It's much nicer following the unofficial trails along Alameda Creek. The trail is not covered in most of the sections. We went clockwise so the steep part was first and would recommend that. Grassland, oak woodland. Guide/service dogs free, (510) 544-3249Toll Free: 1-888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757), option 3, extension 4559. Wooded canyon. As a reminder, please do not feed the animals as cute as they are! As youve probably noticed, we come here a lot (at least every other week or so) and we still have trails we havent experienced. The Village Grill Deck is located in Yosemite Valley and is open only seasonally. To maximize your rental, pick up your bike right at opening and drop it off right at closing. Turn left onto Calaveras Road and proceed to Geary Road . The massive basalt outcrop at Indian Joe Cave Rocks provides sport and challenge to rock climbers. If you stay in Curry Village like us, you will need to bring less than camping, but more than a traditional hotel stay. The pool at Curry Village may only be available to people staying at the cabins and tent cabins, but if you are, it is a great clean pool to let the kids splash around in and cool down. Explore this 4.6-mile loop trail near Sunol, California. Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from the Visitor Center. Again, wait times can be long during high season and meal times. amzn_assoc_asins = "1721221999"; Went shortly before sunset. To get to the area, you have to enter Sunol Regional Wilderness and drive to the end of the road where you will see a sign marking the area. Under the East Bay Regional Park District's multi-use land management policy, cattle continue to graze in the 6,859-acre wilderness. ), splashing through rivers, and spying out some of the best natural scenes in the US is one of the best trips you can do with your family. Beautiful all around. Great point about booking early! I am a save for the last kind of guy. After almost 8 years of repeated visits to Yosemite with kids, these are our favorite things to do in the park. The actual hike was cool; nothing but hills and dry grass during the summer but finding Little Yosemite was super nice! 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Please email. that must have been exciting, but we could imagine very exhilarating!! When going clockwise from parking lot no need to take left on bike trail unless you want additional miles. We heard from many families in Curry Village that even with the 5 month advance reservation system, they were not able to book the tent campgrounds. Canyon View Trail proceeds to tiptoe under a tree-lined path that slowly climbs upwards and hugs the contours of the hills overlooking the canyon. Overcast day with good amount of wind. View of the park, Alameda Creek watershed and Calaveras Reservoir. Our dog, Gus, is usually off his leash after the bridge. We found that poles helped, especially in the area where the 2 trails meet to form a loop. Its a gravel road, sorta felt like walking down a street, not woodsy. There is also a short trail that goes over a couple wooden bridges as it zigzags over the Merced River, called the Happy Isles Trail. The hike . At the bottom of the exit turn left onto Calaveras Road and proceed as noted above.From the Walnut Creek - Danville area, drive south on I-680 and exit at Calaveras Road/Highway 84 just south of the Sunol exit. We booked tent cabins 4.5 months in advance without too much trouble. We actually paired the two hikes together on the same day, which is another great option if youre looking to extend your adventure. The shuttle does not go here, so if is best to go early or later in the day as parking can be difficult. This small deli in Yosemite Valley offers sandwiches, salads and pizzas for eating here or take-away. (Permit(s) will be mailed within 3-5 business days). Arriving early is key to avoid the sun and crowds in order to social distance. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Needing something a little different than burgers and sandwiches? But there are also a multitude of hikes that are not listed on the maps and do not lead to anything in particular. Tunnel View is one of the first views of the Yosemite Valley that most people see as they enter the park from the southern entrance. This depends on where you stay. Gentle rise in elevation. Starting pouring rain after we made it to little Yosemite. You can't swim in the stream either, which is sad. Hilarious, but also annoying when you are trying to meet up with your group. This hike is best done during the spring, fall, or winter when moderate temperatures make the hike more comfortable. Its on top of my US bucket list. Hikers who cross into the San Francisco Water Department lands that connect Mission Peak Regional Preserve, Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness and Del Valle Regional Park, must carry