Hitting the trails in Yosemite is one of the best ways to experience this spectacular park. But with more than 750 miles of possible trails, finding the right trail for your family can be tricky. That’s why we’re sharing our favorite kid-friendly trails in Yosemite National Park. We got you! ?
Before we get into our trail recommendations, it’s important to get a lay of the land. If you’re new to Yosemite National Park, we recommend starting here! There are several regions within Yosemite National Park. When choosing the trails for your Yosemite visit, be sure to take the drive time into consideration. It can make for a very long day if you’re looking to hike in the Valley and Tioga Pass within the same day. If you only have one day within the park, consider scoping out the best sights (and possibly 1-2 short trails) instead.
There are certainly more popular (and much more difficult) trails within Yosemite, but we selected these trails for the views and the ease of hiking with kids. Here are a few of our favorites!
Yosemite Valley
Lower Yosemite Falls
Distance: 1.2 miles (loop) | Elevation Change: 59 feet
Want to see Yosemite’s tallest waterfall up close? Then this is the trail for you! This short and easy paved walk is perfect for all ages, and offers some excellent views of Lower and Upper Yosemite Falls. For the most optimal view, take the trail clockwise. Lower Yosemite Falls is accessible year-round, but keep in mind that you may feel the mist on the footbridge during Spring and Summer!
Bridalveil Fall
Distance: 0.5 mile (out & back) | Elevation Change: 85 feet
This short and sweet trail leads you to one of Yosemite’s most prominent waterfalls, which flows 620 feet from the top. The Ahwahneechee tribe believed this waterfall to be the home of a spirit that protects Yosemite Valley, and that by inhaling the mist one’s chances of marriage would be increased. (Hey-o!) The best time to see Bridalveil is in the Spring when the snow melt peaks, but you can access this trail year-round — just note that this is a very popular walk because of its easy access. Go first thing in the morning, or late in the evening to beat the crowds.
Artist Point
Distance: 2.3 mile (out & back) | Elevation Change: 741 feet
Want a fantastic view of Yosemite Valley without fighting the crowds at Tunnel View? This lesser-known trail offers unrestricted views of El Capitan, Clouds Rest, Half Dome and Bridalveil Falls — and is a great way to stretch your legs and get the blood pumping! The beginning of the hike is fairly steep, but it soon levels out for an easy stroll. Because this trail isn’t as popular as others in Yosemite, the National Park doesn’t maintain it as well, so be prepared to climb over fallen trees and various natural debris.
In June of 1855, artist Thomas Ayres stood here and drew a picture of Yosemite Valley, becoming the first ever by a professional artist… or so the story goes. Another fun fact: this trail used to be one of the first toll roads for stagecoaches coming into Yosemite from Wawona. Eventually the steep grades became too hard for early automobiles to traverse, so Tunnel View was built instead.
Glacier Point Road
Sentinel Dome
Distance: 2.1 miles (out & back) | Elevation Change: 456 feet
We’ve hiked all over Yosemite, but I was blown away by one short and easy hike that had the BEST payoff: Sentinel Dome!
Hiking to the top of Sentinel Dome is the easiest way to experience miles and miles of 360-degree breathtaking views. Look west and you’ll see down Yosemite Valley and beyond to the Merced River canyon. (If you’re lucky and it’s an exceptionally clear day, you might be able to spot Mt. Diablo in the coastal range.) To the north is Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. Look east and you’ll see Nevada Fall, Half Dome and Clouds Rest, as well as an assortment of stunning High Sierra peaks.
And remember when I said this trail is easy? It’s only 2.2 miles and gains just under 500 feet of elevation, making it perfect for families and folks of all ages! ?? One other quick note — do NOT climb a dome during a thunderstorm. Be sure to check the weather before you make this trek.
Glacier Point Trail
Distance: 0.6 miles (out & back) | Elevation Change: 167 feet
You cannot visit Yosemite without heading up Glacier Point Road for some of the most beautiful views, and Glacier Point Trail is a super quick and easy way to soak this in. And it’s very family-friendly — the paved overlook trail allows easy access for leashed dogs, strollers and wheelchairs. It does get pretty busy in the summer months, so head out early to get unobstructed views of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley below, Clouds Rest, and Half Dome, as well as Vernal and Nevada Falls. This trail is perfect for families with little ones that don’t want to put in too much effort to see unsurpassed views.
Tioga Pass Road
May Lake
Distance: 2.8 mile (out & back) | Elevation Change: 498 feet
If you are looking for a quick hike with incredible views on the Northeastern side of Yosemite, then consider May Lake, off of Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park. It’s 3 miles round trip with nearly 500’ of elevation gain, making it great for all ages. The trail takes you through beautiful scenery — including expansive views of Tenaya Lake, Half Dome and Clouds Rest — on the way up to a stunning high altitude lake. With an overnight permit, you can even camp here, or add on a few more miles to reach the top of Mt. Hoffmann, a striking granite mountain that towers over this lake.
Olmsted Point Nature Trail
Distance: 0.4 mile (out & back) | Elevation Change: 55 feet
This overlook is a popular stop to set your sights on Tenaya Canyon, Clouds Rest and Half Dome, but most don’t realize that there’s a quick 10-minute trail here too. If you’re coming from Yosemite Valley, this is a great stop to stretch those legs after all of that driving! The trail leads you mostly over granite rock with a small section that takes you through a cluster of trees. While this trail is classified as easy, be careful with kids as there are some steep drop offs on the plateau.
