Yosemite Valley with Children

My husband and I drove a rented RV from Southern California to Yosemite Valley this August. Having never been but hearing how amazing it was, our expectations were set high, I have to admit. It is a daunting task to take four children anywhere, never mind camping. But I don't scare easy.

We stayed at a campsite outside of Yosemite Park's south entrance, High Sierra RV Park in Oakhurst. The campsite was nice with the Fresno river running through it. Although it was more of a creek with rocks to climb on and explore the river. The RV sites were cozied right up to one another but that is how most of California camping is. The location is near a town with stores and restaurants.

We got up early and heading in the 16 miles from the campsite to Yosemite National Park's south entrance. After a small wait, we paid our $20 weekly fee and headed in. We headed left through Wawona to make our way through the Park to Yosemite Valley. What we thought would be a 20 minute drive ended up being over an hour drive as construction along Wawona Road causes you to stop and wait quite often. The road was not even paved at some parts which caused the drive to be far less then smooth. But the views along the road were spectacular. Large trees as far as the eyes could see as you climb a 6000 foot mountain along the winding road.

At certain points along the way as you get closer to Yosemite Valley, the trees would separate creating an open view of fields and mountains that made you just stop and breathe it all in. Once we drove into Wawona Tunnel, a very long tunnel carved right into the rocks, the children shrieked with delight as it got dark. Then they became silent as the darkness lasted longer then they expected in the is 4,233 foot long tunnel.

And just like that, the light reappears and a divine sight comes into view that you cannot fully comprehend at first. Waiting right there like an old friend is Yosemite Valley with Half Dome off in the distance. You cannot know what to expect until you arrive and but the feeling is just magical. A dramatic end to the long and winding road is more than worth it. It is crowded in August but everyone is excited and the feeling is delight and curiosity for everyone. There is a place to pull in and take photos right off the road.

After a few photos we continue on and decide we want to go for a swim. The research I did beforehand led us to Sentinel Beach which is easily accessible right of the main road. The children are hot and ready for cool water but this water is ice cold and clearer then any water I've ever drank. Just pristine water and perfect for small children to wade in up to their stomachs. Looking up from the Merced River as we are playing rises the most beautiful mountainous rocks that stretch higher than your imagination can take you and Yosemite Falls is splashing down beyond. It is a sight I will never forget.

After our swim, we hiked around the kid friendly trails through Yosemite Valley. Stopped for ice cream in Yosemite Village and took a much needed rest. After that, a guide suggested we check out the nature center as Happy Isles for children. So we got on of the many free shuttles and headed over before they closed. The children enjoyed looking at the animals on display but I was there for the outdoors so we headed back outside and onto another shuttle. As we are going back to Yosemite Village, our shuttle suddenly stops and starts heading backwards. People begin to get exited and as we peek out the window there is a brown bear scavenging for food. Someone suggested it was a pregnant female bear but who knows for sure? The driver waited as everyone snapped photos and the bear, eventually grew bored and wandered off. The children were beyond amazed. It was truly amazing to happen across a bear in the wild like that. I was glad we did so in the safety of the tram.

We ended our day in Yosemite Valley looking for a campsite. There are some available on a first come, first serve basis as cancellations come in. To no avail, we headed back to our campsite down the long and winding Wawona Road. It was one of the most amazing days of my life. I miss it already and cannot wait to visit Yosemite Valley again. Our children are still talking about that bear.

Sources:
Examiner.com: National Parks Documentary is an Inspiring Teachable Moment for Parents and Children
PBS: The National Parks: America's Best Idea