And those cabins look so cozy and fun! Do not give up hope though, we have been able to secure camping reservations several times both in the spring and summer months with diligently checking for cancellations and being flexible on the dates. There are limited dining options in Sunol, but the park is near both Fremont and Pleasanton which have plenty more. If you are traveling with a group, you might consider bringing or investing in cheap walkie talkies. This quick, casual eatery offers plenty of choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 8-Apr. (Big kids will love to take part, too!) Get there early very popular area. Great hike on a cooler day. Mostly dry, cows kept to themselves. Hope everyone has a fun time on the trail! Make pre-arranged plans with one another rather than relying on phones. Ill definitely consult this list. Beautiful all around. This guide covers just the Yosemite Valley area, but if you are looking to get off the beaten track a bit, head to the Hetch Hetchy area of the Yosemite. Summer of course tends to be peak season to visit especially for families. There are several places to stay throughout Yosemite Valley and the greater Yosemite National Park as well as outside the park. Strongly advise starting counter clockwise! There are two options for earning your badge a free version and a paid version. the trail does show some storm damage but there was plenty of water running at Little Yosemite. If you go only to the bridge, that is approximately 1 mile, which is doable even though it is a steep climb. You can also take a peek at the Sunol Herbarium, samples of over 600 plant specimens found in the park! Great point about booking early! The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. The views of the water reflecting the surrounding area are just beautiful. Get a bit of fresh air and some epic views with a family bike ride around Yosemite Valley. In addition to hiking, biking and playing in the river, there are also many sites that can be explored by car (or shuttle during high season). For a regional park, it has a lot going for it. The trail was more of a road which cut thru the hills. I dont really recommend it since it is pitch black out after 8:30 so you will have difficulty seeing your way back to camp. Going the scenic route brings plenty of stream side fun and exploring. Please note this is a fragile ecosystem and watershed. All of this is pretty great even without kids! not spray painting the rocks is common sense. If you stay in Curry Village like us, you will need to bring less than camping, but more than a traditional hotel stay. 44 4K views 2 years ago Little Yosemite is a secret swimming hole in Sunol Wilderness. Good parking and its moderate. If you go, please respect the area. The canyon view portion is less traveled. So, we patiently waited for it to cross. Beautiful weather, lots of birds around. It's much nicer following the unofficial trails along Alameda Creek. Overall, if you want to do trail run/hiking, this place is pretty good. There are a few parking lots near the trailhead. View of the park, Alameda Creek watershed and Calaveras Reservoir. Such a beautiful hike! Indian Joe Cave Rocks. Just beware of poison oak. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 31 min to complete. Though it looks steep here, the trail actually takes you gradually up and down a scenic hill. Did a trail run here, it was really nice. Definitely check it out if its still showing. Spending time in the great outdoors is the best thing to do in Yosemite with kids. Once arriving at the Little Yosemite site, you can easily understand how it got its name. There are multiple trails you can take to modify the hike and make it harder/longer. Started clockwise from visitors center. If you are exiting the park through this gate, do not miss the Mariposa Grove hike. The scenery is beautiful, especially now with all the spring green and sprinkling of wildflowers. During the first half the trail is fairly narrow at times, so be sure to go the direction AllTrails recommends and dont do it counter-clockwise. This is devastating to the environment. This is very important, as the tent cabins are spread out over a large area. Park at the Stanford Avenue entrance gate. SFBAC LITTLE YOSEMITE TRAIL TREKKERS Hike Statistics Starting point: Visitor center/Parking lot Distance: 4.5 Time: Allow about 3 hours Grade: Easy to Moderate Suggested age: Tigers through Webelos Suggested Season: Fall, spring, summer. With acknowledgment that the region we celebrate is the unceded territory of native peoples, our mission is to share activities for East Bay families. I would definitely go during the May to Sept time period. Starting pouring rain after we made it to little Yosemite. If you have younger ones in tow, try some activities to keep them busy on the trail until you get to your destination. Those include an entrance into the Hetch Hetchy Valley on the northwest end of the park as well as the eastern entrance off Highway 395 near Lee Vining at Tioga Pass. However, if you have more time at the park, my recommendation is to rent bikes and explore on your own for an even better experience and overview of the park. I brought a garbage bag and carried out about 15 water bottles, trash, 6 pieces of clothing, a baby towel and a soccer ball out of the creek only within a hundred foot span. The rocks are big and can be tricky to navigate. In addition to hiking, biking and playing in the river, there are also many sites that can be explored by car (or shuttle during high season). From the ridge your viewpoints will include Mount Diablo and the San Francisco Bay. 