JACKASS HOSTEL FAQs

  • A hostel is a great place for people who enjoy social settings and meeting other travelers from around the world.

    Individual beds are booked in shared dorm style rooms. Though we do have one private room, all amenities are shared with all guests. This includes bathrooms, kitchen, living room as well as outdoor spaces.

    If you are looking for privacy and quiet time, a hostel is not the best fit for you. If you love a social atmosphere, meeting new people and can handle waiting to use the bathroom now and then, we might be right for you.

  • Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are from 10pm-6am. During this time we ask that guests do not cook in the kitchen and allow other guests to sleep. Should guests want to continue socializing after hours we ask that they visit the Buckhorn Saloon a short walk down the road.

    Kitchen: Guests must clean up after themselves. Our staff does a daily clean up, but we ask that all guests clean and replace any dish that they use as well as clean up any mess they make so that the next guest may enjoy use of the kitchen.

    Bathrooms: Our two bathrooms are shared with all guests. Please be timely when using the bathroom and do not leave a mess behind for other guests.

    Dorm Rooms: We ask that our guests be aware of spaces and other guests. Please keep your personal items near your bunk. Please do not hang clothes or other items on bunks that could be in the way of other guests.

    Parking: Please park on the street. We share a narrow driveway with our amazingly nice neighbors. Please help us keep them happy by parking your car on the street.

  • Jackass Hostel is located near the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park. Please see the following distances below:

    Southern Entrance to Yosemite: 27 miles (44 km)

    Mariposa Grove: 30 miles (48 km)

    Glacier Point: 59 miles (95 km)

    Yosemite Valley: 59 miles (95 km)

  • We are located on the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park. Though we are close to Mammoth as the crow flies, you have to drive around a mountain to get there.

    If Tioga Pass through Yosemite National Park is open you can expect a drive of around 4-5 hours.

    If Tioga Pass is closed it would be closer to a 6.5 hour drive.

    If you are planning a day trip to Mammoth from the hostel, probably not the best idea. Stay with us enjoy Yosemite, but plan your trip to Mammoth with lodging over there.

  • WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE

    The Cabin: Burgers, Pastrami Sandwiches and more. The closest to the hostel. Walk up to the street and hang a left. You will find this The Cabin Restaurant just around the turn.

    Open 11am- 9pm Closed Monday & Tuesday

    Pizza Factory: Pizza, Sandwiches, Lasagna etc. Walk up to the street and hang a left. You will walk through the main part of town. It will be on your left near the Post Office.

    Hot Shot Coffee: Coffee, tea, breakfast and sandwiches. TASTEY GOOD.

    Hang a right at the street from the hostel and head into town. You’ll see the coffee shop on the right. (559) 877-6300

    Buckhorn Saloon (hang a right on the street and head into town you will see the Saloon on the hillside to the left)

    Address: 32992 Road 222, North Fork, CA 93643

    Phone: +1 559 877 8700

    A SHORT DRIVE

    Along the South Shore great casual lakeside dinning with a view:

    Miller’s Landing a relaxed burger and sandwich cafe style. Order at the counter and have your food brought to you. Known for their ice cream bucket sundae.

    The Forks Resort casual burger joint with plenty of options. Known for their milk shakes and malts.

    On the North Shore head to The Pines Village where you will find an array of options as listed below.

    Marina Grill casual outdoor lakeside dining, complete with full island style bar, lake views and regular live music and entertainment.

    Casa Velasco a personal favorite. Tasty Mexican food served in a friendly environment.

    Pines Village Bakery & Pizzeria baked goods and pizza. Super casual.

    Ducey’s On the Lake a more up scale mountain lodge style experience with locally sourced foods and great lake views.

    Ducey’s Bar and Grill head upstairs from the finer dining and relax in a casual atmosphere with bar seating options and lake views.

