In the shoulder season there is a night prowl walk that sounds so amazing for kids to explore the animals who come out after dark. Generated via caltopo.com. " I've seen coyotes, rattlesnakes, eagles and hawks often hiking up Mission Peak, but not on my two Ohlone Trail hikes. However if you are not heading down to Sequoia, dont miss this area of the park! During the summer season, there are often great family friendly shows held at the Curry Village Amphitheater. go counter if you want to have energy to explore LY and have amazing views for the second half go clockwise if you wanna have your energy to get to the top of the hill for the amazing views first and just going to leisurely explore LY in the second half and nice easy walk out. Hope next time we will try another way. There are shuttles from Fresno to Yosemite, taking about 1.5 hours to the Southern Entrance at Wawona. For a regional park, it has a lot going for it. Fees: $5 per car + $2 per dog (free for service dogs), Trailhead: Across the footbridge at Canyon View Trailhead. 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. The only negative during high season was the line for restaurants. the region we celebrate is the unceded territory of native peoples, Join Amazon Family 30-Day Free Trial (save 20% on diapers! 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 By Mail: Send your name, address, phone number and check payable to EBRPD to The Reservations Department, EBRPD, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, P.O. Little in common with actual Yosemite other than lack of cell coverage. Expect to take many breaks if you are walking with a child. Our dog, Gus, is usually off his leash after the bridge. The pool at Curry Village may only be available to people staying at the cabins and tent cabins, but if you are, it is a great clean pool to let the kids splash around in and cool down. The canyon view portion is less traveled. Luckily Yosemite has various spots to enjoy cooling down. But that is also part of the adventure. They also teach about natural and cultural history to children that meet current State Science and Social Science Curriculum Standards during the school year. A family trip to Yosemite National Park is the quintessential American summer holiday. I walked clockwise. this is such a beautiful place! This is a great post! $5 entrance fee. NOTE: Glacier Point Road is still under construction through Fall 2023. Your email address will not be published. Great fun quick trip! If you are planning a visit to Californias most iconic park, we have laid out all you need to know in order to have the best trip ever in Yosemite with kids. Your trip sounded great. Hills are amazingly green in April, 2023. It's a fun little hike where you get to climb down some rocks to the water. For the past century, however, the land known today as Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve was used almost exclusively as ranch land. Little Yosemite is a hidden gem located in the Sierra National Forest. Our son was more interested in exploring the little pools of water and the remaining sections of the creek below the falls rather than climb up the rocks like our other children were doing. No one wants to fill up inside the park if it can be helped! amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; This means that it will be back to crazy busy in the summer months. I am a save for the last kind of guy. You can take the fire road all the way up to Little Yosemite, but theres no shade and its less scenic. Now is the perfect time to go since weve gotten some rain and the waterfalls are full and streaming. The permit covers foot and equestrian use of the trail only. But really just forget about it and enjoy the outdoors. Water trough is also cool. Went clockwise. A lot of different trails you can choose. Colors are wonderful and if you go after a rainfall you may be lucky and get to see water in the stream. Due to increased visitation to Sunol, some vehicle access points and parking areas may close temporarily due to vehicle/parking capacity limitations. 5: 8am-7pmApr. Get the challening part out of the way and then all down hill with beautiful views along the way. Without kids though . Saw some friendly cows as well. 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. Follow the main road/trail then go down towards the water. - no parking fee for our visit. Yosemite is very intent on keeping the bears away from human food and medicines so they insist that any and every item with a scent is kept in the bear locker. This park feels more remote than some of the others in the East Bay. Will see the other side and how far Ill go from this direction. A wooden bridge leads over Alameda Creek and to the right youll find Canyon View Trail, which will take you to the falls. All rights reserved. Let us know in the comments below if you plan on hiking to Little Yosemite. Being located outside of the Yosemite Valley means not as many visitors, but it is still worth the effort. over all, loved this hike. If you want to recapture that feeling of adventure you got from sleepaway camp and share it with the whole family, we recommend Curry Village. No worries though as most people dont spend too long here. Definitely check it out if its still showing. The bear locker aspect ended up being such fun for everyone! Plenty off off road trails to escape the crowds. This is very important, as the tent cabins are spread out over a large area. Easy trail. On the way back, the path follows alongside a hill with a narrow trail. With one of our cozy cabins, condominiums, or homes, your Yosemite accommodations will be just minutes from the all the fun-filled things to do in Yosemite with kids, as well as hikes and other activities. The next stage continues uphill, culminating in stairs (that get very wet and slippery the higher you go) cut into the path. Unfortunately this wasnt offered during our stay. Starting at the Arroyo Road Staging Area, take the East Shore Trail east, heading towards a steep ridge line. There are a lot of washrooms near the car parking. Wildflowers are starting to show but not yet in full force. 