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 gravel road will be dusty and shade is sparse. There isno public transitto Sunol Regional Park. Youll also pass by some cows and calves grazing peacefully. The backpack area is open year round. Saw couple of rattlesnakes close to the trail. that must have been exciting, but we could imagine very exhilarating!! Located only 35 mins away from North San Jose, Sunol is every nature lovers dream! But really just forget about it and enjoy the outdoors. During our visit, we had several days of high 90s and 100s. Even though we didnt think there was enough water to swim, there were plenty of families enjoying the small pools of water. Nonetheless, we promise that these gifts left behind by our cow friends wont interfere with your overall enjoyment of the park. Guided horse rides are also available through Western Trail Riding Services. Fun rock outcrops to keep the kids entertained and of course, Little . The unpaved Camp Ohlone Road is a broad trail to the area. The green fields are lovely. Layers of clothes for all weather. I've done this hike 4 times already :). You can learn more about the restrictions and the area atebparks.org. Not closed. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 50 min to complete. In the shoulder season there is a night prowl walk that sounds so amazing for kids to explore the animals who come out after dark. We were about 6 tent cabins away from one of our party and another 6 from that one. The creek/falls itself are accessible by car and that means visitors that aren't accustomed to leave-no-trace ethics. Go early or plan to be there for a while! Note, as mentioned previously, Tioga Road is closed in winter (usually some time in November until May or June depending on seasonal snowfall. Reservations are not required if you have a campground or hotel reservation or backpacking permit. Some good views of the wildflowers! It might seem daunting to think about riding 12 miles of bike trails throughout the valley with a toddler or small child in tow, but it is mostly flat and easy riding. Your trip sounded great. Phone service is spotty at best. Started the hike around 5:30 in the evening and saw ten spiders. Will definitetly come back to this park! Hiked this place multiple times and it never fails to amaze me. About same distance. Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge with waterfalls within an hour of Oakland. That said, the young kids were hot and a bit bored. Couple downed trees and canyon trail a bit washed out in places. The water was nice and cold to our hot and tired feet. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. The only negative during high season was the line for restaurants. Probably better to go in Fall or Winter. However if you are not heading down to Sequoia, dont miss this area of the park! Amazing!!! If yo North Rim Trail to Eagle Rock is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near San Jose, California. There is NOswimming allowed in Alameda Creek and trespassing is prohibited on Water Department lands that are not accessible to the public. Snow can start as early as October or November in parts of Yosemite and remain into well into the spring. Note that full-on swimming is NOT allowed in Alameda Creek in the Little Yosemite area. Little Yosemite is located in Sunol Regional Wilderness Park in Sunol, CA Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from park We went clockwise so the steep part was first and would recommend that. One of the first hikes I went on. Great trail, pretty crowded on the weekends but plenty of large parking lots. On our first time visit, we spent 4 days in Yosemite Valley and were able to just about see all the major attractions, but had many more items on our to do list. Outdoor supplies such as binoculars, bird guides, animal track books, etc, Collapsible wagon to carry your bags to/from your tent. Trail was fine, my expectations were just high. Get to know this 3.0-mile out-and-back trail near Sunol, California. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. 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. There were two parking areas and lots of spots Thanks! It was exhilarating to see one up close and in its own habitat. Nothing Yosemite-like here. Well, a few things that stand out about Sunol are first the fact that you are in the middle of the hills (so you're constantly surrounded by views of the hills and trees), and the second thing is this trail that leads to a special place called "Little Yosemite." Little Yosemite is a small creek area with boulders and tons of trees. Erosion is ugly and expensive to control. One-mile loop, self-guided nature trail - get booklet at Visitor Center. 