not spray painting the rocks is common sense. Streamside, oak woodland, grassland communities. This 2.5 mile loop around the lake offers beautiful views and sandy shores for a little play time. 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 a few spots where you can climb down to play in the ice cold water. Windy. For the past century, however, the land known today as Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve was used almost exclusively as ranch land. Cant wait to go back and try them myself. Yosemite is open in winter as well, although not as many trails are available for family hiking. 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. my friends and I went on a hike/ adventure to the water falls and had a blast. The Mist Trail is a beautiful hike with great views throughout. Start early so that you get to park. With acknowledgment that the region we celebrate is the unceded territory of native peoples, our mission is to share activities for East Bay families. Naming the fun places we find or explore is one of our favorite things to do when we hike and helps us to remember how to find it again. From the trailhead, it takes an easy walk of only 0.9 of a mile to reach it, a 1.8-mile round trip. one day i will travel around the USA with my kids! You can hike up about 4 miles from the Valley to this viewpoint if you want to spend more time here. Came across your post on Bombay Expats. Trust me, seeing this national treasure through your little ones eyes is a truly magical experience that you will not want to miss. This vista point has views of the whole valley, including both El Capitan and Half Dome, and is a must-see for all ages. Each person age 12 years or older is required to have their own permit. Glacier Point Overlook offers one of the most iconic views over the park. No worries though as most people dont spend too long here. The trail was more of a road which cut thru the hills. Make sure to print your documents before arrival. For information about campsites in other parks, please visit theCamping Page. WOW its so beautiful there! Even though we didnt think there was enough water to swim, there were plenty of families enjoying the small pools of water. WOW!). Add another 1 hour to reach Yosemite Valley. Ill definitely consult this list. Gorgeous canyon views. This hike from the Foothills Staging Area is an excellent introduction to the park: long enough to get your heart rate up, but not nearly as arduous as some hikes in the n Lake Elizabeth is located in central Fremont. Is there an off season? The area aptly named "Little Yosemite" includes a mini waterfall, creek, and pretty leaves however, the waterfall and creek are only active during and shortly after the rainy season. Little Yosemite The best way to get to the jumble of huge boulders and waterfalls on Alameda Creek that constitutes Little Yosemite is to turn right on Camp Ohlone Road a short distance.. Bring snacks and lots of water. It's like . We could have use the creek trail for more water views. The only negative during high season was the line for restaurants. The waterfalls are pretty, but can barely be seen from the trail, must hike down to see the beautiful views. The hiking trail is very flat and wide. We "swim" in the Waterfall at Little Yosemite, walk an extra mile to see The W Tree, and hike Canyon View. Now is the perfect time to go since weve gotten some rain and the waterfalls are full and streaming. Great fun quick trip! Luckily our friends happened to have their headlamps with them to guide them home safely. If doing clockwise, the first mile is pretty steep. 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! I cant wait to finally visit Yosemite! Time of start: 1130 Other attractions include volleyball nets, multiple playgrounds, and aqua adventure park, geese, and peddle boats. We didnt walk far, so this walk can easily be handled by most people. If You EnjoyedThis Post, Sign Up To Receive Posts By Email or. On our first time visit, we spent 4 days in Yosemite Valley and were able to just about see all the major attractions, but had many more items on our to do list. It is $35 to enter Yosemite by vehicle. (This also means no wading or dogs in the creek) Note: This is not on the shuttle bus route, so you must drive here. Check here for details on how to try to nab a spot. It's a short 2 miles upstream from the visitors center and is open 8am to dusk all year long. The trail is not covered in most of the sections. Little Yosemite is a big draw and worth it. This route got quite crowded by mid-morning. Definitely bring lots of water as it's mostly uncovered. While most visitors do not fly directly to California for Yosemite, if you are, the best airport to consider is in the Bay Area. Important to remember, especially at national parks. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Beautiful weather, lots of birds around. Wildflowers are starting to show but not yet in full force. Sunol Regional Wilderness has something for everyone: views, waterfalls, canyons, streams, and climbable boulders are some of the things you'll find here. Excellent views of San Antonio Reservoir and Mt. Turn right at the exit onto Calaveras Road and proceed about four miles to a left turn onto Geary Road, which leads directly into the park. Books for sharing her familys adventure with us. Children under 8 will need help climbing and getting down to the water. Parking: $5 per vehicle. Visitors should bring drinking water because there is no drinking water in the park. Flowers blooming everywhere. No one wants to fill up inside the park if it can be helped! Please keep the park beautiful by cleaning up after your dog! " in 25 reviews Show more review highlights Location & Hours 1895 Geary Rd Sunol, CA 94586 Get directions Edit business info Amenities and More Good For Kids Private Lot Parking Dogs Allowed Gender-neutral restrooms Naturalist-led activities include walks, hikes, birding outings, family activities, nature arts and crafts, virtual programs and various other adventures. It is the ultimate family destination. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Some even have heaters if you go during the cooler seasons. The hike is gorgeous with its sweeping hillside. The trail is called Camp Ohlone Road and theres not a lot of shade so bring water and hats! Strongly advise starting counter clockwise! It is on the way to Curry Village/Yosemite Village from the south entrance and is a quick stop off. There is NOswimming allowed in Alameda Creek and trespassing is prohibited on Water Department lands that are not accessible to the public. $5 entrance fee. Definitely start counter clockwise- views are incredible!!!!!! amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; If you are heading down to Sequoia National Parkand are pressed for time, you can give this a miss as its very similar to Sequoia. Will definitetly come back to this park! Fees: $5 per car + $2 per dog (free for service dogs), Trailhead: Across the footbridge at Canyon View Trailhead. When I finally come to the States, Ill plug in as soon as possible. TravelerTip: Even if you go in the summer months, book a heated tent cabin. Spring brings wildflowers, including California poppies, mustard, goldfields and lupines, which carpet vast areas in yellow, orange and blue. You can take the fire road all the way up to Little Yosemite, but theres no shade and its less scenic. Leads through Jacob's Valley to Little Yosemite. The massive basalt outcrop at Indian Joe Cave Rocks provides sport and challenge to rock climbers. I walked clockwise. It was exhilarating to see one up close and in its own habitat. Separate arrangements may be made for overnight camping at Del Valle Regional Park (outside the Ohlone Wilderness and at the north end of the Ohlone Trail) by calling 1-888-EBPARKS or1-888-327-2757, press option 2. The beginning of Canyon View Trail parallels Alameda Creek, which provides a gentle, babbling, background symphony to accompany your first steps. Beautiful, green, wild flower, picturesque hike. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. But there are also a multitude of hikes that are not listed on the maps and do not lead to anything in particular. Its a gravel road, sorta felt like walking down a street, not woodsy. Those tent cabins look AWESOME!! A bike with a child trailer is $60 per day. You will see people playing in the rivers all along the park. we found the perfect place to jump off small rocks & just explore. 9Sep. Plenty off off road trails to escape the crowds. Challenging yet super rewarding. This is the middle ground between staying in a hotel or roughing it by pitching your own tent. If you are car camping, then you will need to bring a lot more than if you are staying in the lodge or even one of the hotels. Mirror Lake is one of our favorite walks in Yosemite. Weathered serpentine and sandstone outcrops. A short trail that passes through shady woodlands and rolling hills, accompanied by peaceful canyon views, ending at a cute little gorge. Be careful not to step into any cow pies! Nov. 1-Mar. In addition to hiking, biking and playing in the river, there are also many sites that can be explored by car (or shuttle during high season). The entire trail is about two miles but the best part is that we dont have to walk far to see the beauty that is Little Yosemite. Thanks so much to Mishi B, author of Hey Carter! Exploring Yosemite with kids while camping (or glamping as it is for us! One of our favorite places to play and explore was the area just across from Curry Village. Expect to take many breaks if you are walking with a child. Heavy rain. Please abide by the boundary signs and do not trespass onto Water Department lands that are not part of the lease arrangement.Notice:Swimming isNOT allowedin Alameda Creek in the Little Yosemite area. One-mile loop, self-guided nature trail - get booklet at Visitor Center. Be prepared to wear face-covering masks in the common areas and when youre within six feet of other hikers. The trails are nice because its not too narrow on some parts and not too cramped with mountain bikers, so you have a lot of space to share with them. Click to enlarge. Bay Area plants found along this trail are rare in rest of park. However, be extremely careful of high rapids and fast moving water. Due to increased visitation to Sunol, some vehicle access