Yosemite’s Iconic Historic Hotel Shuts Down Indefinitely

Yosemite National Park has announced the indefinite closure of the historic Wawona Hotel, starting December 2nd, for a comprehensive condition assessment. Located about an hour from Yosemite Village, this iconic building has been a popular spot for climbers and travelers for over a century.

Originally opened as Clark’s Station in 1856, the hotel was later renamed after being purchased by Henry Washburn. In 2016, it was renamed again to Big Tree Lodge. Over its 168-year history, the Wawona Hotel has hosted numerous notable guests, including President Theodore Roosevelt.

The National Park Service (NPS) recently replaced the roof on the main building and discovered conditions that warranted further investigation. The exact reasons behind the closure remain unspecified, but Park spokesperson Scott Gediman hinted at the need for a more intensive assessment of the hotel’s overall state. The Wawona Hotel had already undergone electrical repairs and facility upgrades that kept it closed throughout 2020, stemming from concerns about the electrical system dating back to 1917.

The Wawona Hotel, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, features 104 rooms, about half of which have private bathrooms. Clark Cottage, built in 1876, is the oldest remaining structure on the property. For now, the future of the Wawona Hotel remains uncertain as park officials work to determine the full scope of necessary repairs and upgrades.