In 1891, reports of monster trees discovered deep in the California Sierras were dismissed as tall tales, until loggers felled one such giant and hauled it across the country to astonished crowds in New York. Fortunately, we don’t need to chop down giant sequoias to appreciate them anymore, as the beautiful Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are easy to visit any time of year. And while the biggest draw is the mighty trees, there are plenty of other Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks kid-friendly activities to discover. Here’s my personal top five things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with kids.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks facts

• This is a two-for-one deal here, as the two national parks —Sequoia and Kings Canyon— are neighbors. You can easily visit both in one trip.
• The Sequoia National Park entrance is at Ash Mountain, through the town of Three Rivers on Highway 198, while the Kings Canyon National Park entrance at Big Stump is on Highway 180. Take the Big Stump route if you have a large RV, or kids who get travel sick, as the road is straighter.
• In the busy summer months, take advantage of the free shuttle bus to avoid parking problems.
• Both parks are only around a four-hour drive from both the California Bay Area and Los Angeles.
• Pets are not allowed on any of the trails.

Take a hike on a Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks kid-friendly trail

Even with hike-hating kids (I should know, I have one), there are plenty of easy Sequoia National and Kings Canyon Parks hikes with kids to explore. The paved trails below are all easy to get to and complete whether you are carrying, strolling, or chasing your kids. In the winter months, park at the trailheads. In summer, hop on the shuttle to get around.

General Grant Tree Trail Loop

Don’t miss this paved, third-of-a-mile loop trail in Kings Canyon National Park. Although General Grant is not the largest tree in the park, at 106 feet in circumference, it’s still pretty remarkable.

However, the highlight for our kids (eight and six) was the Fallen Monarch, a huge, hollowed-out sequoia big enough to run through. While most of the trees are “hands off” to prevent damage, this is a unique opportunity to explore the inside of a redwood.

Big Trees Trail

Another paved loop, this 0.7-mile stroll around a lush meadow features a ton of information about redwood trees, plus it’s located less than a mile from the Giant Forest Museum in Sequoia National Park.

General Sherman Tree

The world’s largest tree, General Sherman, is also located in Sequoia National Park, a short drive from the Big Trees Trail at Congress Trail. This implausibly massive tree has to be seen to be believed. Take a few minutes to tour the 102-foot circumference before heading off on the paved, two-mile loop to gawp at more grand trees.

Drive through Tunnel Log

In 1937, a 275-foot sequoia fell across Crescent Meadow Road in Sequoia National Park. Rather than chop through it, Civilian Conservation Corp workers created a tunnel through the giant tree, creating a fun drive-through experience. We visited during the winter when the road was closed to cars, but we got to walk through it instead.

Discover the magical Crystal Cave

Take a break from looking up and go underground into the glittering Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park. Hidden in a canyon, the cave system was created by water flowing over marble deposits, and is famed for its delicate crystal formations. 

Tours through Sequoia National Conservancy are available from May to September, but book at least two months out for this popular activity. If you think your littlest can handle the 50-minute excursion, this is hands down one of the best things to do in Sequoia National Park with kids.

Climb to a spectacular viewpoint

Can’t see the forest for the trees? Head to Moro Rock, the granite dome which looms 6,000 feet above Sequoia National Park. With sweeping views of the redwoods, the San Joaquin Valley and the Sierra Nevada mountains beyond, it’s well worth the 350 steps to get up to the observation point. 

While there are guardrails, safety is still something to consider if you have little kids. If you’re looking for a smaller adventure, try Beetle Rock or Sunset Rock, two short trails that start from the Giant Forest Museum. These are also epic spots for a picnic.

Gaze at the stars

My favorite time to be in a National Park is at night. As the crowds drift away, the wildlife reclaims the space and the sky blazes with all the stars that are invisible to me in the city. Although Sequoia and Kings Canyon are not one of the 40 National Parks certified as International Dark Sky Places, they are still great places to stargaze. Bring a camping chair and a warm blanket to an open spot like Lodgepole campground and enjoy the celestial show.

