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CALIFORNIA, CENTRAL CA, COVID-19 TRAVEL, HIKING, NATIONAL PARKS, ROAD TRIP - SEQUOIA AND YOSEMITE

VISITING YOSEMITE WITH KIDS

June 15, 2022 laurelddouglas Leave a comment

Yosemite National Park is a must-visit for everyone, but visiting with kids will surely create an incredibly memorable trip. No matter how old your kids are, Yosemite National Park is filled with fun adventures for your family. I grew up going to Yosemite often, and I love that we are continuing the same tradition with our kids.

In this post, I will give you all the information you need to plan an incredible trip to Yosemite National Park. I will cover important considerations for planning your Yosemite vacation and our favorite things to do in the different areas of the park. I will also cover our favorite kid-friendly hikes and restaurants in Yosemite. You will not be disappointed whether you visit in the sunshine or snow.

PLANNING A TRIP TO YOSEMITE WITH KIDS

This section is for you if you are beginning your planning process! The first step is to decide when to go and secure your lodging reservation. From here, you will know what entrance you will use to enter Yosemite National Park. Then you can begin pinpointing what you want to do, build your itinerary, and pack accordingly!

WHEN TO VISIT YOSEMITE

One thing that makes Yosemite unique is that it is exceptional any time of year. You know your family best, so deciding when to visit will be based on what type of experience you are looking for in Yosemite National Park. For our family, it is Spring and Summer. How about you? Here are some of the pros and cons of each season.

SPRING IN YOSEMITE

As the snow melts in spring, the waterfalls begin flowing strong and colorful wildflowers paint the valley floor. Roads at higher elevations in the park begin to open, allowing you to access more of the park. May is a great month to experience both the spring and summer perks of Yosemite Valley.

SUMMER IN YOSEMITE

Summer brings longer days of hotter temperatures and heavier crowds but also beautiful conditions for biking around the valley and swimming and rafting in the Merced River. These are some of our favorite activities, so summer is one of our family’s favorite times to visit. However, by August, the waterfalls are a tiny drizzle versus the luscious flow of Spring.

FALL IN YOSEMITE

As fall approaches, the temperatures begin to cool as the days shorten. Finally, however, the fall colors begin to pop. Early fall, like September, is an excellent time to experience some of the fall changes with a bit of the warmer temperatures from summer.

WINTER IN YOSEMITE

The Winter months bring a wonderland of snow to the valley floor. The Badger Pass Ski Area gives you all the options for a fun day of skiing, snowboarding, or tubing. I have incredible memories as a kid of ice skating under the stars in Curry Village and snow sledding in the different snow play areas of the park (Crane Flat is a highlight). However, several roads in the park, such as Glacier Point Road and Tioga Pass, are closed due to icy or slippery conditions on the road. Always carry chains and check current road conditions when heading to snowy areas.

WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING YOSEMITE WITH KIDS

I love staying in the park, but these reservations book 6 months to a year in advance. Nothing compares to opening the blinds in the morning to incredible views of the granite monoliths above you. Also, when traveling to national parks with kids, staying in the park allows you to get going faster as most people outside have a 30-60 minute drive to get into the valley. Visit the official Yosemite National Park lodging site to see what is available.

YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE

We love the Yosemite Valley Lodge. The location is exceptional at the start of the Yosemite Falls trail. You can hear the roaring waterfall in your room at night. In addition, the buildings are along one of the many paved trails and bicycle paths leading to our favorite swimming spot, the Swinging Bridge over the Merced River. We love the Laurel building, so our view faces the bicycle path and is closest to the river.

ROOM AMENITIES

The lodge buildings are two stories, so every room has a balcony or patio. This is perfect for listening to the falls with coffee in the morning or enjoying a glass of wine after a full day while the kids fall asleep. During COVID closures, we also enjoyed eating take-out meals on our patio.

Yosemite Valley Lodge Second Story Traditional Room in the Laurel Building

Each room has a mini-fridge, coffee maker, television, space heater, and fan (no A/C). Various room types are available, but my son’s favorite is the bunk bed rooms (in the Hemlock building). The kids had fun peeking over to say “hello” when someone was using the sink. I love to see the type of room I am booking from real traveler photos, so here are more pictures of our different rooms!

Yosemite Valley Lodge Bunk Bed Room in the Hemlock Building

Yosemite Valley Lodge First Story Traditional Room in the Laurel Building

THE LODGE PROPERTY

The large lodge property has a shuttle stop, making it a convenient start for morning exploration. In addition, the Yosemite Valley Lodge has a gift shop (with snacks and light groceries), a quick-service restaurant (The Base Camp Eatery), a nicer sit-down restaurant and lounge (The Mountain Room), an amphitheater to catch a ranger program, a swimming pool, and a bicycle rental stand. There is free wifi when you stay at the lodge, but it is limited, spotty, and not fast enough for television streaming or Zoom-style meetings.

CURRY VILLAGE

Curry Village is another great option for families in the heart of Yosemite Valley. Once known as Half Dome Village, Curry Village is located at the start of several popular trailheads – the John Muir Trail, Vernal Falls Mist Trail, Half Dome, and Mirror Lake. Curry Village has a variety of tent cabins and cabin rooms that can make your summer stay especially unique.

TENT CABINS

The tent cabins of Curry Village are a fun experience for families, especially those with older kids. It is important to note that they do not have electrical outlets, and you must lock all food and toiletries outside in bear lockers. The bathroom and showers are a shared building for campers. There are quiet hours to ensure everyone’s enjoyment. There are no televisions, rollaway beds, or cribs available. I have great memories from childhood and am excited to share them with my kids in a few years. This is more a match for families with elementary or middle school-age kids, not infants or young toddlers.

Curry Village is home to one of our favorite lunch spots – the craft beer Pizza Deck. They also have a restaurant, bar, gift shop, ice cream shop, swimming pool, and bicycle rental stand. The property is large and a great place to stop for a meal, even if you are not staying there.

OUTSIDE THE PARK LODGING OPTIONS

If you cannot secure in-park lodging, book something outside of the park with free cancellation. We always use Expedia because it is so easy to modify your reservation, and you can often book a reservation with no deposit. You can continue checking Travel Yosemite for cancellations to stay in the park. Some of our favorite accommodations outside of the park are the Rush Creek Lodge (Highway 120), Tenaya Lodge (Highway 41), and Yosemite View Lodge (Highway 140).

HOW TO GET TO YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Once you know where you are staying, you can determine your route and what entrance you will be using to access Yosemite National Park. There are four entrances you can use to access Yosemite Valley.

Big Oak Flat Entrance on Highway 120 from the northwest – commonly used by those coming from the Bay Area, San Francisco, and the Silicon Valley (about 40 minutes to Yosemite Valley)
Arch Rock (El Portal) Entrance on Highway 140 from the west – commonly used by those coming from San Jose, Monterey, and Merced (about 22 minutes to Yosemite Valley)
Fish Camp South Entrance on Highway 41 – commonly used by those coming from Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sequoia National Park (about 60 minutes to Yosemite Valley)
Tioga Pass East Entrance on Highway 120 – commonly used by those coming from Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, or visitors to the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain Range on Highway 395 (about 1.25 hours to Yosemite Valley). During the winter, Highway 120 closes due to snow. Therefore, to access Yosemite Valley in winter, you must plan one of the first entrances. According to the National Park Service, it is usually open from late May/early June through November. Check current conditions to know if Tioga Pass is open as it is always weather permitting which can make planning difficult if you are visiting in May or November.

Places mapped by Wanderlog, a trip planner on iOS and Android

You can also enter Yosemite National Park to access the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir from the Hetch Hetchy Entrance near Big Oak Flat. However, the Yosemite Valley is not accessible from this park area. This area is a great place to explore but plan at least a half-day to visit if you are looking to hike around the area. You can read more about hiking and exploring the Hetch Hetchy Area here. If you are heading to the San Francisco area after your visit, consider stopping here on your way out of the park!

PARK ENTRANCE RESERVATIONS

2023 Update: Reservations will not be required for the 2023 summer season! You can confirm the current status of reservations here.

Since COVID, Yosemite National Park now requires reservations for entry during peak months. From late May to September, you must make a reservation in advance to enter the park between 6 am-4 pm. However, if you are staying in the park, your lodging reservation is your park reservation, and you can skip this section. If not, knowing the timing and securing your entry reservation is crucial.

Reservations are released on a particular day in March. In 2022, 70% of reservations were released at 8 am PST on March 23. Follow the link above to ensure you know the date these will be released. 30% of reservations are released seven days prior. These reservations are gone immediately, similar to sunrise at Haleakala National Park in Maui. I recommend you use the same strategy I did with Haleakala and sign in on the Recreation.gov app versus the website.

Once you secure a park reservation, make sure to print it out. If your lodging or camping is in the park, print the confirmation page to show at the entrance gate. Unfortunately, there is little to no cell service at the entrance gates, so you cannot pull it up on your cell phone.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK FEES

As of 2022, park entrance fees are $35/vehicle for seven days. You can confirm the current park fees here. Park entrances are open 24 hours per day. If you plan to visit any other national parks in the year following your visit, I highly recommend getting the $80 America The Beautiful Annual National Parks pass. In addition, if you are visiting a national park with kids, don’t miss out on the free national park annual pass available to every 4th grader!

DRIVING & TRANSPORTATION IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

I am a huge fan of driving into the valley ourselves. I love the flexibility it gives us to stop and check out any views we want. However, it is important to know that gas is non-existent in the valley. There are two gas stations inside the park. One is in Crane Flat, just after the Big Oak Entrance, and the other is in Wawona, just after the southern entrance to the park. So make sure to fill up in the town just outside the park before heading in to avoid unnecessary stress.

BIKING IN THE VALLEY

During peak months, parking is a struggle. I love staying in the park because it allows us to park our car and have a central home base to venture from. My absolute favorite thing is biking around the valley for a day. You can either rent bikes or bring them with you, allowing you to explore without the stress of parking at each stop. You can read all of the details about biking in Yosemite Valley here.

SHUTTLE BUSES

The shuttle buses in Yosemite are an excellent way to explore some of the top places in Yosemite Valley. The shuttles are free and run between 7 am – 10 pm. With 19 stops, they cover the valley and allow you to jump on and off to enjoy all of the best places without the parking hassle. In addition, the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) can bring you into the park from nearby airports and towns.

WHAT TO PACK FOR A KID-FRIENDLY TRIP TO YOSEMITE

In addition to regular vacation packing, make sure you bring some fun things to enrich your national park trip! You can read more about our favorite things to bring to a national park here. Always bring a refillable water bottle, as the park has refill stations. I like to have a large one in the room too. Print necessary confirmations and directions; you cannot always rely on cell service to pull things up on your phone. Don’t forget your annual park pass if you are using one!

If you plan to hike, pack a pair of comfortable hiking shoes and socks, plenty of water, and a small first aid kit. If hiking with kids, make sure to have comfortable hiking shoes for them, and if hiking with a baby, a carrier that can support them if needed. My son loves his hydration pack and binoculars when we hike. I love that he can hold his stuff! We love our hiking backpack and always bring extra carabiners for whatever you may need to attach! We love to hang a small outdoor blanket for impromptu picnics or happy hour!

Consider asking for a small refrigerator for leisurely breakfast in the morning when booking your accommodations. We love to pack yogurt and granola, muffins, bananas, milk, cereal, and bars to help us get up and out faster than going to breakfast each morning. Our son has refrigerated meds due to Cystic Fibrosis, so this is a must for us. Many hotels will bring one in for free if it is not already there.

In addition, if traveling with a baby, check whether you can request a pack-and-play or crib. A small stroller is nice for cruising around the park at bedtime. This blanket is the cutest for a national park visit. I love having one of these disposable diaper pails for longer trips to avoid diaper smells in the room. I also love this pop-up laundry hamper to keep the dirty laundry together in our room. We also love our stainless YETI tumblers for coffee in the morning and whatever you choose for an evening stroll!

BUILDING SCHEMA

I love getting my kids excited about the national park we are visiting. Check out books at your local library to read at bedtime and get them excited about the sights and wildlife they may see. If you want a keepsake, I love this inexpensive Yosemite Rookie Reader for younger kids or this Yosemite Guide or National Parks guide for older elementary kids.

If you plan on visiting many national parks, consider starting their Junior Ranger National Park Passport book on this trip. Then, you can stop in the visitor center to stamp the passport or book cover inside! It will become a keepsake with the dates of your visits right inside!

THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN YOSEMITE

Here is a list of our favorite places to go when exploring Yosemite with kids. I cover our favorite sights, kid-friendly hikes, and restaurants in Yosemite. I’ve grouped the locations by area to help with planning. After you check out the list, check out my posts on different itineraries for two and 3-day trips to Yosemite.

BEST SIGHTS TO SEE DRIVING INTO THE VALLEY

No matter the entrance you use to start your Yosemite adventure, there will be pullouts and views along the way to your destination in the valley. Here are a few of our favorite stops when we use the southern entrance from Oakhurst on Highway 41. This is the route you would use if you come from Sequoia of Kings Canyon National Parks.

MARIPOSA GROVE – HOME OF THE GIANT SEQUOIAS

Just after your entrance, you will see the turn towards the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza and parking area for Mariposa Grove. Although this is a more extended stop, the giant sequoia trees are sure to “wow” your kids. Mariposa Grove is home to over 500 giant sequoias and the famed California tunnel tree.

The welcome plaza has over 300 parking spaces, and the grove is a 2-mile hike down the road. However, shuttles run seasonally (April – November) that take you to the grove’s entrance. Check the shuttle schedule for your trip here.

Once you reach the grove of giant sequoias, you can hike the easy, wheelchair-accessible paved trail through the incredible trees. Enjoy a short hike (.3-mile loop) on the Big Trees Loop Trail or spend 2 -hours on the 2-mile Grizzly Giant Loop Trail to see the most famous trees, such as the 3,000-year-old Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.

GLACIER POINT

2023 Summer Update: Glacier Point Road is closed to all traffic for road improvements until late July. Check the current status here before you visit. Visiting during your trip will not be possible without hiking or long delays.

Glacier Point is a beautiful overlook with panoramic views of the entire Yosemite Valley from the Sierra Nevada Mountains. At 3,200 feet, Glacier Point stands high above the valley and shows off many of Yosemite’s signature landmarks. You will see several waterfalls, like Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, and Yosemite Falls, and the park’s towering granite monoliths, like Half Dome and Yosemite’s high country.

The small gift shop has ice cream treats that make for a fun treat after a long car ride or hike! Pop up a camping chair and take a few moments to enjoy the view from one of the many viewpoints.

Glacier Point is about an hour from Yosemite Valley, so I love stopping here on the way in or out of the park. Unfortunately, it is only accessible by car, as this location has no shuttle stop. However, you can book a guided bus tour if you do not have a vehicle. Depending on snow conditions, Glacier Point Road is open from May to November. You can check current road conditions here. The road is closed in winter, just after the Badger Pass Ski Area.

Glacier Point Road is also where you can find the trailhead to some of the best hikes in Yosemite, such as Taft Point and Sentinel Dome. The hike to Taft Point is 2.2 miles round trip with stunning views. However, Taft Point has some massive 2,000-foot drops that make me nervous with my young kids, so we have not hiked there yet. You can read more about the family-friendly hike to Sentinel Dome below.

WAWONA TUNNEL VIEW

The Wawona Tunnel View is a quick stop you should not miss. I love making this one of our first stops heading into the valley. There is plenty of parking on both sides of the road, and the views are just the beginning of the incredible sights to come.

You are in for a treat if you enter the park from the south. As you head through the Wawona Tunnel, you will begin to see the valley views emerge as the tunnel ends. You probably recognize this photo spot with Half Dome standing tall in the background. Wawona Tunnel View is a natural stop on the way into the valley and an excellent place for family pictures you will cherish forever. Stop for photos in these signature locations when visiting a national park with kids.

BRIDALVEIL FALLS

2023 Update: The Bridelvail Falls Trail remains closed to all traffic for the trail improvement project. However, you can still pull over and enjoy the view from the side of the road.

Yosemite is known for its waterfalls, and Bridalveil Falls is a quick way to stop and enjoy these stunning landforms when traveling with kids. I love stopping here on our way into the valley because the road is one-way, so you pass by it as you come in. Then, a short, easy .5-mile round trip hike takes you from the parking on the side of the road to the viewing point for the 620-foot falls.

As always, stay on the trail and do not climb the rocks. The signs are there for a reason, and exploring beyond the trail is unsafe. Water is unpredictable and slippery conditions can cause severe damage. There are great views from the trail’s end and designated viewing points.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN YOSEMITE VALLEY WITH KIDS

These locations are all accessible by shuttle or bicycle in the Yosemite Valley area. You can easily spend your entire trip enjoying these locations.

YOSEMITE VILLAGE

Yosemite Village is the “hub” of Yosemite National Park and will be busy throughout the year. A large paved trail runs through the village and connects you to bicycle trails all over the valley. Here you can find the Village Store (gift shop and grocery store), several places to eat, and the park’s bookstore and visitor center. The village is also home to the 80-year-old Yosemite Museum, the first building built as a museum in the national park system.

VISITOR CENTER

I always recommend you stop by the visitor center at the start of your trip to check in about current conditions and grab any maps you may need. I also pick up the park’s Junior Ranger booklet for my kids. The Yosemite National Park Junior Ranger booklet is a hit for all ages. I love that they have created an adaptive companion for kids with diverse learning needs. I love that the national parks are always working to be more accessible and inclusive for all. When your child completes the program, they receive a special badge that makes a great souvenir!

Plan an hour or so to stop by the visitor center, chat with a ranger about your plans, grab the Junior Ranger booklet, and check out the ranger program guide for any unique opportunities. Don’t forget to grab lunch for the rest of the day’s adventure!

SWIM IN THE MERCED RIVER BY THE SWINGING BRIDGE PICNIC AREA

Merced River runs through the valley floor, making swimming and rafting popular during the summer. When you stay at the Yosemite Lodge, swimming under the swinging bridge is practically in your backyard. We love coming out in the evening and enjoying our picnic happy hour while the kids play.

There is a parking lot with bathrooms and barbeques just to the left of Southside Drive and the beach access just off the bicycle path on the Lodge side of the river. So you can plan an entire day playing in the river during the summer. Other popular spots on the river are Sentinel Beach and Cathedral Beach, but we love Swinging Bridge because it is right off the bicycle path and a short walk from the lodge (where we like to stay). There is a shuttle stop at Cathedral Beach.

RAFTING IN THE MERCED RIVER

Families with older kids will enjoy rafting down the Merced River! You can bring your own float or spend the afternoon with a rental that starts at Curry Village (previously known as Half Dome Village) and heads down the river with a shuttle back! I will add this to my summer itinerary when my kids are older.

Like bike rentals, these are popular and can fill up during peak seasons. Unfortunately, you cannot book over the phone or through email ahead of time, but you can book in person a day or two before. I highly suggest checking in with the Guest Recreation Kiosk in Curry Village on your first day to set up your plans if you want to raft.

WANDER THE HAPPY ISLES NATURE CENTER

Due to COVID, the Happy Isles Nature Center has been closed for several years. However, the grounds are open and a great place to stop to see on your way out to one of our favorite kid-friendly hikes, like Mirror Lake or the Vernal Falls footbridge. Wander over the bridges, check out the old rock slide and the marshy “Fen.” This is a great place to have a snack or picnic lunch, take a few minutes to work on a Junior Ranger book, or rest on your bike ride!

BEST SIGHTS TO SEE WITH KIDS ON YOUR WAY OUT OF YOSEMITE VALLEY

You can quickly drive to see these spots during your trip, but we love stopping on our way out of the park due to their location on the one-way road!

