Yosemite National Park
add photos12 Reviews for Yosemite National Park
23
19
'12
1 family found this helpful
"An Outdoor Paradise"
How can Yosemite National Park receive anything BUT a five star review?!?
This crowned jewel in California's amazingly diverse landscape is only a two-hour drive from Modesto and offers visitors a chance to step into a natural wonder for the day.
We arrived at the park mid-morning, first spotting Bridalveil Fall as soon as we began a descent into the valley; from that point on, there was not a moment that elapsed when some other awe-inspiring waterfall, rock formation, lush meadow, or clear river was not right there to be amazed by.
After parking in the group parking lot and taking the bus to Yosemite Lodge, we ate lunch in the cafeteria-style restaurant adjacent to the lodge. The lunch items were reasonably priced and the wide selection allowed each of us to choose exactly what we were in the mood for. Hot lunch items were available, including full meals (roasted chicken breasts, mashed potatoes, green beans and fresh fruit), pizzas by the slice, grab-n-go sandwiches and salads, and more.
Since the kids and I had never been to Yosemite before, we decided that we would acquaint ourselves with the park by taking a two-hour open-air tram tour of the valley floor. For $75, our family of five enjoyed the guided tour which stopped several times for photo ops and restroom breaks. My husband didn't have to miss out on great views while driving to the area's hotspots, and the kids weren't arguing about how they couldn't see from their seats: all of Yosemite's valley was visible to EVERYONE. The stories that the tour guide shared were interesting for older children and adults; our youngest child only took away that rock climbers sleep on cots that hang off the side of the sheer cliffs they climb.
Because we were only staying for the day, the tram tour did take up quite a chunk of our time at the park. As we visited in July, the sun was still up after disembarking the tour, and we were able to hike to Lower Yosemite Fall just behind the Yosemite Lodge where the tour originated. Due to the heavy snowpack feeding the falls this particular year, the Lower Fall was roaring, flowing very heavily and very fast, creating its own wind and mist: it was simply AMAZING.
Our younger children (5 & 7) loved the freedom to run and walk the trails and climb huge granite rocks (please note: these were not rocks or trails close to waterfalls), and our oldest child (11) was visibly wowed by the forces of nature at work in the park. Easy hikes, like the trail to Lower Yosemite Fall, is doable for any age and almost all abilities.
Send a Message 
Send a Compliment
It's helpful
0 families found this helpful
"Beautiful scenery"
This is definitely the place to be if you are a big outdoors type of person. Get ready for beautiful scenery consisting of the tallest trees, exquisite flowers, the breathtaking waterfall and so much more! It's a great place for the whole family especially right before summer hits when there's still traces of dew on the leaves from the cold mornings. Even before you get there and after you leave you still get to drive through such beautiful scenery.
0 families found this helpful
"Beautiful"
What can you say except that this place is gorgeous? I would recommend going in the fall or spring while school is still in session. We went in the fall and even though the waterfalls were pretty much dried up you can't help but love the grandeur of Yosemite. Hike, bike, picnic, camp...you can do it all. If you are a family that loves being in the outdoors, this is the place to go.
1 family found this helpful
"National Park"
My kids liked running around but they didn't have as much fun as I thought, they were too young to really enjoy it. It felt like we were just at a different park back at home and the kids didn't want to be there for very long. We tried to entice them with other attractions but they just weren't into it. My husband and I loved it but the kids were just a little too young to appreciate it. I would bring my children back when they are older because we can go on hikes and more nature based adventures. Camping would be a lot of fun for older children too. I just suggest having back up activities for the younger children who get tired a little bit quicker. Also, summer months might be better because of being able to swim!
0 families found this helpful
"So Much to Take In"
This has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. The pictures and the scenery and the animals all around this place are phenominal. Make sure you get a senior citizens pass for your car and everyone gets to benefit from the pass. This greatly reduced the cost of our visit to many parks on our entire trip. Tons of animals and lots of hiking if you so choose.
0 families found this helpful
"Closest to nature"
The place where you can get closest to nature. Wonderful experience. Had arranged for a full day bus tour starting at the Falls. And it was extremely good to see all the places and without having to worry about the transportation and parking. If you want, you can always trek or be on your own too!
0 families found this helpful
"Beautiful!"