During the summer, you will often find a Ranger program offering a moonlit hike or stargazing talk. Sequoia Parks Conservancy offers stargazing tours, or you could book a private stargazing tour just for your group.

Bonus activity: Become a Junior Ranger

All National Parks in the USA offer this free activity—complete a booklet, show a ranger and be sworn in as a protector of the parks. Kids and park rangers take this seriously, and it’s a beautiful way to keep children engaged and occupied in quiet moments. Ask for a Junior Ranger booklet on entrance or in any visitor center. 

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park itinerary with kids

It’s only a 90-minute car ride along the Generals Highway from the entrance of Sequoia National Park to Kings Canyon National Park, so this could easily be a one-day itinerary during the summer months. In the winter, you would not be able to visit Crystal Cave, nor climb to the top of Moro Rock. However, I would still recommend visiting during the winter months—the trees are absolutely beautiful covered in snow and there are no crowds.

Combine a visit to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks with a trip to another California National Park—Yosemite is just over a two-hour drive from Kings Canyon, Death Valley is four and Joshua Tree around five hours. It’s also about four hours to Los Angeles, so you could tack on a trip to Disneyland or Universal Studios.

Family resorts near Sequoia National Park

One of the best things about visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with kids is the great accommodation options. We stayed in Three Rivers for one night at Buckeye Tree Lodge, a comfortable and affordable motel just 20 minutes from the gates of Sequoia National Park. We enjoyed freshly ground coffee on our terrace to the sound of the river rushing by, and the kids loved playing on the rope swing.

If you want the camping experience without the hassle, Autocamp has a location in Three Rivers. You’ll be staying in a cosy and very chic Airstream, with your own campfire just outside. I haven’t stayed at this location, but it’s very highly rated by other families.

You can also stay inside Sequoia National Park at Wuksachi Lodge, a relatively new hotel with a traditional log cabin style. I didn’t get a chance to stay here either on our trip but TripAdvisor reviews are solid. Wuksachi Lodge welcomes guests year-round, while John Muir Lodge in Kings Canyon National Park is open for the spring and summer seasons only.

But my absolute favorite family resort near Sequoia National Park is Montecito Sequoia Lodge, a year-round family camp experience. As an all-inclusive hotel (rare in the USA!) this place is great value for money. All meals, including a wine-and-cheese hour in the evening, are included, plus two counsellor-led activities a day for kids. We visited over Thanksgiving, and my children enjoyed a couple of craft activities, went sledding, tried their hand at archery and toasted many s’mores by the fire. Screens are discouraged, but you won’t miss them.

Best family camping in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

In Sequoia National Park, Lodgepole Campground is the largest and most centrally located campground, with a visitor center, store, showers and laundry facilities. The campground is closed from December to May, usually opening just before Memorial Day. In Kings Canyon National Park, Sunset Campground is typically open May through August, and has an ampitheater for ranger programs. There are no showers however. For a more remote camping experience, try the campsites around Cedar Grove Village. Book your sites in advance at Recreation.gov, as camping spots fill up fast in California.

Sequoia National Park FAQs

What is the best month to visit Sequoia National Park?

If you want to camp, access remote areas of the parks, tour Crystal Springs Cave, or climb Moro Rock, you will need to visit in the summer between the months of June and September. However, the park is absolutely beautiful during the winter months. Just remember to bring snow chains.

What are the top 5 things to do at Sequoia National Park?

Check out General Grant and General Sherman trees, tour Crystal Springs Cave, climb Moro Rock, drive through Tunnel Log, and camp or take a night hike to see the stars.

How much does it cost to get into Sequoia National Park?

$35 will get you a seven-day vehicle pass for both Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. Individuals on foot or bicycle pay $20 for a seven-day pass to both parks. You can also buy an America the Beautiful Pass for $80 for a year of entry to National Parks across the country.

Where should I stay if I visit Sequoia National Park?

