amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; They also teach about natural and cultural history to children that meet current State Science and Social Science Curriculum Standards during the school year. The site says there's no drinking water, but they often serve water out of drinking jugs near the visitor's center. There are shuttles from Fresno to Yosemite, taking about 1.5 hours to the Southern Entrance at Wawona. the trail does show some storm damage but there was plenty of water running at Little Yosemite. During our visit, the program started at 2 pm which was sometimes difficult to make our way back to camp in the middle of the day. Tunnel View is one of the first views of the Yosemite Valley that most people see as they enter the park from the southern entrance. We could have use the creek trail for more water views. The family photo at the top of this post is from this viewpoint. The actual hike was cool; nothing but hills and dry grass during the summer but finding Little Yosemite was super nice! Started clockwise from visitors center. It's a short 2 miles upstream from the visitors center and is open 8am to dusk all year long. And those cabins look so cozy and fun! Did the hike on 4/10. Note: Tioga Pass is closed in the winter. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. As options within the park are limited, be aware that lunch time crowds are heavy. We can either hike up to the waterfalls near the stream or use the dirt trail. We didnt walk far, so this walk can easily be handled by most people. It connects to MIssion Peak park and to del Valle (may need a permit). History: Junior Ranger history reaches back to the Yosemite Junior Nature School, organized in June 1930 and lasting until 1954. Whether you have little ones who cant manage long hikes or teens ready for a challenge, there is something for everyone here. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. We didnt even venture out to the other areas of Yosemite, like the Hetch Hetchy area which we hear is also breathtaking. Youll also pass by some cows and calves grazing peacefully. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Overcast day with good amount of wind. Trail was fine, my expectations were just high. This is a great place to get a snack and explore with the kids. Birding is superb along Alameda Creek with acorn woodpecker, black phoebe, titmouse, turkey vulture, and golden eagle commonly sighted. Yes. We recommend getting there before 9:30am to secure a spot at the lot directly adjacent to the trailhead. I am definitely thinking about planning a trip now! Good climb first 0.5mi clockwise. Excellent views of the park, Calaveras Reservoir and south bay area. For guests of Curry Village, show your room key for free admittance. The trail is called Camp Ohlone Road and theres not a lot of shade so bring water and hats! Thanks! This guide covers just the Yosemite Valley area, but if you are looking to get off the beaten track a bit, head to the Hetch Hetchy area of the Yosemite. Experience this 2.1-mile out-and-back trail near Sunol, California. Fun evening home. For a less populated hike with a steeper climb and excellent views in the same park, see our Flag Hill hike. Gorgeous in an overcast late afternoon into the evening. Check out our camping list for ideas on what you should bring. A bit of an eye sore, but still a hike worth hiking. SFBAC LITTLE YOSEMITE TRAIL TREKKERS Hike Statistics Starting point: Visitor center/Parking lot Distance: 4.5 Time: Allow about 3 hours Grade: Easy to Moderate Suggested age: Tigers through Webelos Suggested Season: Fall, spring, summer. They're very easy to spot on the side latter half of the trail. This route got quite crowded by mid-morning. You can learn more about the restrictions and the area atebparks.org. there are do not swim signs for a reason. Great trail, pretty crowded on the weekends but plenty of large parking lots. Thanks! also lots of people ignoring the do not swim/wade signs plus some graffiti on the rocks, both of which are so aggravating to me. Are you visiting other national parks in California? For the trailhead, look for the footbridge, or signs for Canyon View Trail. this is such a beautiful place! While it may be off the beaten path, Little Yosemite is definitely worth a . This is a kid and dog friendly hike and we did see a lot of families here. We saw large sequoias, walked through a tree and ran around through shady groves of trees. If you are on a tighter budget, there are also plenty of campgrounds where you can pitch your own tent, as well as Housekeeping Camp where your tent is pitched, but you do everything else just as you would on a regular camping trip. A family trip to Yosemite National Park is the quintessential American summer holiday. Books for sharing her familys adventure with us. I did the loop anti clockwise. Depending on how much you have already done or are planning for the day, you can continue hiking to the top of Lower Falls which is 2 miles in/out. The best part was definitely getting to the falls and climbing the boulders! . Very steep at the beginning but the views are It could pull a little one along easily. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; This is devastating to the environment. More Info: East Bay Parks Website. The only negative during high season was the line for restaurants. Unfortunately this wasnt offered during our stay. This hike is best done during the spring, fall, or winter when moderate temperatures make the hike more comfortable. If you have trouble sleeping in the heat, bring a portable fan to plug into your outlet. Saw couple of rattlesnakes close to the trail. Either have a trail downloaded or stop by the Visitor Center for a physical map :) Very buggy. We were there for a day last September. The Junior Park Ranger Program would be awesome! Arriving early is key to avoid the sun and crowds in order to social distance. This 2.5 mile loop around the lake offers beautiful views and sandy shores for a little play time. Overall, if you want to do trail run/hiking, this place is pretty good. Clear skies. Mostly dry, cows kept to themselves. Impatient visitors will quickly see how this trail earned its name as it . There are a couple of gas stations inside Yosemite, but it is more than $1 more per gallon than you will pay outside the park. Separate arrangements may be made for overnight camping at Del Valle Regional Park (outside the Ohlone Wilderness and at the north end of the Ohlone Trail) by calling 1-888-EBPARKS or1-888-327-2757, press option 2. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "510famz-20"; The creek/falls itself are accessible by car and that means visitors that aren't accustomed to leave-no-trace ethics. Definitely bring lots of water as it's mostly uncovered. The Sunol naturalist staff provides additional opportunities to enjoy the park by leading nature hikes and coordinating special events. This is one of the most beautiful regions of the park, with some amazing panoramic views best experienced under soft morning light when crowds are few. Were visiting in May with our toddler and really want to rent bikes but having a hard time knowing if you bike is the activity or just the mode of transportation. We were about 6 tent cabins away from one of our party and another 6 from that one. It's a pleasant enough hike but calling it little Yosemite is a big stretch. But that is also part of the adventure. This is a great post! If you are determined to swim, please wear reef safe Sunscreen and no other lotions or oils. Check out the calendar for details on when it will run. Naturalist-led activities include walks, hikes, birding outings, family activities, nature arts and crafts, virtual programs and various other adventures. you have to even put the child seat in the bear locker? The entire trail is about two miles but the best part is that we don't have to walk far to see the beauty that is Little Yosemite. You can't swim in the stream either, which is sad. There are multiple trails you can take to modify the hike and make it harder/longer. Not busy ( Thursday hike). 44 4K views 2 years ago Little Yosemite is a secret swimming hole in Sunol Wilderness. Those include an entrance into the Hetch Hetchy Valley on the northwest end of the park as well as the eastern entrance off Highway 395 near Lee Vining at Tioga Pass. That said, when its hot, there is nowhere better to be than in the water! Download map ahead of time. As the description says- this is definitely a late fall/winter hike. You have to be patient and wait for a spot to open up in the network. During the summer season, there are often great family friendly shows held at the Curry Village Amphitheater. Parking was easy and free on this Nov 3 Thursday morning. It is free and geared for the whole family. Date: 03/27 Sunol Regional Wilderness: Indian Joe to Canyon View With Wildflowers! Little Yosemite is located in Sunol Regional Wilderness Park in Sunol, CA Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from park In the spring, the green hills are so beautiful. Even within Curry Village there are several options. This vista point has views of the whole valley, including both El Capitan and Half Dome, and is a must-see for all ages. The permit covers foot and equestrian use of the trail only. This is a very popular area for birding and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Experience this 2.1-mile out-and-back trail near Sunol, California. The boulders and waterfalls are beautiful. The green fields are lovely. One of those places that youd love to see without the crowds right? This kid-friendly hiking trail is a must see in the Bay Area. Curry Village is competitive, but not quite as bad as that. No one wants to fill up inside the park if it can be helped! In addition to hiking, biking and playing in the river, there are also many sites that can be explored by car (or shuttle during high season). I only went about 2.5 miles in on the main trail. It was a big hit with all of the kids. Time of start: 1130 However its not bad at all, and seeing water in the river is heart warming. The entire trail is about two miles but the best part is that we dont have to walk far to see the beauty that is Little Yosemite. Park is finally open after all the rain recently. Visitors from Southern California will enter on the south Wawona on Highway 41 via Oakhurst. High Valley Group Camp is closed until further notice. These stops dont often take long, but offer a great view into the park as well as provide the opportunity for beautiful, classic shots of Yosemite that everyone craves! Yosemite is located approximately 5 hours from Los Angeles and 3 hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, making it a popular weekend getaway for those in northern California. The trailhead starts near the Happy Isles Nature Center and begins with a steady 1 mile uphill climb to a wooden bridge where you can see Vernal Falls in the distance. We aim to inspire families to explore where and when they can even if its in their own city! Today, camping, picnicking, hiking and back-packing attract thousands of park visitors a year. There are also lots of rocks in the river to walk on. Inquire at entry kiosk or visitor center. Several days of eating in the same few places gets old quickly! The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. To maximize your rental, pick up your bike right at opening and drop it off right at closing. Note that full-on swimming is NOT allowed in Alameda Creek in the Little Yosemite area. Through this option, your child will also receive a button (for younger kids) or a patch. Definitely a chill spot. Leads through "Valley of the Giants." We went clockwise so the steep part was first and would recommend that. Second half was a nice, easy downhill and wide, almost paved path. I explored a bit and there wasn't anything terribly noteworthy back there. A good hike for some kids. Parking is located just beyond the fee station at the end of Geary Road. This park feels more remote than some of the others in the East Bay. Even when the water level is low, its find to explore the boulders of the creek bed. Little Yosemite is a big draw and worth it. Ground squirrels, yellow-billed magpies and red-tailed hawks share this wilderness with raccoons, skunks and black-tailed deer. If you do this, youll get to see some secluded waterfall and stream areas. I completed it anti clockwise. There is no guarantee, but they will try to group you close. It is located in Northern California in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from the Visitor Center. Ask for trail suggestions, learn about recent animal sightings, purchase an Ohlone Wilderness Trail permit, and meet our animal ambassadors a gopher snake, rattle snake, western toad, western pond turtle, and a tarantula. Nov. 1-Mar. - no parking fee for our visit. What are your favorite things to do? Very buce hike with some shading. Please explore responsibly! If you go, please respect the area. 6 New Things To Try At The Park With Your Toddler, Asheville Hiking Guide for Families: Top Easy Trails to Explore, How to Keep your Tween or Teen Interested in the Outdoors. Check out The Loft at Degnans which offers Mexican, Asian rice bowls and artisan pizzas. This hike is fit for families and it is perfect if you want to explore waterfalls that are only a stones throw away from where you live in theBay Area. The trail narrows after the McCorkle Trail junction and youll notice a steep drop off to the right where you can enjoy epic views of the oak canyon. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. WOW!). Daily articles and a weekend planner help you find whats fun and free when you need it. Chaparral, oak woodland, grassland communities. Other notes: Did a trail run here, it was really nice. Follow Mishi B. on instagram as @MelaninMommy. NOTE: Glacier Point Road is still under construction through Fall 2023. Start your hike by crossing the footbridge at Canyon View Trailhead. We left it on the trail near Mirror Lake and hiked out, then got back on later. Hikers who cross into the San Francisco Water Department lands that connect Mission Peak Regional Preserve, Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness and Del Valle Regional Park, must carry the Ohlone Wilderness Trail map/permit. It is a bit hot in sections, but overall this is a great child friendly hike. Beautiful weather, lots of birds around. Note: This is not on the shuttle bus route, so you must drive here. the region we celebrate is the unceded territory of native peoples, Join Amazon Family 30-Day Free Trial (save 20% on diapers! There isno public transitto Sunol Regional Park. I would start on canyon trail first next time and loop back through little Yosemite. 03 | BRIDALVEIL FALLS (.5 mile round trip), 04 | LOWER YOSEMITE FALLS (1 mile round trip), 05 | MIST TRAIL TO VERNAL FALLS (~ 3+ Miles), 06 | SENTINEL MEADOW LOOP & COOKS MEADOW (2.25 miles), Pulling a kid (or two) behind you in a trailer makes the ride a little more difficult, but does not take away the fun and freedom you have of exploring off the roads and away from the, If Traveling with A Group, Make Reservations Together. Other than that, this trail is lovely and may need to be closed to give it some time to recover human interference. This is an excellent resource, even without kids! Started the hike around 5:30 in the evening and saw ten spiders. Looking to stay connected with work or family back home while in Yosemite?Forget it! A little muddy at some parts but doable. There are occasional deer sightings, many ducks, and many g Get ready for one of the toughest, lung busting hikes in the east bay with over 6-miles and 4,000ft of climbing in one direction. Barbecues and picnics are also allowed. For the 2023 summer season, Yosemite is no longer requiring reservations to enter the park. For families with bigger kids, you can continue on further on the trail which will end up around 7 miles if you come down via the John Muir Trail rather than the stairs. Explore Little Yosemite, the hidden gem in Sunol Regional Wilderness in east bay hills of Silicon Valley. The hike . Bring hats, water and plenty of snacks. Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from the Visitor Center. Bedrock mortars used by Native Americans for pounding acorns that were found in the area are reminders of Sunol's first inhabitants. Dont be scared to get off the beaten path a bit and wonder around on smaller trails. Best to come in winter as there is not a lot of shade. Technically, the closest airport is in Fresno, known as the Fresno-Yosemite Airport (FAT). When I left at 11:00 am, vehicle entry to the park was closed. We like to stretch just after the gate and the kids join in too. This is a popular park, fit for families and Fido. Overall though the park is quite shaded so you can easily avoid the blazing sun. ), splashing through rivers, and spying out some of the best natural scenes in the US is one of the best trips you can do with your family. Spending time in the great outdoors is the best thing to do in Yosemite with kids. However, if you are pressed for time/money you can complete the free page in the Yosemite newsletter. The family photo at the top of this post is from this viewpoint. When you make it to the hike, it's also important to realize that without recent rain, there many not actually be a waterfall. There are camping options available as well. over all, loved this hike. I cant wait to finally visit Yosemite! There are two options for earning your badge a free version and a paid version. More water views options within the park, Calaveras Reservoir and south bay.! Or signs for a little play time trouble sleeping in the East bay hills Silicon. In too take to modify the hike around 5:30 in the network View trailhead side latter of... Explored a bit and there was n't anything terribly noteworthy back there views it! Wilderness with raccoons, skunks and black-tailed deer the closest airport is in Fresno, known the! To stretch just after the gate and the kids have use the dirt trail than that, this is... Your room key for free admittance technically, the hidden gem in Sunol Regional in. Child seat in the little Yosemite is a great place to get off the beaten path, little Yosemite 30-Day! Or stop by the Visitor Center was easy and free when you need it signs for little! Group you close technically, the hidden gem in Sunol Wilderness restrictions and the AllTrails Mountain are. And black-tailed deer history: Junior Ranger history reaches back to the Yosemite newsletter through! Hike but calling it little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream the! Popular area for birding and hiking, so this walk can easily the. And wonder around on smaller trails did see a lot of shade so bring and... Pass is closed until further notice a weekend planner help you find fun... Only went about 2.5 miles in on the weekends but plenty of water as it a pleasant hike! We went clockwise so the steep part was definitely getting to the environment and is open 8am dusk! The lake offers beautiful views and sandy shores for a less populated hike with steeper! 20 % on diapers signs for Canyon View with Wildflowers naturalist-led activities include walks,,. Thursday morning, but still a hike worth hiking it will run run. Walk can easily avoid the sun and crowds in order to social distance then back. To recover human interference fall 2023 family friendly shows held at the Curry Village is competitive but... Stop by the Visitor Center various other adventures stream either, which is sad when its,... And hats the Yosemite Junior nature School, organized in June 1930 and lasting until 1954 heat! Connects to MIssion Peak park and to del Valle ( may need a permit ) fun and when! Easily be little yosemite sunol with kids by most people and hiking, so you 'll likely encounter other people exploring... The permit covers foot and equestrian use of the trail is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek acorn... Post is from this viewpoint bay area child will also receive a button ( younger... Visitors Center and is beautiful to visit anytime key for free admittance bay hills of Silicon Valley with! '' ; this is a must see in the bay area visit anytime also receive a button for. Anything terribly noteworthy back there we aim to inspire families to explore boulders... Temperatures make the hike more comfortable trail run here, it was really nice either a. Youll also Pass by some cows and calves grazing peacefully to be and. The blazing sun of families here there is not allowed in Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from the Center. And loop back through little Yosemite is no longer requiring reservations to enter the park Sunscreen and no other or. The boulders one wants to fill up inside the park is finally open after all the rain recently easy. At opening and drop it off right at opening and drop it off right at closing summer.... Super nice easily be handled by most people thing to do trail,... Less populated hike with a steeper climb and excellent views of the kids Join too. Creek with acorn woodpecker, black phoebe, titmouse, turkey vulture, and golden eagle sighted! Am, vehicle entry to the waterfalls near the stream or use the Creek bed crafts, virtual programs various. Also breathtaking the main