EL CAPITAN

El Capitan is famous for climbers, given it is over 3,000 feet of sheer granite that creates a playground for climbers worldwide. So if you pull off at the El Capitan Meadow and break out your binoculars, chances are you will see some climbers in action. This makes for a fun stop on your way out of the park!

VALLEY VIEW LOOKOUT

Valley View Lookout is a great place to say “goodbye” to Yosemite because it is on your way out of the park. Just before the exit to Highway 140 and the turnaround towards Bridelvail Falls and the Yosemite Village area, there is a small pullout and parking area on your left. The views of the valley are spectacular so take a moment to stop!

OTHER AREAS OF INTEREST

Driving east on Highway 120, known as Tioga Pass, towards Tuolumne Meadows is a day trip in itself but also a fun way to exit the park if you have time to explore more of the Eastern Sierras. Heading East on Tioga Road is memorable and will give you some incredible views.

Make sure to stop at Olmstead Point for stunning views and photos. Next, explore the less crowded Merced Grove of giant sequoias before picnicking at Tenaya Lake. Finally, take in the views of the stunning Tuolumne Meadows. At 8,6000 feet high, Tuolumne Meadows is one of the most extensive high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada.

KID-FRIENDLY HIKES IN YOSEMITE

These are my favorite kid-friendly hikes in Yosemite. All the hikes, except Sentinel Dome, are accessible by shuttle or bicycle. These are great for kids because they are interesting, not too long or strenuous, and can be combined with other activities nearby.

LOWER YOSEMITE FALLS

The walk to Lower Yosemite Falls is a very easy hike that is stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible. This is beautiful any time of day, but evenings are tranquil. The Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead is just across the street from the Yosemite Valley Lodge, making it a great walk before or after dinner. The hike to the viewpoint is only .25 miles, but you can also take the one-mile loop through the trees. The paved trail is flat, with a slight incline at the end.

It is surreal when you stand at the base of the 2,425-foot waterfall and realize you are only looking at the bottom portion, lower Yosemite Falls. Thinking back to the views from Cook’s Meadow makes you realize how small we are standing in the valley carved by glaciers so many years ago.

COOK’S MEADOW LOOP

Cook’s Meadow gives you incredible views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. The loop is about 1 mile, and the trail takes visitors along the meadow on the bike path, or you can zig-zag in the meadow on the paved boardwalks. You will also pass the oldest building in Yosemite, the Yosemite Chapel, built-in 1879.

Our favorite thing to do when we stay at the lodge during summer is to ride our bikes down to Swinging Bridge for a late afternoon dip in the river before continuing the loop along Cook’s Meadow at dusk. Nothing beats the sun going down over the mountains and the deer relaxing in the meadow.

Cook’s Meadow is one of our favorite hikes in Yosemite, especially when exploring with kids. No matter the season or time of day, you will surely see something beautiful in the meadow. When we visited Yosemite National Park as it was opening from COVID closures in 2020, we were lucky enough to see a bear running through Cook’s Meadow.

MIRROR LAKE

The 2-mile hike to Mirror Lake is great for families of all ages. The lake sits between Half Dome and North Dome along Tenaya Creek. Mirror Lake is the last of the large glacial lake that once covered Yosemite Valley. The views of Half Dome from Mirror Lake are unique because you look up and stand almost directly under it. As a result, the lake’s water reflects like a mirror, creating a beautiful spot for photos.

However, Mirror Lake may look more like a meadow in late summer, but the views surrounding you are worth the journey. In winter, the lake may be frozen over. The Mirror Lake paved trail allows walkers and bicyclists to enjoy the hike together. To access the trailhead, you can hop off the shuttle at stop #17, the North Pines campground. You can also bike over from shuttle stop #16 and the Happy Isles Nature Center.

THE MIST TRAIL TO THE VERNAL FALLS FOOTBRIDGE

When you look into the best hikes in Yosemite, you will read about the Mist Trail. This 3-mile hike takes you through the mist to an incredible view of Vernal Falls. The hike is uphill; the last part is rocky, with slippery steps to the stunning view. Hiking enthusiasts will take this hike even further on the John Muir Trail to Nevada Falls (7 miles roundtrip). These hikes in Yosemite look incredible, but with our young kids, we are not there yet.

However, the hike to the footbridge is doable with young kids. Although short at only one mile each way, it is still challenging as you mostly walk uphill for an elevation gain of 300 feet. However, the views are worth it! I carried my infant daughter because we were biking, and I did not pack a carrier for hiking that day. I don’t recommend this, but it is possible. The trail starts at shuttle stop #16, The Happy Isles Nature Center.

The Vernal Falls Footbridge on the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park

SENTINEL DOME HIKE

The Sentinel Dome and Taft Point trailhead are located in the same area on Glacier Point Road. This is one of our favorite hikes in Yosemite, giving you incredible 360° views! The hike to Sentinel Dome is only 1.8 miles, but the steep climb at the end makes it feel longer! The trail is wide, which is great for kids.

When you reach the top, you feel like you are in the clouds. The view of Half Dome is impressive and unlike any other view in the park. Although you are high, there is a lot of space around you. However, I did want my kids to stay close and NOWHERE near the edges. At the top of Sentinel Dome, you will find the “Lone Pine” from the famous Ansel Adams photo. We picnicked during this hike and had a kombucha at the top before heading down. Take your time up here! It is beautiful.

KID-FRIENDLY DINING IN YOSEMITE

If you follow my blog, you know we love to eat and drink! So these are our favorite places to dine when visiting Yosemite with our kids. However, we don’t usually spring for fancy meals when visiting just because we are generally catching quick meals between adventures!

CURRY VILLAGE – THE PIZZA DECK

The Pizza Deck is an awesome place to grab a quick meal. The pizza deck has a variety of craft beers and pizzas. The menu is simple but bound to please the kids. Service is fast, and the patio views are gorgeous on summer. However, the squirrels are aggressive, so do not leave your food around.

YOSEMITE LODGE – BASE CAMP EATERY

We eat here a lot because it is the primary dinner choice at the Yosemite Valley Lodge. A short walk from our room, the Base Camp Eatery is a quick-service restaurant with a menu that tends to evolve. There is ample seating indoors and two small outdoor patios. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can check current meal hours here. We have only had dinner, but they have a Starbucks coffee bar for grabbing coffee in the morning.

The Base Camp Eatery at Yosemite Valley Lodge – Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and Grilled Chicken Sandwich

During our last visit, the menu included a variety of chicken sandwiches, burgers, poke, and Mediterranean-style bowls. Waits can be long during peak seasons, but splitting your party and having someone wait while the kids explore the history of rock climbing throughout the restaurant is easy. This is also an excellent time for kids to work on their Junior Ranger booklets.

YOSEMITE LODGE – MOUNTAIN ROOM LOUNGE

The Mountain Room Lounge is a great place to take a moment to relax after a busy day. The environment is cozy, a few appetizers and pizzas are available before 8 pm. However, the highlight of the Mountain Room Lounge is the massive fire pit for smores. Pick up a smore kit in the gift shop next door, and your kids will be thrilled! We love to have dinner at the Base Camp Eatery and swing by for a nightcap and smores after a busy day!

YOSEMITE VILLAGE – DEGNAN’S KITCHEN

We love grabbing sandwiches, macaroni salad, chips, and drinks to-go from Degnan’s Kitchen for a picnic lunch later in the day. The fresh-made sandwiches are delicious but can take a while, especially during crowded seasons. They also have artisan pizzas and salads, a coffee bar, and various beverage options. Make sure to fill your water bottles for the day from the spring water by the cash registers.

I recommend stocking up from the to-go cooler to save time because we have waited over 30 minutes for sandwiches before in minimal crowds. When traveling and dining with kids, you want to eliminate the frustrations caused by waiting too long when you can. Plus, you have so much to see! So don’t waste your time in an annoying line.

THE AHWAHNEE HOTEL – DRINKS FROM THE BAR ON THE LAWN

So a bar may not be the first place to list on kid-friendly dining, but hear me out! The Ahwahnee Hotel is a destination in itself. It is a beautiful place to visit, and we love riding our bikes out there in the afternoon. The Ahwahnee Bar makes excellent cocktails, you are welcome to take them out to the furniture surrounding the giant lawn. The lobby’s Sweet Shop is another favorite stop for our son. So basically, candy or ice cream on a huge lawn for the kids and a beverage in hand on comfortable patio furniture for you! That is a win for me!

Anything you would add to my list? I love Yosemite and cannot wait to keep it growing. I hope it helps you plan an unforgettable trip! Check out some of our Yosemite itineraries below.

YOSEMITE TRIP PLANNING RESOURCES

Planning a trip to Yosemite? Check out my other Yosemite resources here!

COVID-19 TRAVEL, FAMILY VACATIONS, HAWAII, NATIONAL PARKS

HALEAKALA SUNRISE – A BUCKET LIST ADVENTURE

May 21, 2022 laurelddouglas Leave a comment

Catching sunrise in Haleakala National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list adventure for many Maui visitors. I had heard about this incredible sight and knew I wanted to find a way to make it work during our 2021 Maui trip. When I started my planning, I came across a few essential details everyone should know before heading up the mountain.

Between safety considerations and the highly competitive sunrise reservation system, you need to have some advanced strategy to succeed. So if you want to visit Haleakala National Park at sunrise, here are my tips for pulling it off and having an epic adventure!

MAKE A RESERVATION TO SEE THE HALEAKALA SUNRISE

You will not be able to enter Haleakala National Park for sunrise without a reservation. The National Park Service requires advance reservations to keep numbers under control. Sunrise at Haleakala is a top visitor attraction in Maui, so making reservations required for this unbelievable sight has made it more enjoyable. Unfortunately, there are only 150 sunrise tickets made available for each date.

Reservations are available 60 days in advance and sell out within the first second they are released. The reservations release daily at 7 am Hawaii time (which was 10 am for us in San Diego). Nobody is allowed in the park between 3-7 am without a sunrise reservation. Reservations are $1 per vehicle and non-refundable. The reservation fee does not include the National Park entrance fee of $30. You can pay that when entering or use your National Park pass to cover it.

Make sure the reservation holder is someone who will be with you, as your photo ID will be checked when entering the park. Once you secure your reservation, make sure you print your reservation confirmation email, as you will not be able to pull it up on your phone at the entrance booth due to a lack of cell service.

HOW DO I ACTUALLY GET A RESERVATION FOR HALEAKALA SUNRISE?

The information above is essential to understand, but I was disappointed to miss out day after day when I attempted to secure our reservations. I used the atomic clock to the second, was logged in to my account, and the site would even say there were tickets when I clicked. However, it would sit and spin and then suddenly say, “Sorry, there are no available tickets for this date.” I was disappointed because I wanted to see the Haleakala summit sunrise; my options were dwindling. When planning a week-long trip, you only have so many days available for this adventure.

RECREATION.GOV APP IS FASTER!

So here is my secret… the Recreation.gov app! The first day I tried the app over my computer, I was successful. I have read the app is faster when it comes to scoring sites at Yosemite, so I thought, why not try it here. And it was a total success! I have even used this strategy to score Haleakala sunrise reservations for other friends.

Here is the process I use to actually get a reservation for Haleakala summit sunrise! First, review these steps and photos in advance and set yourself up for success! Then, plan to implement the following 60 days in advance of the summit sunrise you want to see.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS TO SECURE A HALEAKALA SUNRISE RESERVATION

Download the Recreation.gov app
Create an account or sign in to your account – make sure you are logged in BEFORE attempting a reservation
Pull up the atomic clock website – confirm what time reservations are being released in your time zone (7 am HST = what time for you?) Soon you will also use the clock to count down the exact seconds to 7 am HST.
Search “Haleakala National Park Summit Sunrise Reservations”
Click “Enter Dates for Availability”

6. You will now sit on a screen with a blue button titled “Enter Dates.” Use the atomic clock to count down the seconds to 7 am HST. At 7 am HST, click the blue button to take you to the calendar.

7. Quickly scroll to your date, which will be light blue with an “A” for available inside of the square. Next, click the date on the calendar and click the blue “apply date” button at the bottom of the screen.

8. This returns you to the reservation page. Quickly click the blue button “Select Tickets” at the bottom of the screen where the “enter dates” button was.

9. Click “Book Now” at the bottom of your screen. The screen automatically defaults to 1 reservation as you can only have one reservation every three days.

10. Now you can take a deep breath! You have 15 minutes to secure your reservation. Then, click the blue “Proceed to Cart” button at the bottom of the screen.

11. Here is where you can update the Ticket Holder name if you are booking for someone else. You will also agree to the “Need to Know” information. Then, click “Proceed to Cart.”

12. Click “Proceed to Payment” and book your date with the $1 reservation fee. I suggest paying the $30 entrance fee at the gate (versus online) just in case you miss your reservation

VISITING HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK

Haleakala is the world’s largest dormant volcano and the tallest peak on Maui. Haleakala National Park is divided into the summit area and the Kipahulu area. The famous Haleakala sunrise is viewed from the summit area, while the famed bamboo forest is accessible from the Kipahulu area. You can read more about the highlights of the Kipahulu area here. As the third tallest peak in Hawaii, the summit of Haleakala is a perfect place to take in a Maui sunrise.

ENTRANCE FEES

As of 2022, the national park entrance fees are $30/vehicle and are valid for three days. You can confirm the current entrance fees here. If you have an annual park pass, make sure to pack it so you have it for your adventure. If you are booking a Haleakala sunrise ticket, you can pay your entrance fees with your sunrise reservation or wait to pay in person when you enter.

TIPS FOR YOUR HALEAKALA SUNRISE ADVENTURE

We had a great morning watching the Haleakala sunrise, and I want to make sure you do too! There is nothing more stunning than the rays from the rising sun pushing up and out of the clouds at eye level. So here are my tips for planning your best adventure!

TIMING YOUR HALEAKALA SUNRISE TRIP

You need to be aware of Maui sunrise hours on the date of your visit. Sunrise can vary from 5:30-7 am, depending on the time of year. I love to listen to the Maui recording from the National Weather Service at (808) 944 – 3756 (press 4 for Haleakala summit info) as it is current and updated daily. Not only do you get updated weather information, but you will get exact sunrise times for the day. It is important to realize that sunrise time refers to when the sun is above the horizon. So you need to be there at least an hour earlier. So much of the beauty in the sky during sunrise comes from the sun’s rays shining from the horizon behind the clouds.

It can take over two hours to drive to the entrance station from different parts of Maui, so you need to factor your driving time into your overall plan. You want to arrive early to take in the starry sky before sunset and secure parking in the small summit parking lot. Parking reservations do not secure a parking spot in the summit lot, but they let you in Haleakala National Park starting at 3 am. If you cannot park at the summit, head to the upper Visitor’s Center parking lot (9,740 feet above sea level).

OUR TIMING FROM KAPALUA

Since we stayed in Kapalua (West Maui), we planned for a three-hour drive time to be safe. However, our drive time was a little over 2 hours. We left around 2:45 am and arrived just after 5 am. Sunrise was at 6:17 am. We planned and had everything packed for our adventure. To keep the kids happy, we had their clothes packed and transferred them in their pajamas to their car seats with pillows to continue sleeping. We were able to park in the summit parking lot just after 4 am without a problem. Many people were roaming around the summit trails and stargazing from this stunning location over 10,000 feet from sea level.

DRIVING TO HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK

The drive to Haleakala from West Maui was quiet. When we started in the middle of the night, the roads were open. At the start of the drive, the moonlight shone on the beautiful ocean waters beside us. Once you come through the main town of Kahului, you start on the Hana Highway. After a short distance, you turn on the quiet Haleakala Highway. Make sure your gas tank is full, as there are no options in Haleakala for gas. As you come into Kula on the Haleakala Highway (Hwy 37), the brown National Park sign directs you towards the crater. The road is very windy, and during our visit, it was incredibly windy as well.

As we climbed the road towards the crater, there were points on the drive where my husband started to feel nervous. As you head towards Haleakala summit, you are gaining elevation at rapid rates in complete darkness and, in our case, very windy conditions. The 37 miles from sea level to the Haleakala summit is one of the world’s highest elevation gains in the shortest distance. As you wind back and forth, you feel like the slightest maneuver will send you right off the side of the cliff. It was very foggy, so we took the road slow and steady. You may see a sprinkle of headlights doing the same.

DRIVING HAZARDS IN HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK

The road to the Haleakala crater is one lane each way and very windy. When heading to and from the summit, remember to drive with caution. Be aware of cyclists, especially when leaving after the Haleakala sunrise. Several tour groups drop patrons to ride down Haleakala. Police are happy to give tickets out to those speeding through the park and around the entrance.

The Hawaiian Nēnē, the Hawaiian goose, is an endangered species found in the higher elevations of Haleakala National Park. When you arrive, you may be given a pledge to protect the endangered nēnē, which is also the state bird of Hawaii. This pledge asks you to slow down, safely control your car heading downhill, refrain from feeding the nēnē and stay away from these birds and their nests. It is important to drive slowly through the park to protect all wildlife that thrives in Haleakala National Park.

SAFETY DURING THE HALEAKALA SUMMIT SUNRISE

In addition to driving safety and inclement weather, it is essential to note the high altitude of Haleakala’s summit. Anybody in a sensitive population should be aware of the elevation changes that happen very quickly. If you or anybody in your party is pregnant, elderly, a young child, or anybody with respiratory problems, you should check with your doctor.

If you follow my blog, you know that my son has Cystic Fibrosis, and my daughter was only nine months old during this trip. We spoke to our pediatrician before our Hawaii trip about this adventure. Altitude sickness can hit hard, and it is crucial to be aware of the symptoms. Our kids did great, but my husband and I could feel the altitude. We were not sick, but we took our time to acclimate and did not do a lot of extra hiking after sunrise because of it.

WHAT TO BRING TO THE HALEAKALA SUMMIT SUNRISE

It is essential to consider your Haleakala sunrise adventure when packing for your Maui trip. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged, as you will undoubtedly want pictures. You also may want to use it as a flashlight when you first arrive in the dark. Or consider a small keychain flashlight as the terrain is rocky and feels like the middle of a Star Wars scene.

WARM CLOTHING FOR SUNRISE

Due to the high elevation, the Haleakala crater and summit are very cold. Dress warmly to prepare for this change. A good rule of thumb is to plan a 30° difference from sea level to the summit. You are high in the sky above the clouds when you get to the top. There will be wind as well, which makes everything feel colder. Wear warm clothes and more layers than you think you may want. We had jackets and beanies in our Maui packing for this adventure and brought blankets from our VRBO to help stay warm while watching the sunrise. The last thing you want is to make it up on time and be miserable because you are cold.

As the sun rises, the day will begin to warm up. So if you are planning to stay and enjoy hiking or an additional Haleakala tour, make sure to have layers on so you are not uncomfortable. Always check the weather to get an idea of current conditions.

BREAKFAST & SNACKS FOR SUNRISE

There is no food available inside Haleakala National Park, so come prepared with snacks, especially when traveling with kids. We left so early in the morning that we did not want to eat before we headed out. However, we had prepared a small breakfast cooler the night before that we could quickly grab in the morning. Once we parked at the summit, we took time to stay warm and have a picnic breakfast of yogurt, fruit, and granola. The on-the-go breakfast also gave time for everyone to relax and acclimate to the altitude for a bit before walking around.

After sunrise, we had snacks before checking out the visitor center and Haleakala crater. I highly recommend doing the same. But again, nothing crushes fun like hungry kids and stressed parents that cannot find something to eat.

WHERE TO WATCH THE SUNRISE

HALEAKALA SUMMIT

We watched the sunrise from the wall around the Red Hill Observatory, the highest elevation in the park. The summit of Haleakala sits at 10, 023 feet above sea level. This was a perfect place for sunrise. The wall on Maui’s highest peak served as a seat, and the rolling clouds and sun rays were right in front of us. Due to the 360° views, this is also a great spot to watch the sunset. If you cannot watch sunrise or sunset from here, make a point to stop by during your visit to Haleakala National Park.

