Being outdoorsy is very 2021, and we were so happy to be able to get out to Yosemite National Park this past April. Thanks to The Pines Resort in Bass Lake, CA the staff at G of G Inc were able to enjoy a beautiful few days in the wilderness.
When you think about a National Park, you might think that you must drive EXTREMELY far to get there. This could not be more incorrect about Yosemite National Park and Bass Lake. We flew into Fresno, CA (easy flight from most cities in the USA) and then The Pines Resort was only an hour away from the airport, a drive for which you would likely rent a car. There are tons of rental options from the airport. It is a beautiful drive to The Pines. PSA: Reception goes in and out, so make sure you start your map before you leave Fresno.
If you need a snack before you start your drive, please check out Batter Up in Fresno. Best pancakes we have had in a long time.
The Pines Resorts have a variety of rooms, but I highly suggest getting the chalet. We got the lakeview chalet and it was perfect. It came with a kitchen, fireplace (they even provide wood) and everything else you need for a perfect weekend getaway. It is perfect for friends, a couple, or a family. All the rooms, chalet and basically the entire resort has Wi-Fi so, you can stay connected if you need to.
To stock your kitchen, there is a market on site or there are tons of grocery stores on the way to the resort. But never mind all that! You will want to head down to the pool once you get there. They have a huge pool and a hot tub that has a beautiful view of the lake. There is also a large beach area if that is more your thing. The water in the lake warms up quite a bit in the summer.
Looking to get some cocktails? There is the Pines Bar which has a jukebox, pool tables and a great patio. Drinks are well priced (well drinks are $5.00). There is also the famous Ducey’s. Upstairs is the bar and grill that has great pub fare. The burgers are good, especially the Rodeo. The Naked Wings are also cooked to perfection. They have two great local beers as well.
For dinner, you are going to want to check out the downstairs of Ducey’s. It is an amazing steakhouse with great views of the lake. If you time it right, the sunset is perfect from the dining room. The Shrimp Cocktail is a great app. All the steaks come with two sides and a garden salad. I suggest the corn and the Mac N Cheese. The service is great there as well.
Ready to get outdoorsy? Download the app AllTrails and you can view all the trails that are in Yosemite. They are rated on their difficulty. The base of Yosemite is about 30 minutes away from The Pines. It is $35 to enter the park and you will need to check the site for COVID reservations. We brought water and sandwiches but about an hour into the park there are some spots where you can purchase food. We checked out Vernal Falls trail. It was incredible. Make sure you bring water on your actual hike and wear good shoes. If you have any knee issues, make sure you wear a brace. The most important? Make sure your phone is totally charged because you are going to want to take some epic pictures.
Once you are done hiking for the day and you head back to The Pines, hit up the hot tub to soak those legs. There is also a massage therapist if you really need to work out your kinks. Then you can head back to your chalet and cook up dinner. Not only do you have a full kitchen, but you also have a BBQ so you can grill up whatever you want. After your long day, you can cozy up by the fire in your chalet.
If hiking is not your thing, there is the beach and pool to relax at all day. There are also cute shops close to the lake an ice cream parlor and of course, the marina. The marina rents out kayaks, canoes, and jet skis by the hour. You can also rent small to large pontoon boats, fishing boats or motorboats to rip around the lake. They have tubes and wakeboards as well for the motorboats which are all reasonably priced.
No matter what your idea of a perfect vacation is, you can find it at The Pines Resort. Thank you so much for having us! You can check out the Pines Resort at www.basslake.com.
Happy Hiking!