Bringing the kids to Yosemite is without a doubt reel-worthy, but three generations exploring its labyrinth of granite and booming waterfalls? The stuff of family legend. A treasure trove of sweet moments awaits: the grandparents sharing tales from their youth beneath the twinkling Sierra stars; mountain meadow picnics where the blanket is big enough for everyone; posing for that holiday photo with the mist from Yosemite Falls swirling in the background.
But let’s be real — multi-gen travel requires some planning. From finding dates between busy school, work and volunteer schedules to pinpointing attractions that appeal to all ages, it can be a balancing act for sure. Fitness levels, comfort zones and travel times also come into play. Fortunately, we’ve cracked the code with a day-by-day itinerary that is guaranteed to make your multi-gen expedition to Yosemite a success.
Before You Go: Find That Multi-Gen Basecamp
Booking the perfect Yosemite Mariposa County basecamp is the rock-solid foundation of your multi-gen itinerary. The little ones need to be entertained, the elders need to be comfortable, and parents just want to land somewhere stress-free.
For a range of amenities and max comfort, a Sierra mountain resort checks the most boxes. With its storybook vibe just 2 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance, Tenaya at Yosemite offers multiple on-site dining options, indoor and outdoor pools, not to mention on-site activities for all ages (pickleball anyone?) and complimentary yoga classes at their Ascent Spa. The Tenaya also offers a range of Yosemite tours that leave directly from the property — there’s no match for the entire family stretching out in a van with panoramic windows as your professional guide shows you the Yosemite ropes.
Another multi-gen gem is the Yosemite Valley Lodge. From the property take a 10-minute stroll to world-famous Yosemite Falls, or listen to Park Rangers regale the fam with Yosemite tales at its outdoor theater. Enjoy dining at the Mountain Room, or for a more casual noshing the Base Camp Eatery, which has its own Starbucks. An on-site bike rental makes for a breezy tour through the Valley while the grandparents check out the Ansel Adams Gallery for slower-paced fun.
Universal truth: there’s something about family camping trips that stand the test of time. Whether you’re in a RV, tent or tent cabin, memories are guaranteed to be made as blue Sierra skies peek through the pines and the kids run free. Checkered tablecloths get clipped to picnic table, the grandparents settle into their camp chairs and, yes, parents uncork a ten-buck bottle of Cali wine that somehow tastes like the rarest of vintages. Indeed, the Yosemite Mariposa County camping experience is on brand, and on point for a multi-gen escape.
For a true home-away-from-home experience, a Yosemite Mariposa County cabin rental allows the entire family to spread out comfortably between primary bedrooms and bunk beds, and between sunny decks and spacious great rooms where a crackling fire sets the mood. One big consideration for multi-gen travel is the cost of dining out — cabins with fully-appointed kitchens can save money and share laughs while the pasta water steams up the windows. Pro Tip: Forget trying to bungee that ice chest to the roof of your car and stop at a Yosemite Mariposa County market for groceries on the way up.
Day One: Enjoy The Journey/Check-In
It’s important to set the right pace for your multi-gen getaway, and the best way to do this is to slow down and enjoy the drive. Mariposa County’s history is integral to the early days of California statehood, and there are several charming Gold Rush towns worth visiting en route.
Coulterville comes to mind, boasting dozens of historical buildings lining main street and a community spirit fresh off the iron forge. The Coulter Cafe & General Store is the nexus of tourist and local culture, where touring motorcycle clubs mingle with ranchers and international travelers alike. After enjoying their specialty brunch menus on the weekends, check out the Cafe’s visitor information desk replete with handouts and top-notch advice.
With a population of around 1,000 people, the town of Mariposa is the region’s “big city” but don’t let the numbers fool you — this Yosemite trading post oozes Old West charm. Mariposa has everything from fine dining to three museums and the oldest County Courthouse (built 1854) in continuous use west of the Rockies. The Mariposa County Visitor Center allows visitors to stock up on key information prior to their visit, not to mention locally made products from over 100 vendors.