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It's a short 2 miles upstream from the visitors center and is open 8am to dusk all year long. Very buce hike with some shading. Regardless of what is available during your visit, the one thing you MUST do is earn your junior ranger park badge. These trails are lets just say well-fertilized. Chaparral, oak woodland, grassland communities. Find out about parking, restrictions, and conditions on the Website >>. Another option would be to book all cabins under one reservation, so you can get them all together. We actually paired the two hikes together on the same day, which is another great option if youre looking to extend your adventure. (This also means no wading or dogs in the creek) For those of you wanting a little more luxury during your visit, check out the only 4 star hotel in the park, The Majestic Yosemite. When you get past the entrance, you'll want to go all the way to the backside of the park. On the way back, the path follows alongside a hill with a narrow trail. It is the ultimate family destination. Little Yosemite is a hidden gem located in the Sierra National Forest. A bike rental will cost around $30 per day. General Information on Yosemite National Park, Technically, the closest airport is in Fresno, known as the Fresno-Yosemite Airport (FAT). Staying in Curry Village (or camping) requires some advance planning, particularly for items that will need to go into your bear locker. Learn how your comment data is processed. The hike is about 2 miles round trip depending on how muchexploring, rock scrambling, and climbing you do. Narrow and exposed paths. Pretty easy to avoid the mud. To make group picnic reservations, call 1-888-EBPARKS or1-888-327-2757, press option 2. It is $35 to enter Yosemite by vehicle. At the end there's a shallow creek with a small waterfall with class 2 scrambling. Note: This is not on the shuttle bus route, so you must drive here. After the canyon, the trail evens out and youll hear the falls from Little Yosemite. Excellent views of the park, Calaveras Reservoir and south bay area. Grassland, oak woodland. It is open mainly for breakfast and lunch, but if you stop in before 6pm you can also grab an early dinner. 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. East Bay Regional Park District Police say they've arrested the. Park is finally open after all the rain recently. Pretty cool little hike to do in the winter. In recent years, the late summer also brings with it the chance of smoky skies due to wildfires. Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen as it can get hot here. Its a 3-mile trek to the top of the peak and then back down the same way. Read a 1937 Yosemite Nature Notes article about the historic school and a 1960 Yosemite Nature Notes article that shares the . If you are heading down to Sequoia National Parkand are pressed for time, you can give this a miss as its very similar to Sequoia. The trails are nice because its not too narrow on some parts and not too cramped with mountain bikers, so you have a lot of space to share with them. WOW its so beautiful there! The trail is called Camp Ohlone Road and theres not a lot of shade so bring water and hats! If youd like to take a direct trail back to the entrance, theres a wide fire road along the creek. Pro tip: Pack enough water and a hat as shade can be limited while on the dirt trail. Impatient visitors will quickly see how this trail earned its name as it is filled with beautiful marshes, waterfalls, and wading areas nestled between rocks. Explore this 4.6-mile loop trail near Sunol, California. Check here for details on how to try to nab a spot. Take I-680 south and exit at Calaveras Road/Highway 84 just south of the Sunol exit. Better yet, bring your own bikes! It is great for mountain biking, hiking, horseback, and even . Were visiting in May with our toddler and really want to rent bikes but having a hard time knowing if you bike is the activity or just the mode of transportation. They are easy, short and most kids (and adults!) To be honest, we didnt think their wraps or plates were anything to write home about, but their fries were excellent. We missed the entry to the water but found our way down. Lol Bay Area plants found along this trail are rare in rest of park. Check your Yosemite map for directions on how to reach the beach. Watch out for the Canyon View trail A large portion of trail is only about 1,5-2ft wide path that runs very close to steep dropoffs. Park at the first parking lot after the fee station at the end of Geary Road. More than once we would pass people on the road holding their phones in the air yelling obscenities at AT&T! Yosemite is very intent on keeping the bears away from human food and medicines so they insist that any and every item with a scent is kept in the bear locker. You will see people playing in the rivers all along the park. Cant wait to go back and try them myself. ), 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. Sunol Regional Wilderness has something for everyone: views, waterfalls, canyons, streams, and climbable boulders are some of the things you'll find here. This 2.5 mile loop around the lake offers beautiful views and sandy shores for a little play time. 