90 million of its own money constructing five lodge buildings in the park’s Canyon area. As compensation, NPS permitted Xanterra additional flexibility in pricing a portion of guest rooms in Canyon, Old Faithful Inn, and Lake Hotel. 

Companies interested in major NPS concessions are required to win the business through a bidding process. When an existing contract is nearing expiration, the National Park Service releases a prospectus listing its minimum requirements for winning a new contract. A prospectus for lodging and/or food service might require a major renovation or construction of a new building. The prospectus is also likely to require the winning bidder to take care of needed maintenance and fork over to NPS a minimum percentage of revenues generated.

Red jammers at Glacier National Park are operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts/David and Kay Scott

NPS will sometimes package multiple concessions in a single prospectus in an effort to entice bidders to take on a facility that is likely to be unprofitable. In 2017, the NPS issued a prospectus that packaged visitor services in Oregon Caves National Monument with those of Crater Lake National Park. Crater Lake is generally considered a desirable concession (despite its short season and small dining room) that includes a classic park lodge that is typically filled to capacity. The lodge at Oregon Caves has only 23 guest rooms and is in a relatively isolated location making it less desirable from a business standpoint for concessionaires hoping to make a profit. It seems unlikely Oregon Caves alone would have attracted any bidders. The contract was won by Aramark Parks and Destinations, which most likely took on visitor services in the monument in order to win the right to operate the concession at Crater Lake. We should mention that we have enjoyed each of our stays in the Oregon Caves chateau, a unique and interesting lodging facility.

The currently outstanding NPS prospectus for operating lodging and food service at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon requires the winning bidder to spend in excess of $6 million renovating employee dorms, revamping the main lodge registration area, and making major changes to the two motel buildings. It also requires the concessionaire to remit to NPS at least 10 percent of the revenue it generates.  A bidder may feel it needs to offer NPS even more than the minimum franchise fee stipulated in the prospectus in order to win the contract. For example, it may offer a fee of 12 percent rather than 10 percent in its proposal submitted to NPS.

The high expense of operating lodges and dining rooms on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, including the elegant and opulent El Tovar, led the National Park Service to break the concessions contract in two/NPS, Michael Quinn

If potential bidders feel prospectus requirements are too onerous to be able to make a profit, NPS may fail to receive any bids and thereby be forced to revise the requirements downward. For example, it may delete or delay a construction project or reduce the franchise fee. NPS unsuccessfully attempted several times to entice bidders to assume the concession operations at Bluffs Lodge and Rocky Knob Cabins on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Due to the small number of guest rooms available and expense involved in required renovations, no bidders were forthcoming and both facilities have been closed for several years.  

As NPS prospectuses have become more complex, potential bidders have found it increasingly expensive to prepare and submit a proposal that is likely to require many hours of labor and may entail the expense of employing a consultant.  As a result, nearly all major national park concessions are now held by a few large companies that can afford the time expense, along with employing knowledgeable people who can evaluate a prospectus and determine whether it is worthwhile to enter a bid. The emergence of a limited number of businesses controlling the concessions, along with the competitiveness of these companies, will be the subject of our next column.

David and Kay Scott are authors of “Complete Guide to the National Park Lodges” (Globe Pequot Press).  Visit them at mypages.valdosta.edu/dlscott/Scott.html.

• Grand Canyon National Park
• Yellowstone National Park
• Death Valley National Park
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Crater Lake National Park
• Oregon Caves National Monument And Preserve
• Parks in the News
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An NPS concession is required to post a notice at all points of sale to identify itself as a concession and to let customers know who and where in the National Park Service to send comments and complaints to about the concessioniare. The concession contracts with the NPS are public documents that you can get access to through FOIA requests.  My experience is that the notice at point of sale is often absent and many other elements of the contracts are not being followed by consessionaires. The NPS seems to be very lax in enforcing concession contracts.  

Bill, I have always been able to access NPS proposal requests but never the actual executed contract.  Can you point to where those can be found?

Some facilities are less well known as NPS concessions.  Golden Gate NRA has a bunch of them, including the restaurants at Cliff House.  One that seemed more like a private restaurant was Louis' Restaurant, which was purchased by NPS due to its location and initially contracted out to the family that originally opened the restaurant.  There was a strong sentiment to continue that arrangement without putting it up for bid, but apparently there was an issue that they had more than $500,000 in annual revenues.  They ended up securing the contract, but there were some complaints that the requirements they had to meet meant they raised their prices.

The National Park Service usually posts the contract on the individual park website. For example, here is the Yosemite concessions contract:  https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/management/upload/YHcontract.pdf 

Terry - That takes me to a Gopher saying " We're looking for it.  In the meantime you might want to use the search tool." 

ecbuck, go to  https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/management/concessions.htm

Thanks Blake.  Obviously you aren't going to find this going through the standard menu structure.  Is there a standard nomencalture to drill down to these for each park?

You can try contacting the individual Park information officer and perhaps they will share the contracts. I have gone to the NPS FOIA request site and gotten contracts that way. The contracts should be posted on each Park's web page and include  a link in which the public can send a comment or complaint about a consessionaire. The lack of transparency in regard to NPS concession contracts is disturbing because the American People own the Parks and should have access to contracts, comment and complaint files as well as audits by the NPS of concessionaires in regard to our Parks. 

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The National Parks RVing Guide , aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks , is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks. You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away. So whether you have an iPhone or an Android , download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.

The Best National Parks Lodges to Stay In (USA)

Soaring ceilings with rustic log beams.  Enormous stone fireplaces with roaring fires.  Floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views of mountains, lakes and canyons. Bison and moose staring down from the walls.  Grand dining rooms, cozy lounges and fascinating history rooms … These are the legendary lodges that dominate many US national parks.   

Whether you choose to stay there, have a meal or just pop into the lobby to look around, no visit to the national parks of America is complete without checking out these amazing inns and lodges. 

This complete guide to the national park lodges includes these national park historic lodges plus some more modern national parks lodging options just outside the parks. 

No time to read about the best national parks lodges to stay at (in the United States) now?  Pin It and save it for later:  

Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links.  At no additional cost to you I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.  Read my  Disclosure  for more information. If you have any questions or have other resources you love, please comment below.

Yellowstone National Park

#1 old faithful inn.

WHERE : Wyoming.  The Old Faithful Inn is in the Upper Geyser Basin section of the park next to the Old Faithful geyser.

WHY : The Old Faithful Inn is not only the jewel of all the lodges at Yellowstone National Park, it is truly one of the great lodges of the national parks system. 

Built in 1904, it is one of the few remaining log hotels in the United States. The enormous log and wood-frame structure is seven stories high!  The lobby has a towering 65-foot (20-meter) ceiling and you can see the entire structure made from rustic logs.  There is an enormous stone fireplace that you can view from the lobby level or from above on one of the balconies.   

The inn is right next to Old Faithful geyser.  In fact, you can see it erupt from the first-floor terrace. 

WHEN : Open June to October

HOW : BOOK A ROOM AT THE OLD FAITHFUL INN HERE

READ MORE : If you are planning a trip to Yellowstone, read my Guide to Yellowstone National Park for helpful information.

# 2 Lake Yellowstone Hotel

WHERE : Wyoming. The hotel and cabins are near the shore of Yellowstone Lake in the southern section of the park.

WHY : When it comes to beautiful historic national park lodges, Yellowstone National Park has more than its fair share. The Yellowstone Lake Hotel is a gorgeous yellow Colonial Revival building, built in the 1920s and recently fully restored.  Don’t miss dining in the dining room, where enormous windows provide stunning views of the lawn and lake beyond.

WHEN : Open May to October

HOW : BOOK THE LAKE YELLOWSTONE HOTEL AND CABINS

READ MORE : Check out my Guide to Yellowstone National Park for more details about the park

Grand Canyon National Park

#3 el tovar.

WHERE : Arizona.  The lodge is perched right on the edge of the canyon’s south rim at Grand Canyon Village.

WHY : El Tovar is the grandest of the Grand Canyon National Park lodges and is often considered the finest of the historic national park lodges.  The hotel was built in 1905 for the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway and was owned and operated by the famous Fred Harvey Company.  

Perched right on the edge of the south rim of Grand Canyon, its location couldn’t be any better.  Inside are rustic Oregon pine log beams and plush furniture.  Even if you stay elsewhere, don’t miss the grand dining room, with sky high beamed ceilings and fine dining. 

WHEN : Open all year

HOW : BOOK THE EL TOVAR HOTEL

READ MORE : Read my Guide to Grand Canyon to help plan your trip

#4 Bright Angel Lodge

WHERE : Arizona.  The lodge is in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim.

WHY : The Bright Angel Lodge may not be as grand as El Tovar, but it is steeped in history and full of charm and character.

The lodge was designed by Mary E.J. Colter for the Santa Fe Railroad in 1935.   A highlight is the famous “geologic” fireplace in the History Room, which is built from stones coming from all of the rock layers of Grand Canyon, starting with smooth stones from the Colorado River all the way up to the youngest stone from the rim’s strata.  The History Room also has displays on the Harvey Girls, historic postcards and menus, and more.  

Another highlight is the Buckey O’Neill Cabin, which was built in the 1890s by William “Buckey” O’Neill and converted into a guest room by Mary Colter. If you stay there, you will have stunning canyon views right outside your front door. 

HOW : BOOK A ROOM AT THE BRIGHT ANGEL LODGE

READ MORE : Find useful tips and info for planning your trip in my Guide to Grand Canyon National Park

#5 Phantom Ranch

WHERE : Arizona. The ‘ranch’ is at the bottom of Grand Canyon.

WHY : If you want to stay at the bottom of the Grand Canyon (and who wouldn’t?), then you will stay at the atmospherically-named 1920’s Phantom Ranch. The ‘ranch’ is the only one of the Grand Canyon park lodges actually inside the canyon.

It’s not fancy – the accommodations are rustic cabins or hiker dorms, and there is a basic canteen area for family-style meals – but being surrounded by the towering walls of the Grand Canyon is a magical once-on-a lifetime experience everyone should have. 

Keep in mind that to get there, you must either hike down the 9-mile Bright Angel Trail or take a mule down from the south rim.

HOW : To book the Phantom Ranch, you need to enter a lottery up to 14 months in advance. I have written a detailed guide to booking Phantom Ranch .

READ MORE : Plan your trip with my Grand Canyon Guide

Yosemite National Park

#6 the ahwahnee.

WHERE : California. The Ahwahnee is at the east end of Yosemite Valley.

WHY : The Ahwahnee is another of the best national park hotels and the most stunning – and most famous – of the Yosemite National Park lodges.

It was built in the 1902 to attract wealthier visitors to the park and it still exudes style today.  Don’t miss the Grand Lounge with its enormous fireplaces; the 34-foot high Dining Room; and the cozy Yosemite Winter Club Room and Mural Room, which are filled with historic photos and artwork. 

The hotel was briefly called the Majestic Yosemite in the mid 2010’s while there was a name dispute, but it back to its original name. There are views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point from the hotel grounds. 

HOW : BOOK THE AHWAHNEE LODGE

READ MORE : More detailed information on Yosemite in my Guide to Yosemite National Park

Crater Lake National Park

#7 crater lake lodge.

WHERE : Oregon.  The lodge is in Rim Village, overlooking Crater Lake.

WHY : This classic national park lodge has a location second-to-none.  It sits on the edge of Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, and enjoys stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.  It is a short three-minute walk to the Sinnott Memorial Observation Station.

The Great Hall is a grand room with an enormous fireplace and the dining room has amazing views of the lake.  There is also a fascinating Exhibit Room with displays about the history of the lake and lodge.

WHEN : Open mid-May to mid-October

HOW : BOOK THE CRATER LAKE LODGE

Glacier National Park

#8 many glacier hotel.

WHERE : Montana.  The hotel is on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake in the northeastern Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park. This area is commonly referred to as the “Switzerland of North America′′.

WHY : There are three epic national parks hotels servicing Glacier National Park. The Many Glacier Hotel is not only the largest of the lodges in Glacier National Park, Montana, it is also arguably the grandest. 

Sitting right on the lakeshore across from jaw-dropping snow-capped peaks, its location is hard to beat.  It was built in 1915 by the Great Northern Railway and was partially renovated in 2016. The five-floor hotel has a stunning lakeside dining room and is packed with old world charm.

WHEN : Open early June to mid-September

HOW : BOOK THE MANY GLACIER HOTEL

#9 Lake McDonald Lodge

WHERE : Montana. The lodge is 10 miles inside the park’s west entrance on the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the shores of Lake McDonald.

