This guest blog was written by nationalpark_familyquest. Check out their amazing photos and explorations on Instagram.
Located in northern California, Yosemite National Park holds a special place in many people’s hearts. In fact, John Muir, the Scottish-born American naturalist, and author, once said:
[Yosemite] “is by far the grandest of all of His special temples of nature I was ever permitted to enter.”
As much as I love so many of the smaller National Park sites, the most famous National Parks are that well known for a reason. Yosemite must be seen in person at least once in your lifetime! It has a unique grandeur that will leave you in awe and probably wishing for words as poetic as Muir’s to describe this astonishing place! Read on to learn about our favorite kid-friendly hike in the park.
Our most recent trip to Yosemite was much too brief! (I didn’t initially succeed in getting reservations so planned another itinerary). Then, the week before we were able to get reservations, so we opted for a brief visit over none at all. Given our short time to be in the park, and my aversion to crowds, we skipped the Yosemite valley altogether. Instead, we headed up to the Glacier Point area. It’s here that we hiked the Sentinel Dome Trail and loved it!
🗺 It is a 2.1 mile out and back trail with 456 feet of elevation gain and ranked easy. Park in the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point parking area on the Glacier Point Road where restrooms are available. Keep in mind that the road is only open from late May or early June to November (and it will be closed in 2022 for repairs). It’s about an hour drive from the Yosemite Valley.
🥾 Most of the trail winds through forests with abundant wildflowers in the early summer. The final section of the trail involves either a rock scramble up the granite dome or follow the trail for an easier ascent around the back.
🏔This little climb is more than rewarded by the 360-degree views of Half Dome and the high Sierras beyond. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy sunrise or sunset (dress in layers as it’s chilly even in the summer at this elevation).
Considerations
- For directions and more information about the trail, see the park website.
- Plan your trip in advance: reservations are required from May 21 through September 30, 2021.
- Enter the park before 9 am and after 5 pm to avoid delays and congestion
- Do not come close to or feed the animals
- For more tips, see the park website
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Follow our quest to visit all 423 National Park sites with our family of seven and for tips on planning your own National Park adventures @nationalpark_familyquest
Photo Credits
@nationalpark_familyquest (cover and photo above)
National Park Service