A Beginner’s guide to Yosemite

Yosemite is a wonderful place to visit whether you live in California or are visiting from another state to experience the wonder of this amazing national park!  It is gorgeous in the springtime, the summer and the fall – so there are lots of opportunities to visit Yosemite!

Because it is California and weather is more mild, Yosemite is one of the most popular National parks to camp in!  1,200 acres of trails, meadows, mountains, valleys, meadows, sequoias, and waterfalls!  If you plan ahead, and you want to stay within the actual park in Yosemite for an extra special experience, be sure to get reservations at Yosemite Bug or Half Dome Village (previously known as Curry Village). They both have options for tents, cabins or lodge and motel rooms.  You must book 10-12 months in advance for these but often you can find last minute reservations or a month or so in advance if someone cancels their reservations, so be sure to check it out!

When we traveled to Yosemite most recently in the fall, it was a last minute trip but we found great accommodations at Yosemite View Lodge – a steal at $100 a night (prices vary based no size and season) and had an amazing view and only 10 minutes outside the park AND had a kitchen for use AND an indoor swimming pool the kids loved! They also have family suites with more room too. The Yosemite Cedar Lodge is a great option too!

*Kids Tip:  For hikes, get the kids a hiking stick and it makes hikes 10x more enjoyable for the kids – or find one along the path!

When you enter the park you will get a printed “Yosemite Guide” that you can also download online ahead of time with maps, description, details on guided hikes and ranger programs. These programs are all great and most are free, so take advantage of what the park offers! At our first day in the park, we hit the Valley for a few awesome hikes with our kiddos!  The kids were amazing on this trip – really pulling their load and hiking with minimal (of course I would not say none at all!) whining!  We did the Bridalveil Falls hike and the Yosemite Lower Falls hike which were both great for young kids.  Leashed pets are allowed on these hikes as well if you are bringing your furry friend.  Although the falls were sparse because of the recent drought conditions in California, there was still beauty all around!  The water amount varies based on the year. Sentinel Dome (off of Glacier Point Road) is the best place for sunsets too – so you must check it out!

Can you see the deer?

We also found a small trail by Half Dome Village called Cooks Meadow Loop where we found a few deer grazing off the trail.  They would come right up to us and were not very afraid of humans.  Any animal sightings tend to be the highlight of the day for my kids and I am sure most other kids feel the same way!  Keep your eyes open for amazing wildlife!

From Half Dome Village area, walk across the wide valley you see to get a better view of the Half Dome and for a great photo op spot!

And for the best classic Yosemite views, you must stop at Tunnel View for this View of El Capitan and photo op!  This viewpoint is at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel along the Wawona Road (Highway 41). We used this photo on our Christmas cards!

We love Yosemite and plan to go back again soon and next time hike a few more of the advanced hikes as well!  This is a great trip to combine

On holiday weekends and summer, get there as early as the park opens to avoid massive crowds!

For the kids: The Junior Ranger programs at Yosemite are WONDERFUL!  Junior Ranger programs are for kids aged 7-13 and include a one-hour Junior Ranger Walk, picking up a bag of litter to help keep the Park clean, completing an activity book ($3.50 plus tax)—and being rewarded with the official Junior Ranger badge. For younger children, the Little Cubs programs offers age-appropriate activities for kids ages 3-6. See the latest issue of the Yosemite Guide for additional details. Purchase your Junior Ranger Hand Book at any of the Yosemite Conservancy Bookstores located in the Visitor Centers or at the Village Store

Insider’s tips: Be sure to always check the NPS.gov page of any park you are visiting as often roads may be closed or restorations projects may be taking place and a certain destination or landmark you want to see may be closed during the time of your visit.  If you check ahead you won’t be disappointed and know how to plan your trip accordingly!