WHY : The other famous Glacier National Park lodging inside park is this grand, but rustic, hotel that sits right on the east shore of the park’s largest lake, Lake McDonald. 

Dating from 1913, it has a Swiss chalet style lodge, cabins and Snyder Hall and Cobb House.  Guests can hang out in the grand lobby or on the veranda overlooking the lake and then enjoy dinner at the rustic but elegant Russell’s Fireside Dining Room.

WHEN : Open mid-May to late September

HOW : BOOK THE LAKE MCDONALD LODGE

#10 Glacier Park Lodge

WHERE : Montana. The lodge is just outside Glacier National Park’s Two Medicine Lake area in the village of East Glacier Park.

WHY : Located just outside the park, the Glacier Park Lodge is finest of the lodges near Glacier National Park. It was the first Glacier Park hotel built by the Great Northern Railway (in 1913) and still awes guests with its enormous 40-foot-high pillars in the lobby made of Douglas fir logs and large stone fireplace.

WHEN : Open early June to mid-to-late September

HOW : BOOK THE GLACIER PARK LODGE

READ MORE : There is more information about the park in my Guide to Glacier National Park

Mount Rainer National Park

#11 paradise inn.

WHERE : Washington state. The inn is located in the southwest corner of the park on the southern slope of the mountain, 19 miles inside the southwest Nisqually entrance of the park.

WHY : Built in 1916, this classic national park lodging is designated as one of the “Great Lodges of the West”. Nestled in a forest on the southern slopes of Mount Rainier and a short walk from Myrtle Falls, the rustic inn provides a perfect national parks experience. 

Be sure to have dinner in the beautiful rustic dining room, which has exposed wood beams and a large fireplace.

WHEN : Open mid-May to early October

HOW : BOOK THE PARADISE INN

Grand Teton National Park

#12 jenny lake lodge.

WHERE : Wyoming. The lodge is near Jenny Lake.

WHY : Jenny Lake Lodge boasts the best dining room in all of the Grand Teton National Park lodges. The four-diamond restaurant, housed in a 1930’s log cabin, offers a five-course prix fixe dinner that is out of this world. 

The lodge, which started as a dude ranch in the 1920’s, is now an elegant, rustic eco-resort with cabins in gardens near the lake.  Guest stays include complimentary activities such as horseback riding and bike rentals.

WHEN : Open early June to early October

HOW : BOOK JENNY LAKE LODGE

READ MORE : Plan your trip to the Tetons with my Grand Teton National Park Guide

#13 Jackson Lake Lodge

WHERE : Wyoming. Near Jackson Lake and the Moran entrance to the park.

WHY : Located just five minutes from Jackson Lake, this is another strong contender for the best national park lodges.  The 60-foot floor-to-ceiling windows provide guests with breathtaking views of the Grand Teton mountains from the dining room and lobby. There is also a swimming pool and a permanent exhibit of Native American artifacts and Western art.

HOW : BOOK JACKSON LAKE LODGE

READ MORE : There is much more information about the national park in my Guide to the Grand Tetons

Bryce Canyon National Park

#14 the lodge at bryce canyon.

WHERE : Utah. Inside the park near Bryce Amphitheater

WHY : The two-floor lodge was built in 1924-6 from local logs and stones.  The shingle roof has an unusual wave-like pattern.

Inside, the lobby has classic arts and craft details, with fireplaces made of rough stones.  The dining room, like many national park lodges and inns, has exposed log beams.  Most of the accommodations are stone cabins scattered through the surrounding woods.  

WHEN : Open early March to the end of December

HOW : BOOK THE LODGE AT BRYCE CANYON

READ MORE : Plan your trip to Bryce Canyon with my Guide to Bryce Canyon National Park

Zion National Park

#15 zion lodge.

WHERE : Utah. Inside the park in the middle of the canyon.

WHY : Zion lodge is the only one of the Zion National Park lodges inside the park.  The lodge was built in 1924, but most of it was destroyed in a fire in 1966.  It was immediately rebuilt, but without its original charm.  Fortunately, much of the original look was restored in a 1990 renovation.  Some of the guest cabins dating from the late 1920s did survive the fire and are still in use today.   

One of the classic Utah national park lodges, its main attraction is its location.  Smack bang in the middle of the canyon, it is spread along the canyon wall around a large lawn dominated by an enormous cottonwood tree.  Staying there really gives you a feel for the canyon that visiting for the day cannot.  

HOW : BOOK ZION LODGE

READ MORE : There is much more detailed information about Zion in my Guide to Zion National Park

Death Valley National Park

#16 the oasis at death valley.

WHERE : California. Furnace Creek in the middle of Death Valley.

WHY : The Oasis actually includes two hotels – the stunning historic Inn at Death Valley and the family-oriented Ranch at Death Valley .  The Inn is a recently-renovated four-diamond resort dating from 1927. It comes complete with an outdoor pool fed by a natural spring that provides a wonderful respite from the heat.  Wander through the date palm gardens, enjoy a drink under the stars on the Stargazers Deck or cozy up in the Inn’s library.

WHEN : BOOK THE INN AT DEATH VALLEY – or – BOOK THE RANCH AT DEATH VALLEY

HOW : Open year round

READ MORE : Learn more about Death Valley in my Guide to Death Valley National Park

Denali National Park

#17 denali backcountry lodge.

WHERE : Alaska.  The lodge is a backcountry lodge in Kantishna, which is a private area surrounded by the national park at the far end of the 92-mile Park Road.

WHY : This is one of only three Denali National Park lodges in the ‘backcountry’.  Just getting there is half the fun.  The lodge lies deep within the park at the far end of the Park Road, on the banks of Moose Creek.  You may see caribou, grizzly bears, moose, wolves and eagles along the way – and from the lodge.  And of course, Denali itself – the highest peak in North America. 

There are 42 cabins and a comfortable lodge with a living-room-style lounge with a fireplace.  There are two screened terraces to enjoy the surrounding Alaskan scenery. Optional flightseeing is available.

WHEN : From early June to mid-September

HOW : BOOK THE DENALI BACKCOUNTRY LODGE

Olympic National Forest

#18 lake quinault lodge.

WHERE : Washington state.  The lodge is located on the shores of Lake Quinault in the southwest corner of the park. It’s technically within the national forest rather than the very nearby national park.

WHY : The best and grandest of the Olympic National Park lodges, Lake Quinault is another classic national park inn.  Dating from 1926, the rustic lodge is surrounded by the forest and the lake. 

It is perhaps most famous for the Roosevelt Dining Room. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dined in the grand room in 1937.  The views of the lake and forest outside the wrap-around windows impressed him so much that nine months later, he created the national park.

HOW : BOOK LAKE QUINAULT LODGE

READ MORE : Read more about the Olympic Peninsula in my Guide to Olympic National Park

Shenandoah National Park

#19 big meadows lodge.

WHERE : Virginia. The lodge is located one mile from the large, grassy meadow at mile 51 on Skyline Drive.

WHY : The Big Meadows Lodge is the best of the lodges in Shenandoah National Park.  The lodge was built in 1939 from stones from the Massanutten Mountains and native wormy chestnut wood, which is now virtually extinct. The main lodge has beautiful oak and chestnut paneling and gorgeous views of the stunning national park.

WHEN : Open late April to early November

HOW : BOOK BIG MEADOWS LODGE

Sequoia National Park

#20 wuksachi lodge.

WHERE : California. The lodge is located in the Lodgepole area of the park, near the General Sherman Tree and Congress Trail.

WHY : Wuksachi Lodge is the park’s signature hotel.  Although it is a new addition to the US national park lodges list, dating from just 1999, it is built in the same grand style as many historic lodges of the national parks, making this the best of the lodges Sequoia National Park offers.

The cedar and stone building is surrounded by sequoia, pine, cedar and fir trees, and the peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains.  Enormous windows and a large terrace provide superlative views, while an oversized stone fireplace is the perfect place to cozy up in the evening.

HOW : BOOK WUKSACHI LODGE

READ MORE : Plan your trip to the national park with my Guide to Sequoia National Park

Mesa Verde National Park

#21 far view lodge.

WHERE : Colorado. The lodge is on Chapin Mesa, 15 miles from the park entrance. 

WHY : The lobby and dining room of Far View Lodge have traditional Western décor with Native American artwork, and stunning views.  The famous Metate Room restaurant has wrap around windows and award-winning sustainable cuisine inspired by regional heritage foods.

WHEN : Open May to September

HOW : BOOK FAR VIEW LODGE

READ MORE : Use my Mesa Verde Mountain National Park Guide to help plan your trip

Presidio of San Francisco national park

#22 the inn and the lodge at the presidio.

WHERE : The Presidio, San Francisco

WHY : The Presidio used to be a military outpost.  The 1,500-acre park dominates the area in San Francisco near the Golden Gate Bridge.  Some of the former barracks are now restaurants, museums and stores.  And some make up the Inn and the Lodge at the Presidio.

The 42-room Lodge, which dates from 1895, used to house soldiers and artillery. 

Across the lawn is the older hotel, the Inn, which used to be Pershin Hall, a home for unmarried officers.  The 22-room inn has a communal “mess hall” and outdoor fire pit. It was voted one of the ten best hotels in San Francisco by Condé Nast Traveler readers.

HOW : BOOK THE INN AT THE PRESIDIO – or – BOOK THE LODGE AT THE PRESIDIO

Rocky Mountain National Park

#23 the stanley hotel.

WHERE : Colorado. Estes Park, just outside the east entrance to the national park.

WHY : The Stanley Hotel is perhaps most famous for being the location for the Shining, but this gorgeous Victorian hotel, nestled at the foot of the enormous Rocky Mountains, would be a standout even without that notoriety. 

For people seeking something a little extra, there are several ”spirited” rooms that experience high paranormal activity including the famous Stephen King Suite 217; the Ghost Hunters’ favorite room 401; 418 where guests have repeatedly complained about the noise of young children playing in the hall outside; and room 407, where Lord Dunraven supposedly still resides. 

Even if you are not seeking an extra thrill, the historic building with classically decorated rooms is a beautiful place to stay for your Rockies adventure.  

HOW : BOOK THE STANLEY HOTEL

READ MORE : Use my Rocky Mountain National Park Guide to help plan your trip

Acadia National Park

#24 asticou inn.

WHERE : Maine.  The historic hotel is just outside the park in Northeast Harbor on Mount Desert Island.

WHY : The historic Asticou Inn has epitomized New England elegance since 1883.  With lovely flower gardens, a terrace overlooking the beautiful Northeast Harbor, and a fabulous dining room, this is the perfect place to enjoy an Acadian vacation.  Whether you are strolling by the seaside, enjoying popovers with lashings of butter and jam, or relaxing in one of the 22 rooms, you will love every moment.

WHEN : Open year round

HOW : BOOK ASTICOU INN

READ MORE : If you are planning to go to Acadia, check out my Acadia National Park Guide

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

#25 leconte mountain lodge.

WHERE : Tennessee. Outside the park in the Gatlinburg area.

WHY : This is not to be confused with LeConte Lodge, which is the only lodge inside the national park. That lodge is a collection of rustic cabins that you need to hike to. LeConte Mountain Lodge, on the other hand, is a newly renovated luxury chalet that encapsulates quintessential national park inns’ comfort and design. 

The 10-bedroom chalet has two decks and a dining room with enormous windows where you can enjoy sensational mountain views.  There is also a spacious living room with gas fireplace, a pool table, a screened porch with rocking chairs and a hot tub. 

WHEN : Late March to late November

HOW : BOOK LECONTE MOUNTAIN LODGE

READ MORE : There is more information about the park in my Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Petrified Forest National Park

(#26) painted desert inn.

WHERE : Arizona. The Painted Desert Inn is located in the northern section of the park, just off Route 66, which cuts through the park.

WHY : Technically this doesn’t belong in this post, because you can’t actually stay there – it is just a museum these days. But it’s so cool that I wanted to include it anyway. It’s definitely worth a visit.

The original 1920’s inn was built of petrified wood and other native stone.  The current 1930’s renovation is built in gorgeous Pueblo Revival style with flat roofs and two-foot thick stone walls covered in stucco.  It sits atop a mesa overlooking the colorful Painted Desert. 

Today it’s a museum with displays on the building’s history, Route 66, and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), as well as restored murals by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie. 

WHEN : Open all year Monday-Sunday 9:00am to 5:00pm every day except Christmas.

HOW : Admission is free after you pay the entrance fee to the national park. You can visit by yourself, but guided tours are available. Times vary from season to season.

How amazing are these inns and lodges?!

