Entire home

Yosemite Gateway/HorseRanch Cottage/Outdoor SoakingTub & Shower/Scenic Views

Photo gallery for Yosemite Gateway/HorseRanch Cottage/Outdoor SoakingTub & Shower/Scenic Views

Property grounds
Smart TV, books, stereo
Property grounds
Exterior
1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Escape to RoundHat Ranch, a serene retreat nestled in the pastoral Catheys Valley. Unwind with an outdoor soaking tub and shower or stroll along tree-lined trails, taking in the sights and sounds of this idyllic ranch. With private fenced areas, arbor patios, a BBQ area with patio furniture under mature Oak trees.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroomSleeps 264 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Hot Tub
  • Air conditioning
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Yosemite Gateway/HorseRanch Cottage/Outdoor SoakingTub & Shower/Scenic Views

If you want to detach from your everyday life and/or the crowds in Yosemite, a respite, a retreat to recharge at RoundHat Ranch is a natural remedy for you, replete with Outdoor Soaking Tub and Outdoor Shower for added relaxation.
A RoundHat Ranch stay is a great addition to your Yosemite vacation experience. Located in the pastoral Catheys Valley, an area of large and small ranches, 2.7 miles off State Hwy 140 (the only all-weather route to Yosemite, and parallels the route of discovery of the Yosemite Valley along the Merced River Gorge by Indians, explorers, and miners).
The 'Cottage' is nestled within the ranch, having its own private fenced area. You can move about the ranch along the many tree-lined trails, seeing the animals, and taking in the sights, sounds, and feel of the ranch.
The Cottage has been designed, both inside and out, for an intimate and serene experience for its guests
The Ranch has a full-time owner/manager living at the Ranch Headquarters and can answer any questions you might have during your stay.
RoundHat Ranch has a no pets, no children, 1-2 ADULTS ONLY (21 and over) rental policy due to liability issues concerning the horses and other animals on the Ranch. The policy does allow us to not charge a Security Deposit.

From RoundHat Ranch, it is 3.3 miles to restaurant, gas, and convenience store at the Catheys Valley crossroads at Highway 140 and Hornitos Rd., then it is 10 scenic miles to the historic mining town of Mariposa, another 12 scenic miles later, you enter the spectacular Merced River Gorge (this is the beginning of your Yosemite experience) traveling along the river (Hwy 140) straight into Yosemite Valley. The Arch, West Yosemite Park Entrance (beginning of the Valley), is 45 miles from the ranch, but be advised the scenic beauty may cause you to stop, observe, or linger along the way, so, time to Yosemite Valley varies.

RoundHat Ranch Cottage is 1 bedroom with queen-size bed, 1 bath with shower, and additional outside shower.
There is outside the cottage, within the private fenced area, shade-cloth covered arbor patios, a roof covered all weather patio with double chair swing, cement table with inlaid chess/checker board, fountain, outdoor shower with stall and dressing area, propane BBQ, Chaise lounges, patio furniture all shaded by large mature Oak trees.

Inside the Cottage the 1 bedroom is appointed with things related to the ranch and Yosemite, and a Queen size bed w/ linens, blankets, comforter, futon chair/bed and ceiling fans.
The Cottage has Satellite TV, WiFi internet access, full bath w/shower with large multi-setting shower head, soap, towels.
The kitchen has microwave, refrigerator, 2 burner electric stove top, large kitchen sink, peninsula island cabinet, coffeemaker, some seasonings, cookware, utensils, plates, bowls, cups, and dining table.
Living room has sofa, love seat, captains chair w/footstool in Mission-style furniture, and ceiling fan.
The heating and air conditioning is a Fujitsu split system that both heats or cools to the set temperature and is very quiet.
There is some reading material and games.
The utility room has a washer and dryer, extra bathroom and kitchen supplies, and an ironing board, iron, and hair dryer.


Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Outdoor shower
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: NO SMOKING INDOORS Smoking is allowed outside

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Property does not allow children
  • Unit size: 684 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items and take out the trash
Turn off the lights
Turn off heating or air conditioning
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

Please do not clean.except as necessary
Checkout without cleaning

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

This property does not allow children
Note from host: RoundHat Ranch breeds

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
NO SMOKING INDOORS Smoking is allowed outside

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Yosemite Gateway Cottage/roundhat Horse Ranch/views/ House
Yosemite Gateway Cottage/roundhat Horse Ranch/views

About the neighborhood

Located in Catheys Valley, this cottage is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Wassama Round House State Historic Park and Bagby Recreation Area, while California State Mining and Mineral Museum and Mariposa Museum and History Center are cultural highlights. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Catheys Valley, CA

What's nearby

  • California State Mining and Mineral Museum - 26 min drive - 20.6 km
  • Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch - 28 min drive - 27.8 km
  • Mariposa County's Old Stone Jail - 29 min drive - 29.6 km
  • Mariposa County Visitor Center - 29 min drive - 26.0 km
  • Mariposa County Courthouse - 30 min drive - 26.0 km

Getting around

  • Mariposa, CA (RMY-Mariposa-Yosemite) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tap Room - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Lighthouse Market & Cafe - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪The Oasis - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Ranch House Cafe - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Krispy Krunchy Chicken - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Yosemite Gateway/HorseRanch Cottage/Outdoor SoakingTub & Shower/Scenic Views pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Yosemite Gateway/HorseRanch Cottage/Outdoor SoakingTub & Shower/Scenic Views?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Yosemite Gateway/HorseRanch Cottage/Outdoor SoakingTub & Shower/Scenic Views?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Yosemite Gateway/HorseRanch Cottage/Outdoor SoakingTub & Shower/Scenic Views located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 16 mi (25 km) of California State Mining and Mineral Museum, Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch, and Windows on the World Books and Art. Mariposa County's Old Stone Jail and Mariposa County Courthouse are also within 20 mi (32 km).

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Reviews

Yosemite Gateway/HorseRanch Cottage/Outdoor SoakingTub & Shower/Scenic Views Reviews

10

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

10

Staff & service

8.0

Eco-friendliness

10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 204 out of 207 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 207 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 207 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 207 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 207 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jianzhong

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the landscape and the owners’ good taste and efforts in decorating the cottage. It’s clean and comfortable. Loved the backyard with swing and outdoor tub. More importantly, we love the host’s warm welcome and flexibility to help us checking in earlier. All were great! We enjoyed our stay there fully.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tayah B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical Getaway

An absolutely beautiful property/ kind and helpful management.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lauryn Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sweet getaway

This was such a great stay. The house is super cozy and bed very comfy. We loved the outdoor soaking tub and wandering around checking out all the animals. Just beautiful! I would definitely stay here again
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cindy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent in every way

Must see to appreciate. The country setting is great. The animals & wildlife are very relaxing. Got to converse with the owners who are truly great people. Can’t wait to stay again hopefully later this year.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cameron D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic!

The place was cozy and very peaceful! We loved every minute of our stay, and Steve was also very friendly and helpful. Thanks so much!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kyle R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This might be the best VRBO we’ve ever stayed in. The cottage was absolutely charming—super clean, cozy, and stocked with everything we needed for a comfortable long weekend near Yosemite. The location was incredibly convenient—just a short drive to the park, making it the perfect home base for exploring. It’s an ideal getaway spot for couples looking for a peaceful, romantic escape. Check-in was seamless, and communication with the hosts was prompt and helpful. One of the highlights was spending time with the friendly horses and donkeys on the property—such a unique and memorable touch. We’ll definitely be coming back and will gladly recommend this gem to any friends or family visiting Yosemite!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rob & Summer A., Saint Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay - 2nd Visit

Such a cute/amazing place on the ranch, so much fun to stay there and close to town and Yosemite This is our second time staying here, thanks again for your hospitality, Stephen & Gayle!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ye L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ranch

It’s been a great experience staying at the ranch. Very peaceful and quiet place and the host is very friendly and welcoming.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mjraid24

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home

Our stay at this beautiful ranch was absolutely perfect! The property is stunning, with breathtaking views, charming animals, and a peaceful atmosphere that made it hard to leave. The location is ideal—close enough to Yosemite for easy day trips, yet far enough to enjoy the quiet serenity of the countryside. The owners were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. This is truly a hidden gem, and we can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful!

