Day hikes in Yosemite for family of 4 (2 teens)
Jun 29th, 2017, 06:00 AM
#41
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Montecito Sequoia is nice (I've stayed there to cross country ski) but they only take individual bookings on Saturday nights in the middle of summer. The rest of the week is devoted to their family camp.
As much as I love SEKI, I also like the idea of going through the Eastern Sierras and you may have an easier time finding accommodations.
If you stick with SEKI, I would split the nights and stay somewhere along the way to Zion.
As much as I love SEKI, I also like the idea of going through the Eastern Sierras and you may have an easier time finding accommodations.
If you stick with SEKI, I would split the nights and stay somewhere along the way to Zion.
Jun 29th, 2017, 07:13 AM
#42
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Hi Weespxx,
Tell us more about what makes you nervous about the mountains and we will help.
For 3 days in Yosemite:
1) breakfast at 7 (you need reservations) in the Ahwahnee Dining Room. Yes, I know you are staying in a cabin but that room is so beautiful I wanted to get married in it instead.marrying an Italian left me "forced" to be married in a small town on the Mediterranean Sea instead). Then take easy hike to Mirror Lake (45 min?). Take Valley loop trail there--you can extend the hike towards Tenaya if you want. Take bicycle trail back to the hotel--different route and you see more of the lake. I would then go back to your cabin and rest, come back in evening when families are eating. Another alternatives is to rent bikes. It will give you a sense of the Valley.
I have never stayed outside the Valley in summer so others will have to comment on parking situation. If you get to Ahwahnee at 7, you'll find parking there and can leave car while you go to Mirror Lake.
2) another EARLY Day (your kids are going to hate me, but I'm serious, on trails by 7ish to win crowds game). Hike up 1 mile to Vernal Falls Bridge, then continue up Mist Trail by the river until you reach stairs. I wouldn't go up the steep stairs which are often slippery unless you have good boots and balance. I recently refused to let proficient 17 yo girls do loop hike by themselves because of that section. We were ill, responsible for them, and eventually a kind friend/staff member took them.
3) glacier point is stunning. I'd suggest supper after a 1 mile hike/walk to Taft Point (take a picnic), then drive, stopping at Washburn point where there are not crowds, then taking a deep breath and going to Glacier for sunset, with the rest of Yosemite world. There I just embrace crowds: millions of languages, races, cultures--a time when I feel ungmbivalenty proud to be a United States citizen who can give this view for others.
4) Take 120 east to Tioga Pass. This is one of the most beautiful roads in the United States. Stop at Olmsted Point where you can see those hiking the last scary part of Half Dome (your kids will like this). If you feel brave, take a swim in the beautiful Lake Tenaya, or walk a bit on the path around it. Stop at Tuolumne Meadows and take a walk around there and drive on to Tioga Pass. About 1 mile outside Park boundary, you can have lunch at Tioga Pass Cafe, good hamburgers, excellent pies, good people (it's where we stay in the summer).
Buy Easy hikes in Yosemite ASAP (Falcon) and read BEFORE you leave on trip. Amazon has it.
I like people's ideas of taking 395 south to Sequoia. Then you get to see Mono Lake and you can detour to Brody, pretty cool ghost town for boys. My husband loved it
If you click on my name, you can find a trip report for dealing with Yosemite's crowds in summer. I am ashamed to say I know nothing about Sequoia. That's it for now.
Tell us more about what makes you nervous about the mountains and we will help.
For 3 days in Yosemite:
1) breakfast at 7 (you need reservations) in the Ahwahnee Dining Room. Yes, I know you are staying in a cabin but that room is so beautiful I wanted to get married in it instead.marrying an Italian left me "forced" to be married in a small town on the Mediterranean Sea instead). Then take easy hike to Mirror Lake (45 min?). Take Valley loop trail there--you can extend the hike towards Tenaya if you want. Take bicycle trail back to the hotel--different route and you see more of the lake. I would then go back to your cabin and rest, come back in evening when families are eating. Another alternatives is to rent bikes. It will give you a sense of the Valley.
I have never stayed outside the Valley in summer so others will have to comment on parking situation. If you get to Ahwahnee at 7, you'll find parking there and can leave car while you go to Mirror Lake.