What’s your favorite US park lodging?  Which of these great national park lodges would you love to stay in?  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.

Get more national parks inspiration:

• The Best US National Parks
• The Best US National Parks to Visit in Winter
• The Best US National Parks to Visit in Spring
• The Best US National Parks to Visit in Summer
• The Best US National Parks to Visit in Fall
• The Most Scenic Drives in US National Parks
• The Best Beaches in US National Parks
• The Best Parks to See Fall Foliage

And if you are starting to plan your trip, check out my National Parks Guides and use these Resources .

If you liked this post about the best lodges in national parks in the US, please share the love and Pin it to your National Parks board!  

About the Author  

James Ian has traveled to 82 countries and all 7 continents.  He has visited all of the main national parks in the United States, as well as many national monuments and state parks.

He has rafted through the Grand Canyon; rappelled down slot canyons near Zion and Arches; hiked among the hoodoos in Bryce and the enormous trees in Sequoia; admired the waterfalls in Yosemite and the colored hot springs in Yellowstone; seen moose in Grand Tetons and seals in the Channel Islands, and much more.

Parks Collecting is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases .

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The 20 Best National-Park Lodges in the U.S.

Get a front-row seat to epic views and adventure by staying at a national-park lodge. From Yosemite’s Ahwahnee Hotel to Shenandoah’s Big Meadows Lodge, these are our favorites.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Try to picture a national-park lodge. You’re likely conjuring up images of hand-hewn timber frames, large granite-encrusted fireplaces, and exposed wooden beams, right? That’s no accident. These aesthetics are all a part of National Park Service Rustic style, or, as it’s more colloquially called, Parkitecture.

When the National Park Service (NPS) was formed in 1916, public-land managers were caught in a bit of a pickle—building infrastructure to accommodate growing visitation while preserving natural and cultural resources for future generations. The Rustic style park lodges were created to accommodate the early visitors who often arrived after multiday train journeys. I’ve had the privilege of exploring and dining at a handful of these storied structures, and, trust me, they are as impressive today as they were when they first opened.

This groundbreaking architectural movement was conceived with the intention of designing buildings to blend into, rather than impose upon, the landscape. Log columns and stone chimneys were created out of native materials. Dramatically sloping roofs drew the eye up and toward nearby mountains, and windows were strategically placed to give guests exquisite natural views from every room, while grand dining halls and lounge areas encouraged visitors to gather and mingle, a hallmark of the new “national park experience.”

Though dozens of options for accommodation exist inside national-park boundaries, some retain the original grandeur and spirit of the original 20th-century Parkitecture. Below are 20 of our favorite national-park lodges, with cozy amenities, rustic decor, and histories as diverse as the parks themselves.

And a word about making reservations: book early, the further ahead, the better. These places fill up fast, and some allow reservations over a year in advance. It’s best to check each lodge’s website to find out when reservations open up and to mark that date on your calendar. Also, you can contact the lodges to ask about cancellations, which do happen. Prices vary with season.

1. The Ahwahnee, Yosemite National Park, California

Set in a wildflower-speckled meadow at the base of the Royal Arches (a series of enormous natural granite arches up a 2,000-foot wall) in Yosemite Valley, The Ahwahnee was designed by the legendary parks architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood and built from 1925 to 1927. The 121-room hotel, named after the Miwok word for Yosemite Valley as the “place of the gaping mouth,” is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and often considered the crown jewel of national-park lodges.

The first things I always notice in approaching The Ahwahnee are its sweeping green slate roofs that draw the eye up toward immense granite walls, while shaded wooden terraces and huge rock columns help the lodge mesh with its surroundings. Inside, visitors will find a dining hall with 34-foot-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, plus elegant suites and a Great Lounge with soft armchairs, sofas, and a vintage brick fireplace, perfect for evening cocoa and chats with other park-goers after hiking and biking the Valley trails or climbing on its walls.

HOW TO BOOK IT

The lodge schedules reservations a year and a day in advance, and the reservations can be made up to seven days out from the first day. Book on the website or call 888-413-8869. Note that The Ahwahnee will be closed January 2 to March 2, 2023, for seismic upgrades and other renovations.

For our complete travel guide to Yosemite National Park, click here. For a guide to a dozen best hikes in Yosemite, click here.

2. Many Glacier Hotel, Glacier National Park, Montana

On the shoreline of shimmering Swiftcurrent Lake sits Many Glacier Hotel , a 215-room Swiss-style chalet and the largest inn in Glacier National Park. When first promoting the park to potential visitors in the early 1900s, the Great Northern Railway, which transported most guests to the area, used slogans like “America’s Switzerland” and “The American Alps,” urging travelers to skip pricey trips to Europe and “See America First.” As a result, Many Glacier, built by the railway in 1914 and 1915, embodies the storybook-style Germanic architecture often associated with the Alps; the Swiss style originated in Germany, inspired by the elements of the mountains and alpine world.

Partially renovated in 2016, the building still features all the cut-out wood detailing and earth-toned terraces of yesteryear, with view-filled lounges, exposed log beams, and a three-story lobby with a Chickering baby grand piano. At night, the Ptarmigan Dining Room serves up scrumptious Continental cuisine and Montana microbrews, which you can enjoy while gazing at the panoramic backdrop of the northern Rockies, perhaps after you have just been hiking, biking, or climbing there.

Reservations open the first day of the same month in which guests would like to visit the following year, and can be made through the lodge website, xanterra.com, or by calling 888-297-2757.

For our complete guide to Glacier National Park, click here. 

3. The Inn at Death Valley, Death Valley, California

Built in 1927, the Inn at Death Valley has long served as a hangout and hideaway for California’s high society. Once frequented by actors Clark Gable, Marlon Brando, and Carole Lombard, the Inn recently completed a five-year $150 million renovation, bringing back its former stateliness for modern park guests.

Situated in the California side of the park (which stretches east into Nevada), in the popular tourist hub of Furnace Creek, the 88-room inn is just a stone’s throw from the hiking hot spots of Golden Canyon and Zabriskie Point. The hotel exudes SoCal Spanish (Spanish Mission) style, from its terra-cotta tile roof and spring-fed swimming pool to its walking paths through shady date palms. Remote and sunbaked, the Inn lets you imagine the roaring twenties, the early forty-niners hastening to the Gold Rush, and the Timbisha Shoshone who once used the freshwater oasis. My favorite dining spot in the park, the kitschy Last Kind Words Saloon, is just a mile away in Furnace Creek.

For our complete guide to Death Valley National Park, click here.

4. El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Designed by Charles Whittlesey, chief architect for the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, the El Tovar opened its doors in 1905. Perched on a high ledge along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, looking down at the Colorado River, the structure has, to me, always felt slightly out of place in the desert Southwest of Arizona; that’s because it was designed to emulate a Norwegian-style villa to match the tastes of high society at a time when Western Europe was the epitome of refinement.

Once considered the most elegant hotel west of the Mississippi, the 78-room El Tovar still impresses with many trappings of a cornerstone national-park lodge: its large lounge is wrapped in hewn Oregon pine, other spaces feature cobblestone fireplaces, and a handsome dining room offers dark wood paneling, vintage light fixtures, and murals reflecting the customs of four local tribes–the Hopi, Apache, Mojave, and Navajo.

Reservations open the first day of the same month in which guests would like to visit the following year, and can go through the lodge website,  xanterra.com, or 888-297-2757.

For our complete guide to Grand Canyon National Park, click here.

5. Jenny Lake Lodge, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

What was once a rustic, 1930s-era dude ranch for up to 65 guests is now a AAA Four Diamond resort at the foot of the serrated peaks and steep canyons of the Teton Range. Jenny Lake Lodge is comprised of 37 historic log cabins, with updated interiors that include tiled bathrooms, braided rugs, quilted bedspreads, and plush lounge chairs. With easy hiking access to three glacier-fed lakes—String, Leigh, and, of course, Jenny—a scenic bike path, and a communal dining room overlooking the iconic mountains (and serving some of the destination’s best food), these once humble casitas now boast the best location in the park.

Visit the lodge website or call 307-543-3100. Reservations can be made one year in advance.

For our complete guide to Grand Teton National Park, click here.

6. Lake Crescent Lodge, Olympic National Park, Washington

Nestled between towering firs and hemlocks, the Lake Crescent Lodge makes a pretty epic base camp for exploring the Olympic Peninsula. Built in 1915, the 55-guestroom lodge is ideally situated between the park’s mountainous Hurricane Ridge area and driftwood-strewn beaches like Rialto and Second. A Victorian-era sunroom beckons visitors to kick back and enjoy the scenery, while an antique-furnished lobby with a stone fireplace is the place to hang out after hiking the Hoh Rainforest. Book a Roosevelt Fireplace Cabin for the best views of the water.

Visit the lodge website or call 888-896-3818. Operating season for this year is April 29 through January 1, 2023.

For our complete guide to Olympic National Park, click here.

7. Big Meadows Lodge, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Named for a wide grassy field near the hotel where deer often graze, Big Meadows Lodge arose through the work of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps, as funded by the New Deal, a massive push to add infrastructure to the national parks while providing much-needed jobs.

Full of fascinating details, such as the use of native chestnut wood paneling from trees that are now nearly extinct, Big Meadows offers 29 rooms in the main building and 72 others ranging from multi-unit lodges to stand-alone cabins with fireplaces. After a day exploring Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive (Big Meadows sits at mile 51), grab a plate of pan-seared trout and a slice of blackberry-ice-cream pie at the Spottswood Dining Room .

Visit the lodge website or call 877-847-1919. The lodge takes reservations 13 months in advance, and October is by far the busiest time. The lodge will close November 6 and reopen in mid-April.

For our complete guide to Shenandoah National Park, click here.

8. Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Designed by Robert Reamer and built in 1903 and 1904, the 327-room Old Faithful Inn is famed as the largest log structure in the world, at 700 feet long and seven stories high. Simply walking into its 92-foot-high lobby is an awesome experience; I craned my neck in wonder at its twisted log brackets and the lodgepole columns soaring past a central stone chimney quarried from nearby Black Sand Basin.

This varnished woodsy wonder of a building was intentionally constructed around a prominent view of the most famous geyser in the country, Old Faithful, and hotel guests can request rooms with views of the geothermally active Geyser Basin that contains other spouts as well. Meals at the property’s Obisidian Dining Room were once accompanied by a string quartet, and though that’s now absent, modern park visitors are still treated to hearty dishes (like locally sourced bison burgers and smoked-trout ravioli) in the updated restaurant.

Reservations open the fifth day of the same month in which guests would like to visit the following year, and can be made through the lodge website, xanterra.com, or by calling 888-297-2757.

For our complete guide to Yellowstone National Park, click here.

9. Glacier Park Lodge, Glacier National Park, Montana

Often referred to as the Big Tree Lodge, Glacier Park Lodge was the first of several Swiss-chalet-style accommodations built in then newly formed Glacier National Park. Opened to the public in 1913, the 161-room lodge is located just outside the eastern side of the park on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and offers excellent access to the waterfalls and hiking paths near Two Medicine Lake.

Helmed by architect Samuel Bartlett, the hotel features an incredible forest-themed lobby with soaring Douglas fir timbers, each over 40 feet tall and up to three feet in diameter. Modern guest rooms are designed to embody the Parkitecture style, with Native artwork, wood furnishings, and cowboy-inspired textiles. For tasty post-adventure eats (Moose Drool poutine, anyone?), it doesn’t get much better than the menu at the Great Northern Dining Room, with its stunning floor-to-ceiling views.

The lodge released 2023 bookings in mid January of this past year and will release 2024 bookings in mid January of 2023, for May through September. Book on the lodge’s website or call 406-892-2525.

For our complete guide to Glacier National Park, click here.

10. Zion Lodge, Zion National Park, Utah

Completed in 1925, Zion Lodge was designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood, an architect well-known for his work on Bryce Canyon Lodge and the Ahwahnee. After an alliance was forged between the Union Pacific Railway and the NPS, permitting construction on protected park land, the lodge was created in the heart of the area using untreated natural logs and locally sourced sandstone to help it blend into Zion’s craggy vermillion walls and piñon pines. Nearly a century later, this historic hotel, with 76 rooms, six suites, and 40 cabins, is home to easy hiking access, hosts ranger-led programs , and offers well-appointed cabins and suites, plus Southwestern fare like Navajo fry-bread tacos at Red Rock Grill.

Reservations open the first day of the same month in which guests would like to visit the following year, and can be made on the lodge website, xanterra.com, or by calling 888-297-2757.

