Last April, we decided to take our kids, who were then 3.5 and 1.5, to Yosemite National Park and had a wonderful experience. Yosemite is scenic, a convenient drive from Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, and offers a range of adventures for any age. Here is what we learned, including some tips.
WHEN TO GO
In terms of weather, summer is a fantastic time to visit Yosemite. However, the biggest drawback can be the large crowds during the high season when visitors from across the country and the world visit. Fall and spring can be less crowded but less predictable regarding weather. I have yet to visit in the winter, and while it would be beautiful, I don’t think our children at this age (under 5) would enjoy it quite the same. We found our visits in fall and spring peaceful, and we were less concerned about lines and general traffic.
GETTING TO YOSEMITE VALLEY
I highly recommend visiting Yosemite Valley with young children, as it is a convenient road trip. The Valley offers lots of food and lodging nearby with shuttles. Depending on where in Monterey or Santa Cruz counties you are located, it’s about a 4.5-hour drive without traffic. Once you are there, you can park your car and not drive again until it’s time to go home if you choose to walk and use the shuttles.
On your drive to Yosemite, make sure you make a stop at the Merced Fruit Barn. It’s on the way and an excellent spot for young children to get a break and play. It has food, clean bathrooms, and an assortment of animals. In addition, it splits the drive almost evenly (if you’re heading to Yosemite Valley, about 2 hours on either end from the Merced Fruit Barn) and has a few gas stations nearby where you can fill up too.
If you are driving in the summer or on a long spring or fall weekend, consider leaving early in the day to beat weekend traffic. If you have children who get squirmy in the car, they’ll appreciate not having to sit in traffic, particularly at the park entrance.
If you are traveling with a grandparent, consider taking advantage of the Senior Pass to enter the park. A lifetime pass is available for $80, a pass for one-year is $20 for those over 62. The pass entitles the pass owner and up to three adults to enter national parks for free.
WHERE TO STAY
Staying in the park is well worth it, especially with young children. If you need a midday break, your lodging is right there. You also avoid traffic entering and exiting the park, which we noticed daily. We booked our travel plans about nine months in advance. When we booked, a range of options was available at The Ahwahnee, Curry Village, and Yosemite Valley Lodge for our family of 4 that did not involve camping or unheated tents. If you are going with a large group, book earlier.
Here are your in-park lodging options with pros and cons:
The Ahwahnee
Majestic is a great descriptor for The Ahwahnee. It’s breathtaking and full of history. The rooms are older and might be due for some upkeep, but this felt like a luxury hotel.
Tip: If you are a guest staying at the hotel, you can make reservations at the restaurant in advance, which I highly recommend. It’s a beautiful dining room and quite the treat at the end of a long day.
Curry Village
Curry Village is the most rustic feeling. The accommodations are canvas tents and cabins. This is an excellent location if you have a large group or want a more nature-focused lodging experience.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Yosemite Valley Lodge feels like a standard, average hotel. The buildings are short (two floors), and the rooms are 2 Queen beds. The location has more food options, a store, and bike rentals.
You can rent bikes and bike trailers for smaller kids here. We fit both kids in one trailer and biked Cook’s Meadow Loop, frequently stopping to admire the views. Even so, it was not a long or overly challenging bike ride. It was much better than carrying the kids when tired, and they loved riding in the carriage.
If you cannot book early and are traveling with a small group (like a family of 4), regularly check the website the month before, as the cancellation policy says to cancel seven days in advance for free. Usually, a few (non-camping) last-minute options open up.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN YOSEMITE VALLEY
Here’s what we explored with our young children:
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. This was a great, easy walk. Our general experience has been that this was the busiest of all the trails but a good one. Seeing these waterfalls up close and far away on a well-maintained, minimal-elevation trail was a special treat for our kids.
Mirror Lake Loop (we did the out and back, not the full loop)
We made Mirror Lake harder than it should have been. We accidentally strayed onto a more challenging trail, so we had to double back before doing the out and back. Mirror Lake offers a beautiful view, which is quite different and more serene than the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. The last portion of the trail has an elevation (uphill on the way there), so be prepared to motivate kids to keep going. We brought snacks and took breaks. Our goal was to do as little carrying of the littles as possible.
Cook’s Meadow Loop. As mentioned earlier, we biked this, which was a highlight for the whole family. Elevation was insignificant, and the paths were wide and relatively easy to bike, even while pulling a kid bike trailer.
I hope your experience with your family is wonderful. Most importantly, savor exploring nature and making memories at the beautiful Yosemite Valley together.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Check nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/valleyhikes.htm before heading out to see what trails are open. You can also view the available trails with difficulty ratings to plan your trip, find links to downloadable apps, and find park services on social media. You can also download maps ahead of time or pick up hard copies in case you lose reception.
Denise Green has worked in education for over a decade, specializing in mathematics pedagogy and professional development. She, her husband, and their two children reside in the sunny hills off Highway 68.