2) another EARLY Day (your kids are going to hate me, but I'm serious, on trails by 7ish to win crowds game). Hike up 1 mile to Vernal Falls Bridge, then continue up Mist Trail by the river until you reach stairs. I wouldn't go up the steep stairs which are often slippery unless you have good boots and balance. I recently refused to let proficient 17 yo girls do loop hike by themselves because of that section. We were ill, responsible for them, and eventually a kind friend/staff member took them.
3) glacier point is stunning. I'd suggest supper after a 1 mile hike/walk to Taft Point (take a picnic), then drive, stopping at Washburn point where there are not crowds, then taking a deep breath and going to Glacier for sunset, with the rest of Yosemite world. There I just embrace crowds: millions of languages, races, cultures--a time when I feel ungmbivalenty proud to be a United States citizen who can give this view for others.
4) Take 120 east to Tioga Pass. This is one of the most beautiful roads in the United States. Stop at Olmsted Point where you can see those hiking the last scary part of Half Dome (your kids will like this). If you feel brave, take a swim in the beautiful Lake Tenaya, or walk a bit on the path around it. Stop at Tuolumne Meadows and take a walk around there and drive on to Tioga Pass. About 1 mile outside Park boundary, you can have lunch at Tioga Pass Cafe, good hamburgers, excellent pies, good people (it's where we stay in the summer).
Buy Easy hikes in Yosemite ASAP (Falcon) and read BEFORE you leave on trip. Amazon has it.
I like people's ideas of taking 395 south to Sequoia. Then you get to see Mono Lake and you can detour to Brody, pretty cool ghost town for boys. My husband loved it
If you click on my name, you can find a trip report for dealing with Yosemite's crowds in summer. I am ashamed to say I know nothing about Sequoia. That's it for now.
Jun 29th, 2017, 07:52 AM
#45
Disagree about the breakfast at the "Ahwahnee" because of the issues with needing to take a shuttle, the expense, and actually if you just need to see the room you can do that wihtout eating there (the food kind of sucks,especially the buffet, as it does everywhere in the park) Sometimes the food at the "Camp Curry" cafeteria is better.
As I said if you want to see both SEKI and exit via Tioga Pass out of Yosemite, you should switch up the order, SEKI first (maybe actually harder to get loding there) or maybe just for the one day, then head to Oakhurst or Wawona if you can't get Valley lodging for that intermediate night, then two nights in the Valley (Camp Curry or whatever opens), then exit out of Tioga and stay in Lee Vining, Mammoth or Bishop.
As I said if you want to see both SEKI and exit via Tioga Pass out of Yosemite, you should switch up the order, SEKI first (maybe actually harder to get loding there) or maybe just for the one day, then head to Oakhurst or Wawona if you can't get Valley lodging for that intermediate night, then two nights in the Valley (Camp Curry or whatever opens), then exit out of Tioga and stay in Lee Vining, Mammoth or Bishop.
Jun 29th, 2017, 08:01 AM
#46
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Yes you could head to SEKI first but I think it would be kind of rushed unless you have extra nights to add.
The cooked to order breakfast at the Ahwahnee is actually pretty decent and way better than the Curry Village cafeteria breakfast but you'll spend about $100 for 4. Other than that, the food we ate last November at various venues in the valley ranged from mediocre to bad.
The cooked to order breakfast at the Ahwahnee is actually pretty decent and way better than the Curry Village cafeteria breakfast but you'll spend about $100 for 4. Other than that, the food we ate last November at various venues in the valley ranged from mediocre to bad.
Jun 29th, 2017, 12:55 PM
#47
My friend who had the cooked to order poached egg said it was acceptable but overpriced. The buffet was awful, poor value and never replenished in over an hour.
I don't think they need more than one night in SEKI IF they can stay near Grants Grove. It should take about the same time from Monterey as going to Foresta. So they aren't losing any time. And, I probably wouldn't spend more than that first half day and the next day there anyways.
I don't think they need more than one night in SEKI IF they can stay near Grants Grove. It should take about the same time from Monterey as going to Foresta. So they aren't losing any time. And, I probably wouldn't spend more than that first half day and the next day there anyways.
Jun 29th, 2017, 01:16 PM
#48
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My mistake about 395, Patty. Thanks for correcting me.
