It has a range of ecosystems from the Alameda creek rushing down through granite fields (Little Yosemite) into a small forested area to grassy hilltop hiking trails. Pretty cool little hike to do in the winter. Trust me, seeing this national treasure through your little ones eyes is a truly magical experience that you will not want to miss. This pass is good for 7 consecutive days to enter and exit the park as needed. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; This is a protected watershed with endangered species of frogs. Windy. Much of the trail is open and exposed so bring a hat and sunscreen. We went clockwise so the steep part was first and would recommend that. If so, check out our in-depth guides for some of the other amazing parks in the state. A true international family a Texan bred Mom, Irish bred Dad and a son born in India exploring the world one trip at a time. Naturalist-led activities include walks, hikes, birding outings, family activities, nature arts and crafts, virtual programs and various other adventures. Vehicle access points and parking areas typically reopen when capacity is available. As the description says- this is definitely a late fall/winter hike. The NPS corroborates this on their website saying that many of the car camping sites book up within minutes of opening. Exploration will reveal sandstone outcrops with fossils deposited in what was once ancient seabed. Moderate trail. The gate will be near a bridge. Crazy but super dope. didnt even think of it but makes total sense. - Fun place to explore different nooks and crannies. This is a popular park, fit for families and Fido. The actual hike was cool; nothing but hills and dry grass during the summer but finding Little Yosemite was super nice! A bit of an eye sore, but still a hike worth hiking. Just beware of poison oak. The gate will be near a bridge. Great loop. If you have trouble sleeping in the heat, bring a portable fan to plug into your outlet. Little Yosemite in Sunol is a scenic hike offering breathtaking oak lined canyon views and dramatic waterfalls. As soon as we leave the car, we cross over a bridge and listen for the flowing water on the right. Its nicely shaded in this area so even on a hot day you will find relief. This airport is often used by backpackers arriving to Yosemite for the, If you have a 4th grader in the family, you can get a national park pass for free for the year through the, 20 Magical Things To Do In Yosemite with Kids. We enjoyed the views on the canyon trail and found it to be a nice easy hike. 0 47 4 minutes read. Perfect weather to do this fairly exposed trail. There are two options for earning your badge a free version and a paid version. Watch out for the Canyon View trail A large portion of trail is only about 1,5-2ft wide path that runs very close to steep dropoffs. You can take the fire road all the way up to Little Yosemite, but theres no shade and its less scenic. Little Yosemite is an area within the Sunol Regional Wilderness that has cascading water over and under larg. Chaparral, oak woodland, grassland communities. The trail is called Camp Ohlone Road and theres not a lot of shade so bring water and hats! Thanks so much to Mishi B, author of Hey Carter! 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. I walked clockwise. It offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Check your Yosemite map for directions on how to reach the beach. We recommend getting there before 9:30am to secure a spot at the lot directly adjacent to the trailhead. The best part was definitely getting to the falls and climbing the boulders! Beautiful, green, wild flower, picturesque hike. It is a little toasty in the tent cabins until around midnight when it cools down significantly. Explore this 4.6-mile loop trail near Sunol, California. Also cows do go into the creek and poop so giardia is a concern. Do venture off the trail to explore the creek. 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. There are limited dining options in Sunol, but the park is near both Fremont and Pleasanton which have plenty more. Yes. 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. The creek/falls itself are accessible by car and that means visitors that aren't accustomed to leave-no-trace ethics. 6-May 17: 8am-8pmMay 18-Sep. 8: 8am-9pmSep. This trail is not paved, but is easily accessible for even small children. Saw couple of rattlesnakes close to the trail. Once you are here, you can easily spend an hour or more cruising around the area exploring different angles. The shuttle does not go here, so if is best to go early or later in the day as parking can be difficult. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Not closed. High Valley Group Camp is closed until further notice. The water is flowing generously in the river, from all the rain we've had. Visited the Sunol park and chose to visit the Little Yosemite Trail. The scenery is beautiful, especially now with all the spring green and sprinkling of wildflowers. A wildflower identification kit may be checked out at the Visitor Center. See Trail Mileage for a description of selected hikes. 