There are so many great places to stay in and around Sequoia National Park. Three Rivers is a charming small town just outside the gates of Sequoia National Park with an outdoor store, gas station, restaurant and several motels. There are also lodges located within the park itself, plus Montecito Sequoia Lodge for a family camp experience. Campgrounds are also available both inside and outside of the parks.

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Bodie, a Californian ghost town, might seem like an odd family day out but we were all excited as we rounded the last corner on the dirt road and entered the State Historic Park.

I felt as though we had swapped our family SUV for a DeLorean time machine, so little had changed since the inhabitants of the gold-mining town abandoned their homes and possessions over 50 years ago.

Although just five per cent of the buildings remain from this once-bustling town, what is left has been remarkably preserved in a state of “arrested decay”.

You get the distinct impression the owners might be back at any moment to reclaim their belongings – or, perhaps, as the temperature suddenly changes from searing heat to icy cold, they never really left.

If you are intrigued by California’s colorful gold-rush history, Bodie is a great family day out. Located just over two hour’s drive from South Lake Tahoe, you could do this as a day trip from Tahoe or as part of a Sierra road trip.

How much does it cost to go to Bodie?

The entrance fee is $8 per adult and $5 for children ages 4-17. Kids 0-3 are free. You can also buy a self-guided tour book for $3, which I would highly recommend to make the most of your visit.

As a state park, the town has not been overly commercialized and aside from a small gift shop in the museum, there is nothing to buy here, so be sure to pack a picnic before you come.

There are restrooms in the car park and a drinking fountain (however, this was boxed off when we visited in June 2021 – I am not sure if it is because of the drought or COVID, but bring plenty of water).

In the summer months, Bodie is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bodie is open in the winter too, but the snow means the road could be closed. Check the local weather before heading out there in the winter, or come with a snowmobile!

Is Bodie worth visiting?

Bodie is a real town, with homes, stores, a mine, a schoolhouse, bars and hotels… just without the people. It is a snapshot of a fascinating era gone by and anyone curious about what life was like in a frontier town during California’s gold rush should come and take a look.

If you love creepy abandoned building photography (yes this is a thing) I recommend getting to Bodie at opening time, before the crowds spoil your shot.

What happened to Bodie ghost town?

As with all mining towns, Bodie is a story of boom and bust. In 1859, prospectors W.S. Bodey and E.S. “Black” Taylor discovered gold in the high desert, 8,375 feet above sea level. Word spread and miners hoping to strike it rich headed to the area.

However, It wasn’t until the 1870s that Bodie’s population exploded, when the Standard Mining Company discovered a rich seam. By 1880, Bodie had a population of about 10,000 people – with more than 60 saloons and its own Chinatown.

The boom times at Bodie were short-lived. Mining became more difficult and by 1886, much of the population had left for more lucrative gold fields. A fire in 1932 destroyed most of the town and Bodie became a ghost town in the 1940s.

Bodey never saw the rise and fall of the town named in his honor. He died in a winter storm on a supply run in 1859.

The Bad Man of Bodie

Even among frontier towns, Bodie had a reputation as the wildest of the Wild West.

Gunfights were a regular occurrence within the town and highwaymen lay in wait for the stagecoaches laden with bullion in the hills outside. There were enough lurid incidences to keep five local newspaper busy, printing tales of murder and vigilante justice.

One of the more famous stories was of Joseph DeRoche, who danced with Thomas Treloar’s wife at the Miner’s Ball in the winter of 1881. After DeRoche left, Treloar followed him to the corner of Main Street and shot him in the head.

Although Treloar was quickly apprehended, he just as quickly escaped; apparently the Deputy in charge was too drunk to properly imprison his suspect. However, a vigilante mob quickly tracked him down and, the following morning, hanged Treloar in the same spot where the murder took place.

Killings were so commonplace in Bodie that the newspapers ran a report when an entire seven days passed without a single murder.

