VOL 27 ISSUE 32, August 17, 2026
Main caption: Delaware North CEO Jerry Jacobs Jr. (third from right) is joined by several leaders from throughout Delaware North, including Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Ana Rodriguez (second from left), Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jamie Obletz (fourth from left) and Special Advisor Scott Socha (second from left).
Delaware North CEO Jerry Jacobs Jr. and other company leaders were joined by National Park Service representatives and local government officials at the Aug. 13 grand opening of Waybound Yosemite, the first location of the company’s new premium alternative lodging brand.
Waybound Yosemite, which opened to guests in June, is located near the south entrance of Yosemite National Park in Fish Camp, Calif., adjacent to Delaware North’s Tenaya at Yosemite resort. Waybound Yosemite features significant enhancements to the 50 former Explorer Cabins and clubhouse that opened in 2019 at Tenaya.
At left: Delaware North CEO Jerry Jacobs Jr. gives remarks at the grand opening of Waybound Yosemite. The celebration included a flag raising and the unveiling of a plaque. At right: Brett Archer, onsite general manager, unveils a plaque to commemorate the opening of Waybound Yosemite.
The new WayboundTM brand represents a major step to expand the company’s presence in the outdoor recreation, lodging and hospitality sector. Its launch was featured in a recent 360 story.
“Today marks the grand opening of Waybound Yosemite, the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Delaware North Parks and Resorts,” Jacobs said.
“Waybound is a new brand that represents where we see hospitality going and how we want to serve travelers seeking meaningful connections with the places they visit. We look forward to bringing the Waybound experience to more travelers while continuing to honor the places that inspire it,” Jacobs said.
The grand opening featured the unveiling of Waybound Yosemite dedication plaque, a flag-raising ceremony and celebratory toast featuring a Waybound signature sparkling beverage. Among the guests were Ray McPadden, superintendent of Yosemite National Park for the National Park Service.
“Every decision about this property was guided by respect for the surrounding environment and a commitment to thoughtful stewardship,” Jacobs said. “We recognize that places like Yosemite are treasures that must be cared for and protected for future generations.”
The two-bedroom cabins, now called The Havens, are modern and thoughtfully designed retreats that blend elevated comfort with seamless access to one of the world’s most renowned destinations. They serve as a contemporary basecamp for exploration and reflection, with spacious interiors, front porches and back patios that bring the landscape into the living space.
The Commons, created at Waybound Yosemite by greatly expanding and enhancing the former clubhouse, serves as the central hub of Waybound, operating as a center for gathering, dining and programming that embodies the brand’s service philosophy of hosting guest experiences. It includes a resort-style swimming pool and hot tub, along with lively firepits to create evening gathering spaces.
Throughout their stay, guests experience daily Waybound Moments – multisensory touchpoints designed to deepen their connection to the location and surrounding landscape.
“What excites me most is that this isn’t just a collection of cabins, it’s an experience built around connection: connection to nature, connection to the people you’re traveling with and connection to the spirit of Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada,” said Brett Archer, general manager of Waybound Yosemite and Tenaya at Yosemite. “Every element of this property was designed with that goal in mind – from The Havens to The Commons and the experiences that bring people together throughout their stay.”
Although Waybound Yosemite operates under the independent Waybound brand, guests can also enjoy full access to amenities and experiences at Tenaya at Yosemite, including the resort’s indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, saunas, fitness center, game room, on-site dining and spa.
“For millions of people, Yosemite is a destination they’ve dreamed about for years. Our hope is that Waybound Yosemite becomes the place where those adventures begin and where guests return each evening with stories they’ll remember for a lifetime,” Archer said.
Added Jacobs: “We know how special Yosemite is. We know the deep connection people feel when they visit here. Yosemite inspires awe, reflection and adventure, and those values are woven into the Waybound experience.”