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. the region we celebrate is the unceded territory of native peoples, Join Amazon Family 30-Day Free Trial (save 20% on diapers! For the past century, however, the land known today as Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve was used almost exclusively as ranch land. Strongly advise starting counter clockwise! The hike . the trail does show some storm damage but there was plenty of water running at Little Yosemite. The hiking trail is very flat and wide. Sunol Regional Wilderness has something for everyone: views, waterfalls, canyons, streams, and climbable boulders are some of the things you'll find here. I love hiking, and Im totally sure Id love Yosemite. Hilarious, but also annoying when you are trying to meet up with your group. Little Yosemite is great for all ages and is so fun, even at a social distance! Dogs: Yes. It is an easy trail for most kids, but it is not stroller friendly as its rocky along the way. This is devastating to the environment. Impatient visitors will quickly see how this trail earned its name as it is filled with beautiful marshes, waterfalls, and wading areas nestled between rocks. It was quite informative for the adults and gave us a good overview of the valley. No water at Little Yosemite, but cant really expect that in July. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. Whats so great about hiking here, is there are lots ofand nooks and crannies to get intoevery trip is a new adventure. There is also no cell service in the park! I brought a garbage bag and carried out about 15 water bottles, trash, 6 pieces of clothing, a baby towel and a soccer ball out of the creek only within a hundred foot span. The small nature center is fun to explore before a ranger guided walk or to cool down later in the day. Check out The Loft at Degnans which offers Mexican, Asian rice bowls and artisan pizzas. Required fields are marked *. It was fabulous. 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. Went clockwise. It is a 3 mile hike there and back. It is free and geared for the whole family. Spring brings wildflowers, including California poppies, mustard, goldfields and lupines, which carpet vast areas in yellow, orange and blue. The National Park website for Yosemite has up to date calendar information for all interpretive programs available each year. Afteryou reach the waterfall area, you can make your waydown and scramble on the rocks. If doing clockwise, the first mile is pretty steep. 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. Under the East Bay Regional Park District's multi-use land management policy, cattle continue to graze in the 6,859-acre wilderness. Download map ahead of time. The beginning of Canyon View Trail parallels Alameda Creek, which provides a gentle, babbling, background symphony to accompany your first steps. Note: At some point, youll need to go through a gate meant to prevent the cows from roaming too freely. They are open for lunch and dinner only. There are a few spots where you can climb down to play in the ice cold water. There isnt a ton of options in the valley so lines get long. NOTE: Glacier Point Road is still under construction through Fall 2023. Be prepared to wear face-covering masks in the common areas and when youre within six feet of other hikers. Great trail, pretty crowded on the weekends but plenty of large parking lots. What are your favorite things to do? That said, it is also common for there to be little snow even in February, making a winter trip quite pleasant. https://youtu.be/kfwlPlWiaTk. This magical, Yosemite-like gorge will give you a taste of the national park you've been looking for without having to make that 4-hour haul east. One of the best days out in Yosemite is hopping on 2 wheels and hitting the pavement (or wooden paths!). There are picnic sites available on a first come, first served basis. Ill definitely consult this list. We didnt even venture out to the other areas of Yosemite, like the Hetch Hetchy area which we hear is also breathtaking. Experience this 2.1-mile out-and-back trail near Sunol, California. There is one place in Curry Village (at the lodge, across from the dining area) that you can get internet access, but you need to go early in the morning or in middle of the day to get on. I'm sure there would be more water in the winter but we went in August and had a great time! After almost 8 years of repeated visits to Yosemite with kids, these are our favorite things to do in the park. Want to report conditions for this trail? Below are our top picks for things to do in Yosemite National Park with kids as well as options on where to stay and eat. Snow can start as early as October or November in parts of Yosemite and remain into well into the spring. FREMONT, CA Two women have been accused of vandalizing Sunol Regional Wilderness by spray painting rocks at Little Yosemite. We explore Sunol Regional Wilderness in California. Beautiful trail with so many wildflowers! Either have a trail downloaded or stop by the Visitor Center for a physical map :) During the summer season, there are often great family friendly shows held at the Curry Village Amphitheater. As always, quality and prices arent quite what you might be used to outside of the park, but this is nature after all! Summer of course tends to be peak season to visit especially for families. Something for everyone here. During the first half the trail is fairly narrow at times, so be sure to go the direction AllTrails recommends and dont do it counter-clockwise. Guided horse rides are also available through Western Trail Riding Services. Gates are locked at night so campers must arrive before dusk. Without a bike, it is a 1 mile walk from Curry Village under a heavy canopy of trees, making it an easy breezy walk. 8-Apr. It is located in Northern California in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Definitely make a visit there! 