5 Tips for Biking With Kids in Yosemite

I have no idea what the explorers are up to here …

Today’s post is part of “Where to Go in Yosemite With Kids,” a series about our favorite places to explore with kids in Yosemite National Park.

If you’ve ever visited Yosemite Valley during the summer, you know how many cars fill its roads and parking lots. The shuttle system is a great option for getting from point A to point B. But bike riding can give you a whole new perspective on things.

And with 12 miles of paved trails and access to all the roads, there’s plenty to explore. You can roam all of the bike paths in a couple of hours, or stop along the way to enjoy the views, play in nature or have a meal al fresco.

After this year’s experience touring the park on bikes with our explorers, we’re hooked. Here are a few pointers for ensuring a fun time for all.

1. Gear up right.
If you don’t bring your own bikes, don’t worry! Rentals are available at two spots in the park and offer enough options to meet the needs of most families. (Note: Trailers are the only choice for kids not yet ready for two-wheeled riding.) Helmets are provided at no additional charge.

 
Insider Tip: Rental bikes cannot be reserved in advance & those with trailers go quickly, so try to arrive early.

2. Plan your route before heading off.
The park can feel big and confusing once you’ve left the familiarity of your car. Before heading off, study a map of the trails and create a game plan. Since much of your riding will be on single-lane trails, have one adult lead the kids with a second adult following behind. (This comes in extra handy at busy intersections.)

Insider tip: Even though we’re very familiar with the park, we still needed to stop often to get our bearings. In some spots, it gets a little tricky finding the bike path, so take your time.

3. Know your limits.
With the explorers in a trailer, the hubby and I were limited only by our own energy. Next year, when the big explorer rides his own bike, we’ll set kid-friendly riding goals. (Think: shorter distances and more breaks along the way to rest little legs.)

Insider tip: Most of the trails are flat and well-paved, but there are a few spots where pulling a trailer becomes a bit arduous (because of both steepness and ruggedness). If you’re concerned about either, ask for the lowdown when you rent.

4. Go slow.
There is beauty everywhere in Yosemite. Sure, the bike trails can all be explored in a couple of hours, but why would you want to rush it?

Insider tip: Savor the journey and not the destination. The big explorer said his favorite part of bike riding was the chance to see things up close without having them “whizz by the car door.”

5. Stop and play for a while.
The ability to hop on and off anywhere you like is the No. 1 reason we so loved biking this year. Kids getting tired or bored in the trailer? Pull over and play for a while.

Insider tip: Pick a destination for lunch (or dinner or a snack), then tack on some extra time for exploring while you’re there. There are plenty of spots to practice rock throwing, tip your foot in a creek or enjoy a million dollar view.

Planning Essentials

• Rental bikes for adults & kids are available at Yosemite Lodge (shuttle stop #8) & Curry Village (shuttle stop #13 or #21)
• Standard bikes are $10/hour; bikes with trailers are $16.50/hour (day rates are also available)
• There is no charge for helmets, which are required for all riders under age 18
• Bikes cannot be reserved in advance & those with trailers go quickly, so it’s best to arrive early
• Rental shops are open daily spring through fall; check your copy of Yosemite Today (which you receive when you enter the park) for current hours