HALEAKALA VISITOR CENTER

If you cannot park in the summit parking lot, the Haleakala Visitor Center has a more extensive parking area and a beautiful view. You can walk to the Sliding Sands trail or the railing around the crater from the visitors center parking area. Although you will not have the 360° views from the Red Hill Observatory area on the summit, you can watch the sunrise over the crater at 9,740ft. There are also 24-hour restrooms in this location. This is also the stop for many commercial Haleakala sunrise tour buses, as they are not permitted to park in the summit parking lot.

HALEAKALA SUNRISE TOUR OPTIONS

There are many different tour options to enhance your Haleakala sunrise adventure. If you do not have a rental car or feel uncomfortable driving, consider a Haleakala sunrise tour that picks you up at your hotel and handles all of the details! Not only will you experience the sun rising above the clouds, but many of the sunrise tour itineraries give you a taste of upcountry Maui before heading back to your hotel.

SHAKA GUIDES – SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES

We love the flexibility our rental car gives our family, but we also love the information from a tour guide. I discovered Shaka Guides during our road to Hana planning and loved them! In our new COVID world, they bring the benefit of a guided tour into your vehicle. They are fantastic for our family because they keep us entertained and engaged while still controlling the drive.

Instead of an actual guidebook, Shaka Guides provides self-guided audio tours through an app for specific adventures in Hawaii. Like all of the Maui adventures, the Sunrise Tour at Haleakala gives you a wealth of information about Haleakala through engaging storytelling, history, and music. If sunrise seems too ambitious, consider the Sunset and Stargazing Tour for an unforgettable stargazing experience.

BICYCLE TOURS

Looking for a unique sunrise tour of Haleakala that your family will remember? Consider a bicycle tour to quench your thirst for adventure. I did this as a teenager with my family, and it was unbelievable! We used Bike Maui and had an incredible time. They provide transportation up to the crater to view the sunrise and then set you up to bike 23 miles down the hill. You start just outside Haleakalā National Park at 6,500 feet once the sun is shining and the island’s colors are vibrant. The view is incredible and one you will remember for a lifetime.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER HALEAKALA SUNRISE?

After viewing the stunning Haleakala sunrise, take a few minutes to watch the sun paint the colors of the Mars-like landscape around you. A few small trails surrounding the summit give you different views of the island. Maui is nicknamed the “Valley Isle,” and the colors begin to pop after the sun comes up!

On your drive down the volcano, take time to soak up the view from a few stopping points. If you are interested in hiking, several popular trails are worth checking out.

VISITOR CENTERS

Haleakala National Park’s summit area has two main visitor centers. The Park Headquarters Visitor Center is located at 7,000 feet just after the entrance to Haleakala National Park. This is a great place to explore and learn more about the park. Stamp your National Park Passport and pick up a free Junior Ranger booklet. These can be turned in later in the day, by mail, or during a visit to the Kipahulu area of the park. If you follow my blog, you know I love everything Junior Ranger. This makes for a fun (and free) Maui souvenir.

The upper visitor center is home to the park store and a sunrise destination for many visitors. The building is small and only open in the morning. However, bathrooms are available 24 hours a day, and the views from the parking area are stunning! Many of the most popular trails start from this area as well. Take some time to wander and check out the views from the elevation of 9,740ft.

SLIDING SANDS TRAIL

During my planning, I was excited to check out the cinder cones of Haleakala from this trail that walks right into the middle of the crater floor! This 11-mile hike starts by the visitor center and has no shade. However, you can take 15-minutes or so to walk in a bit and right back out. I felt a little light-headed from the altitude, so we skipped this with the kids. Due to the high elevation, the air is thinner. It is essential to be aware of this change when hiking. However far you choose to journey, this trail gives you an incredible, up-close view of the crater’s details, like cinder cones and lava rocks.

PA KA’OAO TRAIL & OVERLOOK

Also leaving from the visitor center, this .2-mile trail takes you up a small hill to overlook the Haleakala crater. The walk was short, but we were struggling with the altitude, so we could not take in these incredible views.

KALAHAKU OVERLOOK

The Kalahaku Overlook is located between mile markers 18 and 19 at 9,324 feet and provides stunning crater views. You can even see the hikers crossing through the Mars-like landscape on the Sliding Sands Trail. There is also a restroom here.

LELEIWI OVERLOOK

This overlook is an easy stop on your way down after sunrise. Between mile markers 17 & 18, the Leleiwi Overlook offers more stunning Haleakala and North Maui views. A small wind shelter that makes the overlook enjoyable on cold, windy mornings. Leleiwi Overlook is also a great place to watch the sunset on Haleakala.

AFTER YOUR HALEAKALA VISIT

One perk of your sunrise reservation is that you are out and about early! So plan to enjoy more of Haleakala National Park or check out some of our favorite places in Upcountry and South Maui. You can even head back up the mountain later in the day for sunset!

MORE MAUI IDEAS

If you are looking for more Maui inspiration, check out my other posts about our favorite Road to Hana stops, the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park, and the bamboo forest on the Pipiwai Trail.

Have you seen the sunrise from Haleakala? Did the Recreation.gov app get you your sunrise pass? I hope this information helps you have an unforgettable experience!

CALIFORNIA, HIKING, NATIONAL PARKS, NORTHERN CA

HIKING HETCH HETCHY – YOSEMITE’S SECRET VALLEY

April 26, 2022 laurelddouglas Leave a comment

Hiking Hetch Hetchy Valley is sure to deliver beautiful views during any season. John Muir once called this lesser-known gem in Yosemite the “remarkable exact counterpart” to the famed Yosemite Valley. Unfortunately, this glacier-cut valley is now buried underwater and is a source of ongoing controversy as it was dammed up and turned into a reservoir in the early 1900s. However, not many people venture out here, and not many people have heard of it. Fewer crowds, you say? Sign me up!

The Hetch Hetchy Area has over 287 miles of hiking trails, including part of the famous PCT. You can spend a few hours exploring the dam and shoreline trails or take a long day hike out for more spectacular views of this stunning area. When exploring and hiking Hetch Hetchy with kids, I highly suggest hiking the most popular trail, the stunning 2.5 miles out to Wapama Falls.

If hiking with little kids, you may want a shorter hike, and this trail is an excellent place for exploring the shoreline along the reservoir and controlling your distance based on your kid’s needs. You will still enjoy many of our favorite highlights – the O’Shaughnessy Dam, the Mountain Tunnel, meadows of wildflowers, waterfalls, and the overall spectacular views from the shoreline trail.

WHERE IS HETCH HETCHY?

The Hetch Hetchy Valley is a hidden gem in the northwest corner of Yosemite National Park. Visitors can access this lesser-known (and less crowded) part of Yosemite just outside the park off Highway 120. Hetch Hetchy Road is located just before you enter Yosemite National Park through the northern Big Oak Flat entrance.

The Hetch Hetchy area makes for a great day trip, but it is a bit of a journey from the heart of Yosemite, so plan accordingly (about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Yosemite Valley). If you are visiting Yosemite from the Bay Area, this is an excellent stop on your way in or out of the valley. If you are looking for accommodations nearby, The Evergreen Lodge seems incredible. I will update this post with a review once we can stay there!

GETTING TO HETCH HETCHY

Hetch Hetchy Road is open during seasonal hours (check current hours here) and is the only way to get to the Hetch Hetchy trailheads. From Highway 120, take Hetch Hetchy Road and travel 16 miles, about 25 minutes, towards the Evergreen Lodge. Pass through the lodge property, and continue past Camp Mather to reach the Hetch Hetchy entrance station. The trailheads and dam are about 30 minutes down the road. Plan to spend a few hours enjoying the area.

ENTRY FEE

If you are visiting Yosemite National Park, you will have already paid your $35 fee for seven days, and you can use that to enter through the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station. However, when we visited at the beginning of April, the entrance station was not collecting fees from October – to April.

SERVICES

No services are available once inside, so fill your gas tank before heading in. The last stop in the park is at the Crane Flat Chevron, just before the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station. The last stop on Highway 120 is in Buck Meadows.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE HIKING HETCH HETCHY

The hike toward Wapama Falls has little shade, so sunscreen is necessary. Spring and fall’s cooler temperatures will improve your hiking experience. However, the falls dry up slightly by late summer, and the hotter temperatures may make the hike more challenging for kids. As always, make sure to plan for your hike. If you want to get your kids more involved in their national park experience, check out this post for the items we always pack when exploring the parks with our kids!

Ensure to carry plenty of water, as there are no services or areas to purchase food or water inside Hetch Hetchy. Watch for poison oak, especially when hiking with kids. There is no cell service in the area.

SEASONS

The lower elevation, 3,900 feet, makes the Hetch Hetchy Area popular for hiking throughout the year. In winter, snowshoers love to explore the area.

We visited in Spring, and seeing the waterfalls flowing as wildflowers surrounded the trail in vibrant colors was stunning. Lupine, Monkey Flowers, and Buttercups bloomed during our hike, especially in the meadows closer to Tueeulala Falls. If you follow my blog, you know I love any hike covered in wildflowers. So this was a great time to visit.

THE RESERVOIR

The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is over 8 miles long and holds 117 billion gallons of drinking water that supplies around 2.4 people in the Bay Area. The reservoir is only for drinking water, so swimming and boating are prohibited. However, fishing is permitted year-round with a valid California fishing license.

WILDLIFE

Since the Hetch Hetchy Area is backcountry wilderness, black bears are common. Therefore, being bear prepared is necessary. Do not leave food in your vehicle. If overnight backpacking, bear canisters are required for food storage. A wilderness permit is needed and can be obtained for free from the park rangers at the entrance station. The Hetch Hetchy Area is also home to many bat species and snakes.

DOGS

Dogs are not allowed on the trails or the O’Shaughnessy Dam but are permitted in the day-use area on a leash. Domesticated animals threaten wild animals, so this is a great time to leave your pup at home.

HIKING TO WAPAMA FALLS

The hike to Tueeulala Falls and Wapama Falls is stunning and gives you great views of the area. You will begin the hike by crossing the dam and heading through the mountain tunnel to access the trail along the reservoir’s shoreline. Once you begin the shoreline trail, you can decide how far to go based on your family’s needs.

The hike to Tueeulala Falls is 1.5 miles out, and 2.5 miles to Wapama Falls. The hike is moderate, as many areas are up and downhill on the trail. However, some trail areas are very rocky, so I highly recommend having hiking boots for this trail, especially when carrying a child. For a longer day hike, you can continue 13 miles to Rancheria Falls. This is also an excellent destination for a backpacking trip.

THE O’SHAUGHNESSY DAM

Once you enter the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station, continue on the road for about 30 minutes until you reach the dam. Park in the day-use parking and take a moment in awe of the size of the structure. Standing on the 430-foot dam gives you incredible views of beautiful granite monoliths to the north. Looking south, you can stare at the powerful water pumped out into the Tuolumne River below.

Along the dam’s walls, there are several interpretive panels about the area’s history. From Native American inhabitants to the controversy surrounding Hetch Hetchy, I was in awe of this beautiful place I did not know existed until recently.

THE MOUNTAIN TUNNEL

To access the Wapama Fall trailhead, cross the O’Shaughnessy Dam and pass through the mountain tunnel. The cave-like atmosphere is a great way to begin your hike. My kids loved yelling to hear their echo and the unique experience of walking through. We walked along the edges due to large puddles through the middle of the tunnel. My son loved pretending he saw bats, but in the darker center of the 1/4-mile tunnel, he did start to feel a little nervous.

MEADOWS & WILDFLOWERS

Walking along the shoreline, you will notice beautiful manzanita trees along the trail. We passed by two smaller waterfalls dripping down the mountain, several green meadows along the rocks, and many wildflowers. The wildflowers brought the butterflies, and they were everywhere. This was a highlight for the kids, and we enjoyed taking rests along rocks in the meadows.

TUEEULALA FALLS

As we walked along the shoreline, the kids loved looking backward at the dam and our car in the parking lot. As we got closer to Tueeulala Falls, we could see several streams plummeting over the mountain. These waterfalls created a variety of pools flowing into the reservoir. These falls descend over 1,000 feet into the reservoir below. Before making the reservoir, they would flow freely into the Tuolumne River at the bottom of the Hetch Hetchy Valley.

This area made for a great lunch stop. We enjoyed a picnic on the rocks while taking in the views. Although I could hear the rush of Wapama Falls around the corner, my kids were getting tired, and I still had a drive back to the Bay Area ahead of me. This is an excellent example of the need to pivot. I wanted to keep going, but it was 80 degrees, my kids were tired, I had no help with the kids if we pushed too far, I did not have the Osprey for my daughter, and I still had a 4-hour drive home. So we headed back towards the car, knowing we would be back to see Wapama Falls sooner than later!

WAPAMA FALLS

After another mile of jaw-dropping views, you will reach the stunning Wapama Falls. Enjoy the four bridges that cross over the different offshoots of the waterfall. This is the true prize of your efforts! Take time to soak it in!

HISTORY OF THE HETCH HETCHY VALLEY

John Muir led the crusade with the Sierra Club to protect this beautiful valley. They were adamantly against the building of the O’Shaughnessy Dam. The dam’s construction was one of the first times people questioned using natural resources for modern development. Until the Hetch Hetchy debate, many Americans were focused on the desire to expand and use natural resources to support our cities and development.

In 1913, Congress passed the Raker Act, which allowed the construction of the O’Shaughnessy Dam, which was completed in 1923. The beauty of the valley has been buried underwater since. Three years later, the National Park Act was passed in Congress, protecting our parks and ensuring nothing like the flooding of Hetch Hetchy would happen again. Restore Hetch Hetchy is an organization working to reverse this controversial decision and resurrect this incredible valley and place in our national park system.

“Dam Hetch-Hetchy! As well dam for water-tanks the people’s cathedrals and churches, for no holier temple has ever been consecrated by the heart of man.” – John Muir

Have you been hiking in Hetch Hetchy? Did you make it to the falls?

YOSEMITE TRIP PLANNING RESOURCES

Planning a trip to Yosemite? Check out my other Yosemite resources here!

CALIFORNIA, DAYTIME ADVENTURES, HIKING, NATIONAL PARKS, SOUTHERN CA, WEEKEND GETAWAY

VISITING JOSHUA TREE WITH KIDS

February 8, 2022 laurelddouglas Leave a comment

There is something so magical about visiting Joshua Tree National Park. I love a trip out to the desert, and the prime location of Joshua Tree National Park makes it an easy weekend getaway from most Southern California destinations. Palm Springs is less than an hour away, so we usually take a day trip up to the national park when we stay in the desert. Exploring Joshua Tree National Park is a must-do, especially with kids! The park is full of stunning desert landscapes, and the unique rock formations, hiking trails, and 4wd roads create a massive playground for kids of all ages.

Kids of every age will love climbing the different boulder formations and exploring the desert’s nooks and crannies. Joshua Tree National Park features some of the best landscapes in the Mojave Desert. If you are looking for details on a particular spot or hiking trail in the park, use the table of contents to jump ahead. Otherwise, read on, and I will cover all you need to know about visiting Joshua Tree with kids!

WHEN TO VISIT JOSHUA TREE

The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is during Fall or Spring when the lower temperatures make exploring all-day comfortable. However, this is not a secret; with those comfortable temperatures come many visitors. You may find snow on the desert floor in winter, which is awesome. We love visiting in the winter for this reason. I also love Spring visits due to the wildflowers popping up all over the desert. Joshua Tree National Park’s peak season runs from September to May.

Joshua Tree National Park is in the high desert, and summers get VERY hot. June to September almost guarantees temperatures over 100°. So don’t take your kids hiking in Joshua Tree National Park in the summer. If you plan to venture in the summer, plan on very early mornings and wrap your day up by 10 am. Whether trying to avoid crowds or heat, early starts are essential for a successful day.

BEST TIME OF DAY

Joshua Tree National Park is stunning throughout the day. Sunrise is spectacular as the crowds are low, and the views are unforgettable. Planning your day by starting early at a more popular destination makes for less frustration and masses. Mid-morning brings traffic and parking struggles. So being flexible with your plans is essential.

Early evening and sunset are easy times to grab incredible views. I love pulling over into one of the pullouts to watch the cotton candy sky melt into the night. There is something so beautiful about the desert landscape sprinkled with Joshua Trees against the vibrant colors of sunset. Then, as the sun disappears, the stars come out to shine in the night sky. No visit to Joshua Tree is complete without some time spent stargazing. The National Park is open 24 hours and is a designated international dark sky park.

WHAT TO PACK FOR A DAY IN JOSHUA TREE

A few things make Joshua Tree National Park unique and should be considered when packing. Of course, safety is essential no matter your age, but planning for the elements is even more critical when visiting Joshua Tree with kids. You can read more about our favorite things to pack when visiting National Parks with kids here. First, however, here are some specifics for a visit to Joshua Tree National Park with kids.

THERE IS NO WATER AVAILABLE IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

It is important to overestimate how much water you may want. I recommend stainless steel water bottles that keep your extra water cold in the car—plan for at least a gallon per person or two gallons per person in hotter temperatures. Our son loves his hydration pack too, which is great because it allows him to carry his water and binoculars. The visitor centers do have water fountains to refill water bottles, but they are located by the entrances to the park. There is nowhere to refill once you are inside the park enjoying your day.

THERE IS NO FOOD AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Definitely have a picnic packed when you visit Joshua Tree, National Park. We bring things from home and love loading up at Roadrunner Grab+Go or Natural Sisters Cafe for anything else we need. Make sure to have a quality cooler to load everything into, as temperatures in your car can soar in the summer months. I love packing a blanket for impromptu picnics and snacks along our route. A few camping chairs are not a bad idea for this same reason. I cover our favorite places to eat near Joshua Tree National Park below.

THERE IS NO CELL SERVICE INSIDE JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

In addition, no cellular service means you cannot access maps or blog post information. Make sure to pick up hard copies of maps when you enter or screenshot anything you may want access to when visiting.

THERE IS NO GASOLINE AVAILABLE IN THE PARK

Make sure you have plenty of gas for your day of exploring. The drive through the park is under 2 hours, but it is best to head in with a fuller tank to add side trips along your way without any worry. From the west to the north entrance is 25 miles and takes about 40 minutes straight through. To drive from the south entrance to the north is about 40 miles and takes about an hour. An ideal day combines northern Park Boulevard and Pinto Basin Road destinations towards the south entrance to cover about 70 miles.

PACKING FOR DESERT WEATHER

Desert weather can change quickly, so you want to have layers for everyone. Pack many layers, sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses. To give your kids more information about the park’s conditions, check out books from your local library or order a book about the park to read ahead of your visit. We love this collection of cheap National Park Readers. They double as fun souvenirs, too! When you stop at the visitor center, stamp the national park service passport stamp and date inside the front cover. Grab a Joshua Tree National Park Junior Ranger book for a great free souvenir when you enter the park.

PACKING FOR ROCK SCRAMBLING & CLIMBING

Joshua Tree National Park is filled with lots of boulder climbing opportunities. This is a lot of fun for kids, but scrapes are bound to happen. I recommend a small first aid kit for minor scrapes that a band-aid magically fixes. You should also be prepared for pokes and scrapes from plants along the trails.

As much as I love my athleisure leggings and joggers daily, I suggest comfortable yet durable pants like my Kühl Weekendr Tight to explore the boulders with your kids. These versatile pants give you the flexibility of leggings while holding up against the jagged rocks. Also, strong hiking shoes are essential for everyone. They help your kids stay safe on the boulders and are extra important if you carry an infant in a babycarrier.

STARGAZING IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours and has some of the darkest skies in southern California. Stargazing is spectacular, and if you plan to stay at night, have a headlamp or flashlight to navigate the desert landscape in the dark. If your kids are into stargazing, pack a guide to help them learn more about what they are looking at in the sparkling night sky.