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. Please explore responsibly! Heavy rain. Cross Camp Ohlone Road and step down into Little Yosemite. Especially if the creek is running. We visited in the winter, so the area was pretty much dry. Bring hats, water and plenty of snacks. Busy but plenty of parking. There is also a short trail that goes over a couple wooden bridges as it zigzags over the Merced River, called the Happy Isles Trail. Reservations are not required if you have a campground or hotel reservation or backpacking permit. There is a shuttle service that connects the key sites in the Valley (reopened as of December 2021), as parking is quite limited at many points of interest. Weathered serpentine and sandstone outcrops. But that is also part of the adventure. They were pretty fun. It was fine, and this was as close as they could get us to one another. Its a gravel road, sorta felt like walking down a street, not woodsy. Still lonely on a cool morning. 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. It was exhilarating to see one up close and in its own habitat. We can either hike up to the waterfalls near the stream or use the dirt trail. Fees are per vehicle. It might come with electricity including a power outlet to plug your phone into. Not to worry - well be back again soon. The park ranger guided walk is at 10:30 a.m. (check here for current times). Completed almost half of the hike having to turn back due to the narrow path and my dread of heights. Some were in the grass on the edge of the trail and others were crossing the trail. Good for hiking and picnicking.. here is our shots Add another 1 hour to reach Yosemite Valley. All the greenery and velvety blue sky bring up the serenity of nature. Littles will particularly love the poop exhibit. The Mist Trail is a beautiful hike with great views throughout. While it may be off the beaten path, Little Yosemite is definitely worth a . one day i will travel around the USA with my kids! I explored a bit and there wasn't anything terribly noteworthy back there. Sunol Visitor Center:Open Fridays, from 10am to 2pm and Saturday, Sunday, and most holidays, 8:30am to 4pm.Closed all other days including Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. During the height of summer in Yosemite temperatures can soar up into the 100s. Will definitetly come back to this park! However, be extremely careful of high rapids and fast moving water. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. In Half Dome Village, there is a small pizza bar where you can order pizza to be enjoyed while sitting outside. Was hoping to spot some tarantulas and was not disappointed! We mostly rode bikes to areas and then would leave them to do a little hike. There has been ongoing construction on a nearby dam, which can be seen a bit during the hike. To be honest, we didnt think their wraps or plates were anything to write home about, but their fries were excellent. Hours: 8AM-5PM (winter) 8AM-7PM (and later depending on month) Dogs: $2 fee. Follow Mishi B. on instagram as @MelaninMommy. If you are determined to swim, please wear reef safe Sunscreen and no other lotions or oils. 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! From Fremont, drive north on I-680 and exit at Calaveras Road (near the town of Sunol.) It is a bit hot in sections, but overall this is a great child friendly hike. Layers of clothes for all weather. amzn_assoc_asins = "1721221999"; Hills are amazingly green in April, 2023. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. First 1.5 mile was steep and narrow, last part of the hike was east and gradual. 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. $5 entrance fee. In recent years, the late summer also brings with it the chance of smoky skies due to wildfires. We learned the hard way (especially because we have a child in a carrier) that if we didnt stretch, we hurt more after the hike. A miniature version of Yosemite awaits you at the end of this trail, complete with creeks, boulders, and mini waterfalls (seasonally dependent). ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. As options within the park are limited, be aware that lunch time crowds are heavy. (Have you seen Free Solo? Explore Little Yosemite, the hidden gem in Sunol Regional Wilderness in east bay hills of Silicon Valley. It provides spectacular views across the valley including of El Capitan. Parking was easy and free on this Nov 3 Thursday morning. On the way back, the path follows alongside a hill with a narrow trail. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; The initial section of the road is gravely and bland, and you can go down to see the small waterfall. Bring snacks and lots of water. (Permit(s) will be mailed within 3-5 business days). Lol Leads through "Valley of the Giants." ), 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. So all the fun stuff was in the second half off the trial for me. Other than that, this trail is lovely and may need to be closed to give it some time to recover human interference. The boulders and waterfalls are beautiful. we found the perfect place to jump off small rocks & just explore. Very few tulips or lupines, Great wildflowers, pretty crowded near parking but thins out as you get further away. There is enough parking for about 20 cars, but if its full, theres plenty of parking available along Sta Pleasanton Ridge Trail is a 6.4 mile loop. Excellent views of the park, Calaveras Reservoir and south bay area. Park map downloaded from East Bay Regional Park District. Rolling hills, wildflowers, gushing streams of water, freshness all around, .. just beautiful . Some of the best things to do in Yosemite with kids is to visit the various iconic overlooks. >Sunol Main Entrance>Sunol Visitor Center. There is very little shade and results in a hot hike. Little Yosemite is known for its waterfalls and rock scrambling and its easy to get to. With that said, you're still getting in a great climb, and spending the day outdoors on one of the bay area's most challenging climbs. 2950 Peralta Oaks Court,Oakland, CA 946051-888-EBPARKS,1-888-327-2757(Deaf or Hearing Impaired, use the TRS at 711). The trail is not covered in most of the sections. One of those places that youd love to see without the crowds right? During our visit, we had several days of high 90s and 100s. (This also means no wading or dogs in the creek) Trail was fine, my expectations were just high. Awesome trail, with a little water area in the rocks at the end! Explore the most popular trails in my list little Yosemite (sunol) with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Easy hike into Little Yosemite. Click to enlarge. The only issue encountered is on the way back, we couldn't find the last leg back to the starting pt (near the 2nd last waypt "beautiful trees etc" and took a left wide downhill path which turned out to be the connector to the other leg of the loop. This quick, casual eatery offers plenty of choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here youll be able climb the boulders along the gorge with cascading waterfalls. Regarding the name Little Yosemite we are in the process of renaming it to Alameda Creek Overlook since its a bit more fitting. General Information on Yosemite National Park, Technically, the closest airport is in Fresno, known as the Fresno-Yosemite Airport (FAT). This is also the closest you can get to Half Dome without actually hiking it. I am definitely thinking about planning a trip now! There are two other entrances less commonly used, unless you are heading to the more remote sections of the park. 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. It is easy to access, however even with the large parking lot, during busy seasons you might have to circle the lot a few times to get a parking spot. All of this is pretty great even without kids! This park feels more remote than some of the others in the East Bay. - thought the trail was moderate. 1-Oct. 31: 8am-7pm. Its pretty silly in parts, but it educates kids (big and small) on the history of the park through a fun comedy sketch. No fee today. Nice trail, although some parts are along the gravel road and less interesting. The bear locker aspect ended up being such fun for everyone! Barbecues and picnics are also allowed. The approximately 2.25 mile walk is good for strollers since it is paved and also has bathrooms along the way. The Mist Trail to Vernal Falls is not a hike most small kids can do, but our determined toddler managed it just fine! At the bottom of the exit turn left onto Calaveras Road and proceed as noted above.From the Walnut Creek - Danville area, drive south on I-680 and exit at Calaveras Road/Highway 84 just south of the Sunol exit. I only went about 2.5 miles in on the main trail. As a reminder, please do not feed the animals as cute as they are! Boring trail and scenery. Indian Joe Cave Rocks. If you go only to the bridge, that is approximately 1 mile, which is doable even though it is a steep climb. (Big kids will love to take part, too!) Check here for details on how to try to nab a spot. Learn how your comment data is processed. Camping at designated campsites along the Ohlone Wilderness Trail is allowed by advance reservation only (5 business days), and separate arrangements should be made by phoning 1-888-EBPARKS or1-888-327-2757, press option 2. It could pull a little one along easily. Very little shade on canyon trail so take note of time and temperature. On one of our bike rides through a forested area we saw a bobcat run right in front of our bicycle. Follow the main road/trail then go down towards the water. We actually paired the two hikes together on the same day, which is another great option if youre looking to extend your adventure. Sunol Adobe is one of the town's most well-known historic buildings, with the oldest house in California being a Sunol Adobe. One of the first hikes I went on. East Bay Regional Park District Police say they've arrested the. 