The main fire road along creek is crowded . It's a short 2 miles upstream from the visitors center and is open 8am to dusk all year long. The initial section of the road is gravely and bland, and you can go down to see the small waterfall. Heavy rain. This is one of the most beautiful regions of the park, with some amazing panoramic views best experienced under soft morning light when crowds are few. The area aptly named "Little Yosemite" includes a mini waterfall, creek, and pretty leaves however, the waterfall and creek are only active during and shortly after the rainy season. Dont be scared to get off the beaten path a bit and wonder around on smaller trails. There are a few trails that seem to extend from the parking lot, but to take the correct one, remember to first take the footbridge across the creek, and then hang a right. This small deli in Yosemite Valley offers sandwiches, salads and pizzas for eating here or take-away. This badge and park was the beginning of a many year obsession with being a park ranger! Expect 30 minute delays from Spring- Fall 2023. A permit is required to camp overnight. Let us know in the comments below if you plan on hiking to Little Yosemite. This is what Yosemite is all about for me seeing wildlife up close and personal. It's a fun little hike where you get to climb down some rocks to the water. Nov. 1-Mar. The family photo at the top of this post is from this viewpoint. The permit covers foot and equestrian use of the trail only. This trail is not paved, but is easily accessible for even small children. It is absolutely beautiful and looks different all the time depending on the sky and weather. Little strenuous in the beginning, rest it was beautiful hike with Little Yosemite on the trail. If you have a very limited amount of time and you want to get a good overview and lay of the land, then I would recommend you to do the tour. It provides spectacular views across the valley including of El Capitan. Other notes: The winter rains have turned the Little Yosemite trail into an exciting gorge filled with climbable boulders and the sound of tumbling waterfalls accompanying you throughout the hike. Still bone dry despite the rains. The photos are wonderful. The water is flowing generously in the river, from all the rain we've had. If you are traveling with a group, you might consider bringing or investing in cheap walkie talkies. Park vehicles driving by dusted me with such gravel on 4 separate occasions. The trails are nice because its not too narrow on some parts and not too cramped with mountain bikers, so you have a lot of space to share with them. The views of the water reflecting the surrounding area are just beautiful. I brought a garbage bag and carried out about 15 water bottles, trash, 6 pieces of clothing, a baby towel and a soccer ball out of the creek only within a hundred foot span. The only issue encountered is on the way back, we couldn't find the last leg back to the starting pt (near the 2nd last waypt "beautiful trees etc" and took a left wide downhill path which turned out to be the connector to the other leg of the loop. Little in common with actual Yosemite other than lack of cell coverage. During summer it is hot in the day and cool at night. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Saw couple of rattlesnakes close to the trail. This is perfect for kids who are not used to long or strenuous hikes. Bring snacks and lots of water. Learn how your comment data is processed. Started clockwise from visitors center. Packed with drop-in classes, free storytimes, and seasonal festivals, our events calendar will help you plan your weekend and your summer vacation. Luckily our friends happened to have their headlamps with them to guide them home safely. I am a save for the last kind of guy. Even during the height of the California drought the waterfalls all continued to have a decent amount of water flowing, so I can only imagine how spectacular they are with more rain and snow melt flowing down. The Mist Trail to Vernal Falls is not a hike most small kids can do, but our determined toddler managed it just fine! Overall, reasonably easy hike on compacted pathways, very pleasant on a deserted weekday. Deep within the hills of the Sunol Regional Wilderness lies one of the East Bay's best-kept secrets: Little Yosemite. 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 It is great for mountain biking, hiking, horseback, and even . Exploring Yosemite with kids while camping (or glamping as it is for us! If you plan to visit this waterfall, I highly recommend doing it on your way INTO the park as you arrive. Parking: $5/seasonal, weekends and holidays. Steady incline, no steep climb, wide (gravel) walkways. If you need something a bit nicer than what is available in the village, head over to one of the hotels. Hilarious, but also annoying when you are trying to meet up with your group. Its nicely shaded in this area so even on a hot day you will find relief. 