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Mariposa Grove – |
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Sequoias evolved about the
same time as the dinosaurs, but unlike the dinosaurs, the sequoia
trees continue to thrive today. The Mariposa Grove was preserved and set aside for public use in 1864 by Congress and President Lincoln. The grove has walking trails for kids of all ages, grandparents too. Bring a picnic and allow plenty of time to explore these "giants." |
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Read our blog post "Yosemite Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias" for highlights, suggested trails, and travel tips. |
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In summer months, a shuttle is available from parking lot to the grove. Tip: Arrive at the parking lot early, as it does fill up by mid-morning, and there's no overflow parking. |
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Wawona – |
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 Hill Studio Visitor Center – Stop into the national park visitor center to pick up maps, local information, books about giant sequoias. Also see an exhibit from the studio of artist Thomas Hill, who painted Yosemite landscapes and lived in Wawona. |
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Pioneer Yosemite
History Center – |
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Here kids get a chance to see what pioneer life was like in the mid-19th century – covered bridge over the river, miner and homestead cabins, the Wells Fargo stagecoach office, bakery, jail, wooden buckboards, stagecoaches, mountain and farm wagons. |
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Tip: Next the parking lot are picnic tables, also the Tall Trees store with ice cream and cold drinks. |
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Stagecoach
rides – In 1875, the Wawona Stage Road was built to carry visitors
to Yosemite Valley. Today, take a short but sweet ride (10 min.)
in an authentic stagecoach, down a bumpy dirt road, over the covered bridge, and around the cabins. Buy tickets at the gray barn, once a blacksmith and stage repair shop. Rides May to September. |
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Go horseback riding – Take a two hour ride on the Alder
Creek Trail through manzanita and pine trees. Half day and full day trips
into the back country are also available. Stables are open in summer only, through Labor Day. |
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Water
fun – Walk to the Swinging Bridge over South Fork of the Merced River, which has swimming
holes and fun places to wade and swim. Bring inner tubes. |
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Hike
to Chilnualna Falls – Take a short (less than half a mile) picturesque
hike to the lower cascade of Chinualna Falls. In summer, if the water is
low, kids can stand under the waterfall. Park at the Chilnualna Fall Trailhead
and follow the trail to the lower falls. Bring a picnic and make a day of
it. |
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Chilnualna Falls is a series of cascades. A much longer trail, 8 miles
round trip, continues up the creek to the top of the falls. |
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Fish Camp – |
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Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad – Kids will enjoy this one hour ride on a vintage steam train, “The Logger.”
Roll down the tracks once used by logging trains in the 19th century, through a towering forest of pine trees. |
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Along with the steam train ride is also gold panning, fun bookstore, Thornberry Museum with 19th century artifacts of daily life, sandwich shop and picnic area. |
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The
steam train operates April – October. Click
here for schedule and fares. Tip: In summer, it's best to buy tickets online in advance. |
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Fish Camp is located on Hwy 41, outside the south entrance to Yosemite National Park. |