For our complete guide to Zion National Park, click here.

11. Far View Lodge, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Phenomenal views of the Four Corners region, Native-inspired textiles, and custom-handcrafted furniture await guests at Far View Lodge , the only in-park lodging at Mesa Verde. Although this lodge, completed in 1974, is newer than many park hotels on our list, its minimalist design and rust-tinted exterior epitomize the NPS ethic of blending into the surrounding landscape: the red buttes and mesa tops of southwestern Colorado. Situated a short drive from must-see sites like Cliff Palace, Far View, and Long House, the 150-room hotel occupies the most central location in the park, and its signature dining option, the Metate Room, is a wonderful spot to kick back and enjoy the sunset.

Far View Lodge closed for winter on October 26, 2022, and will reopen April 14, 2023. To book, check the lodge website or call 800-449-2288. Though the facility is closed, the concessionaire is still taking reservations and is accepting them through 2023 ending in October.

For our 63 Parks Traveler guide to Mesa Verde National Park, click here.

12. Grant Grove Cabins, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

It’s hard to argue with wood-shingled fairy-tale cabins set within walking distance of  “ The Nation’s Christmas Tree .” Located in Grant Grove Village, on the western edge of Kings Canyon, these charming tiny homes vary from more modern 1940s-style duplex cottages with private baths to rustic canvas-sided tent cabins (large tents on platforms). Pro tip: rent the Honeymoon Cabin if you’re keen on national park history; it’s the oldest standing structure in the village. There are nine cabins and 17 tent cabins.

Closed now, the cabins are anticipated to reopen April 14, 2023, and the tent cabins to open on May 12, 2023. Book on the lodge’s website or by calling 866-807-3598. Reservations may be made up to a year in advance.

For our complete guide to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, click here.

13. Paradise Inn, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Yet another Swiss-chalet-style structure on our list is Mount Rainier’s Paradise Inn , constructed from 1916 to 1917 and located 19 miles from the southwestern Nisqually Entrance. Boasting one of the first ski lifts in the region, the 121-guestroom lodge once hosted Olympic Trials and housed a guide service led by Lou Whittaker, renowned as the first American to climb Mount Everest. Today’s inn has since modernized, but it retains some of the semi-rustic characteristics of its days of old: showers and restrooms are located down the hall, and there are no televisions, telephones, or internet service (but hot water and electricity are available—not to worry). If you’re jonesing for a private bath after a day in the wilderness, book one of the property’s annex rooms.

Paradise Inn is closed for the season, to reopen May 20, 2023, typically operating until October. Reservations can be made on the inn’s website or by calling 855-755-2275.

For our 63 Parks Traveler Guide to Rainier National Park, click here.

14. Wuksachi Lodge, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

Wuksachi Lodge , built in 1999, is a fantastic example of a modern effort at creating iconic NPS accommodations right at the center of a park’s most popular sights. After Giant Forest Village—a 1920s-era complex designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood—was carefully demolished to prevent further damage to vegetation and soils, Sequoia planned for and built a new lodging hub set nine miles farther north, an easy drive from some of my favorite Giant Forest hikes, like the three-mile Congress Trail.

Thanks to the 102-guestroom lodge’s modern-day construction, amenities like private baths and mini fridges didn’t have to be shoehorned in, as with many properties on this list. Guest rooms are also more spacious and offer central heating, flat-panel TVs, and ski racks for winter adventurers who want to hit the marked trails right outside the lodge. The Peaks restaurant with outstanding views is available for indoor dining, while hungry hikers perfecting their dirtbag suntans might prefer to chill outside on the pizza deck.

Visit the lodge’s website or call 866-807-3598. The lodge may stay open all year; it had announced no winter closure date at time of publication. Reservations are taken one year in advance.

15. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins is as charming today as it was in 1936, the year of its debut, and it’s notable as one of the few Yellowstone lodges that remains open in both summer and winter (with several weeks’ closure during the shoulder seasons). Come summer, the 222-room facility is the best spot in the north side of the park for hikers and wildlife lovers (elk are often seen grazing right outside), while winter heralds the opening of the Bear Den Ski Shop, where guests can rent cross-country skis or book guided snowshoeing trips. Though you won’t find air-conditioning at this establishment, there are surprisingly sophisticated amenities, like hot-tub cabins and an in-park espresso bar.

Reservations open the fifth day of the same month in which guests would like to visit the following year, and can be made on the lodge website, xanterra.com, or by calling 888-297-2757. Will open December 15, closing March 6, 2023, and open again on April 28, 2023, closing November 26 (dates subject to change).

17. Volcano House, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Volcano House is one of those mystical, only-in-the-national-parks hotels. After all, where else can you nab a room and a meal with views of an active crater? Structures on the rim of Kilauea are said to predate an 1824 grass hut erected by Chiefess Kapiolani and her entourage, while the first iteration of the Volcano House hotel was contructed in 1877, and the hotel as it currently stands dates back to 1941.

Significantly remodeled in 2013, this 33-room lodge has been refreshed to its 1940s luster, with polished jade-hued floors, vintage crown moldings, and a fierce bronze statue of the goddess Pele in the lobby, sculpted by Honolulu artist Marguerite Blassingame. Guest rooms feature tropical touches like bamboo-accent furniture, befitting their island locale. I’d recommend grabbing a fruity cocktail and a sashimi trio at Uncle George’s Lounge after traversing the Crater Rim Trail along the Kilauea summit caldera.

Visit the website or call 808-756-9625, especially for late availability that may not show on the website. May through September is the busy season, followed by slow months and more availability. Reservations are taken a year in advance.

For our 63 Parks Traveler guide to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, click here.

18. Lake McDonald Lodge, Glacier National Park, Montana

In a country brimming with historic national-park lodges, the concentration in Glacier surely takes the cake. Built in 1913 in the Swiss Alps style so prevalent at the turn of the century, the 82-guest room Lake McDonald Lodge , 11 miles from the West Glacier entrance, features all of the fabulous amenities one might expect from a historic NPS hotel: multiple dining options, a cozy reading room, evening ranger programs, and the park’s iconic Red Bus tours, which pull up right out front. Two years ago, I spent a glorious sunset traipsing from the lodge’s dreamy, storybook exterior straight out to the wooden dock overlooking the eponymous lake; the space oozes wistfulness.

Guest rooms are what hoteliers refer to as “rustic, yet comfortable”—i.e., no air-conditioning, no elevators, and no televisions—but you won’t need them with the breathtaking vistas of Lake McDonald outside your window. Feeling intrepid? Book a hostel-style bunk room in the complex’s Snyder Hall. Just bring your slippers for nighttime visits to the shared bathrooms.

19. Bright Angel Lodge and Cabins, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Mary Jane Colter, the famed architect of Hopi House, Hermits Rest, and Phantom Ranch—three other iconic locations within this park—designed the arts and crafts–influenced Bright Angel Lodge , which opened to the public in 1935. At a time when the El Tovar Hotel was considered much more luxurious, Colter redesigned and elevated this primo South Rim property, once the site of the shabby Bright Angel Camp, to its current glory.

The place encompasses 39 lodge guestrooms and 50 historic cabins. Interiors are accentuated by Southwest and Mission-inspired furnishings, historic photographs, and colorful textiles, while the exteriors of its quaint cabins feature log facades. History buffs might want to spring for the Buckey O’Neill Cabin, a circa-1890 suite once home to one of Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders.

19. Kalaloch Lodge, Olympic National Park, Washington

Watching the sun set over the wild Pacific Ocean is the Kalaloch Lodge experience. The 64-unit hotel, built in 1953, invites guests to step back to a simpler time, one without in-room telephones or Wi-Fi. With its central location between the Hoh and Quinault Rainforests, its adorable pet-friendly cabins, and easy access to quiet beaches, Kalaloch makes exploring the diverse Olympic Peninsula a breeze.

After a day of adventuring in the park, chow down on sustainably sourced seafood at its Creekside Restaurant, which also features expansive ocean views.

Visit the lodge’s website to make reservations or call 866-662-9969. The lodge is open every day all year and takes reservations 13 months in advance. Its website recommends making reservations at least four months ahead for summer visits, six months for extended stays, but notes often being able to accommodate last-minute requests, so check online or call.

20. Chisos Mountains Lodge, Big Bend National Park, Texas

Situated at the base of the Casa Grande Peak, at an elevation of 5,400 feet, the 72-room  Chisos Mountains Lodge is not what most people think of when planning a visit to the mostly flat Lone Star State. But Big Bend is full of surprises, and this hidden gem is nestled in its most stunning (and centrally located) hiking area. Visitors can walk right out of their rooms and onto the famous Window Trail, summit 7,832-foot Emory Peak, or, as I did during my sojourn, spend a full day on the 12-mile South Rim Trail. Digs are simple, with wooden Mission-inspired furnishings and colorful comforters, but it’s hard to beat the vistas of dramatic rocky outcroppings and the high-altitude conifers of Chisos Basin. An on-site restaurant, the Mountain View, offers Tex-Mex and American fare, plus more of those outstanding mountain views.

Check the lodge website or call 877-386-4383. On January 1, 2023, the lodge will open bookings for all of 2024. Open year-round, it is the only lodging within Big Bend National Park.

For our complete guide to Big Bend National Park, click here.

Emily Pennington is a freelance adventure journalist based in Los Angeles. She has visited 62 U.S. national parks (with only American Samoa National Park to go). Her book, Feral: Losing Myself and Finding My Way in America’s National Parks, is due out in February (Little A/Amazon Publishing).

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15 Best Hotel Getaways in the Great Outdoors

By Jen Murphy

It should be no surprise that some of the most influential creatives of our time sought solitude within the lakes , forests , and mountains of the great outdoors. And now, these stays are more relevant than ever: Expansive grounds, remote locales, and intimate accommodations make them ideal for coronavirus times. New sanitation and social distancing protocols, plus creative al fresco dining options and additional private guided activities, ensure peace of mind if you’re planning a pandemic-era vacation. Whether you crave adventure, like Hemingway, or seek a more meditative escape a la Thoreau, these 15 nature getaways offer an ample dose of fresh air and greenery without roughing it. All come with the added benefits of comfy beds, top-notch service, and curated activities that tap into mind and body.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Tutka Bay Lodge, Alaska

The last thing you’d expect to find nestled amid old-growth Sitka spruce at the remote tip of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula is a cooking school and six-cabin lodge run by a Cordon Bleu-trained chef. But here it is. Tutka Bay Lodge delivers the Alaska factor with big adventures and big flavors. Chef-owner Kirsten Dixon dazzles guests with tasting menus featuring king crab beignets, or fresh salmon and halibut, often caught that day by guests. There are plenty of opportunities to work up an appetite, from yoga sessions on the dock to kayaking and hiking the ridgelines of the neighboring 1,000-acre Alaska Range.

Rates and bookings available upon request at withinthewild.com

Minam River Lodge, Oregon

Tucked away within Northeastern Oregon’s 360,000-acre Eagle Cap Wilderness, Minam River Lodge is reachable only by horse, charter plane, or an 8.5-mile hike. You won’t find cell reception, internet, or TV, but you will find 535 miles of trails, 17 peaks taller than 9,000 feet, and multi-course meals featuring ingredients sourced from an onsite garden, greenhouse, and smokehouse. Three lodge rooms and one suite provide sweeping valley views, while nine solar-powered cabins have wilderness luxuries like waterfall showers. For an immersive nature experience, book one of the three glamping tents.

Book Now: From $195 a night at minam-lodge.com

The Point, New York

In the early 19th century, the Gilded Age elite built log mansions rather than log cabins as their upstate wilderness escapes. None was more elegant than Camp Wonundra, William Avery Rockefeller II’s home on the shores of Lake Saranac in the Adirondacks. Today, the estate has been reimagined as The Point , an 11-room, adults-only Relais & Châteaux lodge. Every season brings unique adventures. Hike against a backdrop of colorful fall foliage or spring blooms, beat the summer heat wake boarding or kayaking, and keep warm in winter by cross-country skiing on the snowy trails.

Book Now: From $2,312 a night at skylark.com

Blackberry Mountain, Tennessee

A dream escape for wellness-minded food lovers, Blackberry Mountain combines the culinary cred of its sister property, Blackberry Farm , with mind-body activities ranging from forest bathing to rock climbing. Bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park , the 5,200-acre resort feels like your own private outdoor playground laced with hiking and mountain biking trails as well as curated campsites. With just 18 spacious stone cottages and six cozy cabins, you rarely see other guests, other than for meals at the two on-site restaurants. If you prefer to dine al fresco, request a gourmet picnic (potato and tomato salad with pickled ramps) or trail-side cooking excursion.