  • The nearest store to the hostel is the Gnarly Carrot about a 4 minute walk from the hostel, you’ll find locally grown garden fresh organic veggies and fruits from the Kern Family Farm along with other great healthy goodies.

    The next nearest is the North Fork Supermarket about a 8 minute walk from the hostel. Your standard mountain grocery store.

  • Sorry no. At this time we do not offer laundry services. The nearest laundry facility is Sierra Suds located in Oakhurst.

    40423 Highway 41 Ste B
    Oakhurst, CA 93644
    559-683-1464

  • Yes, tent campers will need to provide all their own gear. Tent, sleeping bag etc. Campers will have access to the hostel shared kitchen and bathrooms/showers.

  • Sorry no. We love our four legged friends, but we do not allow pets at this time to respect those guests who may have allergies.

    No pets please.

  • Manzanita Lake is a smaller of the beaten path option. Head like your are heading to the south shores of Bass Lake (directions right below) You will see Manzanita Lake on the right as you make your way along the country road.

    The popular Bass Lake is a short drive. From Jackass Hostel, we suggest heading towards the South Shore of Bass Lake. Head toward Millers Landing and the Forks Resort. You can explore along the shore. Park in a designated parking area (Fees may apply) or find a pull out near a beach location.

    Redinger Lake provides additional options with a bit more of a country drive.

  • There are some awesome mountain bike trails around the area. For information and gear we recommend the following options:

    Alpenglow Gear: Used outdoor gear shop.

    Address: 40680 Highway 41, Suite A, Oakhurst, CA 93644
    Phone: (559) 800-8099

    Pedal Forward:

    Offerings: Bicycle Repair & Rental, Bike Accessories, Concierge Services including Detailed recommendations on where to ride, hike, and recreate based on your ability and interests.

    Address: 40761 Highway 41 #4 Oakhurst, CA 93644

    Phone: 559-676-8842

  • We recommend Alpenglow Gear for all your outdoor gear needs.

    Used outdoor gear shop and exchange. Rentals - crash pads, bear canisters, snowshoes.

    Address: 40680 Highway 41, Suite A, Oakhurst, CA 93644

    Phone: (559) 800-8099

TRANSIT & TRAVEL

PUBLIC TRANSIT

Public transit is limited in the area, but it can be done with sufficient planning.

First take the YARTS from Fresno to Oakhurst. Once in Oakhurst, take the Madera County Connect (MCC) bus between Oakhurst and North Fork. The MCC schedule is fairly limited, so be sure to review the schedule before booking with us to make sure it works for you. https://mcctransit.com/

Please note that the MCC is available Monday-Friday only.

Use YARTS to travel between Oakhurst and Yosemite, you'll want the route along Hwy 41: https://yarts.com/routes/fresno-hwy-41/
Your stops would be Oakhurst Best Western or Oakhurst Fairfield Inn.

You will need to ride the MCC to North Fork from Oakhurst upon your return. Again, be sure to check times as the MCC runs a limited schedule.

You may also look into booking a ride with Starlight Taxi. Please note, you must contact them in advance. http://starlightoakhurst.com/

Once in Yosemite, enjoy the free shuttle. You can find information on that here: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/publictransportation.htm

If public transit does not work with your schedule, you may want to look into booking at the Yosemite Bug Hostel. It's on a different entrance, but they have a YARTS stop within walking distance. Plus the owner is a good friend of ours.

Use the menu below for links to routes and schedules.

  • Ride the YARTS from The Yosemite International Airport.
    YARTS routes, schedules and tickets.

  • Oakhurst to North Fork MCC Bus

    Madera County Connect: Routes and schedules.

    Please note, the MCC operates Monday -Friday only.

  • Ride the YARTS to Yosemite.

    For YARTS information: YARTS Schedule and Routes

    You'll want the route along hwy 41

    https://yarts.com/routes/fresno-hwy-41/

    Your stops would be Oakhurst best Western or Oakhurst Fairfield Inn.