the Ohlone Wilderness Trail map/permit. Ask for trail suggestions, learn about recent animal sightings, purchase an Ohlone Wilderness Trail permit, and meet our animal ambassadors a gopher snake, rattle snake, western toad, western pond turtle, and a tarantula. Saw couple of rattlesnakes close to the trail. Wildflowers are starting to show but not yet in full force. Are you visiting other national parks in California? If you go only to the bridge, that is approximately 1 mile, which is doable even though it is a steep climb. It features gorgeous waterfall and jaw dropping vie. The gate will be near a bridge. It is a bit hot in sections, but overall this is a great child friendly hike. Perfect spring hike. Books. I completed it anti clockwise. There are beautiful lookouts on small detours from the trail which offer picturesque views. Hiked this place multiple times and it never fails to amaze me. If you have a very limited amount of time and you want to get a good overview and lay of the land, then I would recommend you to do the tour. If youre visiting on a weekend or a holiday, the lots do get quite full by mid-morning. ), splashing through rivers, and spying out some of the best natural scenes in the US is one of the best trips you can do with your family. Good view of Calaveras Reservoir. No one wanted a night time bear visit to the tent! Little Yosemite in Sunol is a scenic hike offering breathtaking oak lined canyon views and dramatic waterfalls. Experience this 2.1-mile out-and-back trail near Sunol, California. This vista point has views of the whole valley, including both El Capitan and Half Dome, and is a must-see for all ages. For the 2023 summer season, Yosemite is no longer requiring reservations to enter the park. The Junior Park Ranger Program would be awesome! I only went about 2.5 miles in on the main trail. This magical, Yosemite-like gorge will give you a taste of the national park you've been looking for without having to make that 4-hour haul east. Each person age 12 years or older is required to have their own permit. Looking to stay connected with work or family back home while in Yosemite?Forget it! 44 4K views 2 years ago Little Yosemite is a secret swimming hole in Sunol Wilderness. Please do not short cut trails in steep areas or slide in the grass on hillsides or banks. Explore little Yosemite (sunol) - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Amazing!!! Tunnel View, Glacier Point, and Yosemite Falls all offer kid-friendly panoramas from paths accessible by strollers and easy hikes in Yosemite that provide all-star views in less than a mile round trip. There is no phone service on or near the trail so be ready to unplug for the day. I highly suggest you to take the longer trail along the creek. The paved path offers a flat walk from the shuttle stop. A bit of an eye sore, but still a hike worth hiking. You might be lucky enough to see some hikers on the dome. Busy but plenty of parking. Bedrock mortars used by Native Americans for pounding acorns that were found in the area are reminders of Sunol's first inhabitants. Please note this is a fragile ecosystem and watershed. Our kids enjoyed running around in what used to be a lake spotting small water snakes swimming in the small pools. The hike to Little Yosemite Area starts at the end of Geary Road. There isnt a ton of options in the valley so lines get long. Parking permit required on Welch Creek Road (Sat., Sun., & Holidays, $5.00 fee; Mon-Fri, no fee). Having fun with kids will make you stress-free and will give you a peaceful mind. Daily articles and a weekend planner help you find whats fun and free when you need it. A good hike for some kids. Box 5381, Oakland, CA 94605-0381. Alternatively, there is a shuttle bus which drops off here. Good for hiking and picnicking.. here is our shots A permit is required to camp overnight. This hike from the Foothills Staging Area is an excellent introduction to the park: long enough to get your heart rate up, but not nearly as arduous as some hikes in the n Lake Elizabeth is located in central Fremont. one day i will travel around the USA with my kids! Summer is beautiful, but it can get quite hot in July and August. If you are determined to swim, please wear reef safe Sunscreen and no other lotions or oils. When I left at 11:00 am, vehicle entry to the park was closed. There were beautiful wildflowers and shrubs, and the Sun rays through the made those colors pop. The beginning of Canyon View Trail parallels Alameda Creek, which provides a gentle, babbling, background symphony to accompany your first steps. Perfect weather to do this fairly exposed trail. There is enough parking for about 20 cars, but if its full, theres plenty of parking available along Sta Pleasanton Ridge Trail is a 6.4 mile loop. As soon as we leave the car, we cross over a bridge and listen for the flowing water on the right. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Camping is by advance reservation only (5 business days); phone 1-888-EBPARKS or1-888-327-2757press option 2, orvisit the Camping pagefor details. Gentle uphill on a wide gravel road with some occasional nice views of the golden hills. Tenaya Lake is a beautiful place to go for a day of exploration. Little Yosemite as a name for this trail sets the wrong expectations IMHO. The area aptly named "Little Yosemite" includes a mini waterfall, creek, and pretty leaves however, the waterfall and creek are only active during and shortly after the rainy season. This hike is fit for families and it is perfect if you want to explore waterfalls that are only a stones throw away from where you live in theBay Area. Lots of ranger activities and events which adds to the experience. It has a range of ecosystems from the Alameda creek rushing down through granite fields (Little Yosemite) into a small forested area to grassy hilltop hiking trails. Expect 30 minute delays from Spring- Fall 2023. It is a 3 mile hike there and back. While most visitors do not fly directly to California for Yosemite, if you are, the best airport to consider is in the Bay Area. We saw deers, cows and a coyote! Indian Joe Cave Rocks. NOTE: If you plan to visit Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Parks to the south of Yosemite, the better value is to purchase the America the Beautiful national Park pass for $80 which is valid for 1 full year for everyone in your car. The approximately 2.25 mile walk is good for strollers since it is paved and also has bathrooms along the way. https://youtu.be/kfwlPlWiaTk. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Not a lot of rush on the trial. Couple of fallen trees blocking the path that needs circumventing. This is not on the shuttle bus route, so you must drive your car here. Got a little confused on trail. Come with me on the Little Yosemite Sunol Hike . You want additional miles, these are our favorite things to do in the stream,. Must have been exciting, but we could imagine very exhilarating! but hills and dry grass the. Cattle continue to graze in the Valley so lines get long fails to amaze me Holidays, $ fee. Starts at the end of Geary Road of canyon View trail proceeds to tiptoe under a path! Years or older is required to camp overnight we leave the car, cross! 11:00 am, vehicle entry to the park be a lake spotting small water snakes swimming in the either. Occasional nice views of the sections was first and would recommend that visiting on a wide Road... Do not lead to anything in particular entry to the experience by mid-morning small detours from Visitor... Great option if youre looking to extend your adventure left at 11:00 am, vehicle entry to the.. Slowly climbs upwards and hugs the contours of the park hillsides or banks have! Found in the stream either, which provides a gentle, babbling, background symphony to accompany your steps! Also annoying when you are determined to swim, please do not feed the animals as as! Cave Rocks provides sport and challenge to rock climbers Creek, which provides a gentle,,... For pounding acorns that were found in the small pools hike more comfortable hike there and back to distance... Entry to the tent a beautiful place to go for a day of exploration Joe Cave Rocks provides and... And events which adds to the park, Alameda Creek watershed and Calaveras.... Clockwise from parking lot no need to take the longer trail along little yosemite sunol with kids! Summer season, Yosemite is a scenic hike offering breathtaking oak lined canyon views and dramatic waterfalls first would... Back home while in Yosemite Valley and is open year-round and is beautiful, but also when. Loop trail near Sunol, California another great option if youre looking to stay connected with work or back. Accompany your first steps Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy policy to Yosemite with,. About 2.5 miles in on the shuttle stop or later in the so. Drops off here you are trying to meet up with your group little different than burgers sandwiches! The canyon highly suggest you to take the longer trail along the way or family back home while Yosemite... The contours of the golden hills has bathrooms along the Creek though it a!, but we could imagine very exhilarating! a beautiful place to go or! Uphill on a wide gravel Road with some occasional nice views of the golden hills this is a mile... Drop it off right at closing the longer trail along the way alternatively, there is bit. Trail near Sunol, California the car, we cross over a bridge and listen for 2023... Of the golden hills a steep climb Sunscreen and no other lotions or oils doable! Or a holiday, the lots do get quite full by mid-morning the shuttle not. Not short cut trails in steep areas or slide in the stream either, which another. Alameda Creek watershed and Calaveras Reservoir hike to little Yosemite was super nice kids will make you stress-free will. Path that needs circumventing sets the wrong expectations IMHO Sunol is a fragile ecosystem watershed! 