by Phil » Tue Apr 23, 2019 10:00 pm
I would follow Markskor's advice and take it downhill off the north rim of the valley, either from Yosemite Creek or Porcupine Creek along hwy 120 (Tioga Rd). Climbing out of the valley is just plain hard, hot, and painful with a pack on. Your kid will probably be miserable and never want to go again.
The first time I took my kids backpacking was when they were about 6 and 8. We went down from Lukens Lake (an alternate to Yosemite Creek) and spent the night at a beautiful creekside campsite about half way between the trailhead and the top of Yosemite Falls. Second day went down the Falls Trail to the Valley and stayed at the backpacker's camp by North Pines, shuttled back to the car the next day. About 13 miles. No problems, they had an absolute blast, and they're still at it and loving it almost 15 years later....I just slow them down nowadays.
Another good choice would be May Lake>exit Murphy Creek. Short, although a little longer than 6 miles overall, easy, mostly downhill. Camping at either May lake itself and/or Raisin Lake or Polly Dome Lakes. Loop back around a couple miles or so back up to the car from the Sunrise Trailhead when you exit.
One last one: Yes, Lyell Canyon out of Tuolumne Meadows along the Tuolumne River, up to Ireland Creek (plenty of beautiful sites), return back to TM the next day. Pretty much just flat, but a beautiful hike.