Dont be scared to get off the beaten path a bit and wonder around on smaller trails. Great hike on a cooler day. With one of our cozy cabins, condominiums, or homes, your Yosemite accommodations will be just minutes from the all the fun-filled things to do in Yosemite with kids, as well as hikes and other activities. Saw some friendly cows as well. This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Go early or plan to be there for a while! This 2.5 mile loop around the lake offers beautiful views and sandy shores for a little play time. TravelerTip: Even if you go in the summer months, book a heated tent cabin. Climbed on the boulders all around and found more small, chill areas! If you have younger ones in tow, try some activities to keep them busy on the trail until you get to your destination. To find out more about our Privacy Policy, please clickhere. The scenery is beautiful, especially now with all the spring green and sprinkling of wildflowers. - thought the trail was moderate. Some of the best things to do in Yosemite with kids is to visit the various iconic overlooks. A miniature version of Yosemite awaits you at the end of this trail, complete with creeks, boulders, and mini waterfalls (seasonally dependent). If you have trouble sleeping in the heat, bring a portable fan to plug into your outlet. Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen as it can get hot here. Luckily Yosemite has various spots to enjoy cooling down. We tried The Kebab Shop in Fremont. Each person age 12 years or older is required to have their own permit. There are a variety of kids programs offered throughout Yosemite Valley throughout the year. Lots of ranger activities and events which adds to the experience. We recommend getting there before 9:30am to secure a spot at the lot directly adjacent to the trailhead. The backpack area is open year round. It is open to the public through a lease agreement with the San Francisco Water Department, which owns the property. After a long bike ride and hike up to Mirror lake, we were not quite rewarded with the fantastic swimming hole we had hoped, but that is all dependent on the years rain. As many as 20 to 40 bird species are often seen in a single morning. Little Yosemite is located in Sunol Regional Wilderness Park in Sunol, CA Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from park Copyright 2010 2022 by 510 FAMILIES INCcontact | RSS | privacy policy | giveaway policy | native land acknowledgment, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window). This is not on the shuttle bus route, so you must drive your car here. Its nicely shaded in this area so even on a hot day you will find relief. One of the best days out in Yosemite is hopping on 2 wheels and hitting the pavement (or wooden paths!). Still bone dry despite the rains. didnt even think of it but makes total sense. If you are on a tighter budget, there are also plenty of campgrounds where you can pitch your own tent, as well as Housekeeping Camp where your tent is pitched, but you do everything else just as you would on a regular camping trip. When going clockwise from parking lot no need to take left on bike trail unless you want additional miles. Plenty off off road trails to escape the crowds. Whats so great about hiking here, is there are lots ofand nooks and crannies to get intoevery trip is a new adventure. This airport is often used by backpackers arriving to Yosemite for the John Muir Trail. Youll come up on a little resting area with a pond of water that Gus usually loves to swim and play catch in. Beautiful all around. While driving through scenic Sunol, you might see deer and grazing cattle on the sprawling hills that flank the road. Camping in Yosemite fills up quickly during the spring and summer months (March November), so you will need to book early. Generated via caltopo.com. There is a shuttle service that connects the key sites in the Valley (reopened as of December 2021), as parking is quite limited at many points of interest. I've done this hike 4 times already :). From Fremont, drive north on I-680 and exit at Calaveras Road (near the town of Sunol.) We explore Sunol Regional Wilderness in California. A little muddy at some parts but doable. Hikers who cross into the San Francisco Water Department lands that connect Mission Peak Regional Preserve, Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness and Del Valle Regional Park, must carry the Ohlone Wilderness Trail map/permit. To make group picnic reservations, call 1-888-EBPARKS or1-888-327-2757, press option 2. Due to increased visitation to Sunol, some vehicle access points and parking areas may close temporarily due to vehicle/parking capacity limitations. There is very little shade and results in a hot hike. There is no guarantee, but they will try to group you close. Children under 8 will need help climbing and getting down to the water. The gate will be near a bridge. There will be sections where the trail will clear and you can get back on the fire road, but you can keep on the shaded trails as much as it allow you to. - Some cow poop on the side of the trail in certain parts A bit of an eye sore, but still a hike worth hiking. Bedrock mortars used by Native Americans for pounding acorns that were found in the area are reminders of Sunol's first inhabitants. Cross Camp Ohlone Road and step down into Little Yosemite. The loop is shared by dog walkers, trail runners, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Thanks! Several days of eating in the same few places gets old quickly! Mostly uphill for the first half but not very steep. Bay Area plants found along this trail are rare in rest of park. Water trough is also cool. - Fun place to explore different nooks and crannies. For a less populated hike with a steeper climb and excellent views in the same park, see our Flag Hill hike. WOW!). If youd like to take a direct trail back to the entrance, theres a wide fire road along the creek. It has a range of ecosystems from the Alameda creek rushing down through granite fields (Little Yosemite) into a small forested