We had a wonderful stay! It was the most peaceful vacation I’ve ever had. The hosts were great, the attention to detail was amazing, and the animals on the property were a huge bonus. We would love to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca H., Annapolis, Maryland USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Delightful Stay!

We had a comfortable and peaceful stay at Roundhat Ranch Cottage. The house is very comfortable and the hosts were extremely accommodating. It is a bit of a drive to get to Yellowstone, but we prefer to be away from the crowds, so this place was just perfect for us.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

CRAIG S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfection!!

Wow - what can I say, this place is amazing. We stayed for 3 nights explored Yosemite and surrounding area, if you want a perfect location with amazing host’s I can’t recommend this place highly enough, it takes approx 1.30hrs to get into the park, but the drive is easy and scenery is amazing…The cottage is exactly as described and so far our favourite location whilst touring around the area.If we ever come back to visit the area, we will definitely be back…1st rate 👌
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marco B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Ranch Ever in Cathey’s Valley

Oh my goodness , this place is absolutely amazing The cleanliness, amenities , its all you can have Its quiet and you can walk around the ranch and see tons if animals ( cows , horses , rabbits , donkeys and birds ) We love the patio where you can lay down and rest after visiting Yosemite park Communication was awesome and I would describe this paradise as a 6/5
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

aly W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Yosemite visit

Charming piece of property
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tyler D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Spot

Very nice, comfortable and secluded. 10/10
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Zach R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

My girlfriend loved this place

I booked the Roundhat Ranch Cottage as a surprise for my girlfriend who loves farm animals. It was beautiful. The outdoor shower and tub are perfect after a long day hiking. Super relaxing and great spot to get out of town to.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise!

The Round Hat Cottage is just an amazing place to stay. Look forward to returning on our next trip to Yosemite. Thank you Steve for letting us enjoy your piece of paradise. The pictures do not actually capture how beautiful the cottage and area is - so be prepared to enjoy your stay.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lauren G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The perfect getaway

Man where to start! This place was unbelievably comforting to us. We have been on a month long roadtrip for our honeymoon and of all the places we stayed this was by far our favorite. I felt like I was at home it was so nice. Thanks so much!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Yosemite visit

The Cottage was exactly as advertised, it was appointed with everything needed for a comfortable stay and the pictures showed the property accurately. We couldn’t have asked for a better host and stay for our Yosemite visit. Enjoyed talking with Steve and Gayle.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joni P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Yosemite Get Away

Isolated charming ranch cottage for 2. Hosts Gayle & Stephen friendly & accessible if needed. Fun to walk around & see the horses, donkeys, mule, & other animals on site. Quiet & relaxing, comfortable retreat site with outdoor patio & great view of stars at night. 25 min drive from Mariposa & 1hr to Yosemite entrance.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charlene G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay. Would come back.

Immaculate in cleanliness. Great decor and attention to detail. Thoughtful hosts. Fast response from hosts. Sweet animals on the premises.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfort on the ranch

Wonderful place, just as described. Very comfortable and relaxing after full days in the park. The drive to and from the park is about 40 miles but the drive is beautiful and Mariposa down the road is a fun town to stop and have a beer or something to eat on the way back. Once you get back you will forget about the drive. Great amenities including the outdoor shower and covered patio. We loved it!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gabby M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Farm Getaway!

This was a lovely place with basically no neighbors and tons of animals, both domestic and wildlife. We saw everything from horses and donkeys to owls and even a bobcat! Overall if you enjoy rural living, you will LOVE this place. I really can’t say enough good things about it.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nelson O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Cottage on the Ranch

Stayed here while working at U Merced for a week. This place has everything you need and so much nicer than a hotel. BBQ on my own patio, nice furniture, really comfy bed and excellent wifi and tv. Can say hello to the many animals each morning and all the rabbits running around. Hosts were very friendly and gave me my privacy. Highly recommend for anyone staying in the area. Many Thanks !
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was beautiful and clean. There is no cell phone service, so it is recommended to print out a map to the property, because GPS went out before we could reach the property.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019