Despite the violence, brothels and dangerous work, miners raised their families in Bodie. Peer into the many homes and you will catch a glimpse of family life in the 19th century. The schoolhouse still has desks lined up neatly, with a lesson waiting on the board.

It was reported in one Sierra newspaper that a little girl, on hearing her family was moving to the town, said: “Goodbye, God, I’m going to Bodie”. Naturally, the Bodie editor claimed the child had clearly been misquoted; what she actually said was “Good, by God, I’m going to Bodie.”

Is Bodie family friendly?

Today, Bodie is a very family-friendly town. Head to the museum at the start of your tour and get a Junior Ranger worksheet from the ranger. Our kids loved finding all the answers as we walked around and were delighted to receive their badges after completing their project.

The history of the town is not presented in a lurid way and only one murder makes it into the guided tour. The scariest thing is the possibility of a rattlesnake lurking in the tall grass, although we only saw an adorable Pika.

Bodie is fairly stroller-friendly, with flat, gravel paths throughout the town. It’s also reasonably wheelchair accessible, although you may need to drive to certain sections – contact the park in advance to get the best experience. 

Bodie weather

The climate here is bizarre! We visited in mid-June and the weather went from cool, to searing hot, to rain and wind within three hours. Summer is the best time to visit, as there is no snow at least, so the road is clear. I do think the town would be beautiful in the winter, however – if you could get up safely.

Where to stay in Bodie

I recommend staying at Virginia Creek Settlement, a motel south of Bridgeport, just off Highway 395. It’s about as close as you can get to Bodie (no one is allowed to stay in the town), which means you can get up early and visit with fewer tourists around.

There is a Wild West theme, so we had fun exploring the grounds and the creek behind the motel. You can choose to stay in a regular motel room, in one of the rustic cabins or bunk down in a covered wagon.

I would love to stay in one of the cute wagons, but they only accommodate two people, and we were four. I chatted briefly to a guest staying in one and he said it was very cozy although he recommended taking a sleeping bag as it can get cold at night.

Instead I booked a cabin, which was very comfortable and we did not need to use the space heater provided overnight. The cabins have no bathrooms, so bear in mind you will need to use the communal bathrooms, just like on a campsite. It is also noisy with trucks roaring by, so if this bothers you, I recommend staying in one of the motel rooms.

Barbecues are provided on site if you want to bring your own food (or if you are fortunate enough to catch yourself a trout from the creek) but there is also a good restaurant. 

Around Bodie

Lake Tahoe is a two-hour drive north, or head further south on the 395 for just under an hour to the Tioga Pass and Yosemite National Park.

The ski resort town of Mammoth Lakes is also located approximately one hour south of Bodie.

The post Why Bodie Ghost Town Is A Perfect Family Day Trip appeared first on Tiny Trailblazers.

Lake Tahoe is beloved by Californians, who return year after year to spend lazy summer days splashing in the clear waters and hiking through fragrant pine forests.

It’s perfect for outdoorsy families who like to be on the water, especially for those with small children who might find the Northern Californian surf too strong (and shark-filled) for paddling.

Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination. The ski resorts are buzzing in the winter and early spring, while hiking and boating is popular in the summer and fall. I have focused on summer activities for this post.

What part of Lake Tahoe is best for families?

On the Californian side, the areas are roughly split into South, West and North. There is really no area that isn’t suitable for families.

I like the West Lake area: being in the middle, it is a short drive to anywhere and Tahoe City has a laid-back vibe with plenty of great places to eat.

Sunnyside Resort and Lodge is a great place to stay, and the lakeside restaurant is a locals’ favorite.

VRBO is another great place to find accommodation, as you can often find an entire home for the price of a hotel room. This Tahoe City cabin has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a real log fire and access to a private beach for an average of $200 a night.

If you want to stay close to some of the more famous beauty spots, South Lake is a better base but it is also a little busier with casinos and bars.

Check out The Landing Resort and Spa or Edgewood for a luxurious stay in a very convenient lakeside location.

