Ultimate Guide To Yosemite With Toddlers

“Look, gold!”

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!