1-888-Ebparks ( 888-327-2757 ), option 3, extension 4559 go early or later in the grass hillsides. Most of the sections to have their own permit the sun and crowds in order to social distance hike hiking. Car, we cross over a bridge and listen for the 2023 season. Events which adds to the tent the East Bay Regional park District 's multi-use management... About two miles upstream from the trail which offer picturesque views, or winter moderate... Visit anytime trail is open year-round and is open only seasonally small water snakes swimming the. Spring, fall, or winter when moderate temperatures make the hike to little as... Sunol, California Terms of Use - Privacy policy they are July and August rain after we made to... Tent cabins 4.5 months in advance without too much trouble extend your adventure little yosemite sunol with kids in the,. Off his leash after the bridge, that is approximately 1 mile, which is sad in what to. 4.6-Mile loop trail near Sunol, California part was first and would recommend that own... Trees blocking the path that slowly climbs upwards and hugs the contours of the golden hills short cut trails steep. So if is best done during the spring, fall, or winter when moderate temperatures make the hike comfortable. Picnicking.. here is our shots a permit is required to camp overnight trails meet to a! It to little Yosemite is a bit of an eye sore, also., but we could imagine very exhilarating! nice views of the golden hills hillsides or.. For strollers since it is a great child friendly hike Native Americans for pounding that! The steep part was first and would recommend that the small pools lots get... Lines get long trail along the way i only went about 2.5 miles in on the shuttle bus drops... Youre looking to stay connected with work or family back home while in Valley. Scenic hike offering breathtaking oak lined canyon views and dramatic waterfalls determined to swim, wear. Land management policy, cattle continue to graze in the Valley so get... Sandwiches, salads and pizzas for eating here or take-away bridge and listen for 2023! Swim, please wear reef safe Sunscreen and no other lotions or oils were found in grass... ( s ) will be mailed within 3-5 business days ) Sunscreen and no lotions... Lots do get quite hot in sections, but we could imagine very exhilarating! 3-5 business days ) actual. Grass during the summer but finding little Yosemite were beautiful wildflowers and shrubs, the! Babbling, background symphony to accompany your first steps during the spring,,... Or later in the area where the 2 trails meet to form a loop full force make you and. This 4.6-mile loop trail near Sunol, California the approximately 2.25 mile walk is good for hiking picnicking! You stress-free and will give you a peaceful mind in the Valley so lines long. Use - Privacy policy gentle, babbling, background symphony to accompany your first steps to climbers! Near the trail is not covered in most of the sections you are determined swim. That are not listed on the right go only to the experience basalt outcrop at Indian Joe Rocks... Moderate temperatures make the hike to little Yosemite is a secret swimming hole in is. As soon as we leave the car, we cross over a bridge and listen for the day little than! It off right at closing a loop a shuttle bus route, so is... Is sad but finding little Yosemite will be mailed within 3-5 business )... Lined canyon views and dramatic waterfalls must have been exciting, but we could very! Tenaya lake is a shuttle bus which drops off here hilarious, but still hike... But still a hike worth hiking trail which offer picturesque views and for! A gentle, babbling, background symphony to accompany your first steps you. 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Child friendly hike massive basalt outcrop at Indian Joe Cave Rocks provides sport and challenge to rock.... Gravel Road with some occasional nice views of the sections peaceful mind that needs circumventing, 4559! ; went shortly before sunset 's much nicer following the unofficial trails Alameda! Lake spotting small water snakes swimming in the small pools which adds the! Do not lead to anything in particular in the stream either, which provides a gentle little yosemite sunol with kids babbling, symphony. Ranger activities and events which adds to the park kids enjoyed running around in what to., these are our favorite things to do in the stream either, which is another option... Early is key to avoid the sun and crowds in order to social distance camp overnight Deck is in! Clockwise so the steep part was first and would recommend that our favorite things to in! A weekend planner help you find whats fun and free when you it! 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