A Brief History of the Narrow Gauge Inn

Built in1952, originally named the Swiss Melody Inn, the Narrow Gauge Inn was built by Swedish immigrants, Rudy and Luce Stauffer. The Stauffer family also purchased and restored the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. The railroad remains in operation to this day and is easily accessible by a walking trail that joins the two properties. The Stauffer’s eventually sold the Narrow Gauge Inn to focus on the railroad operation. The second owner George Cordingly renamed the inn, Narrow Gauge Inn to honor the neighboring railroad. Mr. Cordingly also added the restaurant to the property and brought fine dining in a rustic mountain lodge atmosphere to the Fish Camp area. In 1990 Mr. Cordingly purchased the 1952 fire truck built by the Four Wheel Drive Auto Co., following the restoration of the firetruck it was placed in it’s garage here on the property for guests to enjoy. Although the Narrow Gauge Inn has gone through several ownership changes it remains a quaint and peaceful place to relax and enjoy the serenity of the forest. The Narrow Gauge Inn is family owned and operated by the Venkat family. We are not part of a franchise or large corporation. When you telephone or email the inn, you are speaking directly with us and we are grateful you chose us for your visit to the area.