Hiking in Yosemite National Park
Ask your Innkeepers about special places to explore on foot inside and outside of the Park. They will be more than happy to suggest a trail for you. To make your stay more enjoyable, go to www.yosemitehikes.com for detailed trail information, aerial views and pictures of what you'll see on each hike. This is an invaluable resource to plan your days in Yosemite.
HALF DOME CABLES DAY USE PERMITS:
You can apply for Half Dome day-use permits through the official lottery systems via Recreation.gov, which handles both:
- The pre-season lottery (application window: March 1–31), with results announced in mid-April
- The daily lottery, held two days before your desired hike (application opens at midnight PT, closes at 4 p.m.) To enter either lottery, visit the official Half Dome permit page on Recreation.gov:
Key Details to Know
- Only available online — Half Dome permits are not available at Yosemite’s park offices or trailheads
- Cost: $10 non-refundable application fee; additional $10 per person if awarded
- Season: Permits required when cables are installed (usually late May through early October
- Permit holders only: Not transferable—permit holder or official alternate must be present when hiking
Photography
Whether you're an experienced photographer or someone who simply enjoys capturing stunning views on your phone, Yosemite National Park in summer offers endless photography opportunities—and The Blackberry Inn Yosemite is the ideal place to stay. From sunrise reflections on alpine lakes to breathtaking granite cliffs, we know the best photo spots in Yosemite and exactly when to be there for perfect lighting. After dark, the minimal light pollution in both the park and on our property creates ideal conditions for astrophotography, including Milky Way shots, stargazing, and night sky images. All of the photos on this page were taken by the innkeeper using only an iPhone, proving that you don’t need professional equipment to take unforgettable pictures during your summer Yosemite adventure. The Milky Way season for this area is April-October so plan accordingly.
Take a stroll on trails around the Inn's 36 acre property with your camera!
You may spot wild turkey, deer, gray squirrels, coyotes, various birds, the Inn's Arabian horses, or the old International Truck frozen in time with cedar trees growing through it.
