I don’t especially like the hike to Vernal Fall Bridge. For one thing, it’s crowded, especially during the summer and on holidays. And although it’s a short hike, it’s a steep one, making it feel like you’re walking “straight up a mountain the entire time” – or so says The Big Explorer.And yet the .8-mile hike to the Vernal Fall Bridge is a must for any serious hiker visiting … [Read more...]
My Friday 5: Favorite Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
This April 21-29 is National Park Week here in the United States. To encourage people to visit some of the amazing places that make up the national park system, entrance to all 397 parks is FREE for the entire week! Of course, I’m partial to one particular national park. What’s on my to-do list when we head to Yosemite?Tunnel View overlook, 4/20121. Hit the trails. I asked … [Read more...]
Winter Activities for Families in Yosemite: Snow Tubing at Badger Pass
It might have taken us until closing day of the 2012 Badger Pass Ski Area season to get there, but we finally made it! Part of our recent Spring break getaway to Yosemite National Park included a new outdoor adventure for us all: snow tubing. Badger Pass is nothing if not quaint and idyllic. It bills itself as “unpretentious, friendly and affordable” and I think that about … [Read more...]
An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Yosemite National Park With Kids
When it comes to spending time in Yosemite with kids, I’d like to think I’ve got you covered. After all, I hung out there every summer growing up as a kid and have continued the tradition since having my own kids. It turns out I’ve written quite a bit about the place. I thought it might be helpful to gather everything into one spot and give it a fancy title: An Insider's … [Read more...]
Riding the Rails at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
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.OK, I admit it: my boys love trains. So the prospect of hopping aboard a historic steam train and riding through the sugar pines in Yosemite was alluring – and I knew it would be an extra special way for the explorers to see the Sierra … [Read more...]