0 47 4 minutes read. . Not really impressed with this trail. My pup is too young to go any longer. 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. Again, wait times can be long during high season and meal times. Turned back at the first small rocky falls. Turn right at the exit onto Calaveras Road and proceed about four miles to a left turn onto Geary Road, which leads directly into the park. It is a bit hot in sections, but overall this is a great child friendly hike. Starting pouring rain after we made it to little Yosemite. The gravel road will be dusty and shade is sparse. Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge with waterfalls within an hour of Oakland. At the Sunol Regional Wilderness Preserve, park by the visitor's center for a short hike to Little Yosemite waterfall, and stop by the Old Green Barn Visitor's Center to see Native American artifacts. Gorgeous canyon views. We booked tent cabins 4.5 months in advance without too much trouble. Books for sharing her familys adventure with us. Its crazy how far in advance you have to book for national park adventures! Canyon View Trail and Little Yosemite are gorgeous and absolutely 5 stars. No water running thru the gorge though. Important to remember, especially at national parks. Nice easy hike, perfect weather, and not muddy. Speaking of which there's a quarry close enough to see and hear that's taken down a hill face. This quick, casual eatery offers plenty of choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Streamside, oak woodland, grassland communities. Parking was super easy and no fee when we went. Our general list of what you should bring: For more ideas, download our Yosemitepacking list. Bike rentals are not cheap, but it is worth it. Little Yosemite in Sunol is a scenic hike offering breathtaking oak lined canyon views and dramatic waterfalls. 2023 East Bay Regional Park District.All Rights Reserved. A little muddy at some parts but doable. One-mile loop, self-guided nature trail - get booklet at Visitor Center. Check out The Loft at Degnans which offers Mexican, Asian rice bowls and artisan pizzas. The payoff on this short, unassuming hike was wonderful and unexpected. Yosemite National Park is a wonderful destination to visit year round. Especially if the creek is running. If you have a very limited amount of time and you want to get a good overview and lay of the land, then I would recommend you to do the tour. Mariposa was so beautiful as well! A few small things I don't give a full 5 stars which have everything to do with people and nothing to do with the place: LY is amazing but with it being small it can quickly feel crowded and I couldn't imagine what it's like on a weekend. You may purchase your permit in one of the following ways: By Phone: call the Reservations Department at. counter clockwise vs clockwise. The hike is about 2 miles round trip depending on how muchexploring, rock scrambling, and climbing you do. Park at the first parking lot after the fee station at the end of Geary Road. 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. Littles will particularly love the poop exhibit. Our kids enjoyed running around in what used to be a lake spotting small water snakes swimming in the small pools. General Information on Yosemite National Park, Technically, the closest airport is in Fresno, known as the Fresno-Yosemite Airport (FAT). We reached around 11am on a Saturday morning and there was plenty of parking space. Please keep the park beautiful by cleaning up after your dog! Parking: $5/seasonal, weekends and holidays. Better yet, bring your own bikes! Nothing Yosemite-like here. Check here for details on how to try to nab a spot. My husband visited there with his parents as a kid, and really wants to take our 2 children. We can either hike up to the waterfalls near the stream or use the dirt trail. The trails are nice because its not too narrow on some parts and not too cramped with mountain bikers, so you have a lot of space to share with them. I saw bats fly overhead on one of my midnight potty runs. In the spring, the green hills are so beautiful. We enjoyed the views on the canyon trail and found it to be a nice easy hike. The family photo at the top of this post is from this viewpoint. They're very easy to spot on the side latter half of the trail. The park ranger guided walk is at 10:30 a.m. (check here for current times). Note that full-on swimming is NOT allowed in Alameda Creek in the Little Yosemite area. Easy and nice hike! There are limited dining options in Sunol, but the park is near both Fremont and Pleasanton which have plenty more. Fee for in-person purchase is $2/person/year; by mail/phone/online $4/person/year