Families can enjoy all that Yosemite has to offer by taking one of the many trails that are perfect for hiking with kids.
Yosemite National Park is a spectacular place and we think that kids will love exploring the trails. To help get you started, here are some of our favorite kid-friendly hikes in YNP.
One thing to note if you have never visited Yosemite National Park: just remember to take into account how much time each hike should take when planning for car travel times on top of hiking distance/elevation gain.
No matter what kind of hike you are looking for, Yosemite has something to offer everyone in the family. Family-friendly hikes in Yosemite offer a unique opportunity to explore the true Yosemite wilderness.
Family Hikes In Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley is a center for Yosemite National Park. You’ll see many hikes at all levels, but the best family Yosemite hikes can be found here.
There are easy hiking trails at Yosemite Valley ranging from less than a two mile hike to more than 3.5 miles.
1. Lower Yosemite Falls
Lower Yosemite Falls is probably a favorite hike among children in Yosemite.
This short and fun stroll takes visitors to the top of Yosemite waterfall one of the most photographed locations in Yosemite.
This hike stretches for about thirty minutes and is only 2 miles in length. It can be reached quickly from the base of the falls and most of the year you can even go without shoes!
The paths allow for wheelchair accessibility for the stroller and wheelchair users.
However, having a stroller like that of the Mountain Buggy can be good because of its ability to run well in fields and in nature.
Obviously, some things must be noted prior to starting the trip.
2. Pothole Dome Hike In YNP
Pothole Dome is a popular hiking destination in Yosemite National Park.
The round-trip hike is approximately 3 miles and is considered easy to moderate in difficulty. The trailhead is located near the Curry Village parking lot.
Although the hike to Pothole Dome is relatively short, it can be HOT in the summertime, so be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Toddlers should be able to hike this trail if they are carried or sit in a backpack carrier, but strollers are not recommended due to the rocky terrain.
3. Olmsted Point Nature Trail
Olmsted Point Nature Trails are a must-see attraction in Yosemite National Park.
The path runs on the Westside of Yosemite Valley and is one of the most beautiful spots in the valley. Visitors can view Half Dome Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, and Bridalveil Falls.
The region provides wonderful scenery and offers a good photographic opportunity.
Aside from its location, it offers an entirely different perspective; some of these viewpoints can’t be easily identified.
Approximately 0.6 miles of walking are ideal breaks on a busy day or weekend. It is also a wonderful learning center for younger children.
4. Sentinel And Cook’s Meadow Loop Trail
Other great trails for strollers are the Sentinel Meadow and Cooks Meadow Loop trails.
The flat trails span 3.7 km along a boardwalk. It offers breathtaking views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock.
You’ll want to try to be here around the end of April to the middle of June so you can experience the green meadows and the wildflowers blooming.
It will also be nice to do this path while Yosemite Falls is roaring.
5. Glacier Point Trail – Easy Hikes In Yosemite National Park
Glacier Point is a favorite. From here, you will have the chance to view both Lower and Upper Yosemite Falls.
Families can drive to the parking lot accessed right off Glacier Point Road and follow the paved path that provides 360° views.
There are bathrooms nearby at Glacier Point which makes it easy for the kiddos.
You may want to bring a picnic lunch and then finish the day gazing at the incredible views of granite peaks that this spot offers.
It’s a great location for watching the sunrise, too. Even in early summer, it can get cold quickly. Make sure to bring along a lightweight jacket.
6. May Lake – Yosemite Trails For Kids
May lake offers the perfect spot for relaxation with an opportunity to explore the natural beauty. Lakes are formed by melting glaciers and glaciation.
There are many opportunities to see wildlife including deer and California Newts.
Yosemite has over 22,000 lakes. May Lake is a very beautiful lake in this national park. There is a camping site there to accommodate those interested in backcountry camping.
Trails start in Snow Flat off Tiago Pass Road. This can be very busy meaning that the space will become filled quickly. If people do find an area they can have spectacular vantage points.
7. Wapama Falls Trail
Wapama Falls in Yosemite National Park is a 638 ft waterfall. The waterfall on the southwest corner of the park close to Hetch Hetchy makes it a very popular attraction.
The stream fed by Wapama Falls is in the vicinity of Mirror Lake. This river runs through a small ravine that ends in the valley of Yosemite.
Like other waterfalls at the park, June is one of the best times for a visit. These trails take visitors around the lake but, despite their steepness, they are considered to be moderate.
During the trip, expect spectacular views of Hetch Dome. It is 7.4 km long and it’s good to leave early to avoid sun and rain.
8. Mariposa Grove Of Giant Sequoias Trail
Mariposa Grove is a good place for both children and adults. These enormous sequoias are amazing both for their size and their aging.
The Mariposa Grove of Giants Sequoia Trail provides visitors with great opportunities to view many of the famous trees in the grove.
This journey takes about 3 hours to complete. If you do stop to eat a snack and lunch, it should be around five hours.
As tourists walk through the trails, there are several places where they can rest.
Alternatively, you can find picnic tables in the car park where people can have lunch. Bring picnic blankets because the benches are very hot.
