I LOVE YOSEMITE ANY TIME OF THE YEAR. My husband introduced me to Yosemite decades ago when we used to rock climb. Our climbing days are long gone, but sharing Yosemite with our kids is even more magical!
We are fortunate that Yosemite is approximately four hours from Monterey County, allowing us to visit one of our country’s top national parks over a long weekend. Of course, Yosemite is incredibly large, and there is so much to see and do that it would take much longer than a long weekend to see it all.
That said, if you want to share Yosemite with the family, you can see a lot over a weekend with some planning. When I suggest a first trip to Yosemite, I recommend taking Highway 41 into the Valley. Most of those iconic views can be seen when you take this South Entrance and head into the park, and you get to experience so much of what Yosemite has to offer.
WAWONA
I have been to Yosemite dozens of times, and it was only last year that I explored the Wawona area. I had been missing something big. If you leave the Monterey area early and go through the south entrance using Highway 1, you can stop at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza and visit the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. The plaza is just past the formal entrance and, in my opinion, is the best place to start exploring Yosemite. There are no food options here, but if you bring lunch, you can have a picnic, explore the plaza, and take the shuttle to the big trees. Unfortunately, the Mariposa Grove Museum is temporarily closed for restoration, but tons of trails and information are available on the paths.
You will need to catch a shuttle to the Grove. Once there, you have so many options for seeing the giant sequoias. If you have little ones, you will not be disappointed with the Big Trees Loop (0.3 miles) or the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail (2 miles), both relatively flat and easy, perfect for younger explorers. There is also a wonderful 7-mile loop if your family members are seasoned hikers and have the time.
There are limited options for staying in this area, but if you are lucky, you can stay at the Wawona Hotel, a Victorian-style hotel built in 1856. The best part of this hotel is the entertainment provided by Tom, a pianist and singer who performs most nights. He fills the lobby with songs and stories from Yosemite’s past. Even if you decide to camp or stay elsewhere, pop in for food and a drink and listen to him. You will not be disappointed.
My little one loves history. Next to the Wawona Hotel, you’ll find the Pioneer Yosemite History Center. It is an immersive experience into the days of horse-drawn wagons and rustic cabins. If you are fortunate, you will be there when the blacksmiths forge iron tools. Even if they don’t have an active program when you visit, it is worth some time; plenty of informational signs tell the stories of the people who shaped this beautiful park.
I love Yosemite’s views, and the drive from Wawona to the Valley is the best way to see Half Dome, El Capitan, and the Valley’s many waterfalls. If you go this route, you can NOT miss the Glacier Point overlook. Head toward the Valley using Wawona Road (Highway 41) and turn at Glacier Point Road. It will be out of the way but well worth it. Be warned, it is a very busy spot. This area has a gift shop and snack stand during the summer months.
If your family is interested in hiking, the area has two moderate 2.2-mile round-trip hikes. My family has done Sentinel Dome and loves the views of Half Dome from this location. The benefit of these hikes is that there are far fewer crowds for seeing the impressive Valley and domes of Yosemite.
YOSEMITE VALLEY
As you proceed down Wawona Road, you will enter the Wawona Tunnel. Just outside is Tunnel View, a spot that is on every first-time visitor’s Instagram. You don’t even have to hike to see this epic view of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall; all you need to do is pull into the overlook to get your first glimpse of the Valley, made famous by Ansel Adams.
After this view, you are so close to the Valley; there is much to see and do there. I swear you could spend weeks still only scratching the surface. I suggest your first stop be the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center, which is located next to the Village Store and was recently remodeled. It is incredible with its interactive educational kiosks, resources for all Yosemite information, and the best part: Your kids can pick up a Yosemite Junior Ranger handbook. My daughter loves the Junior Ranger program, which is a wonderful way to explore an area.
For those who like science and/or history or just want to learn more about this incredible landscape, you can visit the Yosemite Exploration Center and the Yosemite Museum. My daughter and I happened to be in Yosemite when the Exploration Center reopened, and we were blown away. It is a stunning center with interactive areas for all learning styles and abilities. We went back a few times. The Yosemite Museum was constructed 100 years ago and was the first museum in a national park. If you are lucky, Ben will be at the museum. He is a fantastic resource on the history of the Miwok people. He gave us a quick tour of the Village of Ahwanhee, located behind the museum.
I believe no visit to Yosemite is complete without a hike. You can feel the magic of this place among the trees and surrounded by incredible rock. The National Park Service has done amazing things to ensure all ability levels can enjoy the park. One example is the short hike to Lower Yosemite Falls. This trail is a one-mile hike to the bottom of the fifth-tallest waterfall in the world and is great for young kids and anyone with disabilities. For those who want to go farther up the fall, take the trail to Columbia Rock. It is just a 2-mile round trip hike but strenuous. You will get the closest you can to the base of Upper Yosemite Fall and the thousand-foot cascade of water. If you are new to Yosemite, I recommend hiking small sections of the Valley Floor Loop or heading to Mirror Lake.
For us, the trip is only complete with a visit to the Ahwanhee, a hotel within Yosemite. I still remember my son’s eyes widening the first time he walked into its Great Hall. He exclaimed that this was the Hogwarts dining hall. This is a stunning lodge and has quite the history. The last time we visited, they were remodeling, and you could only dine in the restaurant if you were staying on the property. Tip: You can still eat in the bar, which is kid-friendly. The menu has little for kids, but we love to grab a hot chocolate and take it to the dining room entrance. There are tables, incredibly comfy chairs, and a huge fireplace.
Once you decide to leave the Valley, you might head out the Arch Rock Entrance on Highway 140 toward Mariposa, which my family prefers. You will travel along the Merced River and see another beautiful landscape unfold. The main reason we love to use this exit is the stop in Mariposa, which has become a tradition for the long drive home. Happy Hamburger doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it is the kids’ favorite. The milkshakes and French fries always add smiles. For adults, head across the street to the 1850 Restaurant and Brewery. The burgers are amazing and you can try the local beer.
Yosemite is such a unique place. Millions of visitors come to the park from around the globe, and we feel blessed to live so close. There is so much to see and do; this barely scratches the surface. If you have never been to the park, I hope this inspires you to take the trip. If you have not been in a while, I recommend going even with the summer crowds. There are many new things to experience. Of course, always check the weather and be prepared. For Yosemite, also check their website; entrance into the park changes with each season. Happy exploring!
DAWN ALVA is a dedicated community member, small business owner, passionate mom, and ardent outdoors enthusiast. She thrives most when fostering connections with her kids and nature in order to make a meaningful impact in her community.