The Premier Luxury Vacation Rental for Yosemite National Park
Escape to The Moonstone, a private river-front home located just outside the western park gate, offering stunning views of the Merced River Canyon and easy access to Yosemite National Park.
Perfect for nature lovers, this luxury vacation home is one of the closest properties to Yosemite Valley with access in just 20 minutes.
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Our Favorite Features
→ Short drive to the western park gate and valley floor
→ Stunning mountain views and calming sounds of the Merced River
→ Gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances and soapstone countertops
→ Expansive yoga studio with heated reclaimed teak floors
→ Private soaking hot tub (available from Mar to Nov)
→ Fast WiFi, air conditioning, washer and dryer
→ EV charger for electric vehicles
Gateway to Yosemite’s Wonders
As one of the closest private homes to Yosemite National Park, The Moonstone is located 9 miles from the Arch Rock entrance gate to the park.
You will follow the very river that flows past The Moonstone, through the deep gorge of the Merced River canyon and into the hallowed walls of Yosemite Valley.
The property is in El Portal, just off Highway 140, the easiest to drive and most accessible all-season road into Yosemite National Park.
Riverside Sanctuary
Step into the tranquility of Yosemite west at The Moonstone, where each detail is carefully curated to enhance your sense of peace and connection with nature.
This exquisite living space, framed by expansive windows and rustic wood beams, offers breathtaking views of the mountain vistas.
Sink into the plush leather living room sofas or enjoy the soft comfort of sheepskin rugs by the crackling wood-burning stove, all while the soothing sounds of the Merced River envelop you in serene luxury.
Ensuite Bedrooms With Views
Three bedrooms feature king-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms, and private balconies for intimate views of the Sierra wilderness.
The Moonstone is not just a place to stay—it's a place to live, breathe, and rejuvenate, surrounded by the Sierra's unparalleled beauty.
Revel in the luxury of bespoke linens and artisanal decor that harmonize beautifully with the natural setting outside.
Relax deeply and connect with the natural world year-round.
That’s why our guests call it the best airbnb or VRBO near Yosemite.
Playful Bohemian Room
Located on the lower level, the Bohemian Room is a vibrant and playful area designed for children's enjoyment and comfort.
With the option to convert two twin beds into a king-sized bed upon request, this room offers flexibility for families of various sizes.
It's the perfect spot for kids to unwind and play, leaving parents free to relax upstairs. Plus, the garage across the hall has a ping pong table and can be a fun game room.
Gourmet Kitchen With a View
Overlooking the spectacular landscape of the Merced River Canyon in the heart of California, it opens into an elegant dining area, where floor-to-ceiling windows not only frame the scenic outdoor views but also fill the room with natural light.
→ State-of-the-art appliances including a gas stove and oven
→ Full-sized Sub Zero refrigerator, Wolf Oven and Cooktop
→ Fully-equipped kitchen with essential cookware and bakeware
→ Drip coffee maker and French press with a selection of coffees and teas
Expansive Yoga Studio with River Views
Our spacious 800 square foot yoga studio, set within The Moonstone, is designed to offer an immersive wellness experience for up to 30 yogis at a time.
Boasting heated reclaimed teak floors and south-facing windows, the studio captures stunning views of the river's pools and the surrounding peaks, creating a serene backdrop for yoga sessions.
This thoughtfully designed space also serves as a gathering spot, complete with a bathroom, tearoom utility, and an outdoor shower.
The living roof adds a touch of vitality and connection to nature, enhancing the peaceful ambiance of this unique retreat.
Whether engaging in a rejuvenating yoga session or enjoying a peaceful gathering, the yoga studio provides an ideal setting for relaxation and mindfulness.
Outdoor Living and Dining
The Moonstone offers a separate outdoor dining area with a wood-fired pizza oven, ideal for al fresco meals under the sky.
This patio is enveloped by the serene soundscape of the Merced River and surrounded by mixed oak and conifer woodlands.
Wildlife sightings and the tranquil ambiance of the river enhance your dining experience, making every meal memorable.
Whether you're firing up a pizza or grilling local produce, our patio offers a unique blend of relaxation and epicurean pleasure.
(Note: For safety reasons, use of the wood-fired oven and grill requires hiring one of our local chefs.)
The outdoor copper bath is perfect for serene soaks under the stars.
Activities & Attractions
From the doorstep of The Moonstone, take advantage of the traffic-free roads ideal for biking or explore the numerous trails that offer everything from leisurely walks to challenging hikes inside Yosemite National Park.
Explore from Half Dome, El Capitan, and Glacier Point, to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia in Wawona, home to California’s giant redwood trees.
And Yosemite’s magic extends beyond its valleys, waterfalls, and cliffs; nearby, the Merced River provides refreshing dips and delightful scenery, making every day an opportunity for new discoveries.
There is excellent road biking right from the house on a traffic-free road for about 30 minutes of round-trip riding.
In a short walk on a dirt path, you will find yourself delighting in perfect swimming holes for a day on the river.
The Merced River is designated as Wild and Scenic and it lives up to its name.
Deep green pools to cool and refresh, warm sculpted granite rocks to lounge and play on, it is a merciful and delightful body of water.
Additional services you can arrange include:
1. Grocery shopping prior to arrival: this is a remote setting, and you are 45 minutes from a real grocery store.
2. Chef’s services and catering: from vegetarian inspired menus to BBQ. Hire a fire gaucho to lead you in a delightful hearthside dinner.
3. Custom yoga instruction: highly trained yogis to enrich your body, mind and spirit
4. Guided hiking: stroll and learn about Yosemite with local experts, take challenging hikes with a knowledgeable guide.
5. Massage: ease your muscles after a day in the mountains with the Merced River Canyon’s finest therapists.
Additional Services: Enhancing Your Yosemite Vacation
Your host and staff are ready to help you have the ideal time. All instructions are clear and check in is incredibly easy. Plus, we know our way around the mountains and can ensure you have a seamless stay.
