Haunted Hotels in Groveland
Nestled in the historic Gold Rush town of Groveland, California, the Groveland Hotel stands as one of the most talked-about haunted locations in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Built in 1849, this charming inn has witnessed the passage of miners, travelers, and perhaps a few lingering spirits who never checked out.
Guests and staff alike have reported flickering lights, unexplained footsteps, and the faint scent of cigar smoke believed to come from “Lyle,” a former guest whose spirit is said to remain in Room 15. Surrounded by Groveland’s old-world charm and proximity to Yosemite, this hotel offers a unique blend of history, comfort, and paranormal intrigue. A stay here promises more than rest; it may offer a brush with the supernatural.
Haunted stay options in Groveland, CA
The Groveland Hotel
Address: Hotel, 18767 Main St, Groveland, CA 95321
Phone: (209) 962-4000
Website: groveland.com
Price range: Average rate: $150–$250 per night.
Notable Paranormal Signs: Items moved inexplicably, faucets turning on/off, lights flickering, dresser drawers opening, and a spectral presence in Room 115.
History and Hauntings:
Established in 1849 as a trading post during the California Gold Rush, the original adobe structure burned down and was replaced in 1914 by the current building, which was intended to serve workers on the Hetch Hetchy dam project.
It later became a prominent hotel on the main route to Yosemite. Its enduring legacy, however, is intertwined with tales of “Lyle,” a prospector said to have died in Room 15 (now Room 115) under mysterious circumstances, some say over a card game debt, others of natural causes, possibly clutching his dynamite discovery.
Lyle is considered a mostly benevolent spirit, though particular about his room.
Guests and staff report that Lyle dislikes women’s cosmetics or clothing left on his dresser, often moving them or tidying up.
Water faucets turning on by themselves, lights flickering, and dresser drawers opening are also attributed to his presence.
Amenities: Free WiFi, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Fireplace.
Haunted Rating: 3 out of 5 Ghosts.
Best Time to Visit: Best visited during summer (Jun–Aug) for Yosemite access.
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