What I tend to order at the Ahwahnee for breakfast is the oatmeal and sausage, or the pancakes. My husband tends to order the Royal Arches breakfast (eggs, potatoes, breakfast, meat and toast) which is $11.95. I think the $25.00 per person may be a bit high, but with tax and tip is probably in the ballpark.
If OP arrives at 7 am for breakfast, there will still be spaces in the Ahwahnee parking lot. We have never failed to get one. Also most of the bellboys are really kind and at that hour, would probably agree to valet park the car (for a tip of course).
It is not cheap and a matter of personal choice, but for us, well worth it just to be in that room (an experience you don't get by just looking at it...but it's true that the looking is free). This would also give OP a parking space while taking walk to Mirror Lake and back.
We usually stock up on food from fancy delicatessen in Oakland before leaving. I would be willing to bet that grocery supplies in Foresta will be very limited. If OP comes by 140, there is an excellent organic food marker at north end of town (NW corner of intersection, turn into where ACE hardware is,afterwards make an immediate left and go down.
Otherwise bringing a cooler from grocery store in Monterey (?) will serve them well. There is a full grocery store in Yosemite Valley but parking is a nightmare, experience less than pleasant and quality only OK.
What I tend to order at the Ahwahnee for breakfast is the oatmeal and sausage, or the pancakes. My husband tends to order the Royal Arches breakfast (eggs, potatoes, breakfast, meat and toast) which is $11.95. I think the $25.00 per person may be a bit high, but with tax and tip is probably in the ballpark.
If OP arrives at 7 am for breakfast, there will still be spaces in the Ahwahnee parking lot. We have never failed to get one. Also most of the bellboys are really kind and at that hour, would probably agree to valet park the car (for a tip of course).
It is not cheap and a matter of personal choice, but for us, well worth it just to be in that room (an experience you don't get by just looking at it...but it's true that the looking is free). This would also give OP a parking space while taking walk to Mirror Lake and back.
We usually stock up on food from fancy delicatessen in Oakland before leaving. I would be willing to bet that grocery supplies in Foresta will be very limited. If OP comes by 140, there is an excellent organic food marker at north end of town (NW corner of intersection, turn into where ACE hardware is,afterwards make an immediate left and go down.
Otherwise bringing a cooler from grocery store in Monterey (?) will serve them well. There is a full grocery store in Yosemite Valley but parking is a nightmare, experience less than pleasant and quality only OK.
Jun 29th, 2017, 01:39 PM
#49
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Maybe it just tasted so good compared to everything else we ate 
We stuck with the benedicts so I was thinking by the time you add beverages it's close to $25. I thought the worst price to quality ratio was dinner at the Mountain Room. At least with the cafeterias/pizza, there's no pretense.
Yes it's the drive time from here to either Grant Grove or Yosemite Valley is about the same but it would be another 4 hour drive between the two. And I really enjoy the Eastern Sierras too so could easily fill 2 (or more) nights there.
We stuck with the benedicts so I was thinking by the time you add beverages it's close to $25. I thought the worst price to quality ratio was dinner at the Mountain Room. At least with the cafeterias/pizza, there's no pretense.Yes it's the drive time from here to either Grant Grove or Yosemite Valley is about the same but it would be another 4 hour drive between the two. And I really enjoy the Eastern Sierras too so could easily fill 2 (or more) nights there.
Jun 29th, 2017, 02:18 PM
#50
Routing if swithing up order (they may be sick of booking and rebooking by now)
Monterey to Grant's Grove (enter near Pinehurst)
Take US-101 N, CA-152 E, CA-99 S and CA-180 E to your destination in Fresno County 4 hours
Read about SEKI here
https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/news/...Summer_508.pdf
From Grant Grove to Giant Forest 1 hour plus delays (honestly I would just go see the Grant Tree and do the Grant Tree Trail and skip the Sherman Tree.
Grant Grove to Yosemite Valley South entry Yosemite (3.5 hours)
Probably another 30 minute to an hour to reach Foresta.
You may not be able to find parking at all inside Yosemite, unless you have a reservation at Camp Curry, but you could drive up to Glacier Point (if it isn't closed to vehicle traffic due to full parking lots). The road to Glacier Point actually comes in off of the Wawona Road.