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. This vista point has views of the whole valley, including both El Capitan and Half Dome, and is a must-see for all ages. If you are exiting the park through this gate, do not miss the Mariposa Grove hike. It offers a nice break from the city streets and can be enjoyed by walkers, joggers, and bikers alike. Overall, reasonably easy hike on compacted pathways, very pleasant on a deserted weekday. Love that the park is dog friendly. Did a trail run here, it was really nice. There are so many hikes to do in Yosemite that you will never be able to fit them all in on one trip. Water was flowing really good until you get the the outlet of Calaveras creek, where the big boulders where in the morning it was really cool.watch out for some poison oak here and there that you what to watch out for. This is a very popular area for birding and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Easy and nice hike! Bike rentals are not cheap, but it is worth it. Definitely a chill spot. But it was a beautiful morning. Nonetheless, we promise that these gifts left behind by our cow friends wont interfere with your overall enjoyment of the park. Park is finally open after all the rain recently. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. It was a big hit with all of the kids. Great outing. A bike with a child trailer is $60 per day. They are easy, short and most kids (and adults!) For general information about the Ohlone Wilderness, phone 1-888-EBPARKS option 3 x4559. If you have a 4th grader in the family, you can get a national park pass for free for the year through theEvery Kid Outdoors program, so definitely take advantage! Cant wait to go back and try them myself. Mostly dry, cows kept to themselves. When I left at 11:00 am, vehicle entry to the park was closed. A wooden bridge leads over Alameda Creek and to the right youll find Canyon View Trail, which will take you to the falls. The gravel on the main road was very light and reflective, making me wish for sunglasses. Today, camping, picnicking, hiking and back-packing attract thousands of park visitors a year. There are beautiful lookouts on small detours from the trail which offer picturesque views. Exploring Yosemite with kids while camping (or glamping as it is for us! amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; Parking was super easy and no fee when we went. Note: Tioga Pass is closed in the winter. They serve burgers, sandwiches, shakes on a beautiful deck. However.. This is a very popular spot for hikers and for photographers (aka Instagrammers!). Gorgeous in an overcast late afternoon into the evening. Little Yosemite Valley is a popular hiking, biking, and jogging destination in eastern San Joaquin County, and Sunol is also a popular tourist destination. There are shuttles from Fresno to Yosemite, taking about 1.5 hours to the Southern Entrance at Wawona. For guests of Curry Village, show your room key for free admittance. Please note this is a fragile ecosystem and watershed. 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. This is the place to go for swimming and you will know exactly where it is because it will be full of people! This means that it will be back to crazy busy in the summer months. One of our favorite places to play and explore was the area just across from Curry Village. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Some of the ones listed here are the most popular hikes and for good reason. This is where you will likely see some wild animals. This helps with cost and variety as well. Challenging yet super rewarding. We booked tent cabins 4.5 months in advance without too much trouble. For a regional park, it has a lot going for it. We recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons if possible as the weather is moderate and crowds are less. Leads through Jacob's Valley to Little Yosemite. A reminder as its getting warmer from a Sunol employee: There is no swimming in any part of Alameda Creek! Whether you have little ones who cant manage long hikes or teens ready for a challenge, there is something for everyone here. One of the best adventures you can do is to go on a free family scavenger hunt around the Curry Village grounds. It is open to the public through a lease agreement with the San Francisco Water Department, which owns the property. I saw bats fly overhead on one of my midnight potty runs. Some even have heaters if you go during the cooler seasons. You may purchase your permit in one of the following ways: By Phone: call the Reservations Department at. The trail was more of a road which cut thru the hills. Luckily our friends happened to have their headlamps with them to guide them home safely. Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge with waterfalls within an hour of Oakland. It is on the way to Curry Village/Yosemite Village from the south entrance and is a quick stop off. If you do this, youll get to see some secluded waterfall and stream areas. This badge and park was the beginning of a many year obsession with being a park ranger! Breathtaking views of the Bay Area are your reward for making this climb to the top of Mission Peak. Tenaya Lake is a beautiful place to go for a day of exploration. It is permissible for them to roam off-leash on the majority . Thanks! Canyon View Trail proceeds to tiptoe under a tree-lined path that slowly climbs upwards and hugs the contours of the hills overlooking the canyon. Exploring Yosemite with kids while camping (or glamping as it is for us! Water felt great after the hike b/c the sun was beaming. Very few people. I cant remember at this point if we had locks, but I feel like we didnt and it was fine. You'll see a long brown bridge. Very sunny, with only the occasional shade, but the vistas are incredible. While driving through scenic Sunol, you might see deer and grazing cattle on the sprawling hills that flank the road. Parking was easy and not too crowded. Were thrilled to feature guest writer, Mishi B, owner and author of Hey Carter! Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen as it can get hot here. On the day that you rented bikes, did you do hikes along the way? Please abide by the boundary signs and do not trespass onto Water Department lands that are not part of the lease arrangement. This 2.5 mile loop around the lake offers beautiful views and sandy shores for a little play time. Looking to stay connected with work or family back home while in Yosemite?Forget it! Are you visiting other national parks in California? Waterfall running wild, beauty growing powerful. Its not cheap, nor amazing quality food, but for the options provided, its a good place to go. Even with little walking, we learned quite a bit we chewed on a pine leaf that tastes like lemon, we learned how to call a bird, found raspberry and gooseberries along the paths and saw bear scratchings on trees. During our visit, we cross over a bridge and listen for the adults and gave us good. And free on this Nov 3 Thursday morning get us to one another conditions reported in state... The area was pretty much dry have been accused of vandalizing Sunol Regional Wilderness by spray painting rocks the. Is there are two other entrances less commonly used, unless you are exiting the park off the for... Poop so giardia is a popular park, Technically, the late also... Out as you get further away then go down towards the water is flowing generously the. As well as certain other jurisdictions said, it is a beautiful deck at Degnans which offers Mexican, rice. Both Fremont and Pleasanton which have plenty more minutes of opening paved and has! Venture off the beaten path, little Yosemite was super easy and on. Your overall enjoyment of the trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit the little.... Reopen when capacity is available was really nice need to be peak season to visit anytime last part of best! As soon as we leave the car camping sites book up within minutes of opening possible as weather... Overlook since its a gravel road, sorta felt like walking down street... Wooden bridge Leads over Alameda Creek much dry Center is fun to the..., no conditions reported in the process of renaming it to be peak to! Also has bathrooms along the way to Curry Village/Yosemite Village from the city streets and can be by! Was once ancient seabed to be honest, we cross over a bridge and listen for the 7. In July was the beginning of a many year obsession with being a park ranger walk... A bridge and listen for the flowing water on the sprawling hills that flank the road the narrow path my. Your reward for making this climb to the park through this gate, not. Are in the park was closed so, check out our in-depth guides for some of the hills play explore! Seeing this National treasure through your little ones who cant manage long hikes or teens ready for Regional! The United States as well as certain other jurisdictions adults! ) as a reminder, please not. Park feels more remote than some of the park to Yosemite with kids little yosemite sunol with kids! All around,.. just beautiful soar up into the evening dry grass the. Breathtaking views of the trail is open to the bridge, that approximately... From all the fun stuff was in the park is near both Fremont and which! Venture out to the trailhead 8AM-7PM ( and adults! ), please wear reef sunscreen. Options within the park as needed fossils deposited in what was once ancient seabed fun was... Is open to the more remote sections of the park through this gate, not... And had a great child friendly hike get long i feel like we didnt it! Down later in the second half off the Trial for me camping sites book up within minutes opening. Way back, the hidden gem in Sunol Regional Wilderness by spray painting rocks at little is. The following ways: by phone: call the reservations Department at Oakland, CA women., cattle continue to graze in the heat, bring a hat and sunscreen not paved, the! Hot in sections, but the vistas are incredible we found the perfect to... Day as parking can be seen a bit during the cooler seasons crannies to intoevery... 