WHAT TO DO IN JOSHUA TREE WITH KIDS

Although Joshua Tree covers almost 800,000 acres of desert, you can drive through the park’s main road, Park Boulevard, in under two hours. However, you want to allow plenty of time for stops along the way. Driving Park Boulevard from the West to North Entrance Station or vice versa gives you great views and plenty of great opportunities to explore Joshua Tree National Park with kids.

STOP BY THE JOSHUA TREE VISITOR CENTER

If you follow my blog, you know my first stop in National Parks is always the visitor center. I love this opportunity to pick up park and hiking brochures and our son’s Junior Ranger books, and talk to a ranger for feedback on my plan and other recommendations. Of course, you can research ahead and think you have everything planned, but talking to a ranger about current conditions during your visit is always wise, especially when visiting with kids.

Stopping by the visitor center is also a great time to review some desert safety basics with your kids. In addition to the elements, kids should watch for snakes, especially when rock climbing. Teach them to look before putting their hands or feet into a crevice. Children should also be aware of different plants like the Cholla Cactus and Yucca Plant and understand that they are incredibly painful if touched.

WEST ENTRANCE STATION

There are three main entrances to Joshua Tree National Park. Pick the best one for your itinerary, depending on where you come from in Southern California and what you want to accomplish first.

When visiting Joshua Tree National Park with kids, we love the West Entrance Station because it quickly gets you to some of the most popular hikes for families. It is also the first entrance station from Palm Springs or the Black Rock Campground, our favorite campground for visiting Joshua Tree with kids. In addition, the Joshua Tree Visitor Center and Roadrunner Grab+Go are on the way to this park entrance. However, this entrance can have long waits when entering during busy times.

OTHER ENTRANCE STATIONS TO JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

North Entrance Station – This entrance is in Twentynine Palms and tends to have fewer crowds (so less wait time). The Oasis of Mara Visitor Center is located here. This entrance is also close to our favorite local hotel – The Fairfield Inn & Suites. If you are staying here, this entrance is ideal for you in the morning.
Cottonwood Visitor Center – This entrance is on the south end of the park, so not something to consider if you are staying in Joshua Tree or Yucca Valley. This south entrance is closest to Indio and requires some extra driving time to the main areas in the park.

The National Park Service has a great planning tool on its website. This link takes you to a list of driving distances from each visitor center to popular destinations.

I love entering the park and, within minutes, driving through a “forest” of new and mature Joshua Trees scattered across the desert. Joshua Tree National Park is family-friendly because so many main stops are right off the two main roads, Park Boulevard, and Pinto Basin Road. In addition, pullouts all along the road let you pull over and stretch your legs without sacrificing any views.

HIKE THE HIDDEN VALLEY NATURE TRAIL

The Hidden Valley Nature Trail is an absolute favorite of mine when visiting Joshua Tree with kids! The hiking trail is an easy loop, and your kids will love rock climbing along the way. However, many people feel this way which makes parking difficult. I recommend this stop first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. The trailhead is in the Hidden Valley picnic area (across from the Hidden Valley Campground), so you can always pack a breakfast picnic or happy hour to enjoy after your hike.

Hidden Valley is an old cattle ranch and a true gem inside the park. The Hidden Valley Trail is an easy, one-mile loop inside the valley. There are interpretive signs all along the path telling you about the flora and fauna of the area. If you are visiting early in the morning, you may be lucky enough to see desert bighorn sheep or mule deer enjoying the valley as well.

This trail loops around the valley’s edge, and the circle makes it hard to get lost even when adventuring in different directions. The highlight of this trail is all of the boulder formations for kids to enjoy. My son had so much fun climbing along as we walked the path. If your kids are into climbing, definitely have some bandaids with you for potential scrapes and cleanup.

TRAIL GUIDE

The trail starts up a few stairs and through some large boulders to enter the valley. After this portion, the next half mile is very flat. Watching rock climbers take on some of the national park’s most notable boulders is entertaining for everyone. Although mostly flat, there are stairs towards the end, so I do not recommend strollers on this trail.

Hidden Valley Trail is one of my favorite trails when visiting Joshua Tree with kids. The short length, relaxing vibe, and pleasing surroundings make it one of my absolute favorite hiking trails for kids of all ages.

You have an incredible view of the desert landscape and Joshua Trees as you exit Hidden Valley to return to the parking lot. Don’t forget this stop is also a day-use picnic area, so take time to enjoy a breakfast picnic or snack before heading to your next destination. There are pit toilets at the trailhead as well. I love this stop! Hidden Valley Campground is located just across the road and would be a fun place to camp with kids if you can score a spot!

HIKE TO BARKER DAM

The Barker Dam Nature Trail is another one of the most popular hiking trails for families. Again, I recommend targeting this trail first thing in the morning. We arrived just before 7:30 am and had no problems parking. After our hike, the line of cars waiting for parking was backed up to Park Boulevard.

Barker Dam is a unique area of the park and a piece of Joshua Tree’s cattle ranching history. The dam was created to catch rainwater for cattle and, at its maximum, covers 20 acres. The Barker Dam Nature Trail is a great place to look for bighorn sheep and mule deer in the early hours. The dam now acts as a watering hole for desert wildlife.

The Barker Dam trail is an easy 1.1-mile loop that is great for families. This trail has minimal shade, so pack accordingly. Bikes, strollers, and wheelchairs are not allowed on the trail due to some steps and ecological concerns.

We visited in mid-January after a recent storm, and some snow was on the ground. The trail to the dam was primarily flat and very easy for the kids. Interpretive panels tell you about the area’s plants, animals, history, and culture.

Barker Dam changes over the seasons, and unfortunately, the dam was dried up when we visited. However, you can see the different water lines on the boulders that make up Barker Dam.

After some fun boulder scrambling away from Barker Dam, the desert opens up, and you walk between the Joshua Trees and Yucca plants.

BARKER DAM PETROGLYPHS

Towards the end of the loop, you will encounter a large boulder filled with Petroglyphs and mortars. These ancient rock shelters were home to Native Americans who passed through the land searching for food and water. It is cool to check out and even better if your kids study Native American history in school. Make sure to enjoy them from a distance to preserve the site for future visitors. This site is estimated to be over 2,000 years old!

The trail then takes you back to the parking lot. This 1.3-mile loop is a great hike when visiting Joshua Tree National Park with kids. The parking lot has pit toilets and is the same parking area for another popular hike, the Wall Street Mill Trail.

HIKE TO THE WALL STREET MILL

The Wall Street Mill Trail leaves from the Barker Dam parking lot and is one of the more challenging hikes we have done when visiting Joshua Tree with kids. The hike is a 2.2-mile out-and-back trail to an old gold mine through the sand. You pass several old abandoned cars and an old homestead along the way.

The hike is not challenging due to the elevation gain. It feels extra long as you head straight into the desert in heavy sand. Shade is minimal, and the straight path can sometimes feel neverending when kids are hiking with you.

However, you will begin to see old relics of the ranchers and miners in the area before too long. Along the way, you pass the famous Worth-Bagley Stone, which marks the site of a renowned shootout over local ranchers and property lines.

Shortly after, you reach the old Wall Street Stamp Mill last used in 1966. It was listed in the National Registrar of Historic Sites in 1975. Our son thought this was very cool. Please respect the signage around the mill, as these are ancient buildings with massive drops. It is crucial to remember these old mines all over Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave Desert are not playgrounds and can be very dangerous.

The abandoned cars were a highlight for my son as well. It is impressive how they appear to grow into the desert landscape. From here, we headed back towards the parking area but took the trail closest to the boulders to check out the old homestead and another rock scrambling highlight when visiting Joshua Tree with kids – Wonderland Wash.

WONDERLAND WASH

Wonderland Wash is a MAJOR highlight of any visit to Joshua Tree National Park with kids and the Wall Street Mill hike. Just behind the abandoned Wonderland Ranch, you can enter a large with boulders of all sizes. This wash is an incredible playground of boulders for enthusiasts of all ages. You will notice people walking in through the rocks, especially those with climbing gear. This is a great place to enjoy rock climbing or watch rock climbers practice their sport. We followed the overgrown trail through the rocks below, just across from the Wonderland Ranch. It is hard to get lost if you continue into the wash along the boulders.

The Barker Dam parking area gives you access to the Barker Dam Trail, Wonderland Wash, and Wall Street Mill Trail, which are great things to do with kids in Joshua Tree. This parking area is a great place to start your day, as parking gets very hectic later in the morning. As I mentioned before, we arrived at 7:30 am and explored all three areas. We took our time and left the parking area shortly before 12:30 to head for a picnic lunch.

TAKE IN THE SIGHTS FROM KEYS VIEW

Keys View is more of a viewpoint than a trail. It is the highest viewpoint in Joshua Tree National Park. Just a 20-minute detour from Park Boulevard, the panoramas make the excursion well worth the drive.

Scenic views look out at the San Andreas Fault, Mt. San Jacinto, Mt. San Gorgonio (the highest peak in southern California), Coachella Valley, and the Salton Sea. The San Andreas Fault is the cause of California’s famous earthquakes. It is very cool to look out and see part of the 700 miles where the fault runs.

Keys View is a short, 1/4-mile paved path through different viewpoints. This stop is accessible, stroller-friendly, and short, with great views.

Keys View parking can be challenging during peak seasons and times. The parking lot sometimes closes an hour before sunset due to the congestion. So if you want to watch the sunset, make sure to head up earlier. If you score a spot for sunset, definitely venture out with a picnic blanket and chairs to soak it all in. Stay awhile to check out the night sky beginning to twinkle above you!

RELAX AT CAP ROCK

Cap Rock is a great stop when visiting Joshua Tree National Park with kids. The parking lot is large, which can be helpful on busy days. Rock climbing opportunities are endless, and there are pit toilets and picnic tables.

In addition to making a great snack or happy hour stop, Cap Rock also has a short, .4 mile self-guided nature trail loop through boulders, Joshua trees, and other plants. This is a great spot to relax on a hot day. As the sun moves across the sky, the surrounding rock formations offer shade which is much appreciated on a warm day. Kids can explore little caves and boulders while adults can chill. We stop here during every visit to Joshua Tree National Park with our kids.

Cap Rock is a great place to stop if other areas are crowded, the kids need a break, or you need to regroup in any way. It has a very central location in the park at the intersection of Keys View Road and Park Boulevard.

ROCK SCRAMBLE AT SKULL ROCK

Skull Rock is a great spot for rock scrambling and climbing. Named for the giant rock that looks like a skull, you can choose to pull off the road to view the famous Skull Rock or stay awhile to explore and/or loop the 1.7-mile Skull Rock Nature Trail.

Although Skull Rock is a popular stop, there is still ample street parking, The Skull Rock Nature trail goes through Jumbo Rocks Campground and the surrounding rock formations. If you are camping in Jumbo Rocks Campground, this trail is especially convenient to explore with kids as skull rock is next door.

No matter which way you turn in the Skull Rock area, you will see kids of all ages rock climbing and scrambling and LOVING every second of it!

CHECK OUT THE UNIQUE ARCH ROCK TRAIL

The Arch Rock Trail is located next to the White Tank Campground and makes for a fun little adventure with kids. The highly trafficked, flat, 1.2-mile out-and-back trail starts along Pinto Basin Road. The trail is surrounded by unique boulder formations that are great for rock scrambling and exploring. Although Arch Rock is the destination, there is plenty to see along the trail.

Parking is on the right of Pinto Basin Road in Joshua Tree National Park. When you begin the Arch Rock trail, it soon has you crossing the road. Looking ahead, you can see the boulders you are heading towards. Continue along the path and follow signs to Arch Rock.

Our entire stop took just over 45 minutes. However, we did not wait in the giant line for a picture under the famed arch rock. Please plan your time accordingly, as there is sure to be a line of people grabbing their insta-worthy photos in front of arch rock. We did pop up for a quick selfie as a group set up their next pose! Kids may lose interest when waiting an hour to take a photo, but the Arch Rock Nature Trail is a great place to explore when visiting Joshua Tree with kids.

WATCH THE SUN GO DOWN IN THE CHOLLA CACTUS GARDEN

The Cholla Cactus Garden is a beautiful spot, especially at sunset. Located on Pinto Basin Road, the Cholla Cactus Garden is an easy stop with several viewing points. You can take in the views from the parking area or enjoy the 1/4-mile loop through the naturally growing cholla cactus garden. The garden appears to go on and on, and the colors of the cholla cactus shining in the sunlight are spectacular.

When visiting Joshua Tree with kids, Cholla Cactus Garden is not a place to let your child wander. Unfortunately, the needles are sharp, painful, and all around on the ground. However, the park does an excellent job of marking the trail to keep everyone safe, so stay on the path.

PICNIC AMONG THE JOSHUA TREES

When you visit Joshua Tree National Park, picnicking is a must. There are no restaurants or food options inside the park, so planning ahead is key to a successful trip, especially with kids! We tend to picnic, snack, or have a “happy hour” several times a day during our big days of exploring. Joshua Tree National Park has several places with picnic tables and day-use areas. I will go over a few of my favorite spots here.

LIVE OAK PICNIC AREA

This day-use picnic area is a great stop for groups looking to meet up or families that want to enjoy a larger meal. We enjoyed the Live Oak Picnic Area because it was less crowded than some of the more popular areas but still had large picnic tables, a BBQ, and plenty of rocks for our son to climb. There were a ton of chipmunks that were not afraid of us, so prep your kids if needed.

HIDDEN VALLEY PICNIC AREA

Hidden Valley Picnic Area is popular, as is the trail and campground next to it. However, during hotter summer months, this is a great pick for a moment of relaxation! The rock formations surrounding the picnic tables offer shade and respite from the temperatures. I have noticed the area slows down in the evening as well, making it a great spot for happy hour as the sun begins to set.

Other popular day-use picnic areas in the park are Cap Rock, and Quail Springs. These sites all include picnic tables, grills, and pit toilets. Split Rock is a smaller area with tables across Park Boulevard, but it gets full quickly and does not have grills. Indian Cove has a nice picnic area, but it is only accessible from outside the park on Highway 62 (near the Indian Cove Campground).

PARK BOULEVARD PULLOUT PICNIC

One of my favorite things about Joshua Tree National Park is how many pullouts were created along Park Boulevard. These make taking in the views easy when driving through the park. In addition, you can pull over, park, walk out a bit, and set up a blanket and camping chairs to make your picnic spot away from any crowds.

It is crucial to have a trash bag to ensure everything you bring in is packed out. We have had some beautiful views just throwing down a blanket a short distance from our car. Depending on where you are, you will watch rock climbers, desert iguanas, wedding photography sessions, and unforgettable cotton candy sky sunsets. This is my favorite way to end a fantastic day in Joshua Tree with our kids.

WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING JOSHUA TREE

Joshua Tree makes for a great day trip, but giving yourself more time by turning your visit into a weekend getaway is also nice. There are several options for lodging when visiting Joshua Tree National Park. The most popular are camping, hotels, and vacation rentals.

CAMPGROUND OPTIONS IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Joshua Tree is known for its great camping. I cannot recommend a night under the Joshua Tree stars enough. As a family, we love Black Rock Campground for many reasons. Joshua Tree National Park has eight campgrounds, and scoring the best sites can be challenging. The list below gives you the basics and each campground. Five campgrounds require reservations during the peak season of September to May. They are Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, Ryan, and Black Rock Campground.

BLACK ROCK CAMPGROUND – 99 sites, $25/night, water, flush toilets, fire grates, dump station
COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND – 62 sites, $25/night, water, flush toilets, fire grates, dump station
INDIAN COVE CAMPGROUND – 101 sites, $25/night, water at the ranger station, pit toilets, fire grates
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND – 124 sites, $20/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates
RYAN CAMPGROUND – 31 sites, $20/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates
BELLE CAMPGROUND – 18 sites, $15/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates
HIDDEN VALLEY CAMPGROUND – 44 sites, $15/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates
WHITE TANK CAMPGROUND – 15 sites, $15/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates

If you are interested in camping in Joshua Tree, make sure to check out my post about camping at Black Rock Campground.

HOTELS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

If you want to stay close to the park, I recommend the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Twentynine Palms. The rooms are spacious for families, and the hotel is one of the cleanest in the area. In addition, they have a complimentary continental breakfast which I love, especially when traveling with kids. The North Entrance Station to Joshua Tree National Park is only about 5 minutes away.

PALM SPRINGS & PALM DESERT

Another option when visiting Joshua Tree is to stay in Palm Springs. Palm Desert and Palm Springs have many hotel options that make an excellent home base for a desert adventure. However, it does take about 45 minutes to get to the Joshua Tree Visitor Center and West Entrance Station. If you are visiting in winter when the sunsets right at 5 pm, this gives you ample time for stargazing before heading back for dinner in Palm Springs.

One of our top family picks is the Westin Desert Willows Villas in Palm Desert. This hotel is wonderful for longer stays as each villa has a full kitchen, living area, and separate bedrooms. The property has several pools, waterslides, and activities for kids. Staying here and taking a day to explore Joshua Tree National Park is an excellent pick for families looking to get away longer.

VACATION RENTALS NEAR JOSHUA TREE

The towns surrounding Joshua Tree National Park have beautiful and unique vacation rentals. Joshua Tree’s “desert vibes” are becoming trendier and trendier, and the rental options are doing the same. Joshua Tree features boho retreats, glamping adventures, glasshouses, and other unique desert compounds to rent. Check out VRBO for some of these exciting options near Joshua Tree.

WHERE TO EAT NEAR JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

I definitely recommend packing a picnic for your Joshua Tree National Park adventure. Once you are in the park, driving out of the park to grab food in the town of Joshua Tree is an inconvenience and bound to cause frustration. We love to load up before heading into the park to snack and sip throughout the day with no rush due to hungry kids!

BEFORE YOUR DESERT ADVENTURE

These are our favorite morning spots to hit before we head into the park! These options have your morning covered. Whether you want to grab a coffee, create a picnic, add to your snacks, or sit for a full breakfast to fuel your day!

ROADRUNNER GRAB+GO

Roadrunner Grab+Go is a deli and coffee shop attached to the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center. Pre-made sandwiches, salads, cheeses, crackers, drinks, and other snacks give you everything you need to load up for the day. They also have breakfast options for those starting early.

My son loved his Junior Ranger sandwich (plain ham and cheese) and was thrilled to try the impressive “smores bar” as a treat after lunch. There are a variety of vegan and gluten-free options as well.

JOSHUA TREE COFFEE COMPANY

Make sure to grab a cup of coffee on your way to the park as you drive through the town of Joshua Tree. Joshua Tree Coffee Company will not disappoint! However, weekend mornings do bring long lines, so save more time for your desert adventure by ordering ahead!

NATURAL SISTERS CAFE

The Natural Sisters Cafe offers healthy vegetarian and vegan breakfast and lunch options. Dine in and enjoy the art, or order ahead for pickup. You can’t go wrong on the menu here, and the sandwiches are loaded with delicious veggies that hit the spot on the trail. They also have many great smoothie options that kids are bound to love!

JOSHUA TREE COUNTRY KITCHEN

If you love a big, hearty classic breakfast, Joshua Tree County Kitchen is your spot! This local diner has been serving classic breakfast dishes since 1977. The service is great. You may have to wait a bit for a table, but you will not be disappointed. The kindness of the servers, the delicious food, and the cozy atmosphere are worth the wait.

AFTER YOUR DESERT ADVENTURE

After a full day in the desert, you are likely ready for a great dinner! These spots are favorites as they are unique and finish a desert adventure right.

SPAGHETTI WESTERN

This restaurant is a great pick after a day of adventuring in Joshua Tree National Park. Right off of the highway, the pasta is delicious, and the menu has the exact comfort you need to fuel yourself after a busy day. The owners are from Rome, Italy, so the food is great, and the ambiance is awesome! The drinks are great, too, which is always nice after a long day in the desert! Please note Spaghetti Western is open from Thursday – Sunday.

