Expert: Jon - 9/28/2009

Question
We(my husband and our 5yr and 4yr old kids) are planning a trip from LA-Sequoia NP-Yosemite NP -San Francisco-LA in oct. for 1 week.Can you suggest how we make our itinerary...like where to stay, how much time we need to spend in NP,which hike is must considering that we have 2 young kids.
Thanks

Answer
My area is Yosemite.

Would be great if you could get three days in Yosemite Valley floor to see what's there. I like more economical lodging in Yosemite Lodge if you want rooms. Good cafeteria there. Ahwanee is probably $300 per night. If you want more authentic experience can reserve tent cabins at Curry Lodge. Certainly the walk up to Bridal Veil Falls would not be hard for the ages of your young ones, but I doubt the falls will be very full or be running. Spring is the best to catch them.

Walking the roads to Mirror Lake (now mostly silted over) would be refreshing, or even renting bikes and riding there. Riding bikes in the Valley floor is great. Often lots of wildlife like deer. Just be careful crossing busy roads. See as much of the valley (Looking up at the rim 3,000 feet above) as possible.

Though you may be interested in Vernal Falls, I think ages four and five may be too young to take them up. If you do, you will be going over some wet, slimy granite steps. Keep firm footing and carefully hold on to your young ones, without letting them run ahead. It is dangerous.

Recently it was in the 60's during the day but high 20's at night, so tent cabins could be chilly.

You are in for a great treat.