Shannon McMahon

CNT Editors

Hannah Towey

Book Now: From $1,678 a night at skylark.com

The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana

A dude ranch unlike any other, the Ranch at Rock Creek has the prerequisite wrangling, fishing, and shooting activities, but it's also got plenty of softer activities on offer: a spa, bowling alley, and a saloon serving rhubarb whiskey sours. A variety of accommodations, from five-bedroom homes to canvas glamping cabins, make the Philipsburg, Montana, getaway ideal for both couples and multi-gen families. An all-inclusive price structure includes twice-daily activities beyond riding and shooting. Creative offerings include sapphire mining, master naturalist classes, and frontier skills workshops. Every Tuesday throughout summer the wranglers show-off their roping skills at a weekly rodeo.

Book Now: From $2,160 a night at skylark.com

The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, Wyoming

The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch embodies the romantic ideal of the American West. Set against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre Mountains in sleepy Saratoga, Wyoming (population: 1,623), the 30,000-acre working cattle ranch is dotted with a 13-room main lodge and 20 log cabins. Family fun is a specialty of this all-inclusive retreat. While parents fly fish, ATV, or relax at the spa, the Lil’ Wranglers program keeps kids occupied with daily horseback rides and timeless games like capture the flag. At night, everyone comes together for Chuckwagon dinners featuring ranch-raised wagyu and produce from the organic greenhouse.

Book Now: From $1,722 a night at skylark.com

Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado

With 13 hand-hewn log cabins, a hot springs-fed bath house, and an old-timey saloon, Dunton Hot Springs could easily double as a Western movie set. The 1800s ghost town just across the mountain from Telluride has been lovingly restored as a secluded mountain resort with year-round adventures. Guests can horseback ride in the high Rockies, hike in the San Juans or fly fish on an exclusive stretch of the Dolores River. Winter may be the resort’s best-kept secret, though, with opportunities to snowmobile, snowshoe, and cross-country ski on a course laid out by a former Olympian. If your muscles need more than a soak, you can book a massage at the spa.

Book Now: From $806 a night at skylark.com

The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, Utah

An on-site whiskey distillery is just one of the wow-factor features that sets the Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection apart. Set on 3,500 acres just outside of Park City, the 46-room hotel has a farm-to-table restaurant led by a James Beard Award-winning chef and an ambitious equestrian program that includes an on-site horse rescue foundation. The area is laced with trails, but if you crave a different backdrop, the hotel can arrange high alpine heli-hiking, biking, fishing, and yoga adventures in the Uintas and Wasatch mountain ranges, as well as winter heli-ski adventures.

Book Now: From $947 a night at skylark.com

Taylor River Lodge, Colorado

Activities like archery, hatchet throwing, rock climbing, fly fishing, stargazing, and s’mores roasting around the fire create a summer camp vibe at this eight-cabin, nature getaway hidden away in Taylor River Canyon. Open May through October, the lodge prides itself on its fishing. A stocked trout pond and mile stretch of semi-private river are steps from the cabins, while serious anglers can arrange float trips on the nearby Gunnison River. The lodge may feel remote, but the charming mountain town of Crested Butte and its world-famous single-track mountain bike trails are just 30 minutes away.

Book Now: From $1,750 a night at expedia.com

Troutbeck, New York

This historic Hudson Valley hideaway has hosted literati such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Mark Twain. Today, the 37-room estate attracts nature-starved New Yorkers with 250 bucolic acres featuring streams for fishing, a walled garden for reading, shaded hammocks for lazing, and a pool for sunning. Communal spaces, like a wood-paneled library where guests can curl up by the fire with a tomb by Balzac, and a pantry stocked with locally sourced, help-yourself snacks, make Troutbeck feel more like a well-off friend’s home than a hotel.

Book Now: From $331 a night at skylark.com

Camp Sarika by Amangiri, Utah

Just when it seemed impossible for Amangiri to be any more extraordinary, the iconic luxury resort debuted a year-round glamping offshoot five minutes up the road. Ten tented pavilions, each with its own deck and plunge pool, sit on 136 acres of otherworldly desert landscape. A main pavilion has a pool and sun deck, a restaurant specializing in Southwestern Native American cuisine, and two spa suites offering therapies rooted in Navajo wellness traditions. Try to pull yourself away from the tranquility and explore the ten-plus mile trail network or the five national parks a short drive away.

Book Now: From $1,800 at aman.com

Twin Farms, Vermont

Set on 300 unspoiled acres of meadows and woodlands in Barnard, Vermont, Twin Farms is the quintessential New England countryside retreat. Each of the 20 accommodations is distinctly designed with antique claw-foot tubs, 18th century furnishings, and artwork from masters like Cy Twombly. Thematic cottages transport guests to an alpine chalet or 19th century Appalachian log cabin. Year-round, on-site activities include hiking, canoeing, fly-fishing, snowshoeing, and sledding. A spa with a Japanese furo tub and a stellar restaurant (don’t miss the soufflé pancakes) ensure guests will always be adventure ready.

Book Now: From $1,855 a night at skylark.com

Tourists Welcome, Massachusetts

Wilco bassist John Stirratt is a partner in this artfully reimagined roadside motel . Each of the 48 rooms has giant rear-facing picture windows that soak in the surrounding 50 acres of woodlands. A 220-feet suspension bridge crosses the Hoosic River connects to 30 acres of trails. If that’s not enough, the Appalachian Trail and Mount Greylock —the highest point in Massachusetts—are less than one mile away. The Berkshires is that rare destination that delivers equal doses of nature and culture. Complement your outdoor adventures with trips to nearby art institutions like the Clark and Mass MoCA .

Book Now: From $339 at touristswelcome.com

The Resort at Paws Up, Montana

You could spend a month at the Resort at Paws Up and still not have experienced half of the activities the wilderness retreat has to offer. Set on 37,000 acres just outside of Missoula, this expansive cattle ranch boasts 100 miles of trails, 10 miles of the Blackfoot River, and wildly creative offerings like cow croquet and go-kart racing. The resort's 28 luxury homes are ideal for family getaways. In summer, 36 glamping tents are perfect for couples or can be booked in groups of six, with exclusive use of the camp’s dining pavilion, chef, and your very own camping butler.

Book Now: From $1,792 a night at skylark.com

Half Mile Farm, North Carolina

Nestled on 14 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Half Mile Farm , the intimate sister hotel of Old Edwards Inn and Spa feels worlds away from civilization. But the galleries, shops, and restaurants of Highland, North Carolina’s Main Street are only a five-minute drive away. Romantic cabins feature stone fireplaces and balconies with lake views. Canoes, paddleboards, and fishing poles are complimentary. If you prefer less effort, head for a soak in the inn’s heated mineral pool.

Book Now: From $260 at expedia.com

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7 Great Camps and Remote Lodges Across the United States

Be it a lodge in the adirondacks or a hot springs resort in an old colorado mining town, these upscale refuges will make any outdoor adventure more luxurious..

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At the Ahwahnee, which will complete major renovations in 2024, rooms come with views of Yosemite’s most famous sites, including Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Yosemite Falls.

Photo by Jesslyn Tan Yu Xuan/Shutterstock

Stone fireplaces and Pendleton blankets. Hot drinks and hotter springs. Solitude and starry nights . These are a few of our favorite things, conjured in the dead of night on our last camping trip when a few more creature comforts felt necessary. With that in mind, we rounded up several of the Great Camps and remote luxury lodges across the United States to inspire your next big outdoor adventure—no matter the season. Some are historic; some only a few years old. One is on a glacier. All will leave you wanting more.

The Ahwahnee

Reopened at the end of 2023 after seismic upgrades, the legendary dining room at the Ahwahnee has 34-foot ceilings, dramatic chandeliers, wooden beams, and gargantuan windows.

Photo by Kit Leong/Shutterstock

• Location: Yosemite National Park, California
• Why we love it: The location of this Yosemite icon offers easy access to and views of famous sites such as Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.

The nearly 100-year-old Ahwahnee is currently undergoing a major transformation thanks to a $31.6 million grant through the Great American Outdoors Act to upgrade this national park grande dame. The kitchen and dining room already reopened at the end of 2023, and other updates including new heating and air-conditioning, and other infrastructure improvements will be wrapped up by the end of 2024.

Travelers benefit from a wide range of room configurations as well as cottages that can accommodate multiple guests—there are 97 guest rooms and 24 cottages. And they will also be in the heart of the action, with little to no driving needed once parked at the hotel, which is within walking distance of Yosemite Village and several coveted hiking trails, including Yosemite Falls and Cook’s Meadows Loop.

It’s not easy to score a reservation, especially during high season, but if you do, be sure to save time to take a dip in the heated pool (open as of April 15, 2024), biking around the valley, and bopping around between various nearby river beaches and watering holes for a dip and rock skipping.

Although it is one of AFAR’s favorite Yosemite lodges for families , be advised that the famed dining room is a more formal affair. “If you have smaller kids who are still pretty antsy, you may want to save that experience for when the kids are a bit older,” says Michelle Baran, AFAR’s deputy news editor and mother of two small kids.

Sheldon Chalet

Sheldon Chalet sits right on top of Ruth Glacier in Alaska.

Photo by Totem Ent

• Location: Denali National Park, Alaska
• Why we love it: The glacier hikes, outstanding food, and helicopter rides are all memorable parts of the experience, but waking up with Denali outside your bedroom window is the biggest thrill of all.

In 1966, bush pilot Don Sheldon built a small, rustic cabin on this remote spot atop the 6,000-foot-high Ruth Glacier in Denali National Park—a region that was once only accessible to extreme adventurers. In 2018, his descendants added the all-season Sheldon Chalet. A feat of ingenuity and the only luxury lodge in Denali , it offers stunning views of the aurora borealis in winter, the midnight sun in summer, and the soaring peak of Mount Denali at any time of year. “This could be the unlikeliest place for a hotel in the United States,” writes Alex Schechter in his review of Sheldon Chalet . With only five rooms, the property can accommodate 10 guests at a time and is accessible by helicopter from Anchorage or Talkeetna. Clever design features such as a high-efficiency fireplace that doubles as a clean-energy heating system make the interiors feel elegant and keep the carbon footprint small. In “Adventure Season,” from May to August, guests can trek across the Ruth Glacier, explore its crevasses, and rappel down its icy walls, while in “Aurora Season,” from September to April, moonlit glacier treks, snow cavern spelunking, or helicopter adventures to nearby hot springs are a few of the main activities.

“The chalet, at 63º N latitude, is removed from all signs of life. There is no TV, no cell phone service, and no Wi-Fi. It’s 50 miles to the nearest town, over land that is largely impassable on foot. There are no roaming moose, no flocks of birds, no vegetation. You are entirely surrounded by snow, rock, and ice,” says Schechter.

Evenings are spent warming up in the rooftop sauna, stargazing, sampling innovative meals, and basking in the utter silence.

Dunton Hot Springs

Even in the dead of winter, Dunton Hot Springs remains a cozy place to stay.

Courtesy of Dunton Hot Springs

• Location: Dunton, Colorado
• Why we love it: The snowy mountains and steaming hot springs set against the backdrop of an abandoned former mining town call to us on numerous levels.

Located in southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains along the Rockies, Dunton Hot Springs is a collection of 15 cabins originally from a 1800s mining town that have been restored as guest rooms. Regardless of which cabin you choose, you’ll have mountain and meadow views for days.

Also one of AFAR’s favorite hot spring resorts , the property has a 19th-century bathhouse and natural mineral springs that are rich in iron, manganese, and calcium bicarbonate and that range in temperature from 85 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Guests can go for a dip in the bathhouse, in the two outdoor pools, in the more natural setting at the source of the springs, or—if they book the Well House cabin—in their own private hot spring bath and cold plunge pool.

All meals are included in the nightly rate and are served in the old saloon at the heart of the property. (Look closely at the wooden bar and you’ll see where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid carved their initials.)

The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection

The Creek Houses are located on the banks of Alexander Creek.

Courtesy of the Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection

• Location: Park City, Utah
• Why we love it: The remote setting fully immerses guests in the American West.

Part of AFAR’s 2020 best new hotels list , the Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection is located about a 25-minute drive from Park City deeper into Utah’s Wasatch Mountain Range. The lodge features 19 minimalist one- and two-bedroom rooms and suites inside the main building. A separate structure features 16 one-bedroom Earth Suites with fireplaces and outdoor terraces and showers; it offers the possibility to connect two or more rooms for families. There are also five adults-only, freestanding Creek Houses along Alexander Creek. The neutral-hued homes are outfitted with king beds and leather-covered chaise longues; some have large private verandas with firepits.

