Kin House Guide to the Western Sierra Mountains

Jennifer
Kin House Guide to the Western Sierra Mountains

Neighborhoods

This little town has been able to hold on to its quaint Main Street vibe providing visitors with many restaurant options and some fun sopping/browsing experiences. They host many great FESTIVALS through out the year.
92 locals recommend
Mariposa
92 locals recommend
This little town has been able to hold on to its quaint Main Street vibe providing visitors with many restaurant options and some fun sopping/browsing experiences. They host many great FESTIVALS through out the year.
Oakhurst is the local town, just 10 minutes drive South of the Kin House. It will provide you with the necessities without driving down the mountain. Grocery Stores: -Vons -Raley's -Grocery Outlet Gas Stations: (Cheapest) -Valero -Vons Gas -76 Station Restaurants: HOURS VARY per Season (Google Times) -Pizza (Ed n'Me, Sugar Pine, Pizza Factory, Round Table and Papa Murphy's is take and bake) -South Gate Brewery (Recommend! Great Food & Beer) -Smokehouse 41 (BBQ) -Oakhurst Grill -Plazuelas Mexican Restaurant -Love Cafe (Vegan-LIMITED HOURS) -Petes Place (Breakfast-LIMITED HOURS) -Mariscos Colima Mexican -Di Cicco's Italian -China Delight & Taste of China -Kyoto Kafe Japanese/Korean Cuisine -Fast Food-Drive Thru (Mc Donalds, Taco Bell, Carl's Jr., Jack n'the Box) Pharmacy: -CVS -Rite Aid TO DO: -Social Dancing (Swing, Salsa, etc) ASK HOST for more info. -Summer/Fall Events (Movies in the Park, Festivals, Fairs) -Fresno Flats (Historical) -Local Bars -Movie Theater -Children's Museum of the Sierras (Everything Hands On!) -Golden Chain Theater (Our local theater company is great!)
90 locals recommend
Oakhurst
90 locals recommend
Oakhurst is the local town, just 10 minutes drive South of the Kin House. It will provide you with the necessities without driving down the mountain. Grocery Stores: -Vons -Raley's -Grocery Outlet Gas Stations: (Cheapest) -Valero -Vons Gas -76 Station Restaurants: HOURS VARY per Season (Google Times) -Pizza (Ed n'Me, Sugar Pine, Pizza Factory, Round Table and Papa Murphy's is take and bake) -South Gate Brewery (Recommend! Great Food & Beer) -Smokehouse 41 (BBQ) -Oakhurst Grill -Plazuelas Mexican Restaurant -Love Cafe (Vegan-LIMITED HOURS) -Petes Place (Breakfast-LIMITED HOURS) -Mariscos Colima Mexican -Di Cicco's Italian -China Delight & Taste of China -Kyoto Kafe Japanese/Korean Cuisine -Fast Food-Drive Thru (Mc Donalds, Taco Bell, Carl's Jr., Jack n'the Box) Pharmacy: -CVS -Rite Aid TO DO: -Social Dancing (Swing, Salsa, etc) ASK HOST for more info. -Summer/Fall Events (Movies in the Park, Festivals, Fairs) -Fresno Flats (Historical) -Local Bars -Movie Theater -Children's Museum of the Sierras (Everything Hands On!) -Golden Chain Theater (Our local theater company is great!)