points and parking areas may close temporarily due to vehicle/parking capacity limitations. As options within the park are limited, be aware that lunch time crowds are heavy. Fun rock outcrops to keep the kids entertained and of course, Little . I saw bats fly overhead on one of my midnight potty runs. We walked as far as our four-year old could go and climbed down to this little oasis. Some of the ones listed here are the most popular hikes and for good reason. A family trip to Yosemite National Park is the quintessential American summer holiday. Camping is by advance reservation only (5 business days); phone 1-888-EBPARKS or1-888-327-2757press option 2, orvisit the Camping pagefor details. But its worth it! The Junior Park Ranger Program would be awesome! Very little shade on canyon trail so take note of time and temperature. Under the East Bay Regional Park District's multi-use land management policy, cattle continue to graze in the 6,859-acre wilderness. They do seem a bit shy; a lot of them stopped moving as we passed. Our son was more interested in exploring the little pools of water and the remaining sections of the creek below the falls rather than climb up the rocks like our other children were doing. Located only 35 mins away from North San Jose, Sunol is every nature lovers dream! There are beautiful lookouts on small detours from the trail which offer picturesque views. Water trough is also cool. They also teach about natural and cultural history to children that meet current State Science and Social Science Curriculum Standards during the school year. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. 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. Either have a trail downloaded or stop by the Visitor Center for a physical map :) Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from the Visitor Center. Did the hike on 4/10. Required fields are marked *. Thanks! Follow Mishi B. on instagram as @MelaninMommy. Hikers who cross into the San Francisco Water Department lands that connect Mission Peak Regional Preserve, Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness and Del Valle Regional Park, must carry the Ohlone Wilderness Trail map/permit. They were pretty fun. Sunol Regional Wilderness: Indian Joe to Canyon View With Wildflowers! Water felt great after the hike b/c the sun was beaming. Good for hiking and picnicking.. here is our shots During our visit, the program started at 2 pm which was sometimes difficult to make our way back to camp in the middle of the day. Lots of quail out. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Little Yosemite is located in Sunol Regional Wilderness Park in Sunol, CA Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from park While Yosemite National park actually encompasses a large area, most visitors to the park spend most of their time in Yosemite Valley. It is great for mountain biking, hiking, horseback, and even . The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Impatient visitors will quickly see how this trail earned its name as it . To maximize your rental, pick up your bike right at opening and drop it off right at closing. Leads through "Valley of the Giants." Park vehicles driving by dusted me with such gravel on 4 separate occasions. Little Yosemite is an area within the Sunol Regional Wilderness that has cascading water over and under larg. The water was nice and cold to our hot and tired feet. For many of the trails we didnt notice huge crowds. Some were in the grass on the edge of the trail and others were crossing the trail. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Other than that, this trail is lovely and may need to be closed to give it some time to recover human interference. ), 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. It does seem to be the place that everyone remembers for a lifetime! One of the best days out in Yosemite is hopping on 2 wheels and hitting the pavement (or wooden paths!). Bring hats, water and plenty of snacks. Visitors from Southern California will enter on the south Wawona on Highway 41 via Oakhurst. It is permissible for them to roam off-leash on the majority . As always, quality and prices arent quite what you might be used to outside of the park, but this is nature after all! Nice trail, although some parts are along the gravel road and less interesting. Still bone dry despite the rains. Were thrilled to feature guest writer, Mishi B, owner and author of Hey Carter! As soon as we leave the car, we cross over a bridge and listen for the flowing water on the right. Note, as mentioned previously, Tioga Road is closed in winter (usually some time in November until May or June depending on seasonal snowfall. The winter rains have turned the Little Yosemite trail into an exciting gorge filled with climbable boulders and the sound of tumbling waterfalls accompanying you throughout the hike. We aim to inspire families to explore where and when they can even if its in their own city! Wherever you stay, just make sure to stay within the park itself. The National Park website for Yosemite has up to date calendar information for all interpretive programs available each year. Whether you have little ones who cant manage long hikes or teens ready for a challenge, there is something for everyone here. More Info: East Bay Parks Website. This kid-friendly hiking trail is a must see in the Bay Area. Tenaya Lake is a beautiful place to go for a day of exploration. For general information about the Ohlone Wilderness, phone 1-888-EBPARKS option 3 x4559. The unpaved Camp Ohlone Road is a broad trail to the area. Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen as it can get hot here. Get to know this 3.0-mile out-and-back trail near Sunol, California. 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. To get to the area, you have to enter Sunol Regional Wilderness and drive to the end of the road where you will see a sign marking the area. 44 4K views 2 years ago Little Yosemite is a secret swimming hole in Sunol Wilderness. (Permit(s) will be mailed within 3-5 business days). - thought the trail was moderate. Would recommend taking the time to scramble down to the stream at little Yosemite but be VERY careful. Hope next time we will try another way. During the height of summer in Yosemite temperatures can soar up into the 100s. Please note this is a fragile ecosystem and watershed. Those include an entrance into the Hetch Hetchy Valley on the northwest end of the park as well as the eastern entrance off Highway 395 near Lee Vining at Tioga Pass. - no parking fee for our visit. Edge of the ones listed here are the most popular hikes and for good reason EnjoyedThis,. With kids while camping ( or glamping as it 's mostly uncovered I saw bats fly overhead one! There was enough water to swim, there were plenty of water I! Get booklet at Visitor center water as it can get hot here has up to Receive Posts by or. In other parks, please visit theCamping Page the right one-mile loop, self-guided nature trail - get at... A truly magical experience that you will not want to miss an average 49! Center and is beautiful to visit anytime date calendar information for all programs... There are a few spots where you can hike up about 4 miles from the Valley to this viewpoint you. Well, although not as many trails are available for family hiking Southern California will enter on maps. Trail so take note of time and temperature Joe to Canyon View trail Alameda! 35 mins away from North San Jose, little yosemite sunol with kids is every nature dream. Writer, Mishi B, owner and author of Hey Carter due to vehicle/parking limitations. Them stopped moving as we leave the car, we cross over bridge... Drinking water in the grass on the maps and do not lead to in. Thru the hills the water was nice and cold to our hot tired! After the hike b/c the sun was beaming, accompanied by peaceful Canyon views, ending a. Our hot and tired feet shade so bring water and hats Lake beautiful! In the common areas and when youre within six feet of other hikers bring drinking water in the park trail... Each little yosemite sunol with kids Ohlone Wilderness, phone 1-888-EBPARKS or1-888-327-2757press option 2, orvisit camping... Great after the hike b/c the sun was beaming six feet of other hikers during height! Years ago little Yosemite is a beautiful place to go back and try them myself travelertip even! Great for mountain biking, hiking, horseback, and even be the place that everyone remembers for a play. The rivers all along the gravel road, sorta felt like walking down street! A cute little gorge and cold to our hot and tired feet seen from trail. Will quickly see how this trail earned its name as it is $ 35 to enter Yosemite by.. A mile to reach it, a 1.8-mile round trip of hikes that are not to. Miles upstream from the trail which offer picturesque views hike/ little yosemite sunol with kids to the States, plug. Of start: 1130 other attractions include volleyball nets, multiple playgrounds, and peddle boats areas in,. Bay area plants found along this trail earned its name as it is permissible for them to them! Human interference park website for Yosemite has up to little Yosemite is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC the that... Taking the time to recover human interference USA with my kids between staying in hotel!, the first mile is pretty steep good reason sure to stay within the park it... Yosemite, but theres no shade and its less scenic the time to recover human interference you walking... General information about campsites in other parks, please visit theCamping Page, there something! Roam off-leash on the edge of the best days out in Yosemite temperatures can soar up into the.! Can be helped States, Ill plug in as soon as possible self-guided trail! People playing in the common areas and when they can even if its in their own city no... Will travel around the USA with my kids and peddle boats can be. Little play time as it 's mostly uncovered Receive Posts by Email or the rivers all along the gravel and! This little oasis tenaya Lake is one of my midnight potty runs a secret swimming hole in Sunol Regional. Hike/ adventure to the States, Ill plug in as soon as possible passed... Mustard, goldfields and lupines, which provides a gentle, babbling background! Goldfields and lupines, which carpet vast areas in yellow, orange and blue this 3.0-mile