We spent 3 days near Yosemite National Park over Labor Day, despite how cliche it may be to visit a national park on a holiday weekend. Mike and I have been on a few camping trips to the park before we became parents and, although we didn’t bust out the beer pong under the mountains, the park is as scenic as I remember.
We opted to stay just outside Yosemite’s south entrance at the Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp. Some of our best friends from Canada were visiting, who also have a little one, so we figured having lodge amenities would make life easier. It took about 4 hour to get there, with a stop for chicken nuggets and hamburgers included. Not too bad! After checking in, we found our way to the cabin we had rented, which included 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, a small living room, and a smaller kitchen.
After some light unpacking, we went to dinner at Jackalopes Grill, the main restaurant at the lodge, located right off the grand, dark, and cozy lobby. Everything felt so woodsy and after the heat we’ve been experiencing at home, I was loving some cooler weather.
Since both kids napped in the car, we decided the indoor swimming pool would be great after dinner to tire them out. And, aside from the complete chaos of an indoor pool (they are SO loud!), it was a great idea; for the 10 minutes we lasted in there. We all much preferred the outdoor pool vibes and were looking forward to our next few days.
Being at the south entrance of the park meant we were about a 50 mintue drive from all the things you basically want to see in Yosemite (Half Dome, El Cap, the falls). We knew we didn’t want to do the drive twice with kids but also wanted to spend as much time in the park as possible. Happily, we discovered the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias right inside the park entrance we closest to.
After a quick drive, we were through the park gates and in the area where a free shuttle would take us to the giant sequoia groove. Now this was a double delight for Cam, who LOVES a shuttle bus.
We tried to explore off the paved path/”easy loop” but could only get so far with strollers. Although we were able to sneak listening in on a park ranger walking tour info at one point before turning around. I think a history buff is starting to emerge from my depths… Did you know Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias were signed into protection by President Abraham Lincoln? There was something else about the park being the first dedicated protected land for everyone to use, not just the rich (but I forget the exact details; ok maybe I’m not that much of a history buff after all).
After lunch and a SHUTTLE BUS RIDE to our car, we went back to the lodge. Cam doesn’t nap anymore when he’s not in school (so he goes to sleep at a reasonable hour!) so, while it was nap/chill time for the other family we were traveling with, we decided to grab a snack and a drink to toast a very special celebration: Mike’s birthday! Last year we were lucky enough to be with the whole Canadian crew for Mike’s birthday; living it up in a cottage. (We miss you Melissa, Dav, & Oaks!)
The next morning we were out the door in record time for navigating a tiny cabin and 2 small kids. We drove through towering trees, some sadly still showing signs of burning from wildfires. (Maybe the fire the year we were going to hike Half Dome? I couldn’t be sure.)
Finally, we arrived at the heart of the park and unpacked the car by loading up the strollers. Our first adventure was to Lower Yosemite Falls. And, because of the wet winter California had, both the upper and lower falls were on full display.
To walk to the falls and back took about an hour. We were all ready for lunch after and found the perfect spot by a river. We even saw a deer walk across it (and stop to pee halfway through). It was certainly lunch with a view!
The water was direct snow melt. So it was freezing. We managed to get in ankle-high though and spent the rest of the afternoon skipping rocks and drinking in the postcard scenery all around us.
In the past when Mike. and I have gone to Yosemite, we’ve camped in the valley. This time we were able to catch a whole new view driving out; probably one of the most famous views of Yosemite that captures El Cap and Half Dome in one shot.
It was our last evening at the lodge and the weather was a sunny 70 still. Of course, we hit up the pool for one last splash before going back to Jackalopes for dinner. I think Cam ate mac n cheese every day during this trip; the ultimate dream for him.
Both kids were wiped after such an adventurous day so it was an early bedtime and a headstart on packing for us.
We departed early the next morning, after some last deep breaths of fresh mountain air (and large, hot coffees). It’s always so lovely spending time at Yosemite.
Want more? Read about our other trips to Yosemite here and here.
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