PIE FOR THE PEOPLE

Sometimes a pizza is exactly what you feel like after your day exploring the desert, and Pie for the People delivers! The delicious pizza is perfect for picking up on your way out of town. The key is to order ahead. This is a small shop with very little seating. I know they are working on expanding, but I recommend calling ahead (about 30-45 minutes) so you can swoop it up quickly! Please note Pie for the People is closed on Friday and opens at 3pm every other day of the week.

PAPPY & HARRIET’S PIONEERTOWN PALACE

Pappy & Harriet’s is an experience. About 15 minutes north of Yucca Valley in the Mojave Desert, this saloon-style barbeque restaurant is always busy. The staff is great, the food is delicious, and the drinks hit right after a day in the desert. The rustic venue is full of history and is known for the live music that draws crowds from all over Southern California.

Check the calendar for live shows to avoid showing up to a sold-out venue, and don’t miss this awesome spot for dinner. Prepare to wait a bit for your table. It will probably go faster than expected and will be worth the wait! Please note Pappy and Harriet’s is open Thursday – Monday and does not take reservations.

OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST NEAR JOSHUA TREE

If you are looking for an adventure on your way home, consider stopping in one of these interesting places near Joshua Tree National Park. Here are some of our favorite stops if you want to explore more!

PIONEERTOWN

Pioneertown is home to Pappy and Harriet’s and a strip of shops that feel like you are walking back in time. In a way, you are because Pioneertown was created by a group of Hollywood investors in the 1940’s looking to create a live western movie set. Over 50 westerns were filmed in Pioneertown during this time. Pioneertown is a fun place for kids to see and worth the 15-minute detour up the highway.

THE SALTON SEA

If you want to continue your tour into old-time Hollywood destinations, head south to one of California’s lowest points, the Salton Sea. This area was once a thriving destination. However, the Salton Sea became toxic due to the lack of drainage needed for salt balance in the water. What was once a Hollywood destination is now a somewhat abandoned trailer park.

As the toxicity increased, it killed everything inside, destroying the dream of the Los Angeles and Palm Springs lakeside destination thriving on the salty banks. Coming into town, you can still see the remnants of the heyday. We did a drive-through as the remnants now appear sad, broken, and not really where you should stop to hang out with no destination.

SALVATION MOUNTAIN

If you share my quest for adventure, keep driving to Salvation Mountain, a piece of artwork that needs to be seen to be believed. We waited almost 30 minutes to cross the train tracks to get there, but once we pulled up, we knew we had arrived. The message “GOD IS LOVE” can be seen from the road near Slab City.

ANZA-BORREGO DESERT

If you are looking for more desert adventure, Anza-Borrego delivers. Check out my guide to the area here.

CALIFORNIA, COVID-19 TRAVEL, FAMILY VACATIONS, NATIONAL PARKS, NORTHERN CA, ROAD TRIP - SEQUOIA AND YOSEMITE, ROAD TRIPS, WEEKEND GETAWAY

BIKING IN YOSEMITE VALLEY WITH KIDS

September 10, 2021 laurelddouglas Leave a comment

There are so many things to see and do in Yosemite, and exploring on a bicycle is a great way to maximize time and avoid frustrations with parking and crowds. One of our best days in Yosemite was biking the valley floor with our kids. Do not miss this memorable experience.

In this post, I cover all you need to know to plan your biking adventure in Yosemite!

Where you can bike in Yosemite Valley
Where to rent bikes in Yosemite Valley
Rental bike options in Yosemite Valley
Our itinerary for an epic day biking in Yosemite

If you have your own bikes that you are planning to bring to Yosemite, jump down below to our epic day to help you plan yours! We always bring our son’s bike when traveling to Yosemite, but we have never all ridden around the valley together. This year, we decided to spend our 12th wedding anniversary doing just that. We had an incredible day, and I highly recommend you take a day to do the same!

BIKING IN YOSEMITE PLANNING TOOLS

WHERE CAN I BIKE IN YOSEMITE VALLEY?

Although bicycles are not allowed on trails, Yosemite Valley has over 12 miles of bike paths connecting the valley’s most popular attractions. The valley floor is very flat, which makes biking with kids an easy and fun adventure. Whether you bring or pack your bikes, you will surely enjoy the flexibility biking offers you and your family. Save this map of the Yosemite Valley Biking Trails on your phone so you always know where you are! Check out our sample itinerary below to start planning your day

WHERE CAN I RENT A BIKE IN YOSEMITE VALLEY?

Yosemite Valley has multiple bike rental options, making a family bike adventure very easy to plan. Due to snow in the valley, the rental season runs from the start of April to late October/Early November. Unfortunately, outside of ADA bike rentals, you cannot make reservations in advance. You can rent bikes from three locations in Yosemite Valley.

YOSEMITE LODGE BIKE STAND
CURRY VILLAGE BIKE RENTAL KIOSK
YOSEMITE VILLAGE BIKE RENTAL STAND

1) YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE BIKE STAND

9006 Yosemite Lodge Drive

Yosemite Valley, CA 95389

209/372-1208

During our August 2021 visit, the Yosemite Lodge bike stand was open from 8-6 pm. The bike stand is located right next to the pool behind the front desk. I called in advance and was told to be there by 9 to ensure getting bikes for the day. In addition, early arrival gives you plenty of bikes to pick from, as all bikes are beach cruisers, and the seats cannot be adjusted. This is especially important when renting for kids, as the right seat height and helmet size will set you up for a successful day. You can check current hours here, but I recommend calling in advance just to check in about your family’s specific needs.

2) CURRY VILLAGE BIKE RENTAL KIOSK

9010 Curry Village Drive

Yosemite Valley, CA 95389

209/372-8323

During our August 2021 visit, the Curry Village (previously known as Half Dome Village) bike stand was also open from 8-6 pm. The bike kiosk is located next to the front office. Once you pay for your rental, you will head to the bike yard to pick out your bikes. We stopped by here to swap helmet sizes for our daughter around lunchtime, and a ton of bikes were still available. Again, you can check current hours here, but I recommend calling in advance to check in about your family’s specific needs.

3) YOSEMITE VILLAGE BIKE RENTAL STAND

9011 Village Drive

Yosemite Valley, CA 95389

209/372-1268

The Yosemite Village Bike Rental Stand is located next to the village store. The Village Store or neighboring Degnan’s Kitchen are great options for picking up a picnic for your bike ride. You can check current operations here.

BIKING IN YOSEMITE RENTAL OPTIONS

Several family-friendly options are available to rent at the three Yosemite Valley locations. There are no rentals for babies under the age of one. All bike rentals include helmets as well.

Kids bikes – $40/day or $30/5 hours (half day)
Adult bikes – $40/day or $30/5 hours (half day)
Adult bikes with trailers – $75/day or $55/5 hours (half day)

Riders in the trailer need to be age one or older for safety reasons. The bike stands also have ADA and electric scooters requiring advanced reservations. You also can rent wheelchairs and strollers during your Yosemite Valley visit at each bike stand.

OUR EPIC DAY BIKING IN YOSEMITE

START AT THE YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE

Staying at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, we rented and started our ride from there. My husband walked over shortly after 8 am and rented the bikes while we finished getting ready for our day. We left the Yosemite Valley Lodge and headed West on the bike path directly behind our building (we were in Laurel). This is also the start of our favorite evening routine, which you can read more about in this post.

YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE TO CURRY VILLAGE

We crossed Swinging Bridge and the Merced River and headed North along Cook’s Meadow all the way to Curry Village. This was a beautiful stretch and allowed us to get comfortable riding for a bit.

CURRY VILLAGE TO HAPPY ISLES NATURE CENTER

From Curry Village, we headed South to the Happy Isles Nature Center. This is a great place to explore with kids and stop for a snack. The area has plenty of bike racks and benches to rest on. There is so much to see as you wander through the area.

Take time to explore the different rivers, rocks, forests, and fen areas before heading inside for a family art class or Junior Ranger program. Interpretive panels guide you through the outdoor areas. Don’t forget some cute family pictures in this beautiful area. This area is also where the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls begins. Something for another day and definitely on my bucket list!

HAPPY ISLES NATURE CENTER TO MIRROR LAKE

From Happy Isles, we headed out to Mirror Lake. About 1/4 mile from the lake, rental bikes need to park for the last uphill push to the lake. Mirror Lake is a great place no matter the season. The colors are vibrant, and the scenery is spectacular whether the lake is full, frozen, or dried up. We love having a picnic lunch here, but we opted for a snack on this biking adventure as it was still a little early.

Plan to take your time visiting Mirror Lake. We wandered outside the lake, had a snack, took pictures of the kids, and helped our son with a few pages of his Junior Ranger book. This was a great rest after riding the distance we had covered.

MIRROR LAKE TO THE CURRY VILLAGE PIZZA DECK

From Mirror Lake, we headed back to Curry Village for lunch at the Pizza Deck. This order-at-the-counter outdoor craft beer and pizza kitchen was the perfect stop for lunch. Check out the menu here. There was plenty of shady seating, and the pizza was delicious! I will mention that the squirrels are pretty aggressive at the Curry Village Pizza Deck. My husband was grabbing our order and saw one run on someone’s table and grab a ranch packet! So *pro tip* sit by someone with a dog as we did! Ha!

Curry Village is a great place to explore with kids. They have a large wrap-around porch with rockers around the game room, and relaxing there with ice cream would have been ideal, however, the ice cream shop was closed due to COVID. So keep that in mind as an option when you go! We could also check in the Curry Village bike stand to swap our daughter’s helmet for a smaller size. So this is a great place to stop and check in if you are having any bike or helmet issues!

CURRY VILLAGE TO THE AHWAHNEE HOTEL

From the Pizza Deck, we headed into Yosemite Village and out to the Ahwahnee Hotel. This was a beautiful stretch of the ride as you take Northside Drive along the Ahwahnee Meadow into Yosemite Village and up Ahwahnee Drive on the other side of the meadow.

Ahwahnee Drive gave us perfect afternoon shade, and we were thrilled to arrive right at the Ahwahnee Bar was opening for the day! The Ahwahnee is a beautiful hotel worth checking out and makes for a great stop for all. Our son loves the lobby’s “Sweet Shop” and we love the craft cocktails from the lounge. If you are still hungry, treat yourself to an appetizer from the Ahwahnee Bar. The Bavarian Pretzel was gigantic and was served hanging from a giant hook in the center of the platter. Another great stop for all.

THE AHWAHNEE HOTEL TO YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE

From the Ahwahnee, we headed back to Yosemite Lodge. We passed the Yosemite Falls trail because we planned to return later in the evening. Bikes are not allowed on the short trail, but there is plenty of bike parking, and this would be a great time to walk out to enjoy the falls if you are not staying the night.

From here, we took some time to regroup in our room. If you follow my blog, you know my son has Cystic Fibrosis and needs breathing and vest treatments twice daily. We took an hour or so to handle treatments and change into swimsuits for our favorite evening routine – a dip in the Merced River, a bike loop around Cook’s Meadow, and a walk out to Yosemite Falls.

YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE TO SWINGING BRIDGE AND THE MERCED RIVER

As the sun began to set behind the towering granite walls surrounding the valley, we headed back out on the same path we started from. Keep a lookout along your ride, as we have seen a bear and countless deer on this exact route in the early evening. We parked the bikes for a short dip in the Merced River and then finished our day with another loop of Cook’s Meadow before returning our bikes. We arrived at Yosemite Lodge Bike Stand right before 6.

YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE TO LOWER YOSEMITE FALLS

If you are staying at the Lodge, this is a great time to head over to Yosemite Falls, as chances are you will have it almost to yourself! We enjoyed our short walk (.5 miles round trip) out to Lower Yosemite Valley Falls before picking up dinner at the Base Camp Eatery in Yosemite Valley Lodge.

It was the perfect recipe for an unforgettable day. Definitely work biking in Yosemite into your Yosemite plans!

Looking for other fun things to do in Yosemite? Check out our first itinerary with all the details you need to plan an epic trip!

YOSEMITE TRIP PLANNING RESOURCES

Planning a trip to Yosemite? Check out my other Yosemite resources here!

COVID-19 TRAVEL, FAMILY VACATIONS, HAWAII, HIKING, NATIONAL PARKS

THE PIPIWAI TRAIL – MAUI’S BAMBOO FOREST

June 9, 2021 laurelddouglas Leave a comment

Hawaii’s Pipiwai Trail was an unreal experience and highlight of our Maui trip. If you have heard about the beauty of the bamboo forest in Maui, you are definitely reading about hiking the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park. When planning a trip to Maui, you will probably read about Haleakala National Park. Most information references the crater portion of the park known as the summit side. The bamboo forest and waterfalls on the Pipiwai Trail are located in the Kipahulu District, accessed only by the road to Hana. Ready to get there? Let’s plan your bamboo forest adventure!

The Pipiwai Trail in Maui is a 4-mile out-and-back hike with an elevation gain of 800-feet. The hike takes you through a stunning bamboo forest to a beautiful view of Waimoku Falls. The trail is located in Haleakala National Park, about 25 minutes after the main town of Hana. If you missed any of my posts about the Road to Hana and how to get to the Pipiwai Trail, check them out below.

PLANNING RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAMBOO FOREST ADVENTURE

If you take on the adventure to this bamboo forest, you will not be disappointed. Maui is an island full of unreal sights. Do not miss this national park adventure. This bamboo forest portion of the island is different than the officially closed Na’ili’ili Haele stream located on private property at mile marker 6.5.

BAMBOO FOREST MAUI – A BUCKET LIST HIKE

My motivation to explore the road to Hana was to get to Hawaii’s Bamboo Forest on the Pipiwai Trail. I saw this hike in Sunset Magazine in 2018 and knew I wanted to go there one day. Once we booked our 2021 Maui trip, I started my research on this trail at home in San Diego and realized the road to Hana was the way to get there. We knew it would be an adventure and a full-day commitment. However, I knew the views would pay off, and I started planning our route to this majestic bamboo forest!

Due to changing weather and road conditions in this area of the island, always check current closures through the Haleakala National Park website before heading out on your adventure. As with any part of Maui, it is not uncommon for closures in part of the bamboo forest due to safety concerns.

HOW TO GET TO THE PIPIWAI TRAIL – THE BAMBOO FOREST HIKE

PLANNING YOUR TIME

You will want to hike the Pipiwai Trail early for several reasons. First, late morning brings lines of cars pouring into the parking lot. This can lead to extended wait times at the entrance booth, parking issues, and an overall crowded bamboo forest trail. In addition, all of the extra waiting only eats up your overall timing for your day and return trip on the Hana Highway.

So many people are looking for a similar adventure, so you need to plan strategically to avoid frustrations. Finally, we wanted to see a lot along the highway and we were hoping to be done by dark, so early was key. Our road to Hana adventure was a day trip, and it can be for you too!

The park brochure says to begin hiking before 3:30 pm to finish in daylight. However, the parking area is closed at 5 pm. If you are still parked, you will be stuck, and there is nothing around for you to walk to (outside of Hana 10 miles away).

You need to consider your return trip on the Hana Highway as well. Located at mile marker 42, the Pipiwai Trail is further down the road than Hana town. Make sure you are aware of time and know what time sunset is when you plan your day. Unless you stay in Hana for the night, I recommend hiking before 1 pm, especially with children.

HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEES

There are entrance fees to Haleakala National Park as with any National Park. Your payment is good for multiple days, meaning you can use your ticket to access the summit of the crater if you choose to visit at sunrise or another time during your trip. As of June 2022, the fee is $30/car for three days but you can confirm the current fees here. If you have a National Park pass, make sure to pack it and your entrance fee will be covered.

We used our National Park annual park entry pass to enter. For $80, this is something you should consider purchasing if you visit more than two National Parks per year. Also, if you happen to have a fourth-grader, you are eligible for a free annual pass! Follow these instructions ahead of your visit.

PIPIWAI TRAIL PARKING

Check out this post for all of the details of how we got to the Pipiwai Trail parking lot. The road to Hana is a popular day trip filled with stunning waterfalls, unforgettable views, and pools for dipping. It is also home to private property, rental car overload, cars parked everywhere, wet conditions, and tourists everywhere. Make sure to plan accordingly. Read more about planning this Hawaiian bucket list adventure here.

The entrance gates for the Kipahulu District, home of the Pipiwai Trail, open at 9 am, and I recommend getting there as close to that as possible. Since we arrived at Haleakala National Park at about 10:30 am, we were still able to park our rental car in the main lot. Make sure to secure your car rental in advance.

From our photos, you will see that we were able to hike the Pipiwai Trail without terrible crowds of hikers surrounding us. On the way back down the trail, we passed many people starting their bamboo forest hike. When we finished our hike around 2 pm, the crowds were very heavy, with the national park overflow parking filling up.

PIPIWAI TRAIL FACILITIES

The main parking lot for the Kipahulu area of Haleakala National Park is next to the park visitor center. Here you can find restrooms, a filtered water dispenser (plan to wait in line a bit if crowded), and a foot rinse area (it gets muddy)!

HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

If you read my blog, you know I love National Park Junior Ranger programs. We were not going to miss this free Hawaiian souvenir. If you have kids, definitely take advantage of this free program. We always ask for a park map and Junior Ranger book before exploring at the entrance station. In addition, you can always email the park ahead of your trip to ask for PDF versions or physical brochures, maps, etc., to be mailed to you. This is an excellent option for COVID closures.

Our son loves the information in the Junior Ranger books, and they make for a fun souvenir. Due to COVID, the ranger gave my husband the badge with the book to give to our son when he finished his activities. So, if you are planning a Haleakala sunrise, you can get the book at one location and turn it in at the other for a badge. This way, your child has more time to work on it, and it makes for a great car or restaurant activity in between! If they cannot finish, you can always mail it in after your visit, and they will mail you a badge.

TIPS FOR VISITING MAUI’S BAMBOO FOREST

WEATHER & SUPPLIES

The Pipiwai Trail is one of the island’s wettest areas so expect muddy conditions. During the typical “dry season” (April – October), the Pipiwai Trail will see more rain than the rest of the island, with almost 2/3 of the month rainy. Temperatures can also reach the low 80’s, so layers are essential.

It was a beautiful sunny day when we hiked, but I would have wanted a light jacket if it was raining. The bamboo forest offers shady, cooler conditions which were nice after the elevation gain at the beginning of the hike!

We made sure to lather up sunblock in the parking lot and had a backpack with snacks and plenty of water. We also used bug repellent stickers to avoid bites. Bug spray would work too. The kids wore their sun hats for the majority of the Pipiwai Trail hike.

Our son wore his hiking boots, but we wore tennis shoes due to packing constraints. However, hiking boots would have been ideal in the mud. In addition to the mud, part of the trail is rocky, which leads to slippery conditions. You will want more than flip-flops for this hike due to the wet conditions (and stinging centipedes)! We planned on our shoes getting muddy, and I brought a mesh laundry bag to wash them in the condo after this hike!

SAFETY ON THE PIPIWAI TRAIL

Safety is so important for visitors to Hawaii, and the Pipiwai Trail and bamboo forest are no exception. Basic hiking safety needs to be followed. If your children are young, make sure to review these expectations with them. This is a remote area. You do not want to be waiting for hours for medical help out here. Park signage warns of dangerous conditions like flash flooding, slippery rocks, and swift currents.

STAY ON THE TRAIL

Stay on the trail sounds obvious, but to some, it is not. We saw plenty of people ignoring this basic advice. It is crucial as fatalities have occurred from people trying to get a “better view” and falling down the cliff. As you first start the trail, you walk uphill and can hear the roaring water below you. Signs warning you not to pass them are all along the cliff to your right, saying, “DANGER! Steep Cliffs, Fatal Drop.” Do not go past them. I feel like a broken record here, but when I was looking into this trail with kids, I came across several blogs where the family posted their kids’ photos BEHIND these signs!!! They are there for a reason. The bamboo forest trail is a fantastic place and should be treated as such.