Meanwhile, the outdoors await, with seasonal activities like fly-fishing, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and skiing. In addition, there’s a 1.5-acre farm, and the horse stables are home to the Saving Gracie Horse Foundation , founded in 2014 as a rescue sanctuary for abused and abandoned horses. This lodge is also one of AFAR’s picks for a family-friendly Wild West adventure : The Little Vaquero’s Kids Camp allows kids ages 5 to 12 to help with the farm, groom horses, and take part in activities that include treasure hunts and yoga.

Post Ranch Inn

The Cliff House guest room at Post Ranch Inn has expansive views of the Pacific Ocean from this remote setting.

Photo by Kodiak Greenwood

• Location: Big Sur, California
• Why we love it: This romantic adults-only retreat is also one of California’s most sustainable hotels.
• Loyalty program: I Prefer

Note: Due to a Highway 1 closure north of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn is temporarily unavailable for stays through April 23, 2024.

For more than 30 years, the Post Ranch Inn, which sits along a cliff 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, has been a go-to retreat for devotees who believe well-being starts with a place that honors its natural environment—and treads lightly on it, too. Big Sur architect Mickey Muennig designed the 40 guest rooms that rely on solar power; all were fashioned out of recycled wood, and the structures blend in with the Santa Lucia Mountains. Views through enormous windows face either the Pacific Ocean or the mountains.

“Unlike most ‘luxury’ hotels, we don’t have televisions in the room because nature is the show,” managing partner Mike Freed told AFAR contributor Annie Fitzsimmons in 2021 . Instead, it offers reflexology treatments, a doctor-led sleep program, as well as private guided hikes and meditation sessions in the nearby ancient forests. Food and wine are also essential parts of the guest experience, and a two-acre chef’s organic garden provides 40 percent of the restaurant’s fruits and vegetables, depending on the season.

Captain Whidbey Inn

Over a century old, the main lodge at Captain Whidbey Inn is built from madrona and fir logs.

Photo by Alexandra Ribar

• Location: Whidbey Island, Washington
• Why we love it: This century-old inn has been lovingly restored using local designers.

With its tranquil maritime charm, Whidbey Island , a two-hour car and ferry ride from Seattle, feels like a local’s secret. The main lodge at the restored 117-year-old Captain Whidbey Inn—set on the famous-for-its mussels Penn Cove—was built from madrona and fir logs and has a large stone fireplace; the 12 upstairs rooms recently got a gentle refresh when it reopened in 2019.

“The real draw, though, is a group of four stand-alone cabins—each designed by a different creative business from the Pacific Northwest,” says Aislyn Greene in her review in AFAR’s 2020 best new hotels list. “Edit, a modern home store in the town of Langley owned by David Price, curated its airy cabin with textile art from fabric designer Marcia Derse. ”

The inn shines in the summer. “But I visited in the winter and loved it,” says Greene of the all-seasons retreat. “The inn was quieter and decked out for the holidays. At night, I could cozy up in front of the lobby fireplace with a book and a cocktail and, in the morning, cozy up in front of my cabin’s fireplace with a book and a cup of local brew.”

The Point stretches over 75 acres of Saranac Lake shorefront in upstate New York.

Courtesy of the Point

• Location: Saranac Lake, New York
• Why we love it: A chance to experience Gilded Age luxury in a historic Great Camp built by a Rockefeller.

For one of AFAR’s favorite NYC getaways , drive about six hours north to spend the weekend at a historic “ Adirondack Great Camp ” in the six-million-acre state park . During the early 20th century, industrial behemoths of the Gilded Age vacationed in the Adirondack Mountains, where they built mansion-like log cabins decorated with granite fireplaces and furniture crafted from branches.

Today, you can stay in a number of these lodges, including the Point, a Great Camp built by William Avery Rockefeller on 75 acres of Saranac Lake shorefront nearly a century ago. More recently, it underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2018. It’s not exactly the kind of place that invites you to pop in for a drink and a look around. There’s no signage off Route 30 for this plush Relais & Châteaux resort, and upon reaching the end of the five-mile, single-lane entry road through the woods, you arrive at a closed gate and a no-nonsense sign in all caps: “THE POINT IS RESERVED FOR GUESTS ONLY . . . NO VISITORS.”

Yet beyond that gate is a luxurious all-inclusive retreat that’s full of antique furnishings, fine art, and a staff ready to attend to your every whim. (They’ll even fetch you from the airport if you arrive by private plane, as many guests do.) It’s also a surprisingly intimate haven, with only 11 rooms, each with a lake view and a fireplace.

Michelle Baran, Julia Eskins, Serena Renner, Annie Fitzsimmons, Aislyn Greene, Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, and Alex Schechter contributed additional reporting to this article.

This article was originally published in 2021; it was updated on April 16, 2024, with current information.

These Are the 15 Most Beautiful National Park Lodges in the U.S.

Find unparalled access to nature and top-notch luxury from coastal Maine to the Southern California desert.

"Adopt the pace of Nature. Her secret is patience." Ralpho Waldo Emerson's words ringer truer now than they ever have, as humanity grapples with a pandemic, among other challenges. And with so many of us having spent more time at home than we have in years, our wanderlust is stronger than ever. It turns out the National Park Service , which is home to hundreds of storied lodges and celebrates its 104th birthday on August 25, may offer some salvation. From Maine's Anticou Inn in Acadia National Park to California's Oasis at Death Valley, these hotels provide unparalleled access to the country's most beautiful places and a window back in time to the early 20th century, when the roots of the National Park Service–style of architecture were just beginning to take hold. Today, these great lodges offer luxurious accommodations to boot, with amenities ranging from unique spa services to sustainably sourced culinary programs. Read on to discover 15 of the most beautiful national park lodges in the country.

Cavallo Point: Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge in historic Fort Baker, Cavallo Point (which is also known as the Lodge at the Golden Gate) offers a level of luxury on par with some of the world's greatest resorts smack dab in the middle of a national recreation area just minutes from downtown San Francisco. (Think top-notch spa services, guided hikes meditation, a cooking school, and even an online vacation planner.) Guests have the option to stay in historic or contemporary lodgings.

The Ahwahnee: Yosemite National Park

Visiting the Ahwahnee , formerly known as the Majestic Yosemite Hotel, is like stepping back in time. Built in 1927 at the base of Yosemite's iconic Half Dome, the hotel's signature design elements—lighting, stenciled beams, stained glass, and rich tapestries that reflect an amalgamation of influences from Art Deco and Native American to Middle Eastern and the Arts and Crafts movement—can still be seen today. The lodge's top-tier rooms feature balconies with stunning views.

Blackberry Mountain: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Opened in 2019, this mountain retreat is the much-anticipated follow-up to Blackberry Farm , known for its luxurious accommodations and top-notch food and beverage program. In spite of its National Park locale, Blackberry Mountain is no less luxe, with 36 freestanding cabins and cottages with views of the Smokies and amenities like smart speakers, wood-burning fireplaces, and soaking tubs. Be sure to take advantage of the property’s adventure program, complete with guided hiking, biking, and even camping outings in the park—and its superb spa.

Omni Mount Washington Resort: White Mountain National Forest

Designed by Charles Alling Gifford and constructed at the turn of the 20th century, this Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, hotel was the brainchild of coal magnate Joseph Stickney. Not winterized until 1999, the Italian-inspired hotel has hosted presidents and other celebrities and was the site of the 1944 Bretton Woods monetary summit at which the World Bank and International Monetary Fund were established. It was declared a national landmark in 1986 and is a member of Historic Hotels of America.

Zion Lodge: Zion National Park.

As the only lodge inside Utah’s Zion National Park, Zion Lodge was designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood in 1924. A fire destroyed the original lodge in 1966; it was quickly rebuilt without its original rustic look but restored to its historic design during a 1990 renovation. Today, guests can experience views of the park’s majestic red sandstone cliffs from private porches on the 40 cabins or the main lodge rooms’ balconies. Zion Lodge is a member of Historic Hotels of America.

The Inn at Death Valley: Death Valley National Park

Known as the Furnace Creek Inn when it was built in 1927, the Inn at Death Valley has offered desert refuge to the Hollywood set, from Marlon Brando to Clark Gable, for nearly 100 years. Having recently completed a $100 million renovation, the Inn has regained its status as one of the most luxurious hotels in Southern California, with spring-fed pools, a golf course, a spa, and of course spectacular views of Death Valley National Park's rocky mountains. Don't miss the Inn's sister property, The Ranch at Death Valley; together, the pair comprise the Oasis at Death Valley.

Old Faithful Inn: Yellowstone National Park

First opened in the spring of 1904, Old Faithful Inn was the first of the great park lodges built in the American West. It’s most iconic design feature, the Old House that contains the seven-story high lobby atrium supported by a log-pole interior framework, was restored in 2004 as part of the lodge’s centennial celebration. Today, it’s one of the few remaining log hotels in the United States and remains the largest log hotel ever built. Old Faithful Inn was designated a national landmark in 1987 and is a member of Historic Hotels of America.

The Lodge at Crater Lake: Crater Lake National Park

Ever since it first opened in 1915, Crater Lake Lodge has offered guests stunning views of Oregon’s Crater Lake, a deep-blue lake in a caldera formed nearly 8,000 years ago by a large volcanic eruption and the subsequent collapse of mountain in the Cascade Range. Thanks to an expansive renovation in 1994 in which the lodge’s iconic great hall was painstakingly dismantled and rebuilt, guests today enjoy modern accommodations with all the charm of the lodge’s original rustic character.

Lake McDonald Lodge: Glacier National Park

Designated a national historic landmark in 1987, Glacer Park’s Lake McDonald Lodge is one of the finest surviving examples of Swiss Chalet architecture in the country. It was built in 1913 based on architect Kirtland Cutter’s design, and it features a stucco-covered stone foundation and first story, with dark wood clapboard and sawn trim patterns on the second and third stories. Inside the three-story lobby, many of its original furnishings, including originals from Old Hickory and Stickley as well as the hotel piano, are original.

Triangle X Ranch: Grand Teton National Park

Consider it the ultimate two-for-one: the opportunity to stay at a dude ranch and inside Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park. In fact, Triangle X, which has been operated by the Turner family for five generations, is the only remaining guest ranch inside the National Park system. Today, guests have the opportunity to stay at one of 20 cabins set in the shadow of the Grand Tetons in Jackson Hole, exploring the park by horseback during the summer and by skis in the winter.

Greyfield Inn: Cumberland Island National Seashore

Talk about Southern hospitality: The Greyfield Inn is a family-run lodge on Cumberland Island, a barrier island off of the Georgia coast, that offers all the friendliness of a welcoming home along with the luxury of a grand hotel. Built in 1900 by Thomas and Lucy Carnegie for their daughter Margaret Ricketson, Greyfield was converted to an inn in the 1960s by Lucy Ferguson, Ricketson's daughter. Today, guests have 200 acres of unspoiled land for daily adventures like biking, kayaking, and birding. All-inclusive rates include breakfast, a picnic lunch, hors d'oevres, and dinner.

La Quinta Resort & Club: Joshua Tree National Park

Although technically located about 30 miles from the park, the historic La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, California, is offering a new luxury camping experience, Camp’d Out Joshua Tree , that allows guests to sleep inside park boundaries. In partnership with Camp’d Out Tents , the three-night package combines Waldorf Astoria’s luxe hospitality with the adventure of sleeping under the stars.

Asticou Inn: Acadia National Park

With 48 rooms (31 in the main inn and 17 in adjacent properties) and located just steps from Maine’s Acadia National Park, the Asticou Inn offers unparalled access to one of the most beautiful areas on the eastern seaboard. First built in 1883, then rebuilt after a fire in 1889, the Asticou, located in Northeast Harbon on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, has been a mainstay of summer tourism destinations for decades. Don’t miss the Asticou Azalea Garden , also just a short walk from the inn.

El Tovar Hotel: Grand Canyon National Park

It’s hard to imagine a more iconic National Park lodge than the El Tovar , built on the south rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona in 1905. Comprised of stone, logs, clapboard, and shingles, it’s an early example of what would come to be known as “National Park Service Rustic” style of architecture.

Featured in the 1983 film National Lampoon’s Vacation and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, the hotel continues to host thousands of visitors annually who flock to lodge for not just its sweeping views of the canyon but also its authentically rustic character from a bygone era. Some noteworthy guests include: Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Western author Zane Grey, President Bill Clinton, Sir Paul McCartney, and Oprah Winfrey.