After your foothill foray, it’s time to check in. Get the family situated (whether that’s in a constellation of tents, a block of hotel rooms or your lovely mountain cabin) and fed (whether that’s a camp stove, a Yosemite Mariposa County restaurant or your well-appointed kitchen). Taking a walk after dinner is the perfect introduction to fresh Sierra mountain air and stretches out those legs in preparation for your upcoming tour of Yosemite National Park.
Day Two: Roadside Celebrity
Here’s an observation for the ages… young kids and grandparents like to walk similar distances :not far. Fortunately, there are plenty of roadside attractions in Yosemite where a short walk will pay a big dividend.
Option A:
For the most natural wonders per square mile in the entire world, Yosemite Valley tops the leaderboard. From El Capitan to Half Dome, and Bridalveil Falls to Yosemite Falls, there are countless iconic stops where the family can snap that timeless pic that makes future generations smile. Set up your camp chairs along the Merced River while the kids frolic, or visit the Yosemite Museum, Yosemite Exploration Center and the Indian Village of Ahwahnee for a peek into the area’s fascinating past. If strollers or wheelchairs are part of your multi-gen entourage, there are several paved trails in Yosemite Valley that make for easy rolling.
Option B:
If you feel like getting closer to the clouds (or adding an extra day to your itinerary!), another roadside celebutante is the Northern Yosemite region. The 45-mile stretch of Tioga Road (Hwy 120) between Crane Flat and the Tioga Pass reveals High Country gems around every turn, from the sun-buffed views of granite as you gaze off Olmsted Point to the blue bedazzlement of Tenaya Lake and the gauzy mosaic of Tuolumne Meadows. There is so much to see here that we recommend you make a full day of it (there’s no rushing greatness!). Please be sure to bring your own food — there are any number of delightful spots to spread out your picnic blanket, plus there are no services other than in Tuolumne Meadows. Note: Tioga Road is typically open in summer only due to winter snows. Check current road status before heading up.
Day Three: Mom’s Choice
You’ve got Dad. You’ve got the grandparents. With a top-notch support network like this, it’s the perfect setup for pampering mom. Whether she needs extra space or extra TLC, a nice meal or some outdoor yoga, there are plenty of “mom’s choice” options.
How about a Yosemite Mariposa County spa treatment while the “grands” take the kids to one of the region’s unique museums? Health and history unite!
Maybe mom wants to control the map today and pick a hike that leads to spectacular vistas or ancient Sequoia forests? Yosemite has this “in groves.”
There’s nothing like a vintage steam train, and the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is sure to please everyone ages seven to 70 with its themed rides and gold panning demos. Even better? The mountain railroad folk have food for purchase so no prep is necessary.
Sometimes a Yosemite Mariposa County swim is just what mom needs to refresh and restart. Bring some floaties, a floppy hat and top off your Stanley for maximum relaxation, then head into the town of Mariposa for a tasty bite and peruse everything from vintage clothes to home goods and local art.
Let’s face it — sometimes mom could use a little mommy juice while the Grands hold down the fort. Mariposa wine, beer and cider tastings to the rescue. Grape minds think alike.
Day Four: Getaway/Lunch In Town
Just like arrival day, there’s no need to rush on getaway day. Check out of your digs, have lunch and explore one of the unique regions of Yosemite Mariposa County on the way home. Want to pick up some last-minute souvenirs or get ahead of some birthday/holiday shopping? Strolling the historic main street of Mariposa is nothing short of a “gold mine.”
Family Fables
The grand sweep of Yosemite’s granite walls, forests and waterfalls perfectly reflect the strength and breadth of our family ties. From Papa posing with his first grandchild at Tunnel View to a family ice-skating session during a serene Yosemite Valley winter, there are memories to be made around every turn, and in every season. It’s been said that family is both a link to our past and a bridge to our future. Indeed, planning a multi-gen trip to Yosemite requires some savvy, but the payoff is guaranteed to be priceless.