Two Yosemite days with kids

Question

Hi,

We are going to California in late June - two adults, two kids ages 8 and 10 - and we are going to Yosemite for a short visit. Things have been happening all at once, so it has been hard for us to find time and energy to plan our trip in detail. I could love suggestions on what to do during our time there.

All we know so far is that we’ll be staying in Lee vining the night before and going in through tioga road. We have two nights in Curry Village. It is not possible for us to add extra nights. On the day we’re leaving we might visit mariposa grove early morning before heading south.

1. Should we just “hurry” through tioga road in order to find parking? Or do you have suggestions on nice stops along the way? When is the best time to arrive in the valley of not early morning?

I dont know if taking tioga road is a bad idea when our visit is so short. But we are coming down from Tahoe, and I thought Bodie would be nice for the kids and the road looks really nice. Guess the alternative would be staying just outside the park on the west side and arrive early to find parking.

But, if we are taking tioga road, where should we stop/what should we do to get the most out of our day?

2. The second day is our one full day in the valley. Keeping in mind that we have 2 kids and wont be doing any hard hikes: any suggestions how to plan our day? Guess we just want some nice views, some of the essentials of the park, and something fun for the kids.

Usually I love planning trips. And I know I might seem lazy asking you to plan our days for us. But everything is really happening all at once now, and it’s been hard to find the time.

I’m hoping some of you can help us out a bit.

Thanks in advance!

Answer

Your trip to Yosemite sounds like a wonderful adventure, and I can understand the challenge of planning when everything is happening at once. Don’t worry—I’ve got some suggestions to help you make the most of your two days in the park, especially with kids in tow. Here’s how you can approach your time in Yosemite:

1. Tioga Road and Entry into Yosemite:

Tioga Road is indeed a beautiful drive, but it can also be a bit of a time investment, especially with kids and the need to find parking. Since you’re coming from Lee Vining and want to explore the park, I would suggest taking the Tioga Road route and stopping at a few key points along the way to make the drive more enjoyable and memorable. Here are some recommendations:

Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center: This is a good first stop after leaving Lee Vining. The kids will love the views of Mono Lake and the boardwalk that overlooks the lake. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the surroundings.
Tuolumne Meadows: This is a great area for an easy stop. The meadows offer stunning views, and there are some short, easy trails that lead to beautiful spots like Soda Springs and Parson’s Lodge, which are perfect for a gentle family walk.
Glen Aulin Falls (optional short stop): If you’re up for a very short hike (about 1 mile each way), this could be a fun one for the kids to explore the falls. But if you’re short on time, just stopping at Tuolumne Meadows will be beautiful enough!

To answer your question about when to arrive in Yosemite Valley: ideally, you’ll want to arrive in the morning, but not too early, as parking fills up fast. Arriving around 10 AM should give you a decent chance to find parking, especially if you are coming in from Tioga Road, which enters the park from the east side. It’s also a bit less crowded compared to entering from the west side of the park, and the views from Tioga Road are stunning!

If you decide not to take Tioga Road and stay outside the park on the west side, you can still enjoy an early start (around 7-8 AM) to ensure you find parking and avoid some of the crowds.

2. Day 2 in Yosemite Valley with Kids:

Your full day in Yosemite Valley should be fun and relaxing, especially with the kids! The Valley is full of iconic views, and there’s no need to do strenuous hikes to experience the beauty of the park. Here’s how I would recommend spending the day:

Yosemite Falls: Start your day with a visit to Yosemite Falls. The Lower Falls is an easy 1-mile round-trip walk, perfect for families. The view of the falls is incredible, and it’s a great first stop.
Sentinel Meadow & Cook’s Meadow Loop: After Yosemite Falls, take the shuttle or drive to the Sentinel and Cook’s Meadow areas for some of the best views of El Capitan and Half Dome. Both meadows have easy, flat trails (about 1 mile) that are perfect for kids to explore while taking in beautiful views of the valley floor.
Giant Sequoias at Mariposa Grove (Optional): If you have time before heading south on your departure day, visiting Mariposa Grove could be worth it. The grove is home to the famous giant sequoias, and there’s an easy walk to see the Grizzly Giant. The kids will love the towering trees! It’s about a 1-hour drive from Yosemite Valley, so be mindful of timing if you’re planning to do this before heading south.
Yosemite Valley Visitor Center: This center is great for kids, as it has interactive exhibits, educational materials, and a great little gift shop. It’s a nice break before heading to your next stop!

For lunch, you could stop by one of the picnic areas near the Visitor Center or the Yosemite Lodge, which has dining options. Depending on your energy levels, you can either take another easy stroll, or head to a nearby spot for a relaxing family picnic.

In Summary:

While taking Tioga Road will add some time to your journey, the views and experiences along the way make it a worthwhile route. The best time to arrive in Yosemite Valley is around 10 AM to beat the rush, and I recommend enjoying easy hikes that showcase the park’s natural beauty without wearing yourselves out.

Your second day in the Valley should focus on easy, iconic views of Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome. Take your time to enjoy the meadows and get some great family photos. If the kids still have energy, a visit to Mariposa Grove on your departure day could be a great way to wrap up your trip.

I hope this helps you get a good plan together, and don’t stress—Yosemite will be a fantastic experience for your family! Enjoy your trip!

Two Yosemite days with kids

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