BACK AWAY FROM WAIMOKU FALLS

As beautiful as the 800-foot falls are to stand and marvel at, respect the signage, and do not try to get closer. This is not a safe place to swim. The danger here is a tiny pebble can wash over, and if you are too close, it hits you in the head and feel like much more than a pebble. In addition, what may appear as a light flow can minutes later be dumping massively into a flash flood. Respect this giant beauty from the safe distance the park recommends.

HIKING THE PIPIWAI TRAIL

PIPIWAI TRAILHEAD TO THE BAMBOO FOREST

The Pipiwai trailhead is located by the Kipahulu Visitor Center and crosses over Highway 31 to follow a stream uphill. Park signage is clear, and most visitors are heading this way to visit bamboo forest.

The beginning of the Pipiwai Trail is a challenging hike, as you climb 400ft in the first half-mile. However, you’ll know you have covered the first part of the climb when you come to the first waterfall, the Makahiku Falls Overlook. Enjoy the view of the first fall from here before you start climbing again. The falls drop 200-feet, but don’t go chasing waterfalls… park signs and railings are there for your protection. Flash floods are common in this area and you don’t want to be the next news headline from the bamboo forest in Maui.

GIANT BANYAN TREE IN THE MAUI BAMBOO FOREST

The shade of the giant banyan tree was a welcomed escape from the uphill climb. Take a moment to enjoy the fresh air and explore this incredible tree. This is an excellent place for a short rest or snack. You will notice most tourists take advantage of this beautiful spot on the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park. A local guide had recommended taking time to enjoy this spot on the island and I am so glad we did!

After the tree, the trail along the waterfalls continues upstream until you reach a bridge crossing several waterfalls. Once you cross over, you are hit with a stunning view. The waterfalls of Haleakala National Park flowing below you are only a taste of the unforgettable waterfall further up the trail.

THE BAMBOO FOREST IN HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK

After you cross the first bridge, you enter the stunning bamboo forest. Although still climbing, you won’t be able to take your eyes off of the bamboo walls surrounding you. As the wind blows, the tapping of the bamboo stalks is such a peaceful noise. The bamboo forest is a very magical place. It was emotional being here after wanting to go for so long and planning to get here!

During your journey through the bamboo forest, the muddy and rocky trail turns into a beautiful boardwalk that keeps you out of the mud. Our son loved this part of the hike because he felt like he could run through the boardwalk sections surrounded by the vibrant, towering bamboo. The wind moving through the bamboo stalks was our favorite part of the Pipiwai Trail experience.

WAIMOKU FALLS IN HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK

As the bamboo forest comes to an end, the boardwalk continues out and curves you around to a spectacular view – the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. The waterfall is stunning but needs to be viewed from afar. As the park’s sign says, “Waimoku can mean water that cuts, severs, amputates, or breaks in two, as a stream often does after heavy rain.” Respect the land, the “power of natural forces,” and the park warning signs.

We took some time here to enjoy the view of Waimoku Falls and have a picnic lunch. We found a spot to picnic on the side of the trail well before the final “do not pass” sign at the end. This is a phenomenal place to appreciate the beauty of the day so far and rest before heading back out on the trail. The good news is you get to enjoy Maui’s magical bamboo forest again! Only this time, heading downhill in Haleakala National Park.

FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BAMBOO FOREST

I love visiting National Parks and Haleakala National Park did not disappoint. The Pipiwai Trail was incredible and made for a beautiful hike. Getting here took some planning, but I am so glad we took the time to check out this bamboo forest in Maui.

Check out this post to read more about our timeline to the Pipiwai Trail from Kapalua. With no rushing and plenty of stops along the way, we took 1 hour and 15 minutes to hike out to Waimoku Falls.

We stayed by the falls for about 45 minutes and took less than an hour to get back down through the bamboo forest in Maui. Between packing up and bathroom breaks before leaving, our entire stop at the Pipiwai Trail was 3 1/2 hours. This can be done faster, especially if you are not with children. We took our time and enjoyed every minute of this spectacular hike!

We hit the road back to Hana at 2:15 and were headed to our next stop… Maui’s black sand beach! Check out my post about Wai’anapanapa State Park for all the details on this leg of our Road to Hana adventure.

MORE ON THE KIPAHULU AREA OF HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK

POOLS OF ‘O’HEO – A SPOT WE MISSED

This beautiful spot has several names – Oheo Gulch, Seven Sacred Pools, Pools of ‘O’heo. No matter what you call it, the pools sound stunning and usually are one of the busiest places on the road to Hana. Sadly, during our visit, COVID had things closed, and we could not visit. I have heard these pools are magical and we will be back for a swim next time!

Check here for current closure information. It started raining on our way home and afternoon rain is common on the road to Hana. Make sure your timing to the bamboo forest and accompanying falls is planned to avoid afternoon delays. Maui is an island filled with endless adventure and beauty.

Have you been to Haleakala National Park? Or experienced the Pipiwai Trail, the bamboo forest hike? What was your favorite part? Let me know below!

MAUI TRIP PLANNING RESOURCES

Planning a trip to Maui? Check out these other Maui trip-planning resources!

CALIFORNIA, COVID-19 TRAVEL, DAYTIME ADVENTURES, NATIONAL PARKS, ROAD TRIPS, TRAVEL TIPS, WEEKEND GETAWAY

TOP TEN – ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS FOR KIDS

October 9, 2020 laurelddouglas Leave a comment

Between family vacations and family an eight-hour drive away, we have covered a lot of miles on the road with our son over the years. Whether we are visiting family, traveling for the holidays, or taking our own adventure, we have become used to long periods of time in the car together. Now we are adding our baby girl to the mix, so we get to start all over with newborn road trips. I’ve had many people ask about how our son handles the long drives, so I thought I would put this list together for all of you. Here are the following essentials I always have packed for a road trip with kids!

1. CAR TRAY

Our son’s car tray is a road trip essential and he LOVES using it. It is used for eating, doing homework, playing, watching a DVD, etc. The trays with sides are awesome to keep projects from spilling. I love when they fold up for storage in the car under the passenger seat. The pockets on the side keep things organized during the drive. There are many options for car trays, but an old cafeteria tray will work too! Don’t forget a tray on your next road trip with kids.

2. HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

Keeping your child busy is essential for road trip success. This section could go on and on, but I will pick a few of our son’s favorites. These ideas also double for grab-and-go entertainment in a restaurant, event, etc where your kids need something to keep them busy. Basic coloring books fall under this category, but here are a few of our son’s more engaging favorites.

MAGNETIC PLAY TINS & BOOKS – love these because the magnets keep the pieces together – SUPER helpful when you are in the front seat and can’t reach around easy!

MAGNETIC STORY SETS – his favorite was “Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site“ – ideal with stories they know and love so they can recreate stories with characters they love.

WIKI STICKS – as a teacher I loved these for making letters, math projects, finding sight words in big books, etc. I had kind of forgotten about them until we went to Nick’s in Laguna Beach and they gave them to our son with the kids menu. Our son was so engaged through the whole meal and now they are an easy tool for distraction! They never dry out and can stick to papers, tins, trays, etc. I love this travel kit! Easy to grab and throw in the car. Perfect for a road trip with kids.

TAKE APART ERASERS – my son loves these! They can fall apart and be messy, but he is so engaged with them. I actually take apart each animal and put it in a plastic easter egg. I usually have a set or two in 1/2 an egg crate ready to explore. You can get food, animals, sea life, etc. They are like mini-puzzles and keep him so engaged. I actually started using them on planes but they are great in the car too. Just annoying if they start falling on the ground, but if a piece falls, we tell our son to move on until the next stop!

MAGNETIC WOOLY WILLY – Ha! My son loves this thing. Easy to throw in and super engaging for kids!

TRAVEL ART SET – My son loves this set! Paper, markers, colored pencils, and more all fit inside this easy-to-grab (and slide between seats) case!

LACING ACTIVITIES – My son loved beads on a pipe cleaner, but lacing cards work too! Pipe cleaners hold the beads better to cut back on large spills of beads all over the car! Put the beads in a cup that will fit in the car seat cup holder and let little fingers create while working on their fine motor skills! Lacing is a win-win.

WATER WOW BOOKS – These are so awesome because all you need is water! So easy to clean up and so simple for the car. They have engaging topics for all interests!

STICKER STORY – This was a fun “go-to” activity in my Kindergarten class. Create a story from stickers. Kids can label, write a sentence or make a book with papers, markers & stickers. Always fun to see what they come up with! Just start with some high-interest stickers for your child!

Leading up to a trip, the $1 bins at Target and Michaels are always fun to check too. They tend to have thematic activities that correspond to seasons, hobbies, etc. so you can grab things that may match your trip!

3. GAMES

Games are great in the car on road trips with kids because they keep everyone happy, laughing, and engaged with each other. Our son’s favorite game – 2 TRUTHS & A LIE – has led to so many fun stories and conversations. Some of his other favorites are:

ROAD TRIP BINGO – My husband makes fun of me when I break this one out! I love it! Takes me back to riding cross country in the station wagon as a kid. Everyone needs this BINGO in their road trip entertainment arsenal.

MAD LIBS – Our son LOVES Mad Libs! Mad Libs are so easy and entertaining in the car. I especially love them now that our son is learning parts of speech. We used to say things like “something you do” for verbs, etc. Now he can play them with friends too!

I SPY TRAVEL – Our son loves I SPY and is the easiest game in the car. These cards are great, but you really don’t need any cards to play!

HIGHLIGHTS MAGAZINE – Highlights has tons of engaging subscriptions in their magazines! My son’s favorite is the sticker matching pages in Puzzle Buzz. I love that Highlights targets specific age groups and you can adjust your subscription as your child gets older. These are also great for road trips because you can toss the magazine once your child has worked through it!

MAGNETIC GAMES – Just like the magnetic activities above, magnets are great in the car to reduce drops! our son loves matching games and the classic Tic-Tac-Toe. These are also so easy to store in the pocket behind the driver and passenger seats.

WENDY’S KIDS MEAL TOYS – Just another thing I want to note here. We have always loved the toys that come in Wendy’s kid’s meal. They are usually games or activities for the car that require thinking, exploring, etc. vs a random keychain your child will never play with again. Just something to think about when you are deciding where to stop for food!

4. MINI TOYS

This seems like a given, but it is important to bring a few of your child’s favorite little toys along. Try to think about toys that inspire creativity. For our son, it has been small superhero action figures, Disney Pixar die-cast cars, and small lego sets. If you are doing screens on your drive, try to think about small toys you may have that correlate to the movie they may be watching on the drive. My son LOVES playing cars as he watches Cars. He loves to play shark legos as he watches Discovery Channel shark shows. It can be fun to surprise your child with a few of these along the drive too!

5. PODCASTS

We have had a lot of fun listening to entertaining Podcasts with our son on the road. He loved the comedy THIS PODCAST HAS FLEAS during a road trip a few years ago. It is great when you can find one that you all enjoy listening to. Currently, he is super into WHAT IF WORLD. If your children need to calm down, BE CALM ON AHWAY ISLAND is a great pick. Pick out a new, engaging podcast to try on a road trip with kids!

Amazon is running an awesome special just in time for summer and holiday road trips! They are offering a FREE 3-month trial of Audible and Amazon unlimited music through my affiliate link! This will give you unlimited access to thousands of podcasts, audiobooks, and songs without ads.

6. READ-ALONG AUDIO BOOKS

Read-along books are great for road trips with kids, but they are useful to have in the car all of the time. They can tuck in the pocket in front of your child. Disney makes cheap read-along books with CDs that go with almost every movie. Through the distance learning COVID brought all of us, we were introduced to the app Epic with tons of audiobooks to listen to. We found we had several in our library which we were able to pair together for a listening center in the car! The scholastic book orders your child’s school probably sends home are a great, cheap way to grow your book & CD collection too.

7. OPTIONAL – SCREENS

Uggggg, OK I am saying it. Screens. Like we have not had enough. But let’s be real and honest and we know they help in times like the car. However, I will say a few things here. When we do our big National Park trips, we DO NOT bring the iPad. I can write a novel on how I think iPad changes my son, but I will spare you. I am not going to preach here, because my son has PLENTY of screen time, but it is important to think about the role the screen will play on your trip.

For our son, knowing the iPad is in the car almost makes him obsess over it the entire trip. So for us, it is not ideal. However, we will sometimes bring his Nintendo Switch or our travel DVD player. Depending on where you are going, you may not have cell service, so a pad may not work. In addition, unless you have unlimited data, the charges can start adding up if you let your kids go wild on the pad.

Our car does not have a built-in DVD player, but a friend recommended this one and we have loved it! It is great because we can bring into hotels for our son’s breathing treatment time. Each trip, we pick a few favorite Disney movies and some corresponding toys. I love watching him enjoy movies he wouldn’t give the time of day during regular day-to-day life. Especially when they are movies he LOVED as a toddler (uhmmmm Cars, yes please!).

8. SNACKS

This kind of goes along with water in the way that you don’t want whining, “I’m hungry” as soon as you get on the road. We don’t do snacks that create a huge mess during road trips with kids (if possible). Our son love string cheese, yogurt pouches, BBQ chips, crackers, and cashews. Again, please remember our son has CF and has a need for a high-fat, high-calorie diet that is probably different than what your child needs. It is great to have a variety of snacks (for you too!) as road trip snacking tends to be heavy. When you pack your snacks, think about items that will avoid crazy spills and are easy to pass behind you. If you want to try something new and not think too much about it, these boxes are a fun way to make your road trip snack game strong!

9. WATER

This seems like a silly item to include, but it is so important. I have mentioned our need for water because our son takes over 40 pills a day as part of his fight against Cystic Fibrosis, but water is important for every child! The last thing you want to hear is whiny, “I’m thirsty” when you are on a road trip with kids! We love stainless water bottles that keep the water icy cold without condensation dripping all over our son’s car seat.

In addition, water creates no sticky spills or messes. Brightly colored, large water bottles allow your child to find their bottle in the backseat without asking for unnecessary help. Water is the only beverage (outside of our son’s high-calorie milk – CF-related need) that we have going on during road trips. No chugging sugar bomb drink, spilling sticky juice all over the backseat, and no unwrapping and poking straws while twisting my back around to reach!!

10. CLEAN UP

Not the most exciting part, but a VERY necessary part of a road trip with kid travel! Our son gets carsick, so Kids Dramamine and barf bags are a must. So simple to have with you and they can make all the difference in your day. I won’t get into how many times we have been taking the car seat apart in a gas station parking lot to clean out the mess. These barf bags have saved SO many days.

Another thing that saves the day? Wipes! As mothers, we know this. Always make sure you have plenty within arms reach on your road trip!

Also, we always have our potty from back in the potty training days. This thing has saved us several times when bathrooms were closed, totally disgusting, or just unavailable. You can always pull over and set your child up on the side of the road with this thing. This was especially helpful during the beginning of COVID closures. This potty was essential for potty training and years later is still useful in time-sensitive situations. When on a road trip with kids, make sure you have a backup plan for all things potty!

The last thing I want to note about road trips with kids is to PLAN YOUR STOPS! Check out what you can do on your route. Nothing is worse than the tensions boiling and uncomfortable kids driving. There are so many quirky stops where you can let your kids run, stretch their legs, and burn off a little energy. Planning for these moments will help make the drive better for EVERYONE in the car! Don’t let a road trip with kids hold you back from your next adventure! Anything else you would add to my list?

DAYTIME ADVENTURES, HIKING, NATIONAL PARKS, ROAD TRIPS, TRAVEL TIPS, WEEKEND GETAWAY

TOP TEN – “MUST HAVE” ITEMS FOR KIDS IN NATIONAL PARKS

September 27, 2020 laurelddouglas 1 Comment

These are the items we make sure to pack when heading out on a National Park adventure with our (now) seven-year-old son. Some are more specific for certain places and plans, but they are all something to think about when you begin to pack based on your itinerary. This is our list of the “must-haves” for adventuring with kids in National Parks.

1. SMALL BACKPACK

Our son’s backpack has been awesome over the years. It is lightweight and very durable. I can even throw it in the washing machine after a trip to clean it up. It is small enough to fit in a suitcase but large enough to fit a few of our son’s favorite things on hikes. In reality, a young child is not going to carry a heavy pack hiking, but this allows him to keep a few things he wants to have access to in an easy place to grab them. It is much better than, “can I have my _________?” over and over when hiking! Our son loves how he can connect carabiners to the outside to make access to some items even easier! He even used this as his preschool backpack too! Shout out to Uncle Raymond for this rad gift.

Just another note I feel fits here – whether you carry it or your child carries it, please make sure to always have sunscreen, bug protection, and a first aid kit in you or your child’s pack. These are so important for adventuring with kids in National Parks. You don’t need a beautiful hike ruined because you don’t have a band-aid. We all know band-aids are a magic fix to so many things!

2. STAINLESS WATER BOTTLE

This is such an important item for us! Almost all National Parks have stopped selling plastic water bottles and now provide fresh water filling stations through the park. You will never find my son without a water bottle or water bladder in his backpack. In addition to the importance of hydration when hiking in general, our son has Cystic Fibrosis and can dehydrate easily. In addition, he takes over 40 pills a day with meals in order to digest the food he eats, so having water to swallow the 7 pills per meal is important.

Kids love these stainless bottles because the water can stay icy cold throughout a long day. I also feel better about them laying around in the sun being stainless versus plastic. Our son always tells us the water tastes better from a Hydroflask!

3. SUN HAT

We purchased this sun hat before our Summer 2019 Road Trip and it has been such a great purchase. It is not too expensive and very lightweight. It can be shoved in our son’s backpack and washed in the washing machine when we get home (ha – notice a theme here for me!). The cord allows it to be hooked onto his backpack and mesh gives him ventilation in the heat. It has UV 50+ protection and I love how the neck flap protects the back of his neck from the sun. So many kids fight sunscreen, so it is great to have an extra layer of protection when exploring National Parks with kids!

4. ADJUSTABLE HIKING STICK

This purchase started more as a souvenir in Zion National Park to make our son feel like a “real hiker,” but we quickly realized we were glad we had it. He uses it often to feel he’s “dressed the part,” but in Zion, it stabilized him in the water and rocks of the Narrows, and in Bryce National Park it helped keep him up as we descended into the canyon. We love how it is adjustable so if he is tired of using it, we can collapse it and hook it to our backpack versus someone always having to carry it. Our son’s hiking stick was from the Zion visitor center, but I linked one that is very similar – and cheaper! Ha!

5. BINOCULARS

These are just fun to have. I cannot tell you how many times we have used our binoculars and been happy to have them! Between looking for California Condors in Zion National Park and looking for whales from Cabrillo National Monument our son has used them all over! He watched climbers scale El Capitan and a bear cross a meadow in Yosemite. These binoculars have offered some awesome experiences. They are small, fit in his pack and allow him to explore the park even more. When a crowd is standing around watching a bear, he felt very cool whipping out his binoculars to have an up-close view!

6. DIGITAL CAMERA

My dad had an old Canon Power Shot and now that everyone uses their iPhone for photos, we thought why not let our son play around with it? He is old enough to take care of it in his pack, but I linked a camera that can take a little more wear and tear from younger kids. It is fun to see the trip through their lens when you get home. Sometimes we get 15 squirrel pictures, and other times we get sweet “family selfies” that we will always cherish. How many times have your kids watched you take a picture? They want to be a part of that too!

7. JUNIOR RANGER BOOKLET & JUNIOR RANGER PASSPORT

When visiting National Parks with kids, you have to check these out! I absolutely love the Junior Ranger program at National (and CA State) parks. It is free and enriches your child’s experience in the park. They learn about the geology, history, plants, and animals in the park. The park-specific booklets double as dinner entertainment and challenge your child to look, listen and explore the park in ways they may not have done without the activities.