Volcano House: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Perched on the edge of an active volcano in the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the big island, Volcano House has been offering guests all kinds of once-in-a-lifetime experiences since it first opened in 1846. Notable guests include Mark Twain, who remarked upon his surprise of “finding such a good hotel at such an outlandish spot” in his 1872 book, Roughing It . Today, the iconic hotel continues to delights its guests with 33 guest rooms, 10 cabins, and 16 campsites plus daily tours and bike rentals.

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7 Iconic US National Park Lodges to Add to Your Travel Bucket List

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: March 11, 2021

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There are dozens of different ways to explore national parks. From backcountry camping to RVs to families just trying things out on a day trip, so many more people have happily discovered “America’s Greatest Idea” the last few years.

For many travelers, one of the draws of a national park vacation is the chance to stay in an iconic historic hotel. National park lodges are usually well-located, making them a convenient lodging choice for travelers. These hotels are also often steeped in history, embodying the spirit of the park itself. Many of these properties were built generations ago when simply getting the supplies to build a large hotel into the depths of the wilderness truly was a miraculous feat of engineering and human ingenuity.

My husband and are both history buffs, so we always seek out hotels with history whenever we travel. As a result, we’ve been making stops at a lot of the famed national park lodges in our travels with our kids.

If you are looking for a bit of rustic luxury with a heaping side helping of history on your next national park trip, here are 7 national park lodges to consider.

Top Historic National Park Lodges Across the United States

The country’s oldest national parks are all in the western United States. So predictably, if you are looking for an historic national park lodge, you need to head west of the Mississippi to find them. There are certainly some beautiful hotels in and around national parks elsewhere in the country, but the original lodges belong to the West. Our family’s favorites are:

The Ahwahnee at Yosemite National Park (California)

Ahwahnee At A Glance:

• Location : Yosemite National Park (Yosemite Valley, California)
• Dates open : Year round
• Rooms available : 97 rooms, 24 cottages
• Concessionaire for booking : Aramark

Located in a prime position in Yosemite Valley, the Ahwahnee is the hotel most travelers envision when they think of a national park lodge. Built in the arts and crafts style and opened in 1927, the hotel has majestic views of waterfalls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point.

Hotel amenities and offerings scream old world luxury, from a piano player in the Great Lounge to a decadent Sunday brunch in the Grand Dining room. The hotel’s rooms are currently were renovated in 2021 and further upgrades to the hotel are being done in 2022-2023. Standard rooms are basic but pricey – usually around $500-600 a night in peak summer season.

Read More : Ultimate Guide to Yosemite National Park with Kids

Crater Lake Lodge (Oregon)

Crater Lake Lodge At A Glance:

• Location : Crater Lake National Park (Crater Lake, Oregon)
• Dates open : mid-May to mid-October
• Rooms available : 71 rooms

Built in 1915, Crater Lake Lodge is one of the smaller historic national park lodges. But what it lacks in size it makes up for in views. The hotel’s back deck is located right on the rim of the caldera, with a vantage point of the lake and Wizard Island that can’t be beat.

Accommodations are definitely on the more rustic side (be prepared for no AC). But the price is more reasonable than many historic national park lodges, at about $200-250 a night in peak season for standard rooms. Be sure to schedule a meal in the Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room, perhaps with a pre-dinner drink on the hotel’s back deck with a view!

Read More : Taking a Volcano Road Trip through Northern California & Southern Oregon

Zion Lodge (Utah)

Zion Lodge At A Glance:

• Location : Zion National Park (Springdale, Utah)
• Dates open : Year round
• Rooms available : 76 rooms, 6 suites, 40 cabins
• Concessionaire for booking : Xanterra

Zion Lodge is the only in-park accommodation within Zion National Park. The hotel opened in 1924, burned and was rebuilt in 1966. It was restored in 1990 to a more original look. The property has multiple buildings not far from the south entrance of the park in Springdale, Utah. It doesn’t have the grand lobbies of some of the other properties on this list, but certainly has grand outdoor views.

Zion Lodge has a few more creature comforts than some national parks accommodations, with AC in all the rooms. The restaurant upstairs, Red Rock Grille, has fantastic food and gorgeous views.

Read More : Tips for Planning a Trip to Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks

El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon (Arizona)

El Tovar Hotel At A Glance:

• Location : Grand Canyon National Park (Grand Canyon, Arizona)
• Rooms available : 66 rooms, 12 suites

El Tovar Hotel opened its doors in 1905, making it one of the oldest national park lodges. The hotel is perched just a few feet from the south rim of the Grand Canyon, with a famed dining room with large windows overlooking the view. Because it predates the arts and crafts period, it has a different look and vibe from most other national park lodges. Its architect intended for it to be a mix of Swiss chalet and Norwegian villa.

With rooms about $300 a night during peak season, this lodge is one of the more moderately-priced options out there at the largest national parks. But the popularity of the Grand Canyon, especially in spring break and summer, can often mean finding availability is the bigger challenge!

Read more : Visiting the Grand Canyon with Toddlers

Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)

Old Faithful Inn At A Glance:

• Location : Yellowstone National Park (Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming)
• Dates open : early-May to mid-October (opening in early June for 2021 only)
• Rooms available : 327 (includes suites)

Looking for a grand multi-story hotel lobby? You’ll find it at the Old Faithful Inn. This property was built in 1904 and is the largest log hotel in the world, complete with a majestic stone fireplace and gorgeous dining room. Many rooms overlook the famous geyser for the which the property is named.

Only open during Yellowstone’s peak summer season, demand to stay in this hotel is as high as it comes. Standard rooms often go for $400-500 a night during summer months, and suites are often well over $1000.

Read more : Geyser Gazing at Yellowstone National Park (from The World is a Book)

Many Glacier Hotel (Montana)

• Location : Glacier National Park (Babb, Montana)
• Dates open : Early June to mid-September
• Rooms available : 205 rooms, 2 suites, 7 family rooms

The Many Glacier Hotel in Glacier National Park opened in 1915 on the eastern shore of Swiftcurrent Lake, in the northeast section of the park. This property was inspired by the look of Swiss chalets and is one of the larger historic national park lodges. Naturally, a towering hotel lobby is one of its most attractive features.

Standard rooms run around $300-400 a night in peak season. Demand is as crushing as it is at hotels in the other most popular national parks like Old Faithful Inn or the Ahwahnee.

Glacier National Park also has the distinction of having several historic lodges within or right near its borders. Also worthy of consideration are the Glacier Park Lodge and Lake McDonald Lodge. 

Read more : Review of the Many Glacier Hotel (from Park Ranger John)

The Inn at Death Valley (California)

• Location : Death Valley National Park (Death Valley,California)
• Rooms available : 88 rooms, 22 casitas

This property was built in 1927 and known as the Furnace Creek Inn for many years. The Inn at Death Valley looks quite a bit different architecturally than many other historic national park lodges. The resort was built to blend in with the Southern California desert in the style of Spanish missions, giving it a unique style among historic national park lodges.

Having completed a major renovation in 2018-2019, the hotel offers the most in modern luxury of any of the properties on this list. It’s priced accordingly, with standard rooms averaging about $400-500 a night. The Inn is part of the larger area known as the Oasis at Death Valley that also includes more moderately priced and also newly renovated accommodations at the Ranch at Death Valley.

Read More : Death Valley National Park with Kids (from The World is a Book)

Tips for Staying at Historic National Park Lodges

For the best travel experience at national park lodges, here are the essential tips our family has observed in our stays over the years.

1. Reserve Early. Very Early.

National park lodges are incredibly popular places to stay and most of them are relatively small compared to the demand in national parks these days. It’s no surprise that reservations can be hard to come by. A lot of these lodges open bookings 12-13 months in advance. Most require only one night’s deposit and have generous cancellation policies. As a result, it never hurts to book ASAP, firm up your travel plans, and cancel later if you can’t make the trip happen. That’s better than making all your travel plans first and then being disappointed by a full hotel.

If you aren’t able to plan ahead, then checking for these cancellations is vital. Find out what the hotel’s cancellation deadline is and start checking about a week in advance of that. We were able to snag two rooms at the Zion Park Lodge a few years ago by checking daily a week or two before our trip. 

2. Expect – and Embrace – Dated Accommodations.

The cost of a few nights at many national park lodges can sometimes rival the prices of a luxury hotel like a Ritz-Carlton, especially if you are visiting during high season or a busy holiday weekend. But if you go into a stay expecting a hotel that looks like a Ritz, you will almost assuredly set yourself up for disappointment. Adjust your expectations.

Most national park lodges are purposefully rustic and are about staying in amazing natural locations. Many of these lodges aren’t regularly renovated because of their remote locations and out of a purposeful desire to protect nature, the surrounding environment, and limited resources. Some of them won’t have air conditioning or every familiar creature comfort. Research what you will and won’t have at each to be prepared. Then go in with an open mind to embrace the experience!

3. Pick Up the Phone.

Like many travelers these days, I like to do a lot of my travel planning and research online. But the concessionaires that operate the national park lodges (as well as the National Park Service itself!) still have a ways to go in putting all the information about these historic hotels online. If you have questions about amenities or need advice about transportation or logistics as your plan your vacation, your best bet is to call the front desk of one of these lodges and ask. 

4. Prepare to be Off the Grid.

Many travelers expect luxury hotels to have high speed WiFi, but most national parks – including their lodges – don’t. These properties are not the places to plan to hop on a Zoom meeting or even necessarily to upload an image to Instagram. Yes, the WiFi may be that bad!

Of course, internet resources can be valuable even in national parks. So, download maps and directions or screenshot other important information you may need before arriving at the parks and losing reliable connectivity.

More National Park Information

Planning a vacation to one or more of America’s National Parks? Check out these related guides:

• First Timers Guide to National Parks
• How to Get a Free Year in US National Parks for 4th Graders
• Best National Parks to Visit in Fall
• Complete Guide to National Parks in Northern California

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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Outdoor Lifestyle Lodging: The Rise of ‘Adventure Hotels,’ Explained

Flying into Salt Lake City overlooking the snowcapped Wasatch Range is an outdoorsman’s paradise. Skiing, biking, hiking, fishing, rock climbing — Utah has it in spades. And now, one local hotel has all that too.

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When it comes to a one-stop-shop place to stay that has everything from local beers to soft beds, and gear for rent or purchase, the new concept by evo Hotel nails it with its campus in the Granary District of Salt Lake City. The locale offers close proximity to skiing Powder Mountain in winter and spring, plus the Bouldering Project’s indoor rock climbing gym, and a gear rental shop, all conveniently located onsite.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, odds are you get along with fellow adventurers. So why not room with them? It’s this “shared stoke” concept that ignites the trend of adventure hotels that is sweeping across the country.

The evo Hotel , for instance, includes a skate park, rock climbing gym, bar, coffee shop, gear store, rental area, yoga studio, and even meeting space for remote workers. However, as much as the new evo Hotel has to offer, it’s really what is outside the walls that is the big draw. The Wasatch Mountains loom large just outside Salt Lake City, offering world-class skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more.

The evo Hotel is the latest in a line of outdoor adventure-focused properties that are vying to serve as a base for all your outdoor adventure needs. Why a hotel? It’s an option for anyone who isn’t camping, or maybe who traveled to a hotel location by airplane (and didn’t pack all their camp gear), or maybe, someone like a remote worker who needs access to certain amenities. Places such as AutoCamp, Gravity Haus, A-Lodge Boulder, Field Station (just opened in Moab), and Yonder Escalante are all trying to cut into this market on travel stoke.

But, what’s up with all the adventure hotels? Are they really the future for adventure enthusiasts looking to launch their next adventure, or simply a new marketing ploy to draw you in?

The Rise of the ‘Adventure Hotel’

The days of staying in a Motel 6 and having to drive to various places to get food, gear rentals, or entertainment are over. Now, with places such as evo Hotel or Gravity Haus, visitors can get all of that in one place.

While each hotel has its own flavor of offerings (Gravity Haus has a membership model whereas A-Lodge is more of a traditional hotel with an adventure concierge), they are all based on people connecting over the love of the outdoors.

“I always had a desire for people to connect. Humans want to connect but you need to create the space for that,” said Bryce Phillips, evo Founder and CEO. “We look to create those places.”

The various options, when it comes to outdoor hotels, tend to complement each other. Phillips talked to us about layering various uses into one shared space, such as shopping and rentals, food and beverage, and even art and music. The benefit for the visitor is having a community with common interests.

