Profile of the Wuksachi Lodge
Backgrounder
Wuksachi Lodge, Sequoia National Park
Opened in May 1999, Wuksachi Lodge encompasses a cluster of buildings set some 7,200 feet above sea level, with panoramic views of the High Sierra and the Great Western Divide. The lodge's 102 guest rooms are housed in three detached buildings tucked among the tall pines and connected by paved footpaths that lead to a central building where a full-service restaurant, bar and lounge, retail and ski shop, guest registration, public rooms, and conference facilities are located.
Beautifully crafted of cedar and stone, Wuksachi has all the characteristics of historic buildings in its sister parks such as Yosemite and Yellowstone. Unlike the older hotels, where modern utilities were added piecemeal, Wuksachi builders were able to incorporate all of these conveniences into the original construction. Guest rooms at Wuksachi include private baths, televisions, direct dial telephones with data ports, coffee makers, hair dryers, iron/board, mini-refrigerators, ski racks, and daily maid service. In the main lodge, including the meeting rooms, WiFi connectivity also is available.
The main lodge building is highlighted by dramatic lighting, stone fireplaces, granite tiles, and soaring windows and ceilings. The interior features natural woods, Mission-style furnishings, and traditional forest colors. A mammoth granite sculpture that mirrors the surrounding mountain peaks adorns the wall behind the registration desk. The Wuksachi name is derived from one of the Native American tribes that first inhabited Sequoia.
"The Wuksachi Lodge's distinctive architecture and decor rival that of any great hotel in our National Park system," said Andy Grinsfelder, General Manager of Sequoia operations for Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts (DNC), which operates the lodging and visitor services at Sequoia and nearby Yosemite National Park. "Both first-time and returning Sequoia visitors will appreciate Wuksachi’s unique combination of gracious hospitality and modern amenities in an unparalleled mountain setting."
Wuksachi Lodge is located about six miles north of the Giant Forest, an immense grove of more than 8,000 colossal sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, reputed to be the world's largest living thing. It replaces an outdated cluster of cabins, lodges and shops that had stood there since the early 1900's. In 1994, the National Park Service started phasing out the old village because of its harmful impact on the trees. Today, the area has been restored as near as possible to a natural condition and houses the state-of-the-art Giant Forest Museum.
Wuksachi Lodge is open year-round, affording visitors a variety of outdoor entertainment from snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, to hiking some of the 800-plus miles of steeply sloped trails, and to overnight camping in the High Sierra where guests are treated to gourmet meals served nearly 8,000 feet above sea level. Lodging rates range from $79 to $169 in the off-season (November-April) and $182 to $254 the rest of the year. Special lower rates are offered each winter during non-holiday periods.
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