My son has such pride when he returns to a park ranger, takes his oath, and achieves his badge. Some parks give out a beautiful wooden badge, others have a plastic badge. My son thinks the plastic with gold trim is the cream of the crop in Junior Ranger badges. We had fun making a display for his badges from cut-off jeans, three safety pins, a stick, and some burlap twine. The stick was not from a National Park! Your Junior Ranger will learn to take nothing during visits!

The Junior Ranger Passport is a lot of fun too! It is the child version of the adult National Park Passport, with the same categories only broken down into more pictures, space for stamps, and illustrations. There is space for your “date of visit” cancellation and your child’s “Junior Ranger” cancellation. This book will be cherished for years as every visit adds to the personalization of the booklet! I cannot wait to see the stamps grow over the years! This is a * must-have* if you see your family having multiple National Park trips.

8. NATIONAL PARK ROOKIE READERS

I love these little books! These are an inexpensive way for kids to get excited about your trip! Our son is seven, so they are aimed at the younger reader, but the idea is for them to have a book about the park that your child can adore. These books are great to read before we go, in the car on the way and during our visit. We make a point to check out specific things from the book (usually we are already going to most of them).

The inside cover of the books turns into a mini scrapbook from our trip. We use them to stamp his National Park Passport cancellations in, Junior Ranger stamps in, and place any stickers he may get from the rangers in the park. For $6, they are a great kick-off to your trip. Anything in the visitor center will be more expensive, so why not order ahead? I am linking the different parks here for your convenience. They have a variety of parks available at times, but current availability on Amazon is Zion, Bryce, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Great Smokey Mountains, Glacier, Everglades, Hawaii Volcanoes, and Acadia.

9. CARABINER FLASH LIGHT & CARABINERS

For some reason hanging things off my son’s pack just makes him feel like a true hiker. It is so easy to attach his binoculars or camera to his pack with a carabiner. We really love these flashlight carabiners as you never know when you may run out of daylight and they are tiny enough to always have attached to something. They are also a great light to hang from the top of your tent when you are getting things ready for bed! Carabiners are also a fun thing to purchase with kids from the National Park visitor centers as a souvenir!

10. THE RIGHT SHOES

This is so important!!! The wrong shoes for your child can RUIN your hike. You can plan away, pack all the right things, set out with the best of intentions and if you don’t have the right shoes everything will begin to spiral quickly. If you purchase new hiking boots for a specific trip, please make sure your child is able to wear them before the trip. Nothing is worse than a child with the wrong shoes, or shoes that are giving blisters because they have not been broken in. Our son LOVES these Merrell hiking boots for kids. They have had a lot of miles put on them and still are in great shape.

In preparation for the Narrows in Zion, I wanted to get him some water-friendly hiking shoes. Although the hiking boots are actually waterproof, I knew we may not have enough time between adventures for them to fully dry after the narrows. I found water shoes similar to these at the Merrell outlet and they worked great! I cannot recommend making sure your kids are dialed in with the right shoes before any big adventures!!

Hope this list of “must-have” items for kids in National Parks gets you started in your prep for an awesome family adventure! Always remember that a comfortable & engaged child is going to be a happy child! A happy child is sure to lead to a better experience for the entire family exploring the parks! Anything else you would add to the list?

HIKING, NATIONAL PARKS, ROAD TRIP - ZION, BRYCE AND GRAND CANYON, ROAD TRIPS

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

September 26, 2020 laurelddouglas Leave a comment

Only a two-hour drive from Zion, Bryce Canyon National Park is a side trip that is DEFINITELY worth taking! When I first started planning our road trip, we were debating if we should check it out because our focus was initially the Grand Canyon, but Bryce ended up being the jewel of our entire trip. DO NOT SKIP BRYCE when you are so close. Sunset over the amphitheater of unique red rock hoodoos is something everyone should see!

OUR PLAN – DAY ONE

ZION CANYON to BRYCE CANYON – 77°

Even with a few stops after leaving Zion around 10am, we arrived in Bryce Canyon right around 12:30. As always, our first stop with the BRYCE CANYON VISITOR CENTER. We picked up some brochures about the park, our son’s Junior Ranger booklet and learned a little more about the unique geography we were about to see! I had heard all about the “hoodoos” but had no idea what anyone was talking about!

Once we had our park info, we headed into the park to drop our bags with the lodge and check out our options for lunch. Check-in was not until 4pm, but our son has medication that is temperature-sensitive so we always drop bags (versus leaving them in a hot car) when we know we will be out for a while. As soon as we pulled into the BRYCE CANYON LODGE, we were so excited to have a night with it as our home base. The lodge is located right along the RIM TRAIL, with the incredible BRYCE CANYON AMPHITHEATER a 7-minute walk away. You cannot beat the location. The lodge has a very rustic feel as it is a National Historic Landmark that was built in the 1920s. It is actually the only Union Pacific Railroad original lodge that is still standing!

THE LODGE AT BRYCE CANYON RESTAURANT

We decided to have a more formal lunch in the dining room of the LODGE AT BRYCE CANYON RESTAURANT so we could sit down, relax and plan out our afternoon. The VALHALLA PIZZERIA & COFEE SHOP next door would have been a great option for something faster. The dining room had a great selection of sandwiches, salads and burgers in addition to craft Utah beers!

SUNSET POINT at THE BRYCE CANYON AMPHITHEATER

During lunch, we decided to attend the 2pm Ranger Program “Hoodoo Geology,” that was happening at the beautiful SUNSET POINT at THE BRYCE CANYON AMPHITHEATER just a short walk from the Lodge. We headed over and we in absolute awe as we approached the RIM TRAIL. Our first views of the AMPHITHEATER were unreal. It looked like another world and it is stunning. It is amazing to stand on the edge of such a gigantic canyon that was once under ocean water. We enjoyed learning about the “hoodoos” and how they are formed over time. Our son was even able to stand as an example of a “hoodoo” for some of the program. He loved it! It was a great intro to the geology of the park.

SCENIC DRIVE

After taking in jaw-dropping views, we knew we would come back later in the afternoon to hike into the canyon. At 2:30pm, it was peak heat and very sunny. We decided to hop back in the car and drive the remainder of the 18-mile park road, known as THE SCENIC DRIVE, to the end and the highest point in the park, RAINBOW POINT.

There are 13 viewpoints along the Scenic Drive, and they all are on the left side of the road when you are driving in. The park recommends allowing 3 hours for the drive, but we were not planning to stop at all 13 points. There is a shuttle that runs from the Visitor Center April – October that you can take on the Scenic Drive, or you are welcome to drive it yourself. We figured drive to the end, explore a bit there and then all the points will be pullouts on the right side of the road heading back down.

BRISTLECONE LOOP at RAINBOW POINT

It took us a little under 30 minutes to get from the Lodge to RAINBOW POINT. From there, we planned to hike the easy, 1-mile BRISTLECONE LOOP to explore the spruce forest and bristlecone pine trees at the higher elevation (9,115 feet). At the start of the loop, we had incredible views of the canyon and hoodoos. Our son has a digital camera for trips like this and he loved stopping to document some of the wonders below. This is an easy way to stretch your legs at the end of the Scenic Drive. In hindsight, I wish we would have used this time to hike the .8 mile MOSSY CAVE trail. However, we would have missed the SCENIC DRIVE as Mossy Cave is on the opposite end of the park (so you will see that on my “next time” list).

“I HIKED THE HOODOOS” CHALLENGE

We also chose this trail because we wanted to find our first “I HIKED THE HOODOOS” benchmark. I read about this challenge and knew it was something we would all be into! Throughout the park, there are nine special “I Hiked the Hoodoos” benchmarks on trails. In order to qualify for your reward (a special sticker), you have to take a selfie with or pencil rubbing of three of the benchmarks. In order to get to them, you will have to hike a minimum of 3 miles. I wanted to make sure our hiking plan would cover three benchmarks in order to meet this challenge. It was fun to keep our eye out for the signs as we hiked.

NATURAL BRIDGE

After our short hike, we started down the Scenic Drive towards the Lodge. We only stopped a few times as we were excited to get back to hike into the amphitheater. We did make a point to pull over at the NATURAL BRIDGE, to see the large arch formed by ice, rain and gravity.

BRYCE CANYON LODGE ACCOMMODATIONS

We got back to the BRYCE CANYON LODGE about 4:15 and checked into our Western Cabin. As we walked out to our cabin, we could not believe how close we were getting to the RIM TRAIL and the unreal AMPHITHEATER views. Our cabin was perfect, very similar to the one in Zion. We had two queen beds, a small table for two, a gas fireplace, a porch and a private bathroom. Now that the sun had moved and temperatures were going down, we unloaded our bags and headed out to explore the canyon trails.

QUEEN’S GARDEN TRAIL

We headed out to the RIM TRAIL from our cabin shortly before 5pm. We planned to hike the QUEEN’S GARDEN TRAIL into the canyon, starting at SUNRISE POINT, and connect to the NAVAJO LOOP, in order to exit the canyon at SUNSET POINT for 2.9 miles total. For optimal sun and heat conditions, a ranger had told us to start our hike at SUNRISE POINT so we would be climbing out of the canyon on the NAVAJO LOOP later in the evening in the shade. QUEEN’S GARDEN is also known as the least difficult trail to take into the canyon. You can always reverse the order of the hike as you are basically making a giant “U” through the cabin.

The Rim Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park

The ranger had also told us to plan about 3 hours for our hike, so as we walked about .5 miles to SUNRISE POINT (which interestingly enough is where you should watch the sunset!) we knew we needed to stay aware of time. We headed into the canyon on the 1.8-mile QUEEN’S GARDEN TRAIL. The trail is named for the “Queen Victoria” hoodoo at the end of the trail. As we headed down, many hikers were coming up, very out of breath and hot and they climbed out of the canyon in the blazing sun. We were grateful our son had the hiking stick we had purchased in Zion to help stabilize him as we descended into the canyon. It felt like walking through a different world as the red rock hoodoos and walls started to tower above us.

NAVAJO LOOP TRAIL & WALL STREET

A little under a mile into our hike as we walked through the canyon, we hooked onto the NAVAJO LOOP TRAIL. Sadly, we did not realize we had to walk a short distance forward to the “Queen Victoria” hoodoo before we joined the Navajo Loop to see the QUEEN’S GARDEN “I HIKED THE HOODOOS” benchmark. We did not realize we missed it until we were approaching the NAVAJO LOOP benchmark. This leg of the hike was our Bryce highlight! It was stunning. To wander through the base of the canyon with the trees and hoodoos surrounding you is a beautiful sight. I would love to come back with more time to explore connecting hikes (like the PEEK-A-BOO LOOP) more. I don’t know if the pictures can do this trail justice.

WALL STREET

As we started to climb out of the canyon, the red rocks began to narrow and we approached the famous WALL STREET. These switchbacks took some time to climb but offered some of the coolest hiking we have ever done. We were grateful to be doing them in the shade of the canyon, versus the morning sun. This is not to be missed at Bryce. Some people walk down a bit from SUNSET POINT to see WALL STREET without doing a big hike. I highly recommend the entire hike if you are able. Over a year later, our son still talks about this incredible place. WALL STREET is only open in summer, so you are not able to loop during other seasons due to weather.

As we reached the top, the sun was beginning to set. The RIM TRAIL was crowded with people enjoying the spectacular views across the canyon. We enjoyed taking a few minutes to look down on WALL STREET and take in what we had just climbed! Our son did so well. We had hiked over 4 miles and he was still smiling. Not to mention all we had done the day prior in Zion. We also saw the famous hoodoo, Thor’s Hammer, standing tall in the canyon. It really is just incredible. If you have read this far, please make sure to hike at least the NAVAJO LOOP with WALL STREET. You won’t be disappointed.

SUNSET ON THE RIM TRAIL

The feeling during SUNSET on the RIM TRAIL as the sun was going down was one we could not walk away from. It was spectacular. We had just hiked up so hard, and the peaceful vibe was something we wanted to enjoy longer. We found a bench along the RIM TRAIL and sat down to take it all in. Our son started working on his Junior Ranger book and my husband actually went back to our cabin to bring us a glass of wine to enjoy with our view. We all agreed Bryce has a special place in our hearts.

The sun went down about 8:30, so we stopped by the cabin to drop a few things off and headed over to THE LODGE at BRYCE CANYON for dinner. Our lunch was great, so we were excited to be back for dinner. We treated ourselves to filet mignon and red wine that was all spectacular. We had earned our dinner in steps that day. Our son took this sweet “family selfie” during dinner on his camera. One thing I love about him having an old digital camera for trips is that we get to see the trip through his lens. I love finding treasures like this photo. I feel like his happiness radiates and it really just represents how we all felt at dinner that night!

OUR PLAN – DAY TWO

BRYCE CANYON TO PAGE, ARIZONA – 96°

The light through the windows of our cabin was a beautiful way to wake up. My husband headed over to the Valhalla Pizzeria & Coffee Shop at the Lodge to grab a coffee and we headed out for one more view of the amphitheater before check-out. We were still in awe at the view.

We loaded up the car and headed to the visitor center on the way out of the park so our son could take his Junior Ranger oath! Our son was thrilled when the ranger he had met at the Ranger Program was there and could swear him in! The Bryce Rangers really were some of the best we have met. So kind and engaging with our son! He also gave all three of us our “I Hike the Hoodoos” stickers. We assured him we would be back and we knew an adventure was calling as we hit the road to Page, Arizona.

I always keep a “NEXT TIME” list when we travel. I feel like it is important to include because this blog is subjective and I want my readers to know about the myriad opportunities that I am still hoping to experience. Whenever I read, hear, research something outside of my experience, I will include it here. My hope in to eventually fully experience these destinations when I visit again (and I can’t wait to do so).

NEXT TIME…

BIKE RIDE as a family through the bike paths around the lodge
MOSSY CAVE – .8 miles, 1 hour, 200 feet elevation gain, during the summer – a streamside walk up to a grotto of hanging mosses (left of fork) or small waterfall (right of fork)
FARVIEW POINT on the SCENIC DRIVE
PARIA VIEW on the SCENIC DRIVE – a stunning sunset photo opportunity
BRYCE POINT on the SCENIC DRIVE – beautiful at sunrise, the hoodoos catch the light and it is also the start of the PEEK-A-BOO-LOOP TRAIL
NAVAJO/PEEK-A-BOO COMBO LOOP – 4.9 miles, 3-4 hours

HIKING, NATIONAL PARKS, ROAD TRIP - ZION, BRYCE AND GRAND CANYON, ROAD TRIPS

ADVENTURES IN ZION NATIONAL PARK

September 22, 2020 laurelddouglas Leave a comment

During the summer of 2019, we celebrated our 10-year anniversary in August with an incredible road trip full of jaw-dropping stops through the Southwestern USA – CA, NV, UT & AZ. It is the trip that inspired so much of this blog. A lot of time in the car, but the most special memories for our little family. You can follow our entire Summer 2019 Road trip here, but for now, here is our take on two incredible nights filled with adventures in Zion National Park! If you have never been to Zion National Park, I cannot recommend it enough! It is a gem that everyone should experience.

JUMP TO…

ZION VISITOR CENTER

ZION LODGE ACCOMMODATIONS

LOWER EMERALD POOLS

RED ROCK GRILL at ZION LODGE

RIVERSIDE WALK TO THE NARROWS

BIG BEND

WEEPING ROCK

THE GROTTO

ZION CANYON BREW PUB

ZION NATURE CENTER

ZION-MT. CARMEL TUNNEL

CANYON OVERLOOK TRAIL

ZION LODGE MAIN LAWN

CHECKERBOARD MESA

OUR PLAN – DAY ONE

LAS VEGAS TO ZION – 88°

We woke up in Vegas and headed out a little later than we had originally wanted. Isn’t that kind of how Vegas works?!? But, after an incredible night renewing our vows, we gave ourselves a little grace and took our time. You can read more about the Vegas leg in a future post, but I wanted to head straight into Zion for those looking to explore in this COVID world we are all navigating.

It took a little over the 3 hours of driving I had mapped out to get from Vegas to Zion due to construction traffic, plus the hour we lost for the time change from Nevada to Utah. We ended up getting to Zion at about 3:30. Although there was a bit of a line at the entry gate, we used our National Park Annual Pass to enter quickly. For $80/year, this pass pays for itself if you are planning to visit at least three parks. Zion is $35/car without it. We ordered it ahead of the trip, but you can always purchase it at an entry gate. However, in today’s COVID world, purchasing ahead will save time and contact. Give yourself enough time for processing and mail if you order ahead.

ZION VISITOR CENTER

Our first stop entering a National Park is always the VISITOR CENTER. It is a great place to ask questions, clarify ideas/plans and get up-to-date advice on anything happening/changing in the parks. I also wanted to check in to make sure the famous Mt. Carmel tunnel was open. Closures are possible and it was critical to our exit towards Bryce Canyon in two days. In addition. we always pick up park brochures, our son’s Junior Ranger booklet and stamp our National Park passports. And finally, what my husband jokes is my favorite part, we refill our large water bottles for the night! National Parks have freshwater filling stations throughout the parks, so you can always count on a great refills station at the Visitor Center.

I feel like my blog will become a broken record when it comes to in-park lodging, but here we go again. I actually booked ZION LODGE for one night (all that was available) two months prior. In order to secure our second night, I kept up my strategy of refreshing availability daily. I was able to pull the trip together the way I wanted 8 days before we arrived! Originally, I had a lodge room for one night that I had booked 2 months ahead.

About a month ahead, I was able to score an opening for the second night in a cabin. I wasn’t crazy about changing rooms but REALLY wanted a cabin and REALLY wanted two nights. When I start planning I sometimes get pretty set on my dreamy plans! I ended up checking things 8 days before our trip and was able to switch our lodge room for a 2nd night in the same cabin! It was so exciting. So again, keep checking availability, and don’t give up!

ZION LODGE ACCOMMODATIONS

We arrived right before the 4pm check-in and our Western Cabin was ready. You’ll receive a red permit when you show your reservation at the gate that allows you to drive into the park past the visitor parking and to the lodge. If you are not staying at the lodge, you cannot drive into the park. The lodge is its own shuttle stop, which gives you an advantage to starting the day ahead of the crowds. The shuttle system connects all the major sites in Zion Canyon. Our Western Cabin was perfect, and exactly what we were hoping for in such a beautiful setting. It is so special to have an outdoor space to enjoy your view. Our cabin had two double beds, a table for two, a small bathroom, a refrigerator, and a gas-log fireplace. It was perfect for our little family of three, but could easily sleep 4!

LOWER EMERALD POOLS

Once we were settled, we headed out for our first Zion adventure, the LOWER EMERALD POOLS trail. This trailhead is directly across from the lodge (shuttle stop 5) and offers a ton of shade in the afternoon. To find the trail, you head out of the lodge towards the stables and cross a small bridge over the Virgin River. The views from this bridge are incredible. After the bridge, head to the right 1.2 miles towards the pools. We immediately started to notice bugs and were grateful we had mosquito repellent bracelets in our backpacks.

After about an hour, we reached the lower Emerald Pools. Although they were not overflowing, the intro to water dripping down the canyon walls was an incredible sight! Most of the trail is paved, but it does get muddy towards the pools. If you are up for more adventure, you can opt to continue up the trail for another mile to the Upper Emerald Pools. If you are feeling even more adventurous, from there you can take the 3.1 mile Kayenta Trail to the Grotto picnic area and loop back to the lodge. The trail to the lower pools and back to the lodge was a great afternoon intro to Zion, as walking along the river surrounded by the 2,000 feet canyon walls leaves you in awe of where you are and excited for your upcoming adventures!

