Just two miles from the south entrance to Yosemite National Park, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite stands at the gateway of an American treasure. The landscape that stirred the souls of Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir and spurred Ansel Adams to genius makes an inspirational setting for groups seeking a positive, productive, and memorable environment.

The experience begins as delegates enter the lobby, where a soaring cathedral ceiling with exposed timbers, a three-story limestone fireplace, and Native American–inspired rugs set a sophisticated yet rustic tone. The 244 recently renovated guest rooms and suites reflect the inspiration of native Mono and Miwok art.

The lodge, the only full-service conference facility in the area, offers over 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. The Grand Tenaya Ballroom’s square footage measures 6,018 and comfortably seats 650 for presentations and 500 for banquets. Its wall of windows focuses on the forested landscape and dome of blue California sky. Multiple smaller rooms afford more intimate experiences and break-out options.

The great outdoors holds endless possibilities for groups. The 3,200-square-foot Outdoor Pavilion and adjacent Vista Event Lawn, for instance, affords a view-filled venue in the pine-scented air. Another site, Summerdale at Tenaya Lodge, transports groups back to the Fish Camp of yesteryear. The outdoor banquet site features a rustic cabin and deck, an open fire pit, picnic area, and small amphitheater for old-fashioned entertainment.

Groups of up to 200 can also opt for a jamboree at the century-old Pack Station. A horse-drawn wagon picks up guests at the hotel and delivers them to the station for a picnic, complete with singing cowboys and s’mores beside a roaring campfire.

Team-building exercises open to groups can be customized to meet any client objectives. A few of the most popular offerings include GPS scavenger hunts, golf tournaments, snowshoe relay races, and chef-inspired cooking classes. No matter what’s on the agenda, planners can rely on professional and friendly staff who receive ongoing training through Delaware North Companies GuestPath Program.

Between sessions, delegates can take sanctuary in Sierra-themed and regular spa treatments, swim in the indoor and outdoor pools, or work out in the fitness center.

Culinary options include full banquet and catering services as well as three restaurants: the Sierra Dining Room, a relaxed yet upscale dining experience; Jack-a-lopes Bar and Grill, filled with lively atmosphere and Sierra flair; and the Deli, specializing in picnic baskets for day trips.

Recreation abounds on the resort’s own 35 acres and at Yosemite, of course, from hiking and biking in summer to skiing, ice-skating, and snowshoeing in winter. The mountain and valley areas never fail to inspire awe—a reverence made all the richer by the luxury and relaxed ambience back at the lodge.