Our Trip to Yosemite – California’s Nature Haven

Yosemite has always been one of my favorite places to visit.  Whether it be with adults or children, there is something for everyone.  For 2023 the park is open with no reservations necessary.  If you have a 4th grader make sure to download the “every kid outdoors” pass for free admission (savings of $35/car) into the park.   There are tons of websites with details about the park so I’d like to highlight ways to make the park more enjoyable for families with kids.

Getting around:

• The absolute BEST way to get around is by bike, scooter (large wheel) or e-scooter.   We did a mix of electric scooters and bikes and covered the entire valley including Mirror lake in 1 day.   You can rent bikes at the Village but they are cruiser 1 speed bikes which although adequate, are not exactly high performance bikes.  There did not appear to be any restrictions with electric scooters but if you plan one make sure it will handle at least 9 miles of run time.   The low power children’s -scooters will poop out pretty quick.   Small wheel scooters are dangerous because of all the branches and rocks on the roads.  Since many roads are shared with cars, I recommend you pack your helmets. 
• If you are on foot you will want to park in Yosemite Valley, Curry Village or roadside along Southside Drive.   Parking fills up very quick and by 9:30am during peak times all lots are full.  Text YNPTRAFFIC to 333111 to get official text alerts regarding parking from Yosemite National Park Service.   If they alert that a lot is full, it’s full and don’t bother heading to the flagged lot or you will get slammed in a traffic jam with no turning around.    Keep in mind the road is a loop so if you get stuck, there is no turning back.
• The West Valley has some AirBNB’s for rent.  it is about a 20 minute drive to the valley and is where we stayed.    There are no shops or restaurants here so if you need supplies stop by the market in the village for snacks, foods and drinks.  The market is surprising well stocked and has everything a small grocery store does.
• Camping sites fill up quick.  My previous stay was at Curry Village but this time around we booked too late and all sites were full.   The hike from the Village to Half Dome is rather brutal and a whole day affair but it is doable!  You will want to leave around 6-7am to make it back before dark.
• Download google maps of the valley area prior to arrival.  There is virtually NO reception in the park other than in the village.   Make sure you remember where you parked!!!  Don’t rely on your phone to tag a location since no reception = no map.    For groups carrying long rang walkie talkies is a good way to stay connected.   We use the Baofeng ones that you can buy on Amazon.

No hike lookouts (each with a parking lot for easy access):

• Tunnel View: The viewpoint is at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel along the Wanwona Road and can be accessed going either direction.   Parking is a bit tough but the line moves quick so be patient.   There are fantastic views of the valley as well as El Capitan and absolutely no hiking is required.   This is a MUST see. 
• Glacier Point:  This will give you the best views of Half dome.   It is about a 1 hour drive from Wawona and Yosemite Valley so plan according.   You will also need to check if the road is open since it does close in the winter.  
• El Capitan Meadow:  Located along Northside Drive.   You can see waterfalls and the valley.  Parking is roadside and can be tough so if you arrive late you will have to bike/hike there.   
• Base of El Capitan: As you enter or leave Yosemite Valley you will get spectacular views of El Capitan.  Bring some binoculars to see the climbers.   Roadside you may get lucky enough to see some deer!  Parking is plentiful so save this for the end of your day. 
• Sentinel Bridge: Iconic views up and down Merced River with views of Half Dome.   Tiny parking lot makes it a challenge but going late in the day makes for easier access.   Parking after 9am will be nearly impossible.   Everyone can take a dip in the water here but the rocky floor makes shoes a must.

Cruising around (https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/biking.htm)

• Follow this paved bikeway to cover the entire valley.  The path is very smooth, tons of shade and has access points to many hikes.   Don’t forget to pack a bike lock!   There will be tons of views of waterfalls and the meadows.   You can cut through Stoneman Bridge which will take you through the meadow if you want to cut the trail in half.    Be warned, the Sentinel Bridge path does not cut through to the Southside and will loop back to the starting point.   
• Mirror lake is a must see.   It is a road open only to walking (it’s an uphill battle), bikes or my favorite e-scooters.   The paved bath is relatively steep but very rewarding.  There are multiple lakes at the top including the iconic Mirror Lake picture spot.   The lake is a good area for swimming, playing or rock jumping but be warned,  the water  is cold cold cold!  Did I mention the water is COLD?! 

Things to do:

• Wawona Swinging Bridge:  This is a relatively easy hike with a short swinging bridge.  They claim it is 0.75 miles round trip but I think it is closer to 1.5 miles.  Either way it is very flat and easy but since it is a dirt road, foot traffic only.   There is a dirt lot with bathrooms at the trailhead.   This is a great place to swim with crystal clear water.  The water does get deep so vest up the little ones if they are going in.   Pack some snacks and make a picnic out it since once you get there, you will not want to leave!     There is the Wanwona General Store about 2 miles up the road if you want to pick up some goodies for the picnic.    
• Rafting down Merced River:  https://www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/rafting/   This was one of our favorite activities.  It is a very safe and sturdy ride down the Merced River with a bus ride back to the top.   Rentals are booked quick so reserve it early once you arrive to the park.   The bookings can be made at the Curry Village Tour and Activieis Kiosk.   Operations stop Aug 31st, 2023 so this would be for 2024 if you plan ahead.   The 3 mile float down the river can hold up to 4 passengers and is $30.50 per person.  

Tips:

• Get a 4th Grader pass for free admission into the park.   (https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm)
• Arrive early (ideally before 9:00am)!!!  Text the official Yosemite National Park Service (don’t worry you will not get spam) to get up to date parking conditions.  Don’t try to be clever and show up to a full lot like hundreds do, you will regret it and will end up spending hours sitting in bumper to bumper still traffic!!!!  YNPTRAFFIC to 333111
• If you plan to walk in the streams, pack water shoes because them rocks hurt!
• Make use of the well stocked, reasonably priced markets.    They have a dedicated parking lot for shoppers and plenty of parking enforcement to nail you with a tow or ticket if you are there for other reasons.