The Concept

For many, an adventure hotel is more about the community than the place to stay. While you can get a comfortable room and Wi-Fi in most places, these various hotels know their clients are interested in sharing stories about the line they skied that day or the route they climbed. Maybe, they don’t want a free sub-par continental breakfast — maybe instead they want an early morning yoga class, or a hot tub to soothe sore muscles after a long day outside.

“The feeling of connection feels different here [at evo],” Phillips said. “We want people to feel truly connected to something different.” While each adventure hotel has differences in terms of locations, amenities, and sports or activities offered, they all have the common thread of focusing on what the outdoor community is tapped into.

Jenny Knowlton, a Gravity Haus member from Denver, said she’s enjoyed the hotel, but also its food and gear rentals, such as mountain bikes. “I thought that the hotel and the decor were awesome. It is a great mountain vibe and feel, and the food has been great at both Breckenridge and Vail,” Knowlton said. “And the gear rental aspect of it is pretty cool. If you forget something, they got it.”

Michael Cattanach lives in Denver and is a member of Gravity Haus. Aside from staying at the hotel, he’s also participated in some of the social events that Gravity Haus offers its members such as pre-planned group dinners and sports leagues.

An avid fly fisher, mountain biker, and snowboarder, Cattanach initially joined the co-working space in Vail, but over time has explored the various properties. “I would say hotel discounts are one of the top, if not the top, reason to join,” said Cattanach. “Access to adventure through planned events lets me meet people that I would not have otherwise. And the pre-planned trips are great, such as the hut trip in Vail.”

Adventure Hotel Options

There are a fair number of outdoor adventure hotels to choose from when traveling these days. We’ve broken down a few options and what each has to offer.

A-Lodge Boulder

With locations in Boulder and Lyons, Colo., A-Lodge promotes access to adventure with amenities. Whatever your sport of choice is, A-Lodge likes to consider itself an “adventure concierge.” More than just a bed to sleep in, A-Lodge offers insights into the best places to fish, bike, or climb. It also has event space options for bigger events or groups. It also has a pool, hot tub, slackline park, saloon, and shuttle services.

• Type of lodging : Tent camping, van camping, hostel shared rooms, standard rooms
• Outdoor amenities : Fire pits and grills, porch/outdoor space, hot tub/pool, slacklines, ski shuttle, beer garden , trail access
• Rates : $49-59 (camping and hostel), $250 & up (standard rooms)

With locations across the country from Zion to Cape Cod, AutoCamp has the sector of glamping covered. From Airstream suites to luxurious tents, this is a way to explore the wilderness without sacrificing style.

A high-end boutique-style camping destination offering pools to fire pits, AutoCamp’s various properties are all focused on high-level hotel comfort in scenic, outdoor locations.

• Type of lodging : Luxury tents, campers, suites, Airstream suites
• Outdoor amenities : Pool, general store, clubhouse, fire pits, outdoor showers, wood-fired hot tubs, outdoor dining, hiking access
• Rates : $170 & up

Basecamp Hotel

With locations in Boulder and Tahoe, Basecamp Hotels is, as the name applies, a jumping-off point for outdoor fun. Its motto, “Built for Exploring,” sums it up nicely. The hotels are not your average hotel either, as in the way Basecamp incorporates outdoor themes into the designs and rooms.

• Type of lodging : Standard rooms, “Great Outdoors” indoor family camping
• Outdoor amenities : Fitness center, hot tub, dry sauna, fire pits, ski/board storage, activity guide, local trail access, dog-friendly
• Rates: $139 & up

With a campus in the Granary District of Salt Lake City, evo Hotel offers three different types of rooms, coffee, bar, art, and a skate park all in one location. There’s also a rental department and evo shop on site for any gear needs.

Evo partnered with the Bouldering Project on an indoor rock climbing gym that is in the shared space along with a gym and yoga studio.

• Type of lodging : Bunks, rooms, suites
• Outdoor amenities: Climbing gym, skate park, gym, yoga/fitness room, gear shop, gear rentals, outdoor bar, pet-friendly
• Rates: $150 & up

Field Station

This concept hotel, which is an offshoot of the AutoCamp Brand, has locations in Joshua Tree and Moab. Field Station offers weary adventurers a place to rest and recharge after a long hike or climb, with amenities such as beer (for purchase), hot showers, and beds. Essentially, hotel luxuries you wouldn’t normally get camping.

Field Station will also provide gear as needed.

• Type of lodging : Rooms, van life spots
• Outdoor amenities : Gear shop, rentals, tour guides, community areas
• Rates: $135 & up ($29/night for van life parking)

Gravity Haus

From hotels to restaurants and gear, Gravity Haus is an all-inclusive option for the Colorado high country, as well as Tahoe. With membership options for those who are looking to dig into everything Gravity Haus has to offer, the focus is on building an adventurous community and the infrastructure around it. Non-membership amenities include access to all the common spaces, pool and hot tubs, onsite coffee shops, and co-working spaces.

Membership perks include unlimited daytime access, coworking space access, unlimited fitness classes, gear rentals, free or discounted nightly rates, and up to a 25% discount on food and beverages. Members even have van life options with a Dave & Matt Vans partnership.

• Type of lodging : Rooms, suites, condos
• Outdoor amenities: Gear rental shop, fitness room, spa/pool/tubs, dog-friendly
• Rates: $200 & up

Yonder Escalante

This is a newer outdoor “hotel” concept in the heart of Grand Staircase Escalante and Bryce Canyon National Park. It serves as a jumping-off point for hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. And, it doesn’t really have “hotel rooms” — instead, Yonder offers everything from campsites to deluxe cabins.

The variety and sprawl of the various lodgings are impressive; there’s something for every type of traveler. During my stay, I met Daniel Corliss, a healthcare executive and venture capitalist who says he’s considering using it for work retreats.

Inspired by the “spirit of the American road trip,” the resort offers newly renovated vintage airstreams, RV sites, an open-air lounge, a general store, a food truck, a pool and hot tub, and even a drive-in movie theater equipped with nine stationary restored classic cars playing movies 7 nights a week.

• Type of lodging: Campsites, RV sites, cabins, deluxe cabins, Airstreams
• Outdoor amenities: Fire pits, outdoor showers, general store, pool, lounge, outdoor theater, dog-friendly, hiking access
• Rates: $69 & up

Best Hikes Near Salt Lake City: 6 Awesome Trails Within an Hour of SLC

Curious as to the best hikes near this classic Western city? We've rounded up the best hikes within an hour of Salt Lake City, Utah. Read more…

David Young is a contributing writer for Gear Junkie. David has been writing about skiing, fly fishing, and outdoor gear for 10+ years. David has also worked at an outdoor PR agency and daily newspapers across Colorado. Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, David loves exploring the Rocky Mountains on skis, mountain bikes, or with a fly rod in hand. He is a Colorado native and when not in the backcountry, David is at the keyboard writing and listening to vinyl records or sitting by a fire with a glass of whiskey in hand.

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Buncombe tourism authority excludes affordable housing in $10 million in LIFT grants

This is a developing story and will be updated.

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority on Wednesday voted to award nearly $10 million in funding to a dozen local projects as part of its inaugural Legacy Investment From Tourism (LIFT) grants – but notably, the panel steered clear of funding affordable housing.

The Authority considered 14 projects in the final round of LIFT Fund consideration. A 2022 change in state law allowed the county to use a greater portion of occupancy tax revenue for “tourism-related expenditures.”

The TDA declined two applications: a request by the City of Asheville for $30,000 in funding for 10 new Bigbelly Trash Bins, and an application by Mountain Housing Opportunities, Inc., for $1.5 million for the Star Point Affordable Apartments off Tunnel Road.

The body awarded Buncombe County’s sprawling Ferry Road development $4 million of the $6 million the county requested. But the Tourism Development Authority made clear that it was funding only the public recreation and environmental conservation parts of the project – not the sizeable affordable housing component.

After the meeting, TDA President and CEO Vic Isley declined to comment when asked whether the vote meant that affordable housing does not qualify as a tourism-related expenditure.

Wednesday’s vote was being closely watched across the state as communities grapple with the issue of funding affordable housing in tourism-heavy destinations and whether it’s legal to use occupancy tax dollars to fund such projects.

Earlier this month, the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association warned Buncombe County officials that using occupancy tax revenue to fund affordable housing could lead to a legal challenge. The state Court of Appeals recently ruled against coastal Currituck County in a lawsuit over the county’s use of tourism dollars, in a case that counties across the state have viewed as a cautionary tale.

Currituck County on Monday asked the state Supreme Court to take up the case.

Mountain Housing Opportunities President & CEO Geoffrey Barton voiced dismay at Wednesday’s decision but said his group looks forward to future opportunities to work with the TDA “to deliver much-needed affordable housing.”

“We are obviously disappointed that MHO's Star Point Apartments is not among the inaugural LIFT grant recipients,” Barton said in a statement. “Buncombe County's continued economic sustainability and cultural richness will depend on a community-wide effort to act with urgency to address our crisis of housing affordability. While lodging tax revenue is not yet an available resource, we appreciate the generosity of those philanthropic and municipal partners who are stepping up to help MHO deliver local affordable housing now.”

Buncombe County Commission Chairman Brownie Newman, who was present for Wednesday morning’s meeting, said the county commissioners “appreciate the TDA stepping up to be [a] significant partner with Buncombe County on this transformative project.”

“The Ferry Road project is meant to be a model for sustainable development,” Newman said in a statement. “It will include hundreds of new affordable homes and apartments for working families and senior citizens. Ferry Road also includes the creation of a beautiful new public park with miles of trails on the banks of the French Broad River that will be enjoyed by our whole community for generations to come.”

During Wednesday’s meeting, several members of the TDA board touted the urgent need for affordable housing in Asheville and Buncombe County. But notably, they did not directly address the question of whether the law permits the TDA to fund those projects.

Kathleen Mosher, a TDA board member and vice president of communications for The Biltmore Co., said she had “learned a lot more” about the need for affordable housing over the course of the LIFT process, including a presentation at the TDA’s annual planning session by former Mountain Housing Opportunities CEO Scott Dedman.

“I think that we have, first and foremost, a real need to partner with city and county and other community members to make sure that we have active projects being built to solve this affordable housing issue. … We need as a community to kind of come together and figure out how to solve this so that we have more housing in our urban centers,” Mosher said. “That’s where we need that development.”

Barbara Benisch, a member of the LIFT committee, declined to weigh in on whether affordable housing can be considered a "tourism-related expenditure." In an interview with BPR after the meeting, she said the committee “stuck very close to the guidelines and the statutes that guided the work that we did."

“I think we made good decisions about how to spend this money in a way that it would really support both the local community and the development of tourism,” Benisch said. “The way the law is written, it’s very clear that it is to support tourism development, so that’s really what we stuck to.”

Seventy-seven percent of all of the LIFT funds awarded Wednesday are going to city and county government projects with the remainder awarded to nonprofit organizations, according to the TDA.

The City of Asheville proposed three of the 12 projects granted LIFT funding:

• Aston Park Tennis Center Court Rebuild Design (Awarded $40,000 of $40,000 requested)
• Coxe Avenue Complete Street (Awarded $2,983,890 of $3 million requested)
• ExploreAsheville.com Arena Capital Maintenance (Awarded $675,000 of $675,000 requested) 

One of the approved projects was proposed by Buncombe County:

• Ferry Road Community: Affordable Housing, Conservation and Public Recreation (Awarded $4 million of $6 million requested)

The other eight projects awarded LIFT funds were submitted by nonprofit groups:

• Asheville Museum of Science: Growing Together - Museum Repair and Expansion Plan (Awarded $250,000 of $250,000 requested)
• Black Wall Street AVL: Black Wall Street AVL Visitor Experience Upgrade (Awarded $77,500 of $82,500 requested)
• Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation: Improving Visitor Experiences at Craggy Gardens Year-Round (Awarded $750,000 of $750,000 requested)
• Hood Huggers Foundation: Blue Note Junction (Phase 2) (Awarded $500,000 of $500,000 requested) 
• Media Arts Project (MAP): Supernova Immersive Experience Project Design (Awarded $200,000 of $300,000 requested)
• RiverLink: Gateway Park - Resurrecting a public park on Riverside Drive (Awarded $270,018 of $270,018 requested)
• Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League (DBA Swannanoa Valley Gallery and Studios): Expanding Visitors and Artists Experiences in Downtown Black Mountain (Awarded $92,495 of $92,495 requested)
• University Botanical Gardens at Asheville, Inc.: Building on Our Legacy - Uplifting BGA Facilities to Better Serve Tourists and Residents (Awarded $150,000 of $150,000 requested)