Itinerary review please for family with kids

Question

Hello,

We are in the final stages of planning our trip to Yosemite for Monday 6/16 - Friday 6/20 and would love expert feedback on whether we have planned too much or too little and if this is a logical grouping of plans. Our group includes two kids (10, 7) who will realistically not hike more than 4-5 miles a day.

Day 1- driving to park from Monterey. Stopping in Oakhurst for supplies and entering the park through the Arch Rock Entrance. Stopping at Tunnel view before checking into our lodging in Foresta. Potentially go to Glacier Pt for sunset.

Day 2- head out of lodging by 8 AM, go to Taft Point and Sentinel dome. Do the out and back hikes with the Sentinel Dome shortcut. Picnic lunch in to the Valley and hopefully rent bikes for exploring the valley loop including Mirror Lake loop and Yosemite Falls.

Day 3- drove Tioga Rd, stopping at Olmsted Point, Tuolumme Meadows, and Tenaya Lake.

Day 4- hike Mist Trail up and JM trail down. Back to the Valley for the afternoon.

Day 5- head South out of the park, stopping at Mariposa Grove before continuing on to Fresno for our flight the next morning.

Appreciate any suggestions! We are first time visitors who want to see as much as we can without overpacking our days.

Thank you!

Answer

Your Yosemite itinerary is well thought out and ambitious, but with kids aged 7 and 10, it’s important to balance sightseeing with realistic energy levels. Overall, your plan covers most iconic sites and allows for a mix of hiking, scenic drives, and valley exploration. Here’s a detailed review with suggestions:

Day 1: Driving from Monterey to Foresta via Arch Rock Entrance, stopping at Tunnel View and potentially Glacier Point for sunset.

This is a reasonable plan, but keep in mind the drive is long and kids may be tired. Tunnel View is a perfect quick stop to stretch and take photos.
Glacier Point is stunning at sunset, but consider traffic and parking; arriving around sunset may be crowded. If tired, it might be better to enjoy a sunset from the Valley floor instead.

Day 2: Sentinel Dome and Taft Point hikes, picnic in the Valley, then bike rentals and exploring the valley loop.

Sentinel Dome and Taft Point are both moderate hikes (3–5 miles round trip). Using the Sentinel Dome shortcut is smart with kids.
Renting bikes for the Valley loop is an excellent way for kids to explore without too much fatigue. Mirror Lake loop and Yosemite Falls area are manageable and fun.
Make sure to pack snacks and water; even moderate hikes can be tiring in summer heat.

Day 3: Tioga Road drive with stops at Olmsted Point, Tuolumne Meadows, and Tenaya Lake.

This is mostly a driving and sightseeing day, which works well as a lighter day after the previous hike-heavy day.
Consider short walks at Olmsted Point and Tenaya Lake; kids may enjoy wading at Tenaya Lake if the weather is warm.
Check road openings in June, as Tioga Road sometimes opens late due to snow; ensure it is fully open before planning this day.

Day 4: Mist Trail up and John Muir Trail down, then back to the Valley.

Mist Trail is steep and can be challenging for kids, especially the climb to Vernal Fall. If kids are not strong hikers, consider turning around at the footbridge or skipping the Mist Trail and doing a gentler hike, such as Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Mirror Lake again.
Using the John Muir Trail down is a good idea; it is less steep than the Mist Trail descent.

Day 5: South exit with a stop at Mariposa Grove before heading to Fresno.

Mariposa Grove is an excellent way to finish your trip, offering short and moderate hikes among the giant sequoias. The Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree are must-sees and manageable with children.
If pressed for time, the shuttle within the grove can save walking for younger kids.

Additional suggestions:

Consider spreading out hikes and sightseeing so kids don’t get exhausted; Yosemite can be overwhelming with its beauty and scale.
Start early each day to avoid mid-day heat and parking challenges, especially at popular spots like Glacier Point, Tunnel View, and Mist Trail.
Pack picnic lunches and plenty of water for hikes, and have some flexibility in the schedule in case kids need rest or shorter hikes.
Check for shuttle availability and road conditions, particularly for Tioga Road and Mariposa Grove, to avoid surprises.

In summary, your itinerary is ambitious but doable with moderate adjustments. Consider lightening Day 4 for the kids if Mist Trail seems too strenuous, and keep some flexibility for timing and fatigue. Overall, this plan allows you to see the highlights of Yosemite while balancing hiking and scenic drives for a family-friendly experience.

Itinerary review please for family with kids

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