Redwoods Cabins at Wawona or Yosemite Valley Lodge?

Question

So my wife and I will be coming to Yosemite for 3 nights during the first week of June. Right now I have us booked in a cabin at The Redwoods in Wawona, but i am debating switching to a room at Yosemite Valley Lodge (price is the same). My main concern is that YVL has no AC. Will it be too hot without AC while we are there? Obviously being in the Valley is much more convenient and we were hoping to go to Hetch Hetchy too, so that would cut our drive down significantly, but I keep going back and forth because sleeping in a really hot room is torture... any advice would be much appreciated.

Answer

Choosing between The Redwoods in Wawona and Yosemite Valley Lodge (YVL) largely depends on your priorities: comfort while sleeping versus convenience for sightseeing. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide.

Temperature and AC:

The first week of June in Yosemite Valley can vary, but generally daytime highs are in the mid-70s to low 80s°F (24–28°C), and nights are cooler, often in the 50s–60s°F (10–18°C). Yosemite Valley Lodge does not have air conditioning, but many visitors find it tolerable due to the cooler evenings. The Redwoods cabins in Wawona are shaded by giant trees and tend to be cooler inside, which can make for a more comfortable sleep if you are sensitive to heat.

Convenience for Activities:

Yosemite Valley Lodge: Ideal for exploring Yosemite Valley highlights such as Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Sentinel Bridge without long drives. If you plan to hike or explore Hetch Hetchy, it reduces your driving time significantly.
The Redwoods (Wawona): Offers a peaceful forest setting with charming cabins. You are closer to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, but trips into Yosemite Valley or Hetch Hetchy will require more driving—about 45–60 minutes each way.

Other considerations:

YVL is more centrally located, making it easier to return for breaks during the day or to have dinner and relax before sunset hikes.
The Redwoods cabins offer a more tranquil and forested environment, which some guests prefer after busy sightseeing days.
Neither property has luxury AC, but YVL rooms may be slightly warmer due to more direct sun and fewer surrounding trees.
If Hetch Hetchy is a priority and you want to minimize driving time, staying at YVL makes sense despite the lack of AC.
If sleeping in a cooler, quiet cabin matters more than cutting down drive time, The Redwoods is likely the better option.

Recommendation:

If you are very sensitive to heat and want guaranteed cooler nights, stick with The Redwoods. If convenience for exploring Yosemite Valley and Hetch Hetchy is more important, YVL is manageable, as June nights are generally mild, and you can open windows for ventilation. Consider packing a small battery-operated fan if you stay at YVL to increase comfort during warm nights.

Overall, both options have advantages. It’s a trade-off between cooler sleeping conditions at The Redwoods and proximity to major attractions at Yosemite Valley Lodge.