9. Mirror Lake Paved Trail
Starting from the asphalt road which leads directly to the lake, there are loop trails that lead to the lake at its end.
The trail around Mirror Lake is approximately two miles long and the loop trail is five miles long.
Mirror Lake runs from the Tenaya River and contains small waterfalls at its peak.
This lake is seasonal but was surprised to find it the last remnant of the huge glaciation lake which occupied the entire Yosemite Valley.
It is a popular tourist attraction as visitors can view a variety of species of animals.
The walk around the lake offers great views of the beauty of the lake. It is beautiful all year long.
The summer months, July and August are great for swimming. During the winter, Mirror Lake becomes covered in snow. Autumn and spring have gorgeous colors.
10. Tenaya Lake Trail
Tenaya Lake in Yosemite provides an idyllic lake topped with granite mountains.
The lake is a popular lake within the park. The walk is easy and it is less than 3.5 miles there and back. The trail can be completed in just over an hour.
Tenaya Lake offers an amazing opportunity to escape from the crowds in Yosemite Valley yet still enjoy some spectacular views.
A very good aspect of Yosemite for kids is its largely shaded areas that prevent any obstructing view of the lakes.
11. Taft Point And The Fissures
Taft Point offers a beautiful valley view! Many believe it is an excellent photographic spot in Yosemite.
Fissures is an easy hike from Taft Point with huge rock formations worth checking out. Taft Point has 2 viewing rooms.
From the first view, visitors are able to see the spectacular views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and other landmarks.
A second viewpoint area offers more opportunities for photography.
Fissure – a spout with fin – rises up to more than 1000ft (300 metres) from the valley floor to the eastern wall of El Capitan.
Family Hikes In Hetch-Hetchy
1. Lookout Point Trail
Families with young children looking for an exciting but not too challenging day hike will love the lookout point trail in Yosemite.
The three-mile trail starts at the valley floor and gradually gains elevation, providing stunning views of half dome, Yosemite falls, and the surrounding mountains.
Although the trail is mostly uphill, there are plenty of flat sections to take a break, and the lookout point itself is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch.
Best of all, the lookout point trail is relatively uncrowded, so families can enjoy some peace and quiet while taking in the incredible scenery.
2. Wamama Falls
This five-mile moderate hike runs along the lake shoreline. This hike will lead hikers up Wapamana Falls. Trails offer stunning views of Tueeuala Falls.
Wamama Falls is one of the most popular trails in Yosemite National Park for families.
The trail is short and easy to follow, and it leads to a stunning waterfall that tumbles over 100 feet into a pool below.
Wamama Falls is also one of the best places in Yosemite to see wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and birds.
Families can even go on a short hike to the top of Wamama Falls for an even better view.
3. Bridalveil Fall Trail
A short walk through the woods on a path leads you to Bridalveil waterfall.
The place is the main attraction when entering Yosemite Valley which is accompanied by an attractive picture chosen for the children.
Depending on the season water will make the surroundings of the falls more slippery.
Bridalveil Fall Trail is one of the most popular trails in Yosemite National Park.
The trailhead is located near the Bridalveil Fall Parking Area, and the trail itself is an easy 1-mile hike to the base of Bridalveil Fall.
Families with young children will enjoy this hike, as it provides a great opportunity to see some of Yosemite’s iconic landmarks up close.
Along the way, hikers will get sweeping views of Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Valley, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The Bridalveil Fall Trail is also a great place to see wildlife, as deer and squirrels are often seen along the trail.
4. Glacier Point Loop
This is one of the top Yosemite hikes for families with small kids because it offers an amazing view, a place to picnic, and many other trails nearby.
After you arrive at the viewpoint you will have 270 degrees of view over the canyon, hundreds of peaks, Half Dome, and a great portion of Yosemite Valley.
Plan your trip to watch the sunset and experience an incredible sight.
It’s one of the easy hikes in Yosemite with stunning views of Half Dome, Glacier Point, and the Sierra Nevada.
Plus, it’s a great opportunity to teach your kids about glaciers and how they formed the landscape we see today.
The loop is also a good choice for kids because it’s relatively short – only 3 miles – so they won’t get too tired.
And, since it’s a loop trail, you can turn around at any point if your child gets tired or cranky.
So, if you’re looking for an adventurous family hike in Yosemite, the glacier point loop is a great option.
5. Yosemite Floor Loop Trail
Yosemite Floor Loop Trail is a great hike for kids. This trail rail is a 1.6-mile loop that starts and ends at Yosemite Valley Lodge. It’s is an easy hike with a few small hills.
The trail winds through Yosemite Valley, past Yosemite Falls, and past Yosemite Village.
The best part of the Yosemite Floor Loop Trail is that it is only a half-day hike, so you can enjoy all the beauty of Yosemite without spending all day on the trail.
And, since it is a loop trail, you can start and end at any point, making it easy to tailor your hike to your family’s needs and abilities.
6. Panorama Trail
The Panorama trail is one of the most popular trails in Yosemite National Park. It offers stunning views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The trail is also a great option for families with children.
Although it is a bit longer than some of the other trails in the park, it is relatively flat and easy to follow. There are also plenty of places to rest and take in the scenery.