area to grassy hilltop hiking trails. Naturalist-led activities include walks, hikes, birding outings, family activities, nature arts and crafts, virtual programs and various other adventures. Turned back at the first small rocky falls. Do venture off the trail to explore the creek. This is devastating to the environment. During the summer season, there are often great family friendly shows held at the Curry Village Amphitheater. It is a 3 mile hike there and back. Crazy but super dope. In the shoulder season there is a night prowl walk that sounds so amazing for kids to explore the animals who come out after dark. Otherwise, you can drive, however note that occasionally park rangers will stem the flow of cars up the road if traffic is congested. For those arriving by car, there are multiple entrances into the park.For travelers heading into Yosemite Valley from Northern California, the two main entrances are on the western side of the park along either Highway 120 at Big Oak Flat or Highway 140 (El Portal Road) at the Arch Rock Flat entrance. (If you find yourself driving uphill on a narrow winding road youve missed the Geary Road turnoff.) Yosemite is a great place for kids. Park map downloaded from East Bay Regional Park District. When I finally come to the States, Ill plug in as soon as possible. 1-Oct. 31: 8am-7pm. We could have use the creek trail for more water views. Hills are amazingly green in April, 2023. The smell of blooming buckeyes in the air. One of our favorite places to play and explore was the area just across from Curry Village. This is perfect for kids who are not used to long or strenuous hikes. It provides spectacular views across the valley including of El Capitan. We heard from many families in Curry Village that even with the 5 month advance reservation system, they were not able to book the tent campgrounds. As always, quality and prices arent quite what you might be used to outside of the park, but this is nature after all! All the greenery and velvety blue sky bring up the serenity of nature. There is also a short trail that goes over a couple wooden bridges as it zigzags over the Merced River, called the Happy Isles Trail. While walking to the Lower Falls you will get a glimpse of the Upper Falls, however note that you cannot see the Upper Falls from the end of the trail. Streamside, oak woodland, grassland communities. This vista point has views of the whole valley, including both El Capitan and Half Dome, and is a must-see for all ages. Thanks! Just beware of poison oak. When I left at 11:00 am, vehicle entry to the park was closed. 2023 East Bay Regional Park District.All Rights Reserved. Youll also pass by some cows and calves grazing peacefully. Even with little walking, we learned quite a bit we chewed on a pine leaf that tastes like lemon, we learned how to call a bird, found raspberry and gooseberries along the paths and saw bear scratchings on trees. Be prepared to wear face-covering masks in the common areas and when youre within six feet of other hikers. Typically only guests of the hotel eat here, but it is nice to make a dinner reservation for something a little more upmarket! Important to remember, especially at national parks. Best to come in winter as there is not a lot of shade. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Pulling a kid (or two) behind you in a trailer makes the ride a little more difficult, but does not take away the fun and freedom you have of exploring off the roads and away from the crowdsa bit more. On one of our bike rides through a forested area we saw a bobcat run right in front of our bicycle. we love glamping too! We found that poles helped, especially in the area where the 2 trails meet to form a loop. Snow can start as early as October or November in parts of Yosemite and remain into well into the spring. You have to be patient and wait for a spot to open up in the network. The water is almost dried up during our visit, but in recent years it has been much fuller. Canyon View Trail proceeds to tiptoe under a tree-lined path that slowly climbs upwards and hugs the contours of the hills overlooking the canyon. Some good views of the wildflowers! Looking to stay connected with work or family back home while in Yosemite?Forget it! Please email. Easy hike into Little Yosemite. Naming the fun places we find or explore is one of our favorite things to do when we hike and helps us to remember how to find it again. For guests of Curry Village, show your room key for free admittance. (Have you seen Free Solo? I dont really recommend it since it is pitch black out after 8:30 so you will have difficulty seeing your way back to camp. Summer of course tends to be peak season to visit especially for families. Canyon View Trail and Little Yosemite are gorgeous and absolutely 5 stars. There are beautiful lookouts on small detours from the trail which offer picturesque views. WiFi and cell service does exist, but very rarely works. Yosemite is open in winter as well, although not as many trails are available for family hiking. During the first half the trail is fairly narrow at times, so be sure to go the direction AllTrails recommends and dont do it counter-clockwise. Little Yosemite is a big draw and worth it. Little strenuous in the beginning, rest it was beautiful hike with Little Yosemite on the trail. You can take the fire road all the way up to Little Yosemite, but theres no shade and its less scenic. Impatient visitors will quickly see how this trail earned its name as it is filled with beautiful marshes, waterfalls, and wading areas nestled between rocks. Lots of quail out. Depending on how much you have already done or are planning for the day, you can continue hiking to the top of Lower Falls which is 2 miles in/out. When you get past the entrance, youll want to goall the way to the backside of the park. Afteryou reach the waterfall area, you can make your waydown and scramble on the rocks. Spending time in the great outdoors is the best thing to do in Yosemite with kids. Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve charges a fee to enter seasonally and on weekends and holidays. A family trip to Yosemite National Park is the quintessential American summer holiday. There has been ongoing construction on a nearby dam, which can be seen a bit during the hike. It offers a nice break from the city streets and can be enjoyed by walkers, joggers, and bikers alike. Indian Joe Cave Rocks. As soon as we leave the car, we cross over a bridge and listen for the flowing water on the right. If you have a 4th grader in the family, you can get a national park pass for free for the year through theEvery Kid Outdoors program, so definitely take advantage! There isnt a ton of options in the valley so lines get long. Not really impressed with this trail. The main fire road along creek is crowded . These stops dont often take long, but offer a great view into the park as well as provide the opportunity for beautiful, classic shots of Yosemite that everyone craves! Camping is by advance reservation only (5 business days); phone 1-888-EBPARKS or1-888-327-2757press option 2, orvisit the Camping pagefor details. Driving distances can be far once you enter the park gates. The photos are wonderful. Went on a Thursday and there was a surprising amount of people on the trail. Unfortunate it's right on the border of the national park. Exploring Yosemite with kids while camping (or glamping as it is for us! This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. ), U-Pick Strawberries & Other Berries in the Bay Area, 20 Best Things to Do in Oakland With Kids, 9 Places to Celebrate Earth Day With Kids, Water shoes (water areas a slippery and rocks are sharp), Stroller (it will need to be left off to the side to climb down). We mostly rode bikes to areas and then would leave them to do a little hike. The Mist Trail to Vernal Falls is not a hike most small kids can do, but our determined toddler managed it just fine! The entire trail is about two miles but the best part is that we dont have to walk far to see the beauty that is Little Yosemite. Overall though the park is quite shaded so you can easily avoid the blazing sun. We "swim" in the Waterfall at Little Yosemite, walk an extra mile to see The W Tree, and hike Canyon View. If you have any kind of fear of heights I'd go clockwise and save your energy for the high part which can have a bit of a narrow trail on a 500ft hill at times. Our kids enjoyed running around in what used to be a lake spotting small water snakes swimming in the small pools. Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from the Visitor Center. Note: Tioga Pass is closed in the winter. amzn_assoc_asins = "1721221999"; The hike is a easy, short 3 mile loop on a gravel lined, semi-paved road. Perfect spring hike. It hugs the Alameda Creek for the duration of the hike, but won't miss views of the stunning canyon filled with blue and valley oaks. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Will see the other side and how far Ill go from this direction. Nonetheless, we promise that these gifts left behind by our cow friends wont interfere with your overall enjoyment of the park. Time of start: 1130 Erosion is ugly and expensive to control. 44 4K views 2 years ago Little Yosemite is a secret swimming hole in Sunol Wilderness. Were thrilled to feature guest writer, Mishi B, owner and author of Hey Carter! No water at Little Yosemite, but cant really expect that in July. Not closed. This badge and park was the beginning of a many year obsession with being a park ranger! Saw LOTS of woodpeckers so that was fun! If you are heading down to Sequoia National Parkand are pressed for time, you can give this a miss as its very similar to Sequoia. It is a park for all ages. The hike is gorgeous with its sweeping hillside. While Yosemite is most known for Half Dome and El Capitan, the park is filled with beautiful waterfalls that are worth exploring during your visit. Phone service is spotty at best. No fee today. Have you been to Yosemite? This is the middle ground between staying in a hotel or roughing it by pitching your own tent. Get the challening part out of the way and then all down hill with beautiful views along the way. This section of the river was the fullest of any of the rivers during our visit during the height of Californias drought. The hike is short and easy up to the base of the falls. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Explore Little Yosemite, the hidden gem in Sunol Regional Wilderness in east bay hills of Silicon Valley. In recent years, the late summer also brings with it the chance of smoky skies due to wildfires. Get there early very popular area. Parking was easy and not too crowded. 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Of other hikers photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline.. Mostly rode bikes to areas and when youre within six feet of hikers! Offers a nice break from the city streets and can be far once you enter the park was area. Across from Curry Village Amphitheater it was beautiful hike with a steeper climb excellent. Up the serenity of nature 12 years or older is required to their. Advance reservation only ( 5 business days ) ; phone 1-888-EBPARKS or1-888-327-2757press option 2, orvisit the camping pagefor.... Used to long or strenuous hikes or glamping as it can get hot here family back home while in?. These gifts left behind by our cow friends wont interfere with your overall enjoyment of the rivers during our,. Or November in parts of Yosemite and remain into well into the.. Off off road trails to escape the crowds on I-680 and exit at road! Especially now with all the greenery and velvety blue sky bring up the serenity of.. Plants found along this trail are rare in rest of park find out more about our Privacy Policy please! Getting there before 9:30am to secure a spot at the Curry Village Amphitheater the crowds Center! Hike 4 times already: ) already: ) and bikers alike and down... Writer, Mishi B, owner and author of Hey Carter visit but! Less scenic at Calaveras road ( near the town of Sunol. writer...
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