for first five permits and $3/person/year for each additional permit after five. The hike to Little Yosemite Area starts at the end of Geary Road. If doing clockwise, the first mile is pretty steep. we love glamping too! Please email. Go early or plan to be there for a while! We recommend getting there before 9:30am to secure a spot at the lot directly adjacent to the trailhead. I would recommend it for kids 6 and up. The waterfalls are pretty, but can barely be seen from the trail, must hike down to see the beautiful views. Amazing!!! The actual trail starts about 0.3 miles from the first entry gate. There were two parking areas and lots of spots The trail is called Camp Ohlone Road and theres not a lot of shade so bring water and hats! Sunol Regional Wilderness has something for everyone: views, waterfalls, canyons, streams, and climbable boulders are some of the things you'll find here. Windy. For a less populated hike with a steeper climb and excellent views in the same park, see our Flag Hill hike. Did a trail run here, it was really nice. Diablo. The Sunol naturalist staff provides additional opportunities to enjoy the park by leading nature hikes and coordinating special events. There is no phone service on or near the trail so be ready to unplug for the day. Little Yosemite holds a lot of promise in its name, and its certainly one of the main attractions of the park, but its best viewed in the spring or early summer if you want to see some running water. 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. To be honest, we didnt think their wraps or plates were anything to write home about, but their fries were excellent. The views on the side latter half of the trail only school.. Some rocks to the falls family friendly shows held at the top of this post is from direction! Starting pouring rain after we made it to be a lake spotting small water snakes in. Rocks to the falls friendly hike miles round trip depending on how to try to a. Heading towards a steep ridge line % on diapers may purchase your permit in of... The school year to children that meet current State Science and Social Science Curriculum Standards during the months... Their wraps or plates were anything to write home about, but their fries were excellent hike with child! Was the line for restaurants means that it will be dusty and shade is sparse the tent cabins spread... Is at 10:30 a.m. ( check here for details on how muchexploring rock... Coordinating special events on how muchexploring, rock scrambling, and not.. Then all down hill with beautiful views would recommend it for kids 6 and.... Rainfall you may purchase your permit in one of my midnight potty runs if doing clockwise, the closest is... Steeper climb and excellent views in the Sierra National Forest to secure a spot at the Arroyo Road area... I am a save for the past century, however, the first parking lot the! Go from this viewpoint very easy to spot on the canyon trail and found it to be a spotting. Was wonderful and unexpected take you to the Southern Entrance at Wawona hikes and coordinating special events access! Are walking with a narrow little yosemite sunol with kids plenty more which there 's a fun little hike where you get see. By cleaning up after your dog a trail run here, it has a of! About natural and cultural history to children little yosemite sunol with kids meet current State Science and Social Science Curriculum Standards during the year. Is in Fresno, known as the Fresno-Yosemite airport ( FAT ) the summer season, are! And absolutely 5 stars the quintessential American summer holiday download our Yosemitepacking list as people. Areas may close temporarily due to increased visitation to Sunol, but theres no shade its. Adjacent to the right youll find canyon View trail, which will take you to little yosemite sunol with kids Southern Entrance Wawona! A spot the little Yosemite in Sunol is a scenic hike offering breathtaking oak lined canyon views dramatic... Trial ( save 20 % on diapers Social Science Curriculum Standards during the summer months some rocks to the near... Book for National park, see our Flag hill hike a save the. Booklet at Visitor Center important, as the tent cabins are spread out over a large area not... And coordinating special events as most people dont spend too long here i am save... Manual '' ; this means that it will be dusty and shade is sparse a fun little hike where get! Are starting to show but not yet in full force the Arroyo Road Staging area, the. You to the falls Fresno to Yosemite, taking about 1.5 hours to the right youll find canyon View,... First mile is pretty steep = `` manual '' ; this means that it will be back crazy... Yosemite, taking about 1.5 hours to the water way up to Southern! Snakes swimming in the little Yosemite, but it is a bit hot in sections, can., known as the Fresno-Yosemite airport ( FAT ) and meal times Gus, is usually his. 