    Then you would still need to ride the MCC to North Fork.

    https://mcctransit.com/

    Be sure to check times.

    You may also look into booking a ride with Starlight Taxi. Please note, you must contact them in advance. http://starlightoakhurst.com/

    Once in Yosemite enjoy the free shuttle.

    For Yosemite free shuttle information: Yosemite Shuttle Map

  • 47.6 miles ( 76.6 km)

    Approximately a 56 minute drive.

  • 203 miles (327 km)

    Approximately a 3 hour 30 minute drive.

  • 267 miles (430 km)

    Approximately a 4 hour 30 minute drive.

YOSEMITE FAQs

  • Jackass Hostel is located near the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park. Please see the following distances below:

    Southern Entrance to Yosemite: 27 miles (44 km)

    Mariposa Grove: 30 miles (48 km)

    Glacier Point: 59 miles (95 km)

    Yosemite Valley: 59 miles (95 km)

    Travel Tip: We suggest that guests leave for Yosemite no later than 7am to best enjoy the park and avoid traffic congestion at the entrance. On holidays or weekends you might consider even earlier. We recommend wearing clothes in layers to the park for the cooler mornings. Please be prepared for mosquitos as well.

  • You can purchase your park pass at the gate when you enter Yosemite National Park or in advance here:

    https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/fees.htm

    Yosemite park passes are NOT included with your hostel booking.

    For more information please visit the Yosemite National Park website here: YNP Website

  • Yes. Yosemite offers a free shuttle bus service around Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Shuttle Map

  • Yes, a wilderness permit is required to backpack in Yosemite. Apply for Yosemite Wilderness Permit

  • Yes, you need a permit to hike Half Dome and we highly recommend you get one. The fine for hiking Half Dome without a permit is hefty and we have seen people get ticketed. Apply for a Half Dome Permit

  • The Oakhurst information center is happy to help you with current information on Yosemite National Park and Bass Lake. Visitor Center Website

  • High traffic reservations are currently not required for 2023. You will still need a standard access pass available for purchase at the gate.

    Buy your park pass in advance here: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/fees.htm

  • YES - high traffic reservations are currently are not required for 2023.

    Just the standard park pass available at the entrance or in advance here: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/fees.htm

    Yes! If you were not able to obtain a peak hour reservation permit, you can still visit Yosemite. Here are two ways to do so.

    1.) Enter the park before 6am or after 4pm.

    2.) Ride the YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System). The nearest YARTS pick up to the Jackass Hostel is located across the street from the Best Western in Oakhurst. For YARTS tickets and information click: HERE

  • For current weather conditions, you can visit the Yosemite Conservancy web cam to see live video feed of Yosemite.
    Yosemite Falls Live Web Cam
    Half Dome Live Web Cam
    El Capitan Live Web Cam
    High Sierra Live Web Cam

ACTIVITIES & ADVENTURES

Mountain Biking

  • Hit the trail on some sweet single track trails around Bass Lake. A few of our favorites include:
    007
    Goat Mountain
    Willow Creek
    Mary Jane

    For maps and detailed information, rentals tours check out

    Pedal Forward

    Offerings: Bicycle Repair & Rental, Bike Accessories, Concierge Services including Detailed recommendations on where to ride, hike, and recreate based on your ability and interests.

    Address: 40761 Highway 41 #4 Oakhurst, CA 93644

    Phone: 559-676-8842

  • Here is a decent outline to help you find your trail.
    Trail Forks Maps

  • Get a glimpse at some single track trails around Bass Lake with this mini video: Mountain Bike Bass Lake

Visit Giant Sequoias

  • Located 30 miles (48 km) from Jackass Hostel, and just a few miles from the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park, visit the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

    Learn more here: NPS Mariposa Grove

  • This is a great resource for a hike among the Giant Sequoias. See the article here: Hiking Amongst the Giants

  • NOTE: Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias is currently closed for restoration.

