Saturday, April 26, 2008

Family-Friendly Yosemite

Ask anyone what comes to mind when they think about when they think of Yosemite and the answers are often in the same vein – rugged beauty and hardcore outdoor activity. It’s hardly the place for families, right? You’d be surprised to find how many family-friendly options are available in this amazing national park. Our group spanned three generations – Lucky’s parents, Lucky and myself, and our little pal Grady. One would think that would make it even harder to accommodate all of us. On the contrary, it was an exceptional trip enjoyed by all.

Our three-day excursion occurred during the winter season. Fortunately, there was still quite a bit of snow in the higher elevations at Badger Pass, located in the southern part of the park. It would be a stretch to say that the downhill skiing was optimal. So we opted for the cross-country skiing. While Lucky’s mom and Grady hung out on the snow tubes (oversized inner tubes perfect for sliding down the hill), Lucky’s father, Lucky and I rented cross-country skis and explored the surrounding area. Since we were just beginners, we took the road most traveled, which was perfect since previous skiers left a trail we could follow, making it less strenuous. With the warm sun on our backs and a gentle cool breeze on our faces, we skied at a leisurely pace, covering several miles before heading back to the tubing area, where Grady was having the time of his life alternating between trying to eat the snow and trying to slide down it.

After a rather tiring day, we headed down to the Yosemite Valley floor to do check out Yosemite Village. Besides the Valley Visitor Center, the Village is home to the Ansel Adams Gallery, Yosemite Museum and the Yosemite Cemetery. There is also a huge Village Store where I was quite surprised at how reasonable the prices were: spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread definitely didn’t break the bank.

The next day we returned to the Valley floor to catch one of the park’s bus tours. A two-hour narrated tour with stops at the major attractions along the floor – Bridal Veil Fall, El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls to name a few – it allowed us to relax and let someone else drive while we learned about the history of Yosemite as well as trivia about the various spots. For those who don’t want to fork over the money, though, there is the option of parking in the Yosemite Village day lot and taking the free shuttle that drops you off at various sites. The only downside is that you don’t hear the extra inside information about the sites.

We went in the winter, but there are even more great activities for families during the spring and summer. For one, the number of areas serviced by the guided bus tours increases as the snow melts and roads become accessible. One can choose from the Grand Tour, the Tuolumne Meadows tour and the Glacier Point tour as well.

For those who prefer a little more activity, bikes are available for rental at the Yosemite Lodge. For those who do not want something too strenuous, Yosemite has over 12 miles of paved bike trails leading to beautiful vistas. They even rent out trailers so the ones too young to bike can join along. Yosemite also offers programs aimed toward families with small children. The free WeeWild Ones program is for children 6 and under (only during the summer) while kids 7-13 can enjoy the Junior Rangers program. For the folks older than 7, Yosemite offers horse and mule rides. And if you still have time, kids of all ages may want to try their hands at the 3,050 yard, nine-hole par-35 golf course.

Of course, there’s always hiking Half Dome or rock climbing on El Capitan if your family loves a strenuous adventure. And there are plenty of places for camping and backpacking throughout the 1170 square mile park, too. Whatever your family is interested in, Yosemite has something for almost every member of every family.

Yosemite National Park
www.yosemitepark.com (Contracted concessioner’s website)
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/index.htm (Government website)

Originally published: www.ucsf.edu/synapse/articles/2008/Apr/24/yosemite.html

1 comment:

Kooglesmith said...

Hey Jason,
Did you feel like you got your $$ worth on the Yosemite Valley Floor tour? I ask because I am getting married in Yosemite and I'm thinking about booking a private valley tour for our guests, but it is pricey especially for a large group so I'm trying to do some research on the quality to make sure it is worth it first. Was it really interesting or more of a low key and sometimes boring tour? Your candor would be much appreciated.
Thanks!