As summer approaches, I keep thinking about our last trip to Yosemite. It was one of the best experiences we had as a family, and it was so good that I promised to return with my whole family. Unfortunately, one of my kids couldn’t go on this last trip, but this trip was so impressive that we vowed to bring him to Yosemite on our next adventure.
Yosemite is a place for visitors, campers, and nature lovers. But above all, Yosemite is a place for families! And if you are the kind that idealizes a travel bucket list, Yosemite National Park should be on your list. It's just a wonderful experience to be so close to nature and visit unique trails, hikes, and swimming.
We have been to Yosemite other times during winter and summer. We brought our kids when they were younger. And they loved it! However, it had been a while since we had gone back. Maybe this is the reason this time was so heartbreaking. We regret not doing this more often, especially considering that Yosemite is close to us.
A Relaxing Start: From Merced to Yosemite National Park
We started our trip by going to the City of Merced, better known as “The Gateway to Yosemite.” Merced City is a short trip to Yosemite Park, and we decided it would be better for us to stay overnight there and relax after our journey from Orange County, CA.
My husband loves road trips, and we enjoy going slow. We stayed in Merced for the night and headed to Yosemite the next day. It takes around 2 hours to travel from Merced to the valley floor of Yosemite National Park.
The drive to Yosemite was beautiful, and we stopped at several places to enjoy the views. Then, we drove straight to El Portal Gate. Immediately inside the gate, you meet enormous rock formations that define the direction of the road. From there, it is a leisurely ride down to the valley floor.
Exploring Yosemite Village: A Visit to the Visitor Center
Finding parking was a challenge, but my husband was very patient, and he was able to find a good parking space near the Village. My son and his girlfriend wanted to go hiking, but we decided to stay at Yosemite Village and check out the visitor center. I have always liked to go to the Visitor Center first. It’s an excellent way to get updated information about the place you are visiting. After exploring the Visitor Center, we decided to have lunch.
There are some lunch options, like made-to-go sandwiches, but we preferred to eat freshly made food, so we chose a restaurant with a broad selection.
In the afternoon, we thought it was an excellent time to go swimming. It was scorching; however, the water in the river was freezing from snow melt! Nevertheless, we enjoyed cooling down while waiting for the rest of the family. To be honest, I could only stay for a few minutes since the water was too cold to stay in.
Later, my son and his girlfriend returned from hiking the Vernal Falls trail. They told us it was a great experience as they could see different views of the Park and an impressive waterfall. They also mentioned that it was very crowded, and they should have brought more water! Yosemite Day Hikes are very popular.
Exploring the Majestic Mariposa Grove
The next day, we went to see the Giant Sequoias. We drove to the Wawona entrance and took the free shuttle to Mariposa Grove. There are over 500 mature giant sequoia trees in the Mariposa Grove. Seeing such an abundance of beautiful, big trees is something you shouldn’t miss.
When the bus drops you off at the grove, there are a couple of different accessible trails to start you off that are like a boardwalk. This deck-like amenity allows for essential viewing with benches and shade for comfort. Beyond the boardwalk are well-worn dusty trails that take you to specific famous trees or stands. Some trees have tunnels through them big enough to fit your whole family for a photo. The line waiting for your turn for the photo can be long, so be patient. If you want to hike, less traveled trails will give you a secluded view.
That day, we also visited the historic Wawona Hotel and tried to have lunch there. Unfortunately, we were too late for lunch. But the hotel is worth the trip. It is beautiful inside and outside, filled with antique furnishings to match the Victorian style of the building.
On the Wawona Hotel grounds is the artist studio of Thomas Hill. Hill created some of the most impressive paintings of Yosemite, some of which are enormous. The studio is open to the public and worth the time to explore.
As we drove through the Park, we hit the tunnel. What a great experience! The tunnel is longer than we imagined, leading to a magnificent view of the valley, El Capitan, Half Dome, and waterfalls. Parking areas are just after exiting the tunnel, so be ready to pull off the road. Beware of the tourists crossing the road. Make sure you have your phone/camera ready as you can see a fantastic view of the Park and take many pictures. Here is a link with park information about the Wawona Tunel: https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/scenic-vistas-tunnel-view.htm
An Unexpected Encounter: Swimming and Fishing in Bear Country
Later on, we decided to swim. My son wanted to go fishing, but we thought swimming first was better. Everything seemed perfect, but suddenly, we were interrupted by a Park Ranger asking us to leave the water since some bears were nearby. We didn’t expect that!
I guess fishing was not a bad idea! We got in the car and drove around until we found an excellent place to fish and away from the risk of meeting any bears. Fishing was great, and we formed a relationship with a group of guys who often go there for fishing experience.
Unforgettable Family Time at Yosemite National Park
We had a great time at Yosemite National Park. We spend the days enjoying nature, swimming, fishing, taking pictures, and enjoying everything the Park offers. Very few places provide the opportunity to have such a family experience. We laughed a lot and experienced things we won’t forget. We returned more relaxed and with many plans for our next family vacation. We highly recommend that you add Yosemite to your family travel bucket list!