Sightseeing/Hiking

Whether for a day or en extensive multiple day visit the Kin House Host can provide many guide books, maps, trails and suggestions to enhance your trip. Just reach out to us if you are looking for more details. Single Day Park Visitors: Our Host suggests you get up early (entrance lines and traffic in high season can be a pain), go to the valley floor, park as close to the general store and take the free tram around the valley floor. It allows you to hop on and off. It can take you to many of the most hiked trails in the park and give you those classic views you look for. Our Host suggests you leave the valley floor around 3 (the later you leave you will run into traffic while exiting) and make your way down to Mariposa Groves (the Sequoia Trees!). This is one of our Hosts favorite places to hike! The Groves are right by the exit and only 25 min from the Kin House, so its a great way to finish off the day and not get stuck in the major traffic exiting the park for the day! Multiple Day Park Visitors: Our Host recommends you head out early any days you plan to go into the park during high season, parking is always difficult. Some MUST SEE places that many pass up because of time restrictions, is Mariposa Groves (The Sequoia Trees), and Highway 120 East (Tioga Pass). The Pass is only opened in summer and early fall, it connects you to the eastern sierras. It is just pristine and very much feels untouched, with amazing vistas, lakes and hikes that provide you with that UNIQUE EXPERIENCE that you won't get if you just stay on the Valley Floor. The Park has many amazing places located off the beaten path, feel free to ask our Host. She is always willing to help you plan your adventures so you get to see the amazing beauty of the Sierra Mountains!
995 locals recommend
Yosemite National Park
995 locals recommend
Whether for a day or en extensive multiple day visit the Kin House Host can provide many guide books, maps, trails and suggestions to enhance your trip. Just reach out to us if you are looking for more details. Single Day Park Visitors: Our Host suggests you get up early (entrance lines and traffic in high season can be a pain), go to the valley floor, park as close to the general store and take the free tram around the valley floor. It allows you to hop on and off. It can take you to many of the most hiked trails in the park and give you those classic views you look for. Our Host suggests you leave the valley floor around 3 (the later you leave you will run into traffic while exiting) and make your way down to Mariposa Groves (the Sequoia Trees!). This is one of our Hosts favorite places to hike! The Groves are right by the exit and only 25 min from the Kin House, so its a great way to finish off the day and not get stuck in the major traffic exiting the park for the day! Multiple Day Park Visitors: Our Host recommends you head out early any days you plan to go into the park during high season, parking is always difficult. Some MUST SEE places that many pass up because of time restrictions, is Mariposa Groves (The Sequoia Trees), and Highway 120 East (Tioga Pass). The Pass is only opened in summer and early fall, it connects you to the eastern sierras. It is just pristine and very much feels untouched, with amazing vistas, lakes and hikes that provide you with that UNIQUE EXPERIENCE that you won't get if you just stay on the Valley Floor. The Park has many amazing places located off the beaten path, feel free to ask our Host. She is always willing to help you plan your adventures so you get to see the amazing beauty of the Sierra Mountains!
Bass Lake is located 10 minutes from the Kin House and has opportunities for renting boats, kayaks, jet skis, and paddle boards. Or even just watching the sun set while enjoying wine or steak dinner at Deucy's on the marina, Bass lake can provide the experience you desire. If your just looking enjoy nature as oppose to explore it, Bass Lake is just the spot. For extra rental cost the Kin House Host can rent you some floating chairs and a cooler for a relaxing day/picnic at the lake. If your looking to really explore to FREE TRAILS of the Sierra Mountains, Bass lake has waterfall trails, lake view trails, mountain top trails and even a few that get you up close to the Sequoia Trees.
294 locals recommend
Bass Lake
294 locals recommend
Bass Lake is located 10 minutes from the Kin House and has opportunities for renting boats, kayaks, jet skis, and paddle boards. Or even just watching the sun set while enjoying wine or steak dinner at Deucy's on the marina, Bass lake can provide the experience you desire. If your just looking enjoy nature as oppose to explore it, Bass Lake is just the spot. For extra rental cost the Kin House Host can rent you some floating chairs and a cooler for a relaxing day/picnic at the lake. If your looking to really explore to FREE TRAILS of the Sierra Mountains, Bass lake has waterfall trails, lake view trails, mountain top trails and even a few that get you up close to the Sequoia Trees.

City advice

Getting around

Oakhurst ROAD WORK:BEWARE!

Please be advised that Oakhurst is currently (2/22/2020) doing road construction through the main road leading to the park. The county claims it will continue through summer..BEWARE!
Getting around

Car VS Other Park Transportation

Here are all transportation options regarding Yosemite. CAR: Provides you with most flexibility. YARTIS BUS: (Google for specific details and prices) YARTIS makes limited stops: Airport to Oakhurst to Yosemite FREE SHUTTLES: (In Yosemite ONLY) -Valley Floor Shuttle 20 stops around the Valley -Mariposa Groves Parking to Trail Head UBER/LYFT (NOT RELIABLE/AVAILABLE)
Ways to save

Meals at the Kin House

Basic Continental Breakfast Provided: Yogurt, Milk, OJ, Fruit, Cereal, Granola, Toast, Granola Bars. Jelly and Butter provided. Occasionally Homemade muffins and cookies from host. Buy Groceries, prepare meals here! Freezer Space limited, but each room has a shelf in the fridge and space in the cupboard to store food.
Travelling with kids

Kid Friendly

The Kin House has a toy box in the living room as well as a pack & play (just bring your own sheet!) for guests traveling with little ones. Also the single bed is easy to move/adjust and place on the floor for those who are still at risk of falling out of bed. Also we have a game room which is a big hit for bigger kids. Future plans include a swing set... Feel free to ask the Host what she can provide to help entertain the younger crowd!
Don't miss

Social Dancing with Zack

Local to the Sierra Mountains, but trained Ballroom Dancer has returned to town! He teaches Salsa, Swing Dancing and so much more. Sign up for a private class or join in with one of the classes he holds weekly. Ask your host for more details as she dances and enjoys partaking in Social Dancing and Live Music events hosted around town.
Don't miss

Live Music

During the summer Oakhurst is a hub of live music for the mountain community. There are lots of little bars/restaurants and outdoor places that have music in the evening and the weekends. Ask host for listing of all places having events (mostly Thursday-Saturday Evenings).
Don't miss

YOGA

OAKHURST YOGA With Lisa THURSDAY: 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm Oakhurst Grill Event Room SUNDAY: 11:15 am 40087 Indian Springs Road All classes are $12 for one hour ending with energy healing. Mats are available One Hour Private Lessons available $40 for single $50 for a couple $20 per person for a group of 3-6 Host does private yoga lessons with Lisa midday on Sundays at the Kin House. If you have any questions or would like to book a private lesson, contact Host or Lisa directly at 858-337-8353. You may arrange for Lisa to come to the Kin House for the private lesson.