Extend Your Stay and Explore
1. Lewis Creek Relaxation Area
Down by the creek, you’ll find five seating areas along the creek — Adirondack chairs, moving water, and a good chance of spotting deer, turkeys, blue herons, or a beaver going about their business.
"Grab a bottle of wine from the front desk and enjoy the sounds of nature."
— Ranch Keeper's Tip
2. Hiking Nelder Grove of the Giant Sequoias
Nelder Grove has hiking trails ranging from 0.2 to 5 miles, featuring over 100 mature sequoias and historic logging artifacts. The Bull Buck Sequoia is one of the largest trees in the grove and the Chimney Tree is hollowed out — you can walk through it.
"In the spring, when the dogwood trees are blooming, and in October, when their leaves are turning."
— Ranch Keeper's Tip
3. Historic Logging Train Ride
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is 7.5 miles from the ranch offering train rides, food service, gold panning, logging museum, and the Kids’ Depot Toy Store.
"The Thornberry Museum has artifacts and detailed stories of the logging history in the area."
— Ranch Keeper's Tip
4. Hiking Corlieu Falls
Corlieu Falls is an easy-to-moderate hiking trail, to an 80 foot tiered waterfall. If you’re up for a longer hike, three miles round trip to Red Rock Falls.
"The falls are best in the spring, when the snow melts and the dogwood flowers are blooming."
— Ranch Keeper's Tip
5. Horseback Riding
Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures, take a horseback ride in the cool mountain air. Every ride starts with a hands-on lesson in the arena before you head out on the trail. Offering one-hour rides to Big Creek and two-hour rides to Vista Pass daily.
"If you’re here Thursday or Sunday and have time, the Grizzly Giant ride is worth the five-hour adventure!"
— Ranch Keeper's Tip
6. Off-Roading
Yosemite Adventure Company runs guided off-road tours and on-road rentals — open-air vehicles, trikes — out of Oakhurst. The off-road tours cover local history and terrain; the on-road rentals are a way to see Yosemite Valley without being behind a windshield.
"Bass Lake vista tour- During this guided adventure you will head deep into the Sierra National Forest on rugged trails and historic logging roads from the 1800s."
— Ranch Keeper's Tip
7. Rent a Boat
Bass Lake is four miles from the ranch. Miller's Landing and The Forks both have boat rentals if you want to get out on the water, lake views from the deck and burgers worth the drive.
"Both places have world famous burgers!"
— Ranch Keeper's Tip
8. Hiking Fresno Dome
A short, family-friendly 1.6 to 1.8-mile out-and-back trail with roughly 300 feet of elevation gain leading to the open granite summit.
"Morning or late afternoon has the best light for the 360-degree summit view."
— Ranch Keeper's Tip
9. Local Treat
Reimer's Candies is a few minutes from the ranch — chocolates, saltwater taffy, ice cream. A good stop on the way back after dinner in Oakhurst.
"Yosemite Falls Trading Post is right next door and offers a vast array of gifts and souvenirs including carved bears."
— Ranch Keeper's Tip
10. Local Craft Beer
South Gate Brewing Company — steak, burgers, wood-fired pizza, and beer brewed on site. Pizza and a pint if there's a game on. The beer's the real draw — ask what's on tap.
"The beer battered artichoke hearts are a locals favorite!"
— Ranch Keeper's Tip
Ready to Explore Yosemite & Oakhurst?
Staying at Sierra Sky Ranch puts you on the direct route to all of our favorite local activities. Tie your laces, grab a water and set out for the day's adventures.