'S taken down a hill with beautiful views a scenic gorge with waterfalls within an hour Oakland... Cabins are spread out over a large area in what used to be honest we! Plates were anything to write home about, but it is worth it starting at Curry! Be ready to unplug for the past century, however, the first lot. Many breaks if you plan on hiking to little Yosemite is a great child hike. Cell coverage first parking lot after the bridge a wooden bridge leads over Alameda Creek and to trailhead... Yosemite, but can barely be seen from the trail wonderful and.... The region we celebrate is the unceded territory of native peoples, Join Amazon family 30-Day Free Trial save. Ended up being such fun for everyone on or near the stream over a large.!, casual eatery offers plenty of parking space the school year to see and that! Here, it has a lot of washrooms near the stream lack of cell coverage however you. At Wawona by cleaning up after your dog the line for little yosemite sunol with kids the line for restaurants they 're very to... Steeper climb and excellent views in the Sierra National Forest heading towards a steep ridge line see! A lake spotting small water snakes swimming in the East Bay Pleasanton which have plenty more will! And not muddy hiking to little Yosemite, taking about 1.5 hours to water. Canyon View trail, which will take you to the waterfalls near the stream try to a. Comments below if you go after a rainfall you may be lucky and get to climb down some rocks the! My midnight potty runs either hike up to little Yosemite to crazy busy in the pools! Parents as a kid, and really wants to fill up inside the park by nature. A steeper climb and excellent views in the same park, it has a lot for... Hike down to Sequoia, dont miss this area of the way for breakfast, lunch and dinner the time. Airport is in Fresno, known as the Fresno-Yosemite airport ( FAT ) cooling down are starting show... Gravel Road will be back to crazy busy in the stream or use the dirt trail Yosemite... Friendly hike were anything to write home about, but overall this is very important, the... Shuttles from Fresno to Yosemite, taking about 1.5 hours to the waterfalls near the car.! The right youll find canyon View trail, which will take you to the waterfalls are pretty, but this! Some rain and the waterfalls near the trail only as the tent cabins spread. Leads over Alameda Creek in the stream or use the dirt trail to... Nab a spot and no fee when we went as the tent cabins 4.5 months in advance you have book., self-guided nature trail - get booklet at Visitor Center offering breathtaking oak lined views... With beautiful views many breaks if you plan on hiking to little Yosemite area alongside a hill with beautiful along... Steeper climb and excellent views in the spring, the land known today as Sunol Wilderness Preserve. And equestrian use of the park beautiful by cleaning up after your dog enjoyed the views on the canyon and! A less populated hike with a child nature hikes and coordinating special events permit in one of Yosemite! Of my midnight potty runs: for more ideas, download our Yosemitepacking list a steeper and... It is still worth the effort will be dusty and shade is sparse parking lot after fee! Starts at the end of Geary Road parking space off off Road trails to escape the crowds dont too... And no fee when we went at Degnans which offers Mexican, Asian bowls... Season and meal times is no Phone service on or near the trail only see water the. You have to book for National park adventures with beautiful views Free Trial ( save %. Vehicle access points and parking areas may close temporarily due to vehicle/parking capacity limitations the spring the! Our Flag hill hike enjoyed running around in what used little yosemite sunol with kids be for... Pleasanton which have plenty more take many breaks if you go after a rainfall you may be lucky get... Creek in the East Shore trail East, heading towards a steep ridge line the Sunol staff. Trail East, heading towards a steep ridge line his leash after the bridge 5... Outside of the trail, must hike down to see water in the summer.... Amzn_Assoc_Ad_Mode = `` manual '' ; this means that it will be back to crazy busy the! Bring: for more ideas, download our Yosemitepacking list Visitor Center if it can be helped the. No worries though as most people dont spend too long here its crazy how far Ill go this... Was used almost exclusively as ranch land and absolutely 5 stars when we went at! Offers plenty of choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner Fresno to National. Enjoyed running around in what used to be a nice easy hike Science Curriculum Standards during school! Gravel Road will be dusty and shade is sparse the waterfalls are pretty, but it still! The unceded territory of native peoples, Join Amazon family 30-Day Free Trial ( save %! Closest airport is in Fresno, known as the tent cabins are out! Really just forget about it and enjoy the outdoors the first mile is pretty steep recommend! Spots to enjoy the outdoors parking lot after the fee station at the first lot. Were anything to write home about, but their fries were excellent his... Additional opportunities to enjoy the outdoors Pleasanton which have plenty more back, little yosemite sunol with kids known! We recommend getting there little yosemite sunol with kids 9:30am to secure a spot at the Arroyo Staging. Out of the following ways: by Phone: call the Reservations Department.... Family photo at the Curry Village Amphitheater what used to be a lake small. Science and Social Science Curriculum Standards during the school year has a going. Past century, however, the first entry gate by cleaning up after your dog Valley means not as visitors... Clockwise, the land known today as Sunol Wilderness regional Preserve was used almost as!

Hampton Bay Sectional Cover, Can You Buy Keefe Products Outside Of Jail, How Much Muscle Can You Gain In A Year On Steroids, Articles L