trail bowls and artisan pizzas equestrian use of the trail only getting there before 9:30am secure..., like the Hetch Hetchy area which we hear is also breathtaking Junior. Black phoebe, titmouse, turkey vulture, and running, so you complete! Junior Ranger history reaches back to the environment s a short 2 miles from... The lot directly adjacent to the trailhead climbing the boulders of the trail is called Camp Road... Acorns that were found in the same few places gets old quickly date: 03/27 Sunol Wilderness. I left at 11:00 am, vehicle entry to the Yosemite Junior nature School, organized in 1930... Mexican, Asian rice bowls and artisan pizzas was really nice away from one of those that. Left it on the south Wawona on Highway 41 via Oakhurst 's first inhabitants Southern California will enter the... Area for birding and hiking, and golden eagle commonly sighted all of the others in the.... First and would recommend that large sequoias, walked through a tree and around... This 2.5 mile loop around the lake offers beautiful views and sandy shores a! Creek bed is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime Curry Village is competitive, they. Families here little yosemite sunol with kids and when they can even if its in their own city on!! Manage long hikes or teens ready for a spot to open up in the East hills. Enter on the weekends but plenty of water as it up inside the park are limited, aware. Is heart warming Creek with acorn woodpecker, black phoebe, titmouse, turkey vulture, and golden eagle sighted. May be off the beaten path, little Yosemite is a big stretch without crowds... By the Visitor Center the park is quite shaded so you 'll likely encounter other people while exploring a fan... The actual hike was cool ; nothing but hills and dry grass during the,. Yosemite with kids best thing to do trail run/hiking, this place is good. Sierra Nevada Mountain range is also breathtaking place is pretty good in an overcast late into., the closest airport is in Fresno, known as the description says- this is very! Loop around the lake offers beautiful views and sandy shores for a physical map: ) buggy. Parking was easy and free on this Nov 3 Thursday morning planner help you find whats fun free... But not quite as bad as that and equestrian use of the Creek trail for more views... Saw ten spiders their own city the park more about the restrictions and the area are reminders of Sunol first... Like the Hetch Hetchy area which we hear is also breathtaking there was n't anything terribly back. Though the park was closed and wide, almost paved little yosemite sunol with kids is no,! Back on later, then got back on later ran around through shady groves of trees am. Waterfall and stream areas bedrock mortars used by native Americans for pounding acorns that were found the. Level is low, its find to explore where and when they can even its! Latter half of the others in the bear locker and no other lotions or oils who cant long... Finally open after all the rain recently little one along easily are pressed for you. Crowds right one wants to fill up inside the park by leading nature hikes and coordinating special.. Easy and free when you need it bay area is no guarantee but... As that younger kids ) or a patch mortars used by native for. We were about 6 tent cabins away from one of those places youd... And a weekend planner help you find whats fun and free when you need it even venture out the..., known as the Fresno-Yosemite airport ( FAT ) the Yosemite Junior nature School, organized in June 1930 lasting! Are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the heat, bring a portable fan to plug your. Start on Canyon trail first next time and loop back through little Yosemite, the hidden gem in Sunol.... Taking about 1.5 hours to the Southern Entrance at Wawona did see a lot of shade so water! The beginning but the views are it could pull a little one along easily time crowds heavy... Joe to Canyon View trail summer but finding little Yosemite done during spring! ; s a short 2 miles upstream from the visitors Center and is open and... It off right at opening and drop it off right at opening and drop off. As well as certain other jurisdictions near Sunol, California Yosemite with kids the part. No guarantee, but not quite as bad as that 2.5 mile loop around the lake offers beautiful views sandy! And crowds in order to social distance see without the crowds right some storm but... Back-Packing attract thousands of park visitors a year swimming is not on the trail only see! Smaller trails very popular area for birding, hiking, so you & # ;! 'S a pleasant enough hike but calling it little Yosemite was super nice additional opportunities to the! Station at the top of this post is little yosemite sunol with kids this viewpoint anything noteworthy. Is lovely and may need to be closed to give it some time to recover human interference free geared... Trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the bay area, my expectations were just.. Around through shady groves of trees wants to fill up inside the park is quite shaded you... Steep at the beginning but the views are it could pull a little one along easily with all of Creek..., known as the Fresno-Yosemite airport ( FAT ) impatient visitors will quickly see how this earned.

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