If you get to frustrated with the parking/traffic, just head to Foresta (another hour probably).
On your last day at Yosemite, to exit out via Tioga Pass takes about 2 hours to Tioga Gas Mart (Mobil Station near) Lee Vining. That's the next spot for (expensive) gas if you can't make it to Bishop. (but allow more time for a stop or two, parking permitting)
Mono Lake has a nice visitor center, that about 5 minutes from the Gas Mart. From the VC to Bishop is about an hour.
From Bishop to Springdale is about 7 to 8 hours depending on which routing you take. If that is too long, Las Vegas or Mesquite are about 5 to 6 hours (again depends on routing).
http://www.monolake.org/visit/vc
From Lee Vining
In Mesquite we usually stay at the Eureka because the casino is in a separate building and they don't charge a resort fee. Nothing fancy, but the rooms are a reasonable size and they have queen beds.
Monterey to Grant's Grove (enter near Pinehurst)
Take US-101 N, CA-152 E, CA-99 S and CA-180 E to your destination in Fresno County 4 hours
Read about SEKI here
https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/news/...Summer_508.pdf
From Grant Grove to Giant Forest 1 hour plus delays (honestly I would just go see the Grant Tree and do the Grant Tree Trail and skip the Sherman Tree.
Grant Grove to Yosemite Valley South entry Yosemite (3.5 hours)
Probably another 30 minute to an hour to reach Foresta.
You may not be able to find parking at all inside Yosemite, unless you have a reservation at Camp Curry, but you could drive up to Glacier Point (if it isn't closed to vehicle traffic due to full parking lots). The road to Glacier Point actually comes in off of the Wawona Road.
If you get to frustrated with the parking/traffic, just head to Foresta (another hour probably).
On your last day at Yosemite, to exit out via Tioga Pass takes about 2 hours to Tioga Gas Mart (Mobil Station near) Lee Vining. That's the next spot for (expensive) gas if you can't make it to Bishop. (but allow more time for a stop or two, parking permitting)
Mono Lake has a nice visitor center, that about 5 minutes from the Gas Mart. From the VC to Bishop is about an hour.
From Bishop to Springdale is about 7 to 8 hours depending on which routing you take. If that is too long, Las Vegas or Mesquite are about 5 to 6 hours (again depends on routing).
http://www.monolake.org/visit/vc
From Lee Vining
In Mesquite we usually stay at the Eureka because the casino is in a separate building and they don't charge a resort fee. Nothing fancy, but the rooms are a reasonable size and they have queen beds.
Jun 29th, 2017, 08:51 PM
#51
For our trip last month we found this to be the best site for researching hikes. The information is accurate and I tended to agree with his star and bar rating system.
http://www.yosemitehikes.com/
We had are vegetarians and had two lunches at the Ahwahnee and thought they were great, house made veggie burgers and side soup or salad. They powered us up to Mirror Lake one day and Vernal Falls the next.
Some photos from our trip here if you are interested:
http://nelsonchenkin.zenfolio.com/yosemitevalley
We stayed at the Valley Lodge and one morning a Pileated Woodpecker landed on a snag outside our balcony. It was amazing!
Good luck.
http://www.yosemitehikes.com/
We had are vegetarians and had two lunches at the Ahwahnee and thought they were great, house made veggie burgers and side soup or salad. They powered us up to Mirror Lake one day and Vernal Falls the next.
Some photos from our trip here if you are interested:
http://nelsonchenkin.zenfolio.com/yosemitevalley
We stayed at the Valley Lodge and one morning a Pileated Woodpecker landed on a snag outside our balcony. It was amazing!
Good luck.
Jun 30th, 2017, 07:53 AM
#53
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Hi,
I saw lots of good tips on here and copying them as I go. Thought I'd put the route google maps gives us and see if any of you have differing recommendations. Many of you seem to know the area well. We're staying at Yosemite Valley Lodge and looking at a 1:30-5:30 Glacier Point Tour... not sure what that time of day is like but only cancellations so far. And lunch at Ahwahnee seems to be our best option to experience it.
Thanks for any advice. (Now off to search for day parking options in SFO).