We showed the kids pictures of Half Dome ahead of time, and they were so excited to recognize it when we got there. There are lots of opportunities for beautiful photos, and it was so fun to look for rock climbers that looked like little pinpricks on the side of the sheer faces. It's such a pretty place. We spent one night outside of the park in a rustic lodge that was said to be haunted...it made it very exciting for us!
0 families found this helpful
"great for parents but children"
Yosemite National Park is really a good place for families and friends have trips or camping. however, it is maybe suitable with parents, couples or groups without children or with children 6 years +. There is a long trip from the Bay Area so it will take so long to go with small children. They will cry, be hungry and cold ...
So I would not suggest you to go there if your kids are too small. Be prepared enough for them.
0 families found this helpful
"God's Country"
Yosemite is the ultimate experience for those of us who admire the grandiosity of the world without human interference. True, the park can be very crowded during the summer, and we enjoy it most during the off-season. But even at the height of the tourist season, it is still magnificence in all it's glory. When you visit the valley and look up at the sheer granite faces of the monoliths Half Dome, and El Capitan, remember this was created by a glacier! Plenty of fresh air, waterfalls, green meadows surround you. There are bike rentals, horseback riding, river rafting, hiking, swimming, nature shows and much more to keep the family entertained. Deer, coyote, bear, mountain lions, raccoons, squirrels, hawks and eagles abound here.
0 families found this helpful
"Yosemite National Park"
We have gone to Yosemite National Park several times. We even went there for our first anniversary and we invited my mother to join us. It was very nice during October. The leaves were orange. The lake wasn't frozen, we saw several deer walking around. There were alot of people camping at the park during that time. There were tents everywhere. It was nice to go there and share the experience with my mother. It was her first time there and she loved it. It would be nice to go back and take the whole family there to enjoy mother nature. You can bring strollers there and have the kids walk around. Depending on the season, dress accordingly. The bathrooms aren't great, but it's expected since you are outdoors.
1 family found this helpful
"Must see"
This National Park in California is a "must see". If you are ever in California, or in the area it is worth the drive into the mountains to see this place. The valley of Yosemite has massive granite cliffs, 3,000 feet high, 2 waterfalls to see on your drive, and the most recognizable mountain, "Half Dome"... all relatively within viewing distance on many spots that you could stand in the valley.
We have visited in all 4 seasons, and enjoy them all with their many activities and views. Summer time has the most to offer with swimming and boating on the river and hiking and climbing and camping. It is also the most crowded with millions of visitors.
No matter what the season, I recommend driving into the valley, finding a place to park and leave your car, and then hop on the free shuttle bus to the various destinations in the park. Driving is the most frustrating way to get around the park because of traffic, few parking spots and one way streets. Biking, walking and shuttle bus riding are the best and most enjoyable ways to travel.
Lodging is excellent from the high class Ahwahnee hotel, Yosemite Lodge, or tent cabins in Curry Village. Camping is excellent but reservations are difficult to obtain. Check their website for more details.
Favorite "must do" hikes with kids on my list would include Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls and walking the many meadow boardwalks in the evening to see deer.
Enjoy... it's the best National Park I have been to!
0 families found this helpful
"Nature at it's finest"
One of our favorite places to return to year after year is Yosemite. We have stayed at the lodes, at the Awahnee Lodge and in the campgrounds. The most family friendly is the Yosemite Lodge. The Awahnee is gorgeous but I don not recommend it for children. While there we hike, ride our bikes, play in the river and play in the dirt. ;) There is also a swimming pool, horse back riding, longer hikes, nature interpretive centers, a native american village to explore and ranger programs. It's also nice to just sit and read while the kids nap. The beauty of Yosemite is indescribable. The rock walls and the water falls are breathe taking. You will not be disappointed by a trip to Yosemite.
FYI there are bears. be sure to clean your car of crumbs and water bottles thoroughly before heading to the park. They even recommend taking out the car seat. The bears will break into cars for the crumbs and even at the sight of water bottles, of which they have come to associate with food.
What's Nearby? Hotels » Activities »
Find Hotels near Yosemite National Park »
Find Activities near Yosemite National Park »
Find Restaurants near Yosemite National Park »
Get the inside scoop from parents who have been there!