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. We like to stretch just after the gate and the kids join in too. To reach the Old Green Barn take the first left after the park entrance.From the Oakland-Berkeley area, drive east on I-580 to the junction with I-680. Turned back at the first small rocky falls. Check out the calendar for details on when it will run. Starting pouring rain after we made it to little Yosemite. Very little shade on canyon trail so take note of time and temperature. Date: 03/27 Great trail, pretty crowded on the weekends but plenty of large parking lots. No worries though as most people dont spend too long here. Not closed. The water is almost dried up during our visit, but in recent years it has been much fuller. Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from the Visitor Center. My husband visited there with his parents as a kid, and really wants to take our 2 children. Check out The Loft at Degnans which offers Mexican, Asian rice bowls and artisan pizzas. There are camping options available as well. there are do not swim signs for a reason. I cant wait to finally visit Yosemite! This guide covers just the Yosemite Valley area, but if you are looking to get off the beaten track a bit, head to the Hetch Hetchy area of the Yosemite. However if you are not heading down to Sequoia, dont miss this area of the park! For guests of Curry Village, show your room key for free admittance. Required fields are marked *. If youstart to hear the roaring of the waterfalls its agood sign youre close or very near. They were pretty fun. Gorgeous canyon views. not spray painting the rocks is common sense. Yes. Note: This is not on the shuttle bus route, so you must drive here. We did this on the morning of our first full day. one day i will travel around the USA with my kids! If you are exiting the park through this gate, do not miss the Mariposa Grove hike. Weathered serpentine and sandstone outcrops. Definitely check it out if its still showing. Grassland, oak woodland. There were two parking areas and lots of spots 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. Exploring Yosemite with kids while camping (or glamping as it is for us! Gorgeous in an overcast late afternoon into the evening. Good view of Calaveras Reservoir. During the summer season, there are often great family friendly shows held at the Curry Village Amphitheater. Imagine being an eager young naturalist sent off to the park for a week's summer session. Little Yosemite holds a lot of promise in its name, and its certainly one of the main attractions of the park, but its best viewed in the spring or early summer if you want to see some running water. As many as 20 to 40 bird species are often seen in a single morning. Thanks so much to Mishi B, author of Hey Carter! Luckily Yosemite has various spots to enjoy cooling down. A few small things I don't give a full 5 stars which have everything to do with people and nothing to do with the place: LY is amazing but with it being small it can quickly feel crowded and I couldn't imagine what it's like on a weekend. Going the scenic route brings plenty of stream side fun and exploring. $2 per dog (free for service dogs). Please keep the park beautiful by cleaning up after your dog! Hills are amazingly green in April, 2023. The actual hike was cool; nothing but hills and dry grass during the summer but finding Little Yosemite was super nice! Best to come in winter as there is not a lot of shade. Plenty off off road trails to escape the crowds. Little Yosemite in Sunol is a scenic hike offering breathtaking oak lined canyon views and dramatic waterfalls. There are limited dining options in Sunol, but the park is near both Fremont and Pleasanton which have plenty more. This hike from the Foothills Staging Area is an excellent introduction to the park: long enough to get your heart rate up, but not nearly as arduous as some hikes in the n Lake Elizabeth is located in central Fremont. If you are staying in Curry Village, bring a cooler packed with goodies for breakfast and lunches so that your only meal out is dinner. you have to even put the child seat in the bear locker? If doing clockwise, the first mile is pretty steep. Pretty cool little hike to do in the winter. also lots of people ignoring the do not swim/wade signs plus some graffiti on the rocks, both of which are so aggravating to me. Not much water due to the drought but the view from the canyon is still beautiful. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Parking: There is ample parking. We like to stretch just afterthe gate and the kids join in too. What are your favorite things to do? It was a big hit with all of the kids. Especially if the creek is running. There are a multitude of places to wander around near here and begin exploring Yosemite. Such a beautiful hike! I highly suggest you to take the longer trail along the creek. Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from the Visitor Center. It's a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers alike. There are two options for earning your badge a free version and a paid version. https://youtu.be/kfwlPlWiaTk. I love hiking, and Im totally sure Id love Yosemite. Please note this is a fragile ecosystem and watershed. This means that it will be back to crazy busy in the summer months. Narrow and exposed paths. Beautiful, green, wild flower, picturesque hike. 7: 8am-5pmMar. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Through this option, your child will also receive a button (for younger kids) or a patch. Overcast day with good amount of wind. Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen as it can get hot here. 1-Oct. 31: 8am-7pm. It is wet and steep, so make sure you prepare for that. From the trailhead, it takes an easy walk of only 0.9 of a mile to reach it, a 1.8-mile round trip. Do not give up hope though, we have been able to secure camping reservations several times both in the spring and summer months with diligently checking for cancellations and being flexible on the dates. Follow the wooden path through the meadow and walk through the campground to the river. Park at the first parking lot after the fee station at the end of Geary Road. Afteryou reach the waterfall area, you can make your waydown and scramble on the rocks. Alternatively, there is a shuttle bus which drops off here. It features gorgeous waterfall and jaw dropping vie. Both will enable your child to earn a cool wooden Yosemite Junior Ranger badge. Whats so great about hiking here, is there are lots ofand nooks and crannies to get intoevery trip is a new adventure. Gentle rise in elevation. This is where you will likely see some wild animals. If you stay in Curry Village like us, you will need to bring less than camping, but more than a traditional hotel stay. Great loop. Tunnel View is one of the first views of the Yosemite Valley that most people see as they enter the park from the southern entrance. Some of the best things to do in Yosemite with kids is to visit the various iconic overlooks. That said, it is also common for there to be little snow even in February, making a winter trip quite pleasant. The walk was pleasant, next to a stream. " in 25 reviews Show more review highlights Location & Hours 1895 Geary Rd Sunol, CA 94586 Get directions Edit business info Amenities and More Good For Kids Private Lot Parking Dogs Allowed Gender-neutral restrooms You can also take a peek at the Sunol Herbarium, samples of over 600 plant specimens found in the park! (Big kids will love to take part, too!) All rights reserved. ), splashing through rivers, and spying out some of the best natural scenes in the US is one of the best trips you can do with your family. Start your hike by crossing the footbridge at Canyon View Trailhead. The hike . Second half was a nice, easy downhill and wide, almost paved path. We found that poles helped, especially in the area where the 2 trails meet to form a loop. Not busy ( Thursday hike). 6-May 17: 8am-8pmMay 18-Sep. 8: 8am-9pmSep. With that said, you're still getting in a great climb, and spending the day outdoors on one of the bay area's most challenging climbs. that must have been exciting, but we could imagine very exhilarating!! WOW its so beautiful there! First 1.5 mile was steep and narrow, last part of the hike was east and gradual. This fine dining restaurant is part of the 4 star hotel in Yosemite Valley. Continue hiking on the trail left of the streams. Once you are here, you can easily spend an hour or more cruising around the area exploring different angles. A bit of an eye sore, but still a hike worth hiking. There is NOswimming allowed in Alameda Creek and trespassing is prohibited on Water Department lands that are not accessible to the public. For a less populated hike with a steeper climb and excellent views in the same park, see our Flag Hill hike. Below are our top picks for things to do in Yosemite National Park with kids as well as options on where to stay and eat. Our kids enjoyed running around in what used to be a lake spotting small water snakes swimming in the small pools. We recommend getting there before 9:30am to secure a spot at the lot directly adjacent to the trailhead. The Junior Park Ranger Program would be awesome! For more information on Yosemite Park lodging options check out theirwebsite. Water felt great after the hike b/c the sun was beaming. Mariposa was so beautiful as well! Several days of eating in the same few places gets old quickly! You might be lucky enough to see some hikers on the dome. I walked clockwise. While Yosemite National park actually encompasses a large area, most visitors to the park spend most of their time in Yosemite Valley. Daily articles and a weekend planner help you find whats fun and free when you need it. This is very important, as the tent cabins are spread out over a large area. The perfect place to bask in Mother Nature's finest offerings on a weekend morning. Layers of clothes for all weather. About same distance. There are a couple of gas stations inside Yosemite, but it is more than $1 more per gallon than you will pay outside the park. For general information about the Ohlone Wilderness, phone 1-888-EBPARKS option 3 x4559. Whether you have little ones who cant manage long hikes or teens ready for a challenge, there is something for everyone here. It is only partially shaded, so it can get hot in the middle of the day. During our visit, the program started at 2 pm which was sometimes difficult to make our way back to camp in the middle of the day. You will likely see some hikers on the morning of our first full day suggest you take. Continue hiking on the shuttle bus route, so it can get hot here this trail is not,. The surrounding area are just beautiful the morning of our first full day Visitor Center finest offerings on a morning!, easy downhill and wide, almost paved path rain after we made it to Yosemite... 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Park beautiful by cleaning up after your dog younger kids ) or a patch parents...