Day hikes with kids in Yosemite
Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 12:45 am
Author: Debbie Miller (---.carolina.rr.com)
Date: 05-19-03 10:23
We'll be staying in Yosemite West for 6 days in early June and I am trying to plan some good day hikes (1 full-day and several 1/2 day hikes). The children are ages 9 and 11 and are good walkers, but they'll be wearing running sneackers and I don't want to take them on very treacherous terrain. Yet we'd like some fabulous scenery away from the throngs of people! We're doing the 1/2 day horseback ride to Clark's Point and biking the Valley floor.I have gotten some ideas for hikes near Yosemite West from other postings on this website, but wanted to check on appropriateness for kids: From Glacier Point Road to Sentinel Dome and/or Taft Point; From Glacier Point Road to Dewey Point and on to Inspiration Point, ending at Tunnel View (How long a hike is that?). Any others? Any suggestions for a 1/2 day hike in or near the Tuolumne Meadows area that would inspire the family? Thanks for your input!
Re: Day hikes with kids
Author: Dan Anderson (---.san.rr.com)
Date: 05-19-03 23:22
The trails to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point are on well-maintained trails, not flat, but not steep either. Same for Dewey Point.
Tunnel view from Glacier Point can be done in a day if you have someone to pick you up. It's steep as you get closer to the Tunnel View.
Tuolumne Meadows: Go to California and Waterwheel Falls (northwest of Tuolumne Meadows). Go early in the day before the crowds. Also nice: Lyell Fork south from the Tioga Road.
Re: Day hikes with kids
Author: Ed (---.sanfrancisco-08rh15rt-ca.dial-access.att.net)
Date: 06-02-03 21:55
Last year I took my 5-year old son on the hike to Taft Point and Sentinel Dome. He made it fine with just a few rests along the way. If you go to both, take the Ponono Trail between them instead of going back the trailhead at the road. You parallel the top of the valley and get some magnificent views along the way. After you cross Sentinel Creek (its the only water crossing on the trail) take the unmarked side trail to the edge of the cliff for a spectacular view right above Sentinel Falls. If you go to Tuolumne Meadows check out Pothole and/or Lembert Domes. We didn't have time for Lembert but I got him up Pothole with no trouble. A little slippery but lots of fun and a 360 degree view from the top. And if you go up to the Meadow don't forget to stop at Tenaya Lake for an afternoon dip.
Have a great time. I'm going there again next week and bringing the whole family this time including my 3 and 2 year olds. Won't be able to do very much hiking but I know of a few short ones that are well worth it.
Date: 05-19-03 10:23
We'll be staying in Yosemite West for 6 days in early June and I am trying to plan some good day hikes (1 full-day and several 1/2 day hikes). The children are ages 9 and 11 and are good walkers, but they'll be wearing running sneackers and I don't want to take them on very treacherous terrain. Yet we'd like some fabulous scenery away from the throngs of people! We're doing the 1/2 day horseback ride to Clark's Point and biking the Valley floor.I have gotten some ideas for hikes near Yosemite West from other postings on this website, but wanted to check on appropriateness for kids: From Glacier Point Road to Sentinel Dome and/or Taft Point; From Glacier Point Road to Dewey Point and on to Inspiration Point, ending at Tunnel View (How long a hike is that?). Any others? Any suggestions for a 1/2 day hike in or near the Tuolumne Meadows area that would inspire the family? Thanks for your input!
Re: Day hikes with kids
Author: Dan Anderson (---.san.rr.com)
Date: 05-19-03 23:22
The trails to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point are on well-maintained trails, not flat, but not steep either. Same for Dewey Point.
Tunnel view from Glacier Point can be done in a day if you have someone to pick you up. It's steep as you get closer to the Tunnel View.
Tuolumne Meadows: Go to California and Waterwheel Falls (northwest of Tuolumne Meadows). Go early in the day before the crowds. Also nice: Lyell Fork south from the Tioga Road.
Re: Day hikes with kids
Author: Ed (---.sanfrancisco-08rh15rt-ca.dial-access.att.net)
Date: 06-02-03 21:55
Last year I took my 5-year old son on the hike to Taft Point and Sentinel Dome. He made it fine with just a few rests along the way. If you go to both, take the Ponono Trail between them instead of going back the trailhead at the road. You parallel the top of the valley and get some magnificent views along the way. After you cross Sentinel Creek (its the only water crossing on the trail) take the unmarked side trail to the edge of the cliff for a spectacular view right above Sentinel Falls. If you go to Tuolumne Meadows check out Pothole and/or Lembert Domes. We didn't have time for Lembert but I got him up Pothole with no trouble. A little slippery but lots of fun and a 360 degree view from the top. And if you go up to the Meadow don't forget to stop at Tenaya Lake for an afternoon dip.
Have a great time. I'm going there again next week and bringing the whole family this time including my 3 and 2 year olds. Won't be able to do very much hiking but I know of a few short ones that are well worth it.