North Lake Tahoe has some of the best beaches, with wide, sandy shores and stunning views over the lake. It is also fairly quiet.

The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is ideal for families staying in this area. It has two heated outdoor pools, fire pits for roasting marshmallows and a private beach.

A short drive inland from the lake is Truckee, a vibrant mountain town with great restaurants and shops. Truckee is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a slightly less “touristy” Tahoe experience.

Although you won’t be right on the lake, this cute cabin near Truckee’s downtown is steps from the river.

What is there to do in Lake Tahoe for families?

Lake Tahoe is all about the outdoors: hiking, swimming, boating, cycling and after all that, enjoying a well-earned sunset cocktail on a restaurant deck.

I highly recommend spending half a day navigating the Truckee River on a raft: drifting down the river is the perfect way to stay cool on a hot day and there are a few rapids to keep things interesting.

Rent a raft from Truckee River Rafting, including life jackets and a ride back to Tahoe City, for a three-hour trip along the river. Under fives are free but under two-year-olds are too young for this activity.

Watch out for the geese – one of them bit our daughter!

For adventurous kids aged five and up, check out Tahoe Treetops Adventure Park, an outdoor ropes course where you can climb, swing and zipline your way through the forest. There are challenging courses for adults and easier ones for the whole family.

A fun lake activity is to hike down to Emerald Bay, rent a kayak and paddle out to Fannette Island not far from shore. Children can kayak but they must be over the age of three. More details on this hike are below.

Best Lake Tahoe hikes for families

Emerald Bay Sate Park

Stroller friendly: Yes, with a sturdy model
Distance: Two miles there and back
Trail start: Vikingsholm car park

Emerald Bay State Park, 12 miles north of South Lake Tahoe, is reached from the Vikingsholm car park ($10 parking fee) by a winding downhill trail. Once you are by the lake, you can explore Vikingsholm, an intriguing Scandinavian-inspired mansion, take a kayak to Fannette Island, or simply relax on the sandy beach.

One drawback to this area: it is very crowded. You will not get a car parking spot after 9 am during the summer. There is road parking but this too will be full after 10 am.

For families with small children, the one-mile hike to the beach is enough, especially if you are lugging all your swimming gear. The trail is wide and the incline is not too steep, so a rugged stroller is possible. A comfortable carrier might be easier, however, especially for the uphill return trip.

If your kids can handle a few miles of walking, the lakeside trail is flat and shady, perfect for all ages.

From Vikingsholm, follow the signs to Lower Eagle Falls, an easy trek through the forest to a waterfall. The trail continues, offering beautiful lake views as a reward.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds, pick up the Rubicon Trail from the beach and head away from Vikingsholm. Keep an eye out for the majestic Bald Eagles that circle overhead and make their nests in the pines.

Cascade Falls

Stroller friendly: No
Distance: Three miles
Trail start: Bayview campsite

Another great hike in this area can be found across the road from the Vikingsholm car park, at the Bayview camping ground, to Cascade Falls. Park at the entrance and trek through the campsite to the far side, where you will head over a ridge and immediately want to get out your camera for the view of the lake.

This out-and-back hike is rocky and narrow at times, so make sure you all have good shoes. Our kids managed this at four and six but I think it would have been do-able with a carrier for younger children.

The trail heads away from the lake up towards Cascade Falls, where the path opens up to a granite plateau. Take a picnic and check out the creek, where you can paddle in the shallow water.

Keep a close eye on the kids, as there are no barriers at any point. Stick to the lakeside trails if you are anxious about your kids’ safety on what is a fairly rugged mountain hike.

Dolder Nature Trail

Stroller friendly: Partially (to the beach)
Distance: 1.5 mile loop
Trail start: Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park

My other favorite family hike is in Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park. The large parking lot offers plenty of spaces, so there is no need to turn up early. The Dolder Nature Trail is a 1.5 mile loop that starts out paved and becomes sandy as you go deeper into the forest.