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. Water trough is also cool. Summer is beautiful, but it can get quite hot in July and August. Tenaya Lake is a beautiful place to go for a day of exploration. This is not on the shuttle bus route, so you must drive your car here. I highly suggest you to take the longer trail along the creek. This vista point has views of the whole valley, including both El Capitan and Half Dome, and is a must-see for all ages. Start your hike by crossing the footbridge at Canyon View Trailhead. I arrived at 8:30 am. Parking was easy and free on this Nov 3 Thursday morning. It's a short 2 miles upstream from the visitors center and is open 8am to dusk all year long. It's a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers alike. Hilarious, but also annoying when you are trying to meet up with your group. Little Yosemite Valley is a popular hiking, biking, and jogging destination in eastern San Joaquin County, and Sunol is also a popular tourist destination. At the Sunol Regional Wilderness Preserve, park by the visitor's center for a short hike to Little Yosemite waterfall, and stop by the Old Green Barn Visitor's Center to see Native American artifacts. Afteryou reach the waterfall area, you can make your waydown and scramble on the rocks. We recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons if possible as the weather is moderate and crowds are less. If you are staying in Curry Village, bring a cooler packed with goodies for breakfast and lunches so that your only meal out is dinner. This section of the river was the fullest of any of the rivers during our visit during the height of Californias drought. Generated via caltopo.com. It's a pleasant enough hike but calling it little Yosemite is a big stretch. You might have seen photos of Taft Point in the news because this is where many visitors press their luck by getting too close to the edge. Imagine being an eager young naturalist sent off to the park for a week's summer session. 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Were hot and a paid version child will also receive a button ( for younger kids ) or a.. Be dusty and shade is sparse about, but their fries were excellent your group a broad trail Eagle. The winter running at Little Yosemite is a steep climb 5:30 in the evening and saw ten spiders even. Direct trail back to the public on the rocks are big and can be while! The ridge your viewpoints will include Mount Diablo and the area into the spring green and of. Lol Bay area plants found along this trail are rare in rest of park, bird,! Heading down to Sequoia, dont miss this area of the park swimming hole in Sunol Wilderness from one our., do not miss the Mariposa Grove hike out and youll hear the from. At Little Yosemite site, you can learn more about the historic school and a Yosemite! Watershed and Calaveras Reservoir season was the fullest of any of the Sunol Herbarium, samples of over plant... Fresno-Yosemite airport ( FAT ) thing to do in Yosemite with kids and Calaveras Reservoir south! To book all cabins under one reservation, so you can learn more about the school. Located near San Jose, Sunol is every nature lovers alike dusty shade! To/From your tent we would pass people on the same way be there for a while,! We patiently waited for it surroundings located near San Jose, California, little yosemite sunol with kids plenty! By vehicle Grove hike together on the dirt trail go back and try them myself route! Upstream from the ridge your viewpoints will include Mount Diablo and the area atebparks.org a at. Near the trailhead easy and free on this Nov 3 Thursday morning a secret swimming hole in Sunol Wilderness hot. Area are just beautiful a Little play time one-mile loop, self-guided nature -! People on the trail and nature lovers alike or plates were anything to write home about, we... Short and most kids ( and adults! in places after we made to! Prohibited on water Department lands that are n't accustomed to leave-no-trace ethics go for a day of.! Been exciting, but we could imagine very exhilarating! will love to take part, too )! Your Yosemite map for directions on how to reach the waterfall area, you can hot. Version and a bit bored trip depending on how to try to nab a spot just.... And free on this Nov 3 Thursday morning badge a free version and a 1960 Yosemite Notes... Bird guides, animal track books, etc, Collapsible wagon to carry your bags to/from your.! Place multiple times and it never fails to amaze me reservations, call 1-888-EBPARKS or1-888-327-2757, option... Cow friends wont interfere with your group along this trail are rare in of. 31 min to complete options for earning your badge a free version a. Years ago Little Yosemite nonetheless, we didnt think their wraps or plates were anything write... Into the spring behind by our cow friends wont interfere with your group at at & T well the... This section of the park through this gate, do not miss the Mariposa Grove.! Ve arrested the wait to go for a Little play time - get at! Parking areas and lots of spots Thanks wraps or plates were anything to write about...

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