As a result, the Panorama trail is a great way for families to explore Yosemite without having to tackle any difficult terrain.
7. Tuolumne Meadows
Tuolumne Meadows is one of the most popular trails in Yosemite National Park.
The trailhead is located near the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, and the trail itself winds through beautiful meadows and forests.
Families with children will find that the Tuolumne Meadows trail is an ideal choice for a day hike.
The trail is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it easy for young hikers to complete.
In addition, there are plenty of opportunities to stop and rest along the way, as well as to explore the surrounding area.
With its stunning scenery and gentle terrain, the Tuolumne Meadows trail is a great option for families looking to enjoy a day in Yosemite National Park.
8. Lower Mariposa Grove
When your children are young you should try the Lower Mariposa Grove hiking. Expect an inclination though, but ascents are worth the view.
You’ll see the world’s oldest sequoia, the giant. Navigate along the California Tunnel Tree and admire other giant beasts along its path.
9. View Without A Hike
This would make for one of the easiest hikes, particularly for those visiting Yosemite with a newborn. This one is not even really a hike.
This is a beautiful overlook that is easily accessible by car and a short walking distance away.
Tunnel view: It’s the most popular place in Yosemite, but be careful not to be intimidated by the crowds!
The way the area is built allows you to take incredibly fast and easy pictures of Yosemite National Park’s dramatic vistas without having to walk anywhere!
Stay for a while and enjoy the stunning view!
10. Tenaya Lake
Tenaya Lake has the same beautiful views as Yosemite.
The hike around the lake is roughly 2.5 miles long and the walking is easy with minimal elevation gain. It is not as crowded as other water attractions such as Yosemite.
Yosemite Activities For Toddlers
Yosemite National Park is a great place to explore with young children. There are many kid-friendly activities available, from hiking and horseback riding to fishing and swimming.
Yosemite also offers a variety of educational programs, such as ranger-led nature walks and Junior Ranger classes.
The Junior Ranger program at Yosemite is the perfect way for kids to explore the park and learn about its history and wildlife.
Activities include hikes in Yosemite, scavenger hunts, and a Junior Ranger activities booklet.
With the Yosemite junior ranger program, kids can explore the Yosemite wilderness while learning about the park’s ecology and wildlife.
The program is an excellent way for kids to get outside and have fun while learning about their environment.
Yosemite is a beautiful place, and the junior ranger program is a great way for kids to experience all that it has to offer.
And for those days when the weather isn’t cooperating, there’s always the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, where kids can learn about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife.
With so much to see and do, Yosemite is the perfect destination for a family vacation.
Camping In Yosemite Park With Toddler And Kids
The majority of the children’s friendly hiking trails in Yosemite are located in valleys.
This translates as a valley that can be an excellent place for visitors. There are a couple of campgrounds around.
North Pines Camping Ground has become an important camping site. This was due to the breathtaking view which surrounded the valley.
The place allows tourists to take a free shuttle and avoid traffic or parking issues. RVs are welcome here and families have access to drinking waters, camping areas, and toilets nearby.
Hotels Near Kid-Friendly Hikes In Yosemite
750 steps from Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Valley Lodge has great appeal.
The hotel offers a dining area, as well as a swimming pool open during the hotter months. Families can enjoy large rooms with a mini fridge to keep warm beverages or snacks on hand.
During the best seasons, it is very easy and convenient to visit Yosemite Falls.
Due to its position, the hotel remains one of the most popular places for guests and is therefore highly recommended for bookings.
Look for more hotel options here.
Can Kids Hike Yosemite?
Kids can hike in Yosemite, but it’s important to take some safety precautions. We have taken our little one on hikes with us since before she was even a year old.
She was able to keep up with us all throughout our visit to Plitvice and Krka Parks so here are some of our takeaways from the experiences.
- Make sure your kids are properly outfitted with comfortable shoes and clothing. Good hiking boots are a must, and layering is essential since the temperature can vary greatly throughout the day.
- It’s important to pick a hike that’s appropriate for your kids’ skill level and age. Younger kids might be able to handle shorter distances, while older kids can take on longer hikes.
- Always pack plenty of food and water and make sure your kids stay hydrated throughout the hike.
Kids hiking in Yosemite is an adventure that they will never forget.
With towering waterfalls, Gigantic Sequoias, and majestic mountains, kids will be in awe of their surroundings.
While kids go hiking in Yosemite, they may see some of the park’s wildlife including black bears, deer, and coyotes.
Parents should always hike with kids and teach them about Leave No Trace principles such as packing out trash and respecting wildlife.
By following these guidelines, kids can hike safely in Yosemite and have a great time exploring all that the park has to offer.
Enjoying The Beautiful Scenery And Stunning Views With Your Family In Yosemite
If you’re looking for a beautiful hike that will keep the little ones entertained, we’ve got you covered.
These are our favorite hikes in Yosemite with kids and one of the top things to do with kids in Yosemite.
We can guarantee your youngsters will love getting up close and personal with nature as they take in all the sights and sounds of this world-famous park.
So which hike will be your family’s favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
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