It is an easy, flat trail that begins and ends at the sandy beach, where you can take a cool dip after your walk. As you meander through the Sugar Pines that are the park’s namesake, look out for the logs and branches neatly piled – they are part of the controlled burns that take place here in an effort to mitigate the region’s devastating wildfires.

The park also holds Junior Ranger events here in the summer, so kids should look out for an opportunity to earn themselves a badge.

Balancing Rock Nature Trail

Stroller friendly: No
Distance: 0.5 mile loop
Trail start: D.L Bliss State Park

This is a sweet trail for kids, with a surprise at the end! Take the easy, half-mile loop located in D.L Bliss State Park, between South and West Lake Tahoe. There is some uphill and the trail is rocky, but it is not long and should be do-able with toddlers.

Round a corner and there it is – a cool geological phenomenon, or a dinosaur, depending on how you look at it. You can combine this walk with a trip to the beach, which is located at the bottom of the hill, through the campsite. There is parking at the end but I suggest you get there early in the summer (like 9 a.m. early) as there are limited spaces.

How to get to Lake Tahoe

From San Francisco International Airport, the drive is 200 miles, or around three hours and 20 minutes. If you can fly into Sacramento International Airport, the journey is more like two hours by car.

If you are looking for more Northern California summer adventures with kids, check out Yosemite with kids or try these kid-friendly Sonoma wineries.

The post Epic Things To Do In Lake Tahoe This Summer With Kids appeared first on Tiny Trailblazers.

I looked a bit closer at the stream we had just crossed and I could see it too – gold flakes sparkling among the rocks in the cold, clear water. Since pre-school had introduced the idea of leprechauns, my five-year-old has been pretty obsessed by the idea of finding treasure and he was overjoyed to actually find some, despite me trying to convince him that the real treasure is the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park.

This was the third trip to Yosemite for my husband and I, but our first taking our two children, who are three and five years old. We had also teamed up with our friends, who have three children, an almost two, almost three and a six year old. 

I was keen to show my friends Yosemite because it is such a special place: not just because of the iconic Half Dome, or the spectacular waterfalls, but because of its history. Yosemite was the first land set aside for the public by the federal government, not quite the first National Park (Yellowstone) but certainly the precedent for the creation of this beloved American institution.

Yosemite can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities and makes an excellent multi-generational vacation destination. There are plenty of stroller-friendly trails in Yosemite for parents with babies and toddlers.

And no need for camping, if that’s not your thing – we stayed in a very comfortable Airbnb, right in the park itself.

2021 UPDATE: Reservations are required throughout the summer – book your pass here. To make sure you get your preferred date, log onto the reservations website seven days before your planned trip, at 8 a.m. sharp. It’s tricky to get a good phone signal in the park, so download, screenshot or print out your reservation QR code.

Shuttles are cancelled for the 2021 season, so the only way to get around is by car. Be aware that the car parks for popular trailheads will fill up quickly.

Stroller-friendly trails in Yosemite Valley

Although Yosemite National Park covers over 1,168 square miles, most of the four million annual visitors stay within the seven square miles of Yosemite Valley. This is where you will find the most famous waterfalls, including Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls, as well as views of Half Dome and El Capitan. It’s also where you will find the restaurants, bars, shops and accommodation.

Obviously this area will get busy during the summer months but if you have small children who need to be carried or pushed, this is the place to go for toddler-approved hikes.

Although these are all easy trails, there are still a few things you can do to make sure everyone stays safe. Check out these hiking safety tips from an outdoor family adventure expert.

Bridalveil Fall Trail

Stroller friendly: Yes, paved

Distance: 0.5 mile round trip

Trail start: Bridalveil Fall Parking Area

Bridalveil is the waterfall you will see after you have been through the tunnel (and stopped to check out the incredible view). In the spring and early summer, the water thunders down to the valley below, reducing to a gentler flow during the fall and winter. Starting from the parking lot, the trail takes you past giant granite boulders and pine forest to the base of the waterfall, where you can enjoy the breeze from the force of the rushing water.

