Chukchansi tribe makes an impact in California with resort and casino near Yosemite

There’s no doubt that guests can make magic visiting the majestic Yosemite National Park in Central California during the day. Amid the park’s granite cliffs, and depending on one’s tolerance for blisters, there are almost too many attractions at John Muir’s “temple to nature” to list. Whether one wants to hike a trail, climb sheer rock face, or just sightsee from the valley floor, there are towering mountains, waterfalls galore, giant Sequoia groves, wildlife, and sights to behold including Half Dome and El Capitan. But when evening falls and camping isn’t part of the plan, there is a world-class resort just 30 miles south of the park’s south entrance with comfortable and luxurious rooms, fine-dining and casual-eating options, memorable entertainment, and 73,000-square-feet of high-energy gaming action to satisfy every taste.

Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino is a destination in itself, with guests savoring time in spacious, newly remodeled rooms, many of which have sweeping valley vistas out large windows, and all featuring designer amenities and luxury linens. There is an indoor/outdoor pool, which makes the resort a very family friendly spot after a day at Yosemite; a decadent spa designed with relaxation in mind; and the award-winning Vintage Steakhouse, which has earned Wine Spectators' Restaurant Award of Excellence for three consecutive years, serving best-in-class steak, seafood, and California Wines. Other restaurants on site include the Casa de Fuego, which serves Mexican specialties and is a favorite of locals, the Noodle Bar, which transforms premium ingredients into luscious Asian delicacies and memorable sushi dishes, and Nativos, known for its stunning views of the Sierra Foothills from its open-air terrace as well as its Tiramisu Martini. For more casual fare, try Deuces or Goldfields Café. There are also six bars serving cocktails and wine.

Owned by the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino opened in 2003, and in the ensuing two decades, has become the standard-bearer for what a resort should be. With a completely refurbished hotel and conference space, it accommodates more than 130,000 guests monthly and employs more than 1,100 people.

Guests like to rave about their stays at the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino. The level of attention lavished on guests is one of the many reasons Chukchansi Gold was awarded the AAA Four Diamond designation, though guests say it feels like a five-star resort. They note that they enjoy that the resort and casino honor the Chukchansi tribe, whose people were among the first inhabitants of what is now called California. There is an emphasis placed on the traditions and culture of the Chukchansi, and that they are a federally recognized tribe – all part of efforts to keep the important Chukchansi identity alive. The tribe’s importance is reflected in warm earth-toned rooms and wooden surfaces evident throughout the property. “We work tirelessly to ensure our guests know and feel that their comfort and enjoyment is our No. 1 priority," said Deann Kamalani, Marketing Director for the resort. “As a tribe, we take pride in everything we do, from delivering one of California's most exciting gaming destinations, including our guests' favorite slots and table games, to introducing A-list musical artists in our outdoor pavilion. We're proud to offer a conference center that can accommodate events of all sizes all the while featuring stunning décor and panoramic mountain views. Tradition is important to us.”

In addition to the entertainment delivered by 2,000 slot machines and 40 table games in the casino proper, the resort also hosts some of the biggest concert names in the industry. This year, for instance, Chukchansi has already sold-out tickets for its Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners concert, and is doing brisk business for its other concerts including a June date for Flo Rida. But the Chukchansi tribe isn’t content to just run a popular resort. It is also well recognized for its generous community support. It is a proud partner of the Fresno Grizzlies and San Jose Sharks, and the casino’s Chukchansi Cares Program has donated thousands of dollars to local nonprofits annually. The casino has given nearly $20 million in charitable money to community programs and initiatives since the program was founded, and as one of Madera County’s largest employers, Chukchansi injects roughly $40 million in payroll and benefits into the local economy every year. Being a good steward of the land and a valuable community partner are important to the Chukchansi tribe. The resort and casino allow it to confidently do both.

This article was presented and sponsored by Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino. For more information, go to chukchansigold.com.