    Where: Sierra National Forest, Nelder Grove.
    Distance: 6.28 miles, but you can walk much farther or shorter if you wish
    Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
    Elevation Range: 5,109′ – 6,040′
    Date: December 2, 2020

    For trail details see full article here: Hiking Nelder Grove Through The Burned Tress to the Granddad Tree

    We suggest you check in with the local visitor center for up to date trail and road conditions before heading out: (559) 683-4636

  • This is about a 3 hour drive from Jackass Hostel. Great to visit on your way out of the hostel or to the hostel if you are traveling to or from the LA area.

    Info: Sequoia National Park

Hiking Half Dome

  • Great short trail. Recommended for sunsets/sunrises over Bass Lake and a short drive from the hostel.

    Self-interpretive .6 mile loop trail showing uses of plants among the Mono Indians. (Some signs missing/defaced). Features nice views of Bass Lake.

    For more information visit Hikespeak.com

  • The Willow Creek trail is / Angel Falls is a 3.1 mile loop along a stunning water way and is one of our FAVORITES.

    You’ll pass great views, and lots of swimming holes. Please remember not to swim above the falls! This trail is rated dangerous in certain seasons.

    This is a BUSY trail. We recommend getting there early or hiking on weekdays instead of weekends.

    For more info: Willow Creek Trail

  • Short and sweet with big reward located in the Sierra National Forest.

    Approximately 1 hour drive from Jackass Hostel

    Where: Sierra National Forest
    Distance: 1.8 miles
    Difficulty: Easy to moderate
    Elevation Range: 7,184′ – 7,503′

    For trail details see the full article here: Hiking Up To Fresno Dome

    We suggest you check in with the local visitor center for up to date trail conditions: (559) 683-4636

  • The Lewis Creek National Scenic Trail to Corlieu Falls and Red Rock Falls is a 3.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail.

    Located about 25 miles (30 min drive) from Jackass Hostel. This trail features waterfalls, beautiful spring flora and is rated as moderate. Best hiked from March until November.

    For trails details see: Lewis Creek National Recreation Trail

    We suggest you check in with the local visitor center for up to date trail conditions: (559) 683-4636

Hikes Nearest the Hostel

Day Hikes in Yosemite

  • Located about 33 miles (53 km) from Jackass Hostel inside the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park in Wawona, Chilnualna Falls is an awesome day hike.

    Where: Yosemite National Park
    Distance: 8.4 miles (13.5 km) with options to go farther
    Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
    Elevation Range: 4,171′ – 6,340′
    Elevation Gain: 2,148′

    For trail details see the full article: Hiking Up Chilnualna Falls

  • Start in Yosemite Valley. Explore along The Mist trail.

    Where: Yosemite National Park
    Distance: 9.29 Miles (15 km)
    Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
    Elevation Range: 3,992′ – 6,044′
    Elevation Gain: 2,845′

    For trail details see full article: Looped Hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls

  • The hike of all days hikes. Rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is an icon. This super challenging hike requires planning ahead PLUS, you will need a permit to summit.

    Be prepared more info: Hike Half Dome

    Apply for Half Dome Permit

  • A stunning trail along the tallest waterfall in North America. This challenging hike gains about 3,00 feet in 3 miles offering panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome.

    For more detailed info: Hiking Guy Yosemite Falls

    Plus check out this live view: Yosemite Falls Live View

Go Backpacking

  • You’ll need a permit to backpack in Yosemite. Apply here: Yosemite Backpacking Permit

  • A permit is required to backpack in the Sierra National Forest and Ansel Adams Wilderness. You can attain a permit along with maps and up to date information at the Bass Lake Ranger District Office.

    Phone: 559-877-2218

    Address: 57002 Road 225 North Fork, CA 93643

    We recommend you contact before your trip to check road conditions. Some roads have been closed due past wildfires.

  • We are gathering recommendations and will be sharing soon.