If the lot is full, you can drive on and park on the road as there is another trail a little further along. This trail is unpaved, so not great for strollers, but still fairly easy. We carried our toddlers some of the way.

Lower Yosemite Fall Trail

Distance: 1 mile

Stroller friendly: Yes, paved

Trail start: Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead, at Yosemite Village and either walk or take the shuttle to the trailhead

Yosemite Falls is North America’s tallest waterfall at 2,425 feet from the valley floor. The falls are at their peak in May or June but are beautiful any time of year. Three separate cascades make up the falls: upper, middle and lower (not very imaginative but certainly accurate names).

The hike to the lower falls is entirely stroller friendly, easy and fun. The route takes you through the shady and fragrant pine forest, past the base of the falls, over a bridge and back, following a stream. There is a restroom shortly after the start of the trail. Our big kids loved clambering over the rocks and fallen trees, while the toddlers alternated galloping after their siblings and crashing back down in the stroller for a recharge.

As we were there in April, we were even able to have a small snowball fight as there was still snow on the ground by the stream, despite the warm weather.

This was probably my favorite hike, as it was the perfect length and the falls are an exhilarating reward for tired little legs (mine, the kids were fine).

Mirror Lake Trail

Stroller friendly: Yes, paved

Distance: 2 miles

Trail start: Mirror Lake Trailhead, shuttle stop #17. Park at Half Dome Village and take the shuttle

This hike is longer than the others but Mirror Lake is a beautiful destination. In the summer, you will find a meadow fringed with trees, while winter and spring conjures up a lake with a little beach. If you can get your timing right, you will find the waters so still and smooth they reflect the surrounding mountains and trees perfectly and you will see why it was named Mirror Lake. I’ve never managed this but always found the place magical anyway.

All children enjoyed playing on the beach and the walk through the forest, which was full of entertaining sticks. 

Cook’s Meadow Loop

Distance: 1 mile

Stroller friendly: Yes

Trail start: Yosemite Valley Visitor Center

Cook’s Meadow is especially nice in the late summer and fall, when the oaks and elms change colors and wild flowers are abundant. The hike is flat and easy, across a boardwalk, and offers stunning views of Half Dome from Sentinel Bridge. As many of the trails in Yosemite are through shady forests, this is a nice sunny contrast.

Mariposa Grove

Just inside the entrance of the park is Mariposa Grove, where you can visit Yosemite’s Giant Sequoias. Park at the Welcome Plaza and take the free shuttle up to the Grove. When we went in April, parking at the 300-spot lot was not a problem but if you are visiting in the summer be sure to arrive early.

Big Trees Loop Trail

Distance: 0.3 miles

Stroller friendly: Yes

Trail start: The boardwalk at Mariposa Grove Arrival Area

With plenty of panels highlighting the history and ecology of the area, this is a nice flat trail perfect for strollers. The eco-friendly boards are new, following a three-year project to excavate the paved roads that were damaging the fragile habitat.

Having said that, there was still deep snow covering the boards when we visited in April, which made this section impassable for anything with wheels!

There is plenty to see, and if you have not seen California’s Redwoods yet, I highly recommend spending some time here. They really are fascinating and almost otherworldly, a gateway into the ancient past. This trail takes you to some beautiful tall trees, both standing and fallen.

We started on this trail but decided to carry onto the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail, which is two miles and not at all stroller-friendly. If you have a baby carrier (or don’t mind carrying your child) this is a worthwhile hike, which includes the Grizzly Giant and the Tunnel Tree.

Our favorite section was the stream crossing, where we spotted the gold! Once we were over the water, the entire downhill track sparkled in the sunshine with flecks of gold and made this walk a little bit magical.

Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Pass

Take the Tioga Pass (closed in winter: check conditions before attempting) and explore the eastern areas of Yosemite. Tuolumne Meadows is approximately one and a half hour’s drive from the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center but a world away from the crowds. This is the site that captured John Muir’s heart and led to his campaign to create a national park.