Views as you cross the North Folk Virgin River towards Lower Emerald Pools

ZION LODGE RANGER PROGRAMS

After our hike, we headed back to the lodge to handle our son’s CF breathing treatments and regroup for the night. We decided to check out the ranger program in the lobby that night. They are always so engaging and informative for kids! We were so excited to walk out of our cabin to see a dozen deer grazing on the lawn in front of the lobby. It was such a special view. We killed a few minutes by playing chess in the lobby before joining the program. We had time to enjoy a glass of wine as we all learned about “Zion Animals A to Z.” Attending the program also completed a piece of his Junior Ranger booklet!

Deer on the lawn at Zion National Park Lodge

Chess in the lobby of Zion National Park Lodge waiting for the Ranger program to begin

RED ROCK GRILL at ZION LODGE

When I booked our room, I had made late dinner reservations at the RED ROCK GRILL anticipating a late lunch and post-Vegas arrival. So although late, we headed up at 9 pm for a relaxing lodge-style dinner. Red Rock Grill did not disappoint. There is something so special about comfort food, a glass of red wine, and incredible views surrounding you as you wind down from a busy day of exploring. Unfortunately, the outdoor patio we had heard so much about was closed for renovation, but we will be back and it is on my “next time” list. The good news is the patio update has probably made it even better than it was! Be sure to make reservations in advance, and ask for a patio table if you want to be outside.

Our son loved his butter noodles and we LOVED our beef tenderloin medallions and red wine. It was a great way to end the day and plan our adventures for the next day. We also used dinnertime to help our son flip through his Junior Ranger book. He worked to complete pages he already knew and decide what he wanted to finish for tomorrow. After dinner, we were happy we had a small flashlight for our short walk back to our cabin. It allowed us to catch some of Zion’s nocturnal animal life on the main lawn. It was especially exciting to catch a glimpse of the elusive ringtail we had just learned about hanging with the deer as we headed back to the cabin.

Red Rock Grill – not the best pictures of dinner but it gives you an idea of the lodge feel with dining!

OUR PLAN – DAY TWO

EXPLORING ZION NATIONAL PARK – 87°

A good friend told me to plan our summer hikes in Zion around the sun, meaning start your day on the west side of the valley and try the east side of the park in the afternoon. We set our day up that way and used my usual “waking up in a National Park strategy” to pick a crowded spot to start our day. No question we went straight to THE RIVERSIDE WALK TO THE NARROWS.

RIVERSIDE WALK TO THE NARROWS

I feel like nobody has heard of Zion without hearing of the Narrows. Although our son was only 6, we knew we had to take in a piece of this incredible natural treasure. We had purchased water hiking shoes just for this part of the trip, no matter how little we actually could do with him. We knew we didn’t want to miss any of it because our son didn’t have what he needed to be comfortable. When we arrived in the park, we had purchased a Zion hiking stick at the VISITOR CENTER. Our son had been asking for one for the trip, so it was more of a souvenir, but we were so glad we had it for him to help stabilize himself in the Narrows.

SHUTTLE TO TEMPLE OF SINAWAVA

We took the shuttle up the canyon to stop #9, the TEMPLE OF SINAWAVA. It was very crowded and we quickly realized the stop for ANGEL’S LANDING and THE NARROWS are the top stops first thing in the morning. When we exited the shuttle, the way to RIVERSIDE WALK is pretty clear as it is where everyone was walking! There is a bathroom and fresh water at the shuttle stop if you need to use it before you begin your adventure. We headed out on the trail and began the 2.2-mile round-trip, mostly paved, walk along the Virgin River. As you walk along the bottom of the towering canyon, the gorge begins to “narrow.” Before you realize it, you are standing between less than 30 feet of 2,000-foot cliffs.

RIVERSIDE WALK ANIMAL & PLANT LIFE

The Riverside Walk gives you and your Junior Ranger some up-close views of Zion wildlife highlights. One sure to see is the squirrels wandering all over the walkway and surrounding areas of the trail. Also, as the canyon begins to narrow, and the water starts to seep down the side of the cliff, you can look for the coveted Zion Snail. It takes some patience to see, as it was once the smallest snail in the world. Our son was thrilled to find some along the trail.

In addition to the snails, he was able to find several items on his Junior Ranger bingo, including the flowering Dutura. I love the way the Junior Ranger books keep your child engaged in learning about where they are! We always recommend giving your child an old digital camera to enjoy taking pictures of what they see. It is so fun to look at the trip through their lens once you are home.

Zion Snail spotting along the Riverside Walk towards the Narrows

SAFETY IN THE NARROWS

Heading into the Narrows is a magical moment where you can almost feed off of the excitement of the people around you. Some are there to take in the view, some to dabble in the hike, and others to head all the way down and back. I have to mention water safety here because the danger of flash floods in Zion is real. Water conditions can change VERY quickly. PLEASE check in with rangers about weather and flash flood potential before heading into the Narrows. It is not recommended to take children hiking into the Narrows. Although we headed in a bit, we did it on a day with low flood potential and only a small distance in.

As the water began to get deeper we realized we did not have everything we needed to continue on safely. Although our son was having an incredible time, we knew it was time to turn back. I think it is important to say that as much as I love adventure and “going with the moment,” I have learned that National Parks issue countless warnings about their water issues for a reason – they are so unpredictable. Please do not think you are wiser than nature. Hike the Narrows safely and responsibly.

Heading down the Riverside Walk back towards the shuttle stop proved just as rewarding, with incredible views and wildlife galore. We enjoyed a leisurely walk back down the canyon towards the shuttle. There were several spots along the river where you could easily stop with a picnic or snack for rest & adventure. This is an area to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy and let the exploration dictate your timeline.

Heading back to the shuttle from The Narrows

BIG BEND

Once we returned to the shuttle station, we had the privilege of heading DOWN the canyon in the shuttle (something that most people are doing the opposite of)! After reading other’s experiences, we decided to use our advantage of being at the top of the canyon to cruise down the shuttle stops in order. We hopped on and quickly got off at shuttle stop #8 BIG BEND.

Although there was not some major hike to take on at this stop, we loved looking around at the sights. We briefly explored the trail and looked for California Condors flying across the sky (the is a top spot for seeing them in Zion). You can also gaze up to see the final climb of ANGEL’S LANDING which is pretty incredible. It also was a nice moment to have a slice of Zion to ourselves, as BIG BEND is not a populated stop and has its own exploring potential and views of the river slicing through the canyon.

WEEPING ROCK

From BIG BEND, we hopped back on the shuttle and headed down to shuttle stop #7, WEEPING ROCK. This hike was incredibly short and came through with big views! At only .4 miles, it is slightly steep heading up towards a massive dripping sandstone peppered in hanging gardens. Unfortunately, not too long after our visit, there was a rockslide that closed this part of the park. Although the overhanging cliffs can feel overwhelming, it really is an incredible experience to stand beneath them and look out at the expansive views.

This trail is short enough to work for any age and is even paved for the majority of the path. There are several trailside exhibits to enhance your experience as you head up. As you reach the “Weeping Wall,” you are surrounded by “weeping” cliffs and the vegetation that surrounds them. Depending on the time of your visit, the cliff may be “weeping” or “flowing.” It is an incredible sight to stand behind a waterfall amongst the mosses and other water-absorbing vegetation.

THE GROTTO

From WEEPING ROCK, we took the shuttle down one more stop to shuttle stop #6, THE GROTTO. The Grotto shuttle stop is a shaded picnic area with water and restrooms. From here, you can opt for a longer adventure by crossing Zion Canyon Scenic Trial to the Kayenta Trail that will lead you to the Upper Emerald Pools. We chose a far shorter adventure and took the short GROTTO TRAIL along the scenic drive back to the Zion Lodge. The trail to the lodge is less than a mile and very flat, which made it an easy walk back!

ZION CANYON BREW PUB

Although we had grazed on some heavy snacks throughout our morning adventures, it was now 1:30 pm and we needed to eat! We knew we wanted to check out the ZION CANYON BREW PUB at Utahs’s first microbrewery, ZION BREWERY. We drove out of the park to check it out.

PARKING

The Brew Pub is located in Zion Canyon Village just south of the entrance to the park. This area gets very busy, as it is where the Springdale shuttle line ends and pedestrian access to the park begins. We realized quickly parking can be a struggle as we were visiting in peak season and arriving about 2 pm. We ended up parking in one of the many “1 hour only” spots, setting a timer, and moving the car halfway through the meal. It was a bit of an inconvenience, but we parked quickly and avoided the frustration of circling over and over looking for a different spot.

BREW PUB FOOD

The Zion Canyon Brew Pub was an awesome spot for our lunch! They are open for dinner too, and the menu has plenty of choices for everyone. Everything is made from scratch 7-days a week. We started with the grilled avocado Caprese appetizer which was awesome. The more you follow along, you will learn anything Caprese has my heart. Next up we ordered the Zion Brew burgers that came with an insanely delish Stout jalapeño bacon jam. They hit the spot and we all loved how they came with a giant onion ring on top! Our son loved his chicken fingers and brownie dessert.

BREW PUB BEER

The beer was great too. They have a variety of craft beers which is unique for Utah. All breweries and brewpubs in Utah are required to serve draft beers under 5% ABV, which is different than the typical 7% IPA. We enjoy IPAs, so we were skeptical, but we both really like the Juicy IPA. I definitely recommend the Brew Pub for a mid-day break from your adventures to refuel.

ZION NATURE CENTER

After our lunch, we drove back into the park and checked out the ZION NATURE CENTER so our son could take his Junior Ranger oath. We were so glad we did. Our thinking was the nature center would be FAR LESS crowded than the visitor center to pop in to get his Junior Ranger badge. We were correct, it was a very easy stop & parking situation, but we were also pleasantly surprised at all the Nature Center offered. If you are traveling in Zion with kids, make a point to stop in for a bit. This is an especially great place to show a completed Junior Ranger booklet to a ranger for a badge.

THE ZION NATURE CENTER has wonderful displays about the park for kids, lots of hands-on exhibits, and even a few small crafts (our son made a nature journal). Kids can even dress up as park rangers! The whole center is done so nicely and the ranger was so engaging with our son. He loved this stop and we did too! Make sure to check your park brochure for the Nature Center hours as they are more limited. There is no shuttle stop for the Nature Center, but it can be accessed from the Pa’rus Trail that leaves from the Visitor Center.

Becoming a Junior Ranger at the Zion Nature Center

ZION-MT. CARMEL TUNNEL

From the ZION NATURE CENTER, we headed to the East side of the park, driving the beautiful Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. There are no shuttles to this part of Zion, but the drive is beautiful and worth your time! The road has several switchbacks that offer spectacular views as you gain elevation coming out of the canyon. Then, you will approach the famous 1.1-mile ZION-MT. CARMEL TUNNEL. The tunnel was completed in 1930 to create direct access to Bryce Canyon and The Grand Canyon from Zion. Once completed, it was the longest tunnel in the US at the time.

Due to the number of accidents that have occurred in and around the tunnel, if you are driving an RV or other oversized vehicle, you will need a permit to pass through the tunnel during specific hours. Rangers control traffic flow at the tunnel, so you may sit in a delay as you wait to enter. As you pass through the tunnel, huge windows carved out of the rock give you spectacular views of the canyon. These windows not only help with light and ventilation in the tunnel but were actually used to dump rock & soil into the valley below during construction.

CANYON OVERLOOK TRAIL

When you exit the tunnel heading East, chances are you will see several (full) small parking lots and cars parked along the street. These are all people hiking the CANYON OVERLOOK TRAIL. I first read about this trail from 2TravelDads and I am so glad I did. Without their review of the trail, I would have thought it was too much with our six-year-old son and moved on to the next idea. Instead, I knew this trail was something I wanted to experience. We were all so happy that we did.

PARKING

We ended up driving past the parking lots as we tried to navigate where we were and where the trailhead started. We had to u-turn on the highway and ended up parking alongside the road. The walk to the trailhead was not too long. There was space to do so on the road without panicking.

TRAIL SAFETY

The Canyon Overlook Trail is only a mile, but it has many long drop-offs that will give your heart a jump with kids. However, almost all of the drops have guard rails or some type of fencing. There was a lot of handholding on this trail! We ALWAYS had our son walking on the inside of one of us, versus along the drop side of the trail. You know your child, so if you are interested in this trail, think about how they interact with you daily. If they listen and have no problem holding hands, not running away, etc. then it can be a great experience for you! If your child is afraid of heights, loves to run ahead, or struggles with listening/following directions, this may not be the best pick for your family.

ALONG THE TRAIL

We began the trail at about 4:45pm. We had to take a moment on the ridge to take in the incredible view of the Mt. Carmel Tunnel. As the trail began to narrow, the hand-holding began as we walked along the side of the cliff. The views were very cool and the experience of walking cliffside was super exciting for our son!

As we came around the corner of the boardwalk, we found ourselves inside of a cliffside cave. It was a very cool spot to sit down, drink some water and have a snack in the shade all while taking in the incredible red rock views. After our break, we continued up the trail and shared it with many busy chipmunks! The trail has a total elevation gain of 163 feet and took us about 45 minutes to reach the Canyon Overlook.

Once we reached the overlook, we could not believe how stunning the panoramic views of Zion Canyon are! Looking down, we saw the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway switchbacks that we had just been driving up as we climbed out of the canyon towards the tunnel. As you can see in the pictures, there is a large guard rail at the lookout. There is a lot of space to roam around and check different views. PLEASE NOTICE the guard rail does not extend up the rocks. If you have children with you, make sure to keep them in the main area right with you or explore with them hand and hand! This is not a place to let your child roam and explore. Our son spent some time on the lookout for a California Condor. We have yet to see one in the wild, but he is determined.

After enjoying the view for a bit, we started to head back down. Hiking back only took us 30 minutes. We did not stop as much, but we did continue with the hand holding!! We also took a water break in that cliffside cave. You cannot beat the shade and temperature drop passing through! Once we were back at our car, we headed west back towards the canyon and lodge through the Mt. Carmel Tunnel.

HEADING BACK INTO THE CANYON

Coming down the switchbacks on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, we spotted exactly where we had been standing at the Canyon Overlook! There is a large arch in the mountain, and the Canyon Overlook is right on top of it. There is a pullout along the highway where you can stop to take a better view. It was pretty amazing to see where we had been from the road we were just looking down on! This hike was definitely a highlight of our trip.

We got back to the ZION LODGE a little before 7 pm and knew we wanted some time to enjoy the lodge grounds and surrounding scenery. I had made another late dinner reservation at Red Rock Grill (8:30 pm) knowing we wanted to maximize our daylight hours out and about. We had snacked heavily throughout the day and had a big, late lunch so we were grateful for a late meal. Our son loves football and wanted some time to throw the ball around before dinner, so we headed out to the lawn.

ZION LODGE MAIN LAWN

The ZION LODGE MAIN LAWN is a beautiful setting and I highly recommend carving out some time to enjoy the calm of it all. A giant, 100-foot tall cottonwood tree provides shade and serves as a gathering point for people throughout the day. We took a glass of wine and had a mini picnic complete with football and our son drawing “Zion.” We were sharing the lawn with over a dozen deer, but there was plenty of space for everyone. It was a perfect stop to watch the sun go down before dinner. The lawn is a great spot at any point in the day, but there is something very special about the quiet at dusk when most tourists have left the park and only lodge guests and animals roam.

RED ROCK GRILL – NIGHT #2

Once the sun went down, we headed into the lobby, enjoyed some more chess together, and slipped into dinner at the Red Rock Grill a few minutes early. It was a great dinner with a well-earned glass of red wine (or two). Sadly, with our late reservations meant the Grill’s specialty, the Navajo Taco, had sold out for the night once again. However, I tried something new and had the Trout Anasazi which was so good! We went to bed with full bellies and hearts knowing our day was one we would always remember.

OUR PLAN – DAY THREE

ZION NATIONAL PARK TO BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK – 85°

Check-out day is always a little sad, even when new adventures are ahead! We took our time in the morning to pack up, handle our son’s Cystic Fibrosis treatments and then headed back to the lawn for a quick breakfast picnic. You just cannot beat the views and calm out on that lawn early in the morning or late in the evening. My husband ran into the Castle Dome Cafe next to the lobby and grabbed some insanely delicious breakfast sandwiches. We enjoyed them in awe of the views around us and then headed back to the room for a final goodbye. Our son actually started crying when he closed the door to our cabin. We had experienced the magic of Zion and assured him we would be back again for more!

CHECKERBOARD MESA

We left the ZION LODGE about 10 am and headed out of Zion Canyon on our way to Bryce Canyon through the east side of the park. Once again, headed up the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway to the ZION-MT. CARMEL TUNNEL, only this time there was more backup and traffic direction happening around the tunnel. As we continued through the east side of Zion, we noticed a change in scenery and a drop in temperatures as the elevation increased. On our way out of the park, we stopped at the CHECKERBOARD MESA pullout to see the mountain that looks like a checkerboard. Our son had read about this geological site in his Zion Rookie Reader leading up to the trip.

THE ROCK STOP on HIGHWAY 89

We left the park and continued towards Carmel Junction in anticipation of all we had heard about Bryce Canyon. At the junction, we headed north on Highway 89 and pulled off for a quick stop at THE ROCK STOP. I had read about this stop in Lonely Planet’s Zion & Bryce Guidebook. The Rock Stop is a unique stop with a Flinstone vibe. It was a fun place to grab some coffee and a few funky rocks for our yard at home! Our son had fun feeding the goats and looking around at all the “treasure.” It is an easy stop right off the highway that breaks up the 2-hour drive from Zion to Bryce. This is a drive everyone should be enjoying!

After our stop, we headed straight to Bryce Canyon. The drive was beautiful and the time passed quickly. There is something so special about driving in beautiful places with the people you love. As we approached Bryce, we passed through Red Rock Canyon and went through several rock tunnels that only built our excitement about Bryce. You can continue to follow our trip and read about our adventure in Bryce next.

I always keep a “NEXT TIME” list when we travel. I feel like it is important to include because this blog is subjective and I want my readers to know about the myriad opportunities that I am still hoping to experience. Whenever I read, hear, research something outside of my experience, I will include it here. My hope is to eventually fully experience these destinations when I visit again (and I can’t wait to do so).

NEXT TIME…

WITH KIDS

COURT OF THE PATRIARCHS – Shuttle stop #4, a short and steep trail to expansive views of the towering sandstone Abraham, Isaac & Jacob peaks above
PA’RUS TRAIL – Shuttle stop #1 from the visitor center, a paved 3.5 mile walk along the Virgin River (only 50ft in elevation, great for kids). Tends to be busier as it is the only trail dogs are allowed on in the park, bikes are allowed as well. Lots of views.
THE ZION LODGE OUTDOOR PATIO with a glass of wine as the sun goes down! We never were able to enjoy the outdoor aspect of the Red Rock Grill and I think it would have been incredible!

WITHOUT KIDS

ANGEL’S LANDING via WEST RIM TRAIL – 5.4 miles, 4 hours, elevation gain of 1488ft – Steep, long drop-offs and not for anyone afraid of heights. I’ve seen it listed as one of the “most dangerous hikes in the US.” The last portion is a steep, narrow ridge to the incredible view.
NARROWS HIKE – we did some, but I would love to do the full 14 miles. You definitely need to plan up to 8 hours and need to have the proper equipment for the hike. And, as always, be aware of weather, flash flood warnings, etc.!
OBSERVATION POINT via EAST RIM – 8 miles, 6 hours, 2148ft elevation gain, leaves from Weeping Rock (shuttle stop #7). Very steep & long drops, but panoramic views from up top vs inside Zion Canyon.
HIDDEN CANYON TRAIL – 2.5 miles, 2 1/2 hours, 850ft elevation gain, leaves from Weeping Rock (shuttle stop #7)- Long drops, panoramic views from up top vs inside Zion Canyon.