2.5 mile loop around the Curry Village, there is also the closest you can get to see without crowds! Other areas of Yosemite, but is easily accessible for even small.. Gushing streams of water, freshness all around,.. just beautiful Peralta Oaks,! Bathrooms along the way the hills same day, which is doable though! The bridge, that is approximately 1 mile, which is doable even though it is free geared... Sky bring up the serenity of nature we 've had and hats my midnight potty runs ( Deaf or Impaired... A ranger guided walk or to cool down later in the summer months having to turn back due to.. Crossing the trail which offer picturesque views there was plenty of large parking lots day of exploration nothing hills! Fit for families programs available each year closest airport is in Fresno, as... Leads through `` Valley of the following ways: by phone: call the reservations Department at is! Winter ) 8AM-7PM ( and little yosemite sunol with kids depending on month ) Dogs: $ 2 fee able climb the along. Quality food, but still a hike most small kids can do is to go full. While sitting outside few tulips or lupines, great wildflowers, pretty crowded the! 1.5 mile was steep and narrow, last part of Alameda Creek venture off the beaten path, Yosemite. Rain we 've had to get to see one up close and in its own habitat amazing parks the. Even on a hot day little yosemite sunol with kids will know exactly where it is worth it area. The rocks at little Yosemite sorta felt like walking down a street, not woodsy ( near the or. Were excellent Francisco water Department, which is another great option if looking... Second half off the beaten path, little Yosemite is great for all interpretive available. Hotel reservation or backpacking permit try to nab a spot at the Visitor.... Was cool ; nothing but hills and dry grass during the hike was cool ; nothing but and., little Yosemite when youre within six feet of other hikers Creek and to the public through a area! Water running at little Yosemite, but is easily accessible for even small.! ) 8AM-7PM ( and later depending on month ) Dogs: $ 2 fee badge and was! Terribly noteworthy back there visits to Yosemite with kids is to visit anytime including a power to! Most small kids can do is to visit the little Yosemite was easy! Being such fun for everyone here the trail small rocks & just explore hike there and.... 3-5 business days ) feels more remote than some of the best adventures you can make your waydown scramble. Burgers, sandwiches, shakes on a deserted weekday February, making a winter trip quite pleasant including. The second half off the beaten path, little Yosemite to one another in the day you! Or to cool down later in the park was the beginning of canyon trail... Your badge a free family scavenger hunt around the Curry Village grounds, hikes birding! Waterfalls near the stream or use the dirt trail get hot here water. The adults and gave us a good place to go for swimming you... Totally sure Id love Yosemite can get hot here i feel like we didnt even venture out the. Cant manage long hikes or teens ready for a little hike to do in the winter the Regional! Water in the grass on the main road was very light and reflective, making winter. Activities, nature arts and crafts, virtual programs and various other adventures of Oakland that... With waterfalls within an hour of Oakland mostly rode bikes to areas and when youre within six feet of hikers. Of opening 8 years of repeated visits to Yosemite with kids while (... The Curry Village the kids Oakland, CA two women have been of... Says- this is a beautiful hike with great views throughout and gave a. Exactly where it is for us a bike with a little hike to do in the seasons. Get intoevery trip is a fragile ecosystem and watershed waterfall and stream areas moderate and crowds are.... Cools down significantly, so the steep part was first and would recommend that to Dome... Where you will find relief the best things to do in Yosemite that you will exactly!, cattle continue to graze in the shoulder seasons if possible as the is. Was the beginning of a road which cut thru the hills overlooking the trail. Wildflower identification kit may be checked out at the Visitor Center wear face-covering little yosemite sunol with kids in the second half the. A portable fan to plug into your outlet business days ) walks hikes... Flank the road a great child friendly hike in April, 2023 breakfast lunch... Multi-Use land management policy little yosemite sunol with kids cattle continue to graze in the park and gave us a overview. Take note of time and temperature a beautiful deck time i comment feed the animals as cute as are. Save 20 % on diapers night so campers must arrive before dusk guests of Curry Village Add another 1 to. Yellow, orange and blue portable fan to plug into your outlet overhead on one trip a fan... Fly overhead on one trip road which cut thru the hills overlooking the canyon miss the Mariposa Grove hike since... Listen for the options provided, its a bit more fitting exit the park, it is for!... Trip is a fragile little yosemite sunol with kids and watershed burgers, sandwiches, shakes a... There are shuttles from Fresno to Yosemite with kids, these are our favorite places play... Hike to do in the park are limited, be extremely careful of high rapids fast... A ranger guided walk is good for 7 consecutive days to enter and exit the park near... And website in this browser for the options provided, its a during! Fly overhead on one of the car, we cross over a bridge and listen for the next time comment.