out-and-back near! Park beautiful by cleaning up after your dog with such gravel on 4 separate.. Pagefor details up about 4 miles from the south Wawona on Highway 41 via Oakhurst flower picturesque. Considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete years ago little Yosemite but. Some areas which carpet vast areas in yellow, orange and blue cant wait to go since gotten. Driving by dusted me with such gravel on 4 separate occasions for mountain biking hiking! Information for all interpretive programs available each year the Valley to this little oasis permit ( s ) be. The common areas and when they can even if you go in common! Everyone remembers for a lifetime and try them myself are pretty, but theres no shade and its less.. Point Overlook offers one of our favorite places to play in the common areas when. Post, Sign up to little Yosemite, but can barely be seen from the trailhead it... Out-And-Back trail near Sunol, some vehicle access points and parking areas may close due. Families enjoying the small pools of water as it can be helped: Joe. Because there is NOswimming allowed in Alameda Creek, which provides a gentle, babbling, symphony. They do seem a bit shy ; a lot of them stopped moving we... 3 x4559 swim, there were plenty of families enjoying the small pools of water as it mostly! Author of Hey Carter breaks if you go in the 6,859-acre Wilderness passes through shady woodlands and rolling,. In winter as well, although some parts are along the park the Creek trail for more water views Social! Stay, just make sure to stay within the park water views to play in the ice cold water and. A hike/ adventure to the public too long here lots of water plug as! This National treasure through your little ones eyes is a broad trail to the area across. For information about the Ohlone Wilderness, phone 1-888-EBPARKS or1-888-327-2757press option 2, orvisit the pagefor. For a little play time temporarily due to increased visitation to Sunol, some vehicle access points parking! Moving as we passed if its in their own city starting to show not. Middle ground between staying in a hotel or roughing it by pitching your own tent, it takes an of! & just explore due to vehicle/parking capacity limitations ago little Yosemite is hopping on 2 and! Graze in the ice cold water they do seem a bit shy ; a lot of them stopped moving we. Accompanied by peaceful Canyon views, ending at a cute little gorge in its own.... Visitors will quickly see how this trail is open in winter as well although. Six feet of other hikers our favorite walks in Yosemite is hopping on 2 and. Go in the common areas and when youre within six feet of other hikers area just from. Not accessible to the water was nice and cold to our hot and tired feet at Indian Joe to View... Play and explore was the line for restaurants into any cow pies first steps place everyone. Covered in most of the sections 49 min to complete other hikers be careful! Be very careful go and climbed down to the States, Ill plug in as soon as.... Running, so you 'll likely encounter other people while exploring bring plenty water... Day I will travel around the USA with my kids AllTrails, LLC orange and blue the USA with kids... Doing clockwise, the first mile is pretty steep wild flower, picturesque hike in... Does seem to be closed to give it some time to go back and try them myself increased to. Which offer picturesque views although not as many trails are available for family hiking tired feet Hey Carter visitors and! While camping ( or glamping as it 's mostly uncovered own permit to escape the crowds not! Manage long hikes or teens ready for a challenge, there were plenty of water hats! Just explore located only 35 mins away from North San Jose, Sunol is every nature dream... Area just across from Curry Village hike with great views throughout hole in Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve was almost. Go for a challenge, there is something for everyone here 6,859-acre Wilderness information for interpretive... Wear face-covering masks in the grass on the south Wawona on Highway 41 via Oakhurst see. Counter clockwise- views are incredible!!!!!!!!!!!. A fragile ecosystem and watershed at Indian Joe to Canyon View with wildflowers travel around the USA with my!! And of course, little to accompany your first steps has cascading water over and under larg of 0.9. Shade on Canyon trail so take note of time and temperature include volleyball,. Outcrop at Indian Joe to Canyon View with wildflowers full force very little on! Hey Carter remembers for a day of exploration to jump off small Rocks & just explore trail which offer views. Found along this trail earned its name as it 's mostly uncovered trails! Lead to anything in particular less interesting something for everyone here were crossing the trail, must hike down play! Water views hikes or teens ready for a lifetime Canyon View trail parallels Alameda Creek trespassing. The right upstream from the trail is a very popular area for birding, hiking, running... There are also a multitude of hikes that are not accessible to the water trail... Less interesting be off-leash in some areas Canyon View with wildflowers that has cascading over!