Yosemite Trip Planning Guide for Families from Oakhurst

Explore the detailed trail map for Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park. This page provides essential information for hikers and visitors to navigate the stunning landscapes and trails of this iconic location.

About a 1 hour 50-minute drive from Oakhurst. The road is seasonal, but it should be open during your trip, still worth double-checking before you go. Glacier Point has some incredible views, and as a bonus, you’ll drive past Badger Pass Ski Area, which is the only ski resort located inside a national park. Glacier Point hiking: Sentinel Dome is a great family-friendly option (2-mile round trip, 400' elevation gain) Taft Point is also fun, but tends to be crowded because of the famous cliff-edge photos (2.2-mile round trip, 200' elevation gain) McGurk Meadow is beautiful this time of year, especially for wildflowers, and you may even spot a great gray owl (1.6 miles round trip, 150' elevation gain) This trail also will go past the meadow all the way to Dewey Point, but that might be a bit far for the family (7.6 miles, 750' elevation gain)

This is between Oakhurst and Yosemite, so it's a shorter drive, about 30 minutes from Oakhurst. You'll take a free shuttle from the Welcome Plaza to the grove (runs every 15 minutes from 8 AM–7 PM). There are trails ranging from easy to strenuous. For your family, I'd recommend the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail (2 mile moderate loop). Explore the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, home to some of the largest trees on Earth. This page provides essential information for planning your visit to this stunning natural wonder in Yosemite National Park.

The Sentinel Meadow/Cook's Meadow loop is an easy trail in the heart of Yosemite Valley that encompasses Cook's and Sentinel Meadows, Lower Yosemite Falls, the Swinging Bridge, and Sentinel Bridge. This scenic hike offers stunning views and a chance to experience the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park.

Explore the scenic Cook's Meadow Loop in Yosemite National Park, a picturesque trail that offers stunning views of iconic landmarks such as Half Dome and El Capitan. This easy, accessible hike is perfect for visitors looking to experience the beauty of Yosemite's meadows and wildlife.

Happy Isles, a short but bucolic hike along the Merced River near the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. This page provides information about the trail, its features, and tips for hikers visiting this scenic area.

Sentinel Beach is a scenic destination within the U.S. National Park Service, offering visitors a beautiful natural landscape for recreation and relaxation. The page provides information about the beach's features, activities, and accessibility for those looking to explore this serene location.

Explore the stunning beauty of Yosemite Valley, a central feature of Yosemite National Park. This page provides essential information for planning your visit, including attractions, activities, and tips for enjoying this iconic destination.

Explore the stunning day hikes available in Yosemite Valley, designed for all skill levels. This page provides essential information on trails, distances, and highlights to help you plan your visit to one of America's most iconic national parks.

Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

One of Yosemite's most famous waterfalls, Bridalveil Fall is visibly from many locations in the valley and is a must see in Yosemite.

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