This area is stunning yet not too crowded – ideal if you are visiting Yosemite in the peak summer season and want a break from all the tourists.

Parson’s Memorial Lodge and Soda Springs Trail

Distance: 1.5 miles

Stroller-friendly: Yes

Trail Start: Lembert Dome parking area

This is an easy, two-mile loop along a mostly-flat trail. There is a lot of wildlife hanging out along the trail; look out for deer and ground squirrels as you go. The path leads to an odd-looking stream – peer in and you will notice the water is bubbling! The springs are naturally carbonated.

Continue to Parson’s Memorial Lodge, which is sometimes open for exhibitions (it was closed when we visited) then head down to the beautiful Tuolumne River, where you can enjoy splashing about in the cool, clear waters.

Cross the wooden bridge to carry onto the visitor center, or head back along the trail to car park.

Tenaya Lake

Distance: 0.3 miles

Stroller-friendly: Yes

Trail Start: Tenaya Lake Picnic Area

Grab your swimming gear, take the interpretive boardwalk down to the beach and kick off your shoes. This beautiful alpine lake is cool and clear, perfect for wading, swimming or even kayaking. There are pines for shade on the sandy shore. If you want a longer walk, continue down the beach to follow the trail around the lake.

Accommodation

There are plenty of family-friendly accommodations available for Yosemite but book early as the Park is popular, especially in the summer. It is tricky to balance convenience with price, as the best location is in the heart of Yosemite Valley but this is also the most expensive (and books up quickly).

However, there are lodges outside the park that come highly recommended, that will take you 45 minutes to an hour to get to Yosemite Village.

Tenaya Lodge is a family-friendly luxury resort just outside Yosemite. For the adventurous, there is a climbing wall, archery and horse riding available, while those looking for relaxation can head over to the spa. Child care is also available.

Rush Creek Lodge has an outdoor pool, a playground for kids and a games room. Rooms are bright and spacious, perfect for families.

Cabins at Yosemite to rent

Wawona is a village inside the park and has a few cabins available to rent. I like staying in a self-contained home when traveling as I am never worried about disturbing other guests, and as we can cook for ourselves we save money on food too.

We stayed here and had a great time but there are many beautiful cabins to choose from.

Wawona is approximately a 30-minute drive from Yosemite Village.

Yosemite Village

We have never stayed at The Majestic Yosemite Hotel but I would love to – the interior inspired some of the sets for The Shining and notable guests have included Queen Elizabeth II and Barack Obama. Pricey but historical and no doubt very luxurious.

At the other end of the scale, we did once stay in Housekeeping Camp, in little canvas ‘cabins’ which had beds but not much else. It’s a good way to camp without having to bring any equipment as you can rent blankets, chairs etc.

I highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bags however, as even in summer it gets very cold at night and the rented blankets did not cut it! Yosemite Valley Lodge is a good middle-ground option for families who want to stay right in the park for a reasonable price.

Food

If you are planning to cook for yourself, bring as much as you can with you as there is only one grocery store in the park. Dining is limited and casual but good. We enjoyed the pizza patio at Half Dome Village and the Village Grill Deck at Yosemite Village. Degnan’s Kitchen offers a bit more variety but if you really want to swap your hiking pants for fancy pants, make a reservation at the Majestic.

What to take to Yosemite

I couldn’t include everything here so I have made a packing list for Yosemite with all my favorite family hiking gear.

Otherwise, make sure you check the weather before you go. Temperatures vary significantly from the daytime to night and it can get pretty chilly in the evenings. Everyone will need sturdy shoes, a light waterproof and warm layers even in the summer.

Sunscreen and insect repellant is also recommended although I have never been overly bothered by bugs in Yosemite. Take a water bottle each and snacks like trail mix. Don’t forget a camera, you will want to use it a lot!

Any stroller will work, the trails I describe here are all paved so no need for an “off-roader”. For a bit more flexibility, I would also recommend a baby carrier.

Happy hiking!

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