Tuolumne River Trail
Distance: 2.3 mile (out & back) | Elevation Change: 111 feet
Once Tioga Pass opens in the Spring, this is a must-hike trail, especially if you’re a fan of peaceful strolls among the wildflowers. This path will take you along the Tuolumne River (pronounced “too-AH-lum-ee”), around Pothole Dome and through the forest to a series of waterfalls on the river. Bring a picnic lunch — it’s an excellent spot to relax and take in Yosemite’s beautiful high country.
John Muir Trail
Distance: 3 miles (out & back) | Elevation Change: 98 feet
While Half Dome and El Cap are truly amazing sights, Tuolumne Meadows is an outdoor lover’s dream. This vast, sub-alpine meadow features the winding Tuolumne River and picturesque views of mountain peaks and glacially-carved domes. Early in the season Tuolumne Meadows is green and abundant with wildflowers, and is considered one of the largest high elevation meadows in all of the Sierra Nevada.
While there still are quite a few visitors to this area, it is relatively less crowded than some of Yosemite’s other sights. It’s tranquility and peaceful views make it the perfect spot to have a picnic lunch.
For a great and easy hike with the kiddos, hike the first mile of the John Muir Trail to Twin Bridge.
Tenaya Lake Trail
Distance: 3 miles (loop) | Elevation Change: 98 feet
There’s a good reason why Tenaya Lake is called the Jewel of the High Country. It’s a stunning alpine lake with inviting blue water. There are two ways to hike Tenaya Lake: by going all the way around it as a loop (listed here) or as an out-and-back that increases the mileage to 3.4 miles. Either way, you cannot go wrong with this gorgeous trail!
Off of Tioga Road, this lake located between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows and offers up a backdrop of light granite rocks, whose beauty was revered by the Native Americans. Like Tenaya Canyon below it, Tenaya Lake is named after Chief Tenaya of the Ahwahnechee people, who inhabited much of Yosemite before their forced relocation in the 1850s.
Without hardly any elevation gain, this trail is perfect for all ages. The only watch out? Part of the loop runs along Hwy 120, so hike with caution. But afterwards, break out your beach gear and jump into this crystal blue lake to cool off! ?
Southern Yosemite
Swinging Bridge Trail
Distance: 1.2 miles (out and back) | Elevation Change: 59 feet
We randomly discovered this trail while doing some Yosemite research prep, and boy — we’re glad that we did! This trail is less about the hike, which is relatively flat and very easy. It’s more about the fun you’ll have once you get to the Swinging Bridge! Pack your swim gear because there are many swimming holes along the South Fork Merced River, including a granite “slide” that the kids will love going down. You could easily spend all day here playing in the water and enjoying a river-side lunch. Don’t skip this one — your kids will love you for it!
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Distance: 6.2 miles (out and back) | Elevation Change: 1,213 feet
This has always been a family favorite of ours, particularly when you could take a shuttle up to the main entrance and hike a couple miles around the forest of giant trees. Unfortunately, a major windstorm came through in January 2021 and decimated a lot of the trail. But — you can still access the sequoias if you’re willing to put in the work to get there. There are more than 300 giant sequoias that call this area home, with some being as old as 3,000 years! One of the main sights is the Grizzly Giant, which is 100′ around the base of the tree.
Note: There is now a 2-mile trek you must walk to even reach the Mariposa Grove, making the trip to Wawona Point a minimum of 10 miles with close to 2000′ of elevation gain. These two miles are completely uphill and on the paved road, with a LOT of sun exposure. Consider going very early in the morning when it’s nice and cool!
Lower Chilnualna Falls
Distance: 0.6 miles (out & back) | Elevation Change: 252 feet
This is a quick but steep hike to the base of Chilnualna (pronounced “chil-noo-al-na“) Falls, which are incredibly pretty. It’s a good one to get that heart pumping! The Lower trail is considerably less crowded than many of Yosemite’s other waterfall trails, making this one a gem for photos. Don’t bother with the last 0.3 miles listed as it just leads to a trail crossing — no view, no other falls. That is, unless you’re in the mood for a strenuous hike that takes you to the tippy top of the waterfall. (Keep in mind that it’s a total of 8-9 miles and nearly 2,200′ of elevation gain!)
Final Thoughts
Each year, park rangers and search and rescue personnel respond to approximately 250 emergency incidents in the park. Before you head out on a hike with kiddos, make sure you’re prepared. With the change of elevation, many people experience high altitude sickness. Water is super important, so make sure to bring enough for each person on your hike. We really love this Osprey pack for Levi, and this one for Harvey. Both come with a 1.5L water bladder, which helps keep everyone hydrated.
Snacks are key too. Make sure everyone has had a solid meal prior to your hike, or pack one for your midway point. The boys are always motivated for a bag of chips or Clif Kid Z bars, as well as a sweet treat when the hike is done.
Because cell coverage in non-existent in Yosemite National Park, make sure you download the trail maps before you head out. The premium version of AllTrails app is perfect for this.
Finally, lather up in sunscreen! The high elevation will scorch your skin, especially on exposed trails.
If you have any other questions about hiking in Yosemite National Park with little ones, please let me know in the comments! What other family-friendly trails have you found in Yosemite?
