Officials at Yosemite National Park confirmed that eight hundred tons of rock debris showered down behind the Ahwahnee Hotel located in the center of Yosemite Valley, the area where tourists congregate around lodging and shops before dispersing to take in the park’s many sightseeing attractions. Most of the falling rock piled up far enough from the hotel that the beautiful 123 room National Historic Landmark hotel property and its visitors were unaffected, though smaller granite pieces flew into the parking area, damaging some automobiles.
Falling rock is most common in Yosemite during the winter when changes in temperature creates ice then thaws in the rock’s fissures and the surrounding ground and exploit any weaknesses that allow gravity to put things in motion. Last fall there was a massive rock fall at another Yosemite Valley site with accommodations, Curry Village. While no one was injured during that incident, there was extensive damage to some of the cabins and the danger of future injury so obvious, that a large number of the cabins were permanently closed.
The Ahwahnee Hotel was built is 1927 in Yosemite Valley, surrounded by stunning views of Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point, and Half Dome. The natural setting and natural materials reflect several influences in design: Middle Eastern, Art Deco, Arts & Crafts, and Native American. Those influences can be seen in throughout the property in its stained glass, stone fireplaces, rich tapestries, and hand stenciled wood ceiling beams. The hotel is Yosemite’s premier accommodation in the park, offering well appointed rooms with room service, an outdoor heated pool, outdoor tennis courts, meeting rooms, as well as a bar and restaurant.