Carmel-By-The-Sea
California
Head east on Ocean Ave toward Dolores St
3 min (0.7 mi)
Continue on CA-1 N. Take CA-156 E and CA-152 E to Rd 9/Hemlock Rd in Madera County
1 h 54 min (112 mi)
Take Plainsburg Rd to CA-140 E in Planada
22 min (17.5 mi)
Continue to Mariposa
32 min (28.6 mi)
Continue on CA-140 E to your destination in Yosemite Valley
1 h 15 min (43.3 mi)
Yosemite Valley Lodge
I saw lots of good tips on here and copying them as I go. Thought I'd put the route google maps gives us and see if any of you have differing recommendations. Many of you seem to know the area well. We're staying at Yosemite Valley Lodge and looking at a 1:30-5:30 Glacier Point Tour... not sure what that time of day is like but only cancellations so far. And lunch at Ahwahnee seems to be our best option to experience it.
Thanks for any advice. (Now off to search for day parking options in SFO).
Carmel-By-The-Sea
California
Head east on Ocean Ave toward Dolores St
3 min (0.7 mi)
Continue on CA-1 N. Take CA-156 E and CA-152 E to Rd 9/Hemlock Rd in Madera County
1 h 54 min (112 mi)
Take Plainsburg Rd to CA-140 E in Planada
22 min (17.5 mi)
Continue to Mariposa
32 min (28.6 mi)
Continue on CA-140 E to your destination in Yosemite Valley
1 h 15 min (43.3 mi)
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Jun 30th, 2017, 08:13 AM
#54
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I'll go ahead and include leg to San Francisco...
3 h 58 min (186 miles)
via CA-120 W
Fastest route, the usual traffic
This route has tolls.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr, YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA 95389
Follow Northside Dr and Big Oak Flat Road to Old Yosemite Coulterville Rd
29 min (15.0 mi)
Take CA-120 W, I-205 W and I-580 W to Harrison St in San Francisco. Take exit 1C from I-80 W
3 h 15 min (170 mi)
Take 9th St to Market St
5 min (0.9 mi)
San Francisco
3 h 58 min (186 miles)
via CA-120 W
Fastest route, the usual traffic
This route has tolls.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr, YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA 95389
Follow Northside Dr and Big Oak Flat Road to Old Yosemite Coulterville Rd
29 min (15.0 mi)
Take CA-120 W, I-205 W and I-580 W to Harrison St in San Francisco. Take exit 1C from I-80 W
3 h 15 min (170 mi)
Take 9th St to Market St
5 min (0.9 mi)
San Francisco
Jun 30th, 2017, 12:23 PM
#55
Congrats about getting into the Lodge!
I didn't think they were going to San Francisco.
I never come in via 140. I understand the road is open, although there will be delays in the rock slide area east of Mariposa.
You can check on the Caltrans site for the latest info about delays
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/di...php?page=sr140
I didn't think they were going to San Francisco.
I never come in via 140. I understand the road is open, although there will be delays in the rock slide area east of Mariposa.
You can check on the Caltrans site for the latest info about delays
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/di...php?page=sr140
Jun 30th, 2017, 05:02 PM
#56
Geanster - taking Rd 9 off of Hwy 152 to Plainsburg Road is using small country roads. I am surprised this is given as an option. If you want to stay on marked highways, take 152 east, then Hwy 59 to Merced, then catch Hwy 140 to Yosemite.
Nov 2nd, 2018, 05:23 AM
#58
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House in Yosemite west inside gate - ok place to stay?
Hi - I followed this thread as we are heading to Yosemite next summer with our 2 tweens. We booked a house that is within the entrance to the park at Yosemite Park Way, Yosemite National Park - Yosemite West 15 minutes west of the ski resort. It looks like it will take us 20-30 minutes to get to the valley and we are also able to get to glacier point from where we are. I am worried however based on the comments in this thread. Can someone tell me if this is a reasonable place to stay? We like the idea of staying in a house with the family that is traveling with us. Thank you!!
Nov 2nd, 2018, 08:17 AM
#59
Not my preference but might work for you. Remember you need to bring groceries with you. Allow extra time to find now severely restricted parking..Go EARLY. I would want to leave by 8am at the latest. Sometimes it can take an hour to drive a mile or two in the valley. If you don't go early to Glacier Point you get diverted to a shuttle bus.
Last edited by mlgb; Nov 2nd, 2018 at 08:21 AM.
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