Easy Yosemite trips for nephews

I would suggest Ostrander Lake. It's six miles, but an easy six. It's at an elevation where you can have a fire.

In October, permits go to self registration. You would stop at the Wawona wilderness office and fill out a permit on the porch on the way to the trailhead, or the valley visitor center will help you with that.

October 15 is the cutoff for parking overnight on Tioga Road. If you go before then, you could head for May Lake, just a few miles in, and stay in the backpacker camp at the High Sierra Camp (the resort side of the camp will be closed up for the winter).

I agree with the Ostrander Lake suggestion, but it isn't a uniquely Yosemite experience. It's a nice hike, but you could also do something in the Emigrant Wilderness that would work better for your goals: Bear Lake, Sword and Lost Lakes (in Carson-Iceberg Wilderness) and even some of the hikes out of Carson pass would also work.

Just sayin…

Chris,
I suggest you check out all the hiking opportunities starting in Tuolumne meadows. The Murphy Creek trailhead almost always has permits available. From there you can hike to May Lake, Polly Dome Lakes, Lyell, and many other places all below 9600ft so fires are allowed. This was the exact itinerary i had planned a couple years ago and did not get to do with my family but its' still on the menu. Have a good hike!!

Some other ideas:
Glen Aulin – 5.3 flat miles from TM
Glen Aulin – 6.8 hilly but not tough miles from Tenaya Lake via Murphy Creek
Young Lakes – 6.0 miles with ~1,200 feet of climbing
Porcupine Creek to near the top of Yosemite Falls – 5.0 with ~1,500 feet drop 1st day (and climbing on the way out). Be sure to check with Rangers to see if there is sufficient water

It's not clear if the Sunrise TH will be open yet after the recent Meadow Fire.

Probably tough for an intro for an 8-year old:
Grant Lakes/Ten Lakes – ~6+ miles with ~2,000 feet of climbing
TM/Rafferty Creek to Volgelsang area – ~7 miles with ~2,000 feet

Thanks guys!
So far ostrander seems pretty easy for the little guy.
Potential itin:
Fri: Arrive at bridalveil creek campground around 6pm. Is this campground worthwhile?
Sat: hike to ostrander, and stay the night.
Sun: hike back out.

Is Glen aulin more scenic? I wish I could give them a hike with a view of halfdome or el cap….but can't easily do that with an 8 year old eh?

Bridalveil closes in late September. Try Wawona or Hogden, both open year round.

Glen Aulin is pretty nice, but the river is low so the waterfalls will be less glorious than usual. The High Sierra camp will be closed but you should be able to use the bear boxes and a campsite. It's an upside down hike – downhill going out, uphill coming back – but a nice gradual hill.

"I wish I could give them a hike with a view of halfdome or el cap"

The hike to Glen Aulin is gorgeous, low water or not, and easy. I agree that it's a sensible choice for a camp-out with kids.

But you can also easily take them to see the base of El Cap. It's pretty cool to stand at the base and look straight up the face. Just drive to a parking spot on the valley road nearby, and walk through the trees towards it. There's no official trail, but it's easy to find your way through, there are use trails and as I recall it's only maybe 20 mins walk. You can't really get lost sandwiched between the road and the vertical face. Take binoculars, you can often see climbers up there.

Ok I think I'm settled on Ostrander. Mainly since we won't arrive until late on a Friday and it's a closer drive.

I have a few questions for ya:

1. Which trailhead do you recommend to start? Ostrander lake TH or Brideveil creek TH? Seems to be similar distance…which has the nicest trail/best parking?

2. Since we're arriving late, I'm considering night hiking in a few miles. (Vs staying at wawona campground). Are there obvious campsites with water a few miles in from either trailhead?

Seems camping is legal 2-3 miles in http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/wildernesstrailheads.pdf

Any other tips are appreciated!! :)

I would not count on Bridalveil Creek to be flowing at all, and it might be dry. The access road into Bridalveil Creek Campground may be gated, and it would lead to one trailhead. The #33 Ostrander trailhead might be a bit more foolproof. If you go too far, you will get to the Horizon Ridge Ski Trail, and that would not be good.

It is difficult for me to wrap my head around hiking on dry ground to Ostrander. For decades I have always gone there on skis.

–B.G.–

You might be able to camp a few miles in legally, but as I recall there aren't good spots and most certainly there is no water until you get to the lake.

The Lost Bear/Ostrander trailhead is where to park, as I suspect the campground is gated and you'd end up parking along the road and walking through the grounds. There are bear boxes available at the Ostrander trailhead.

Very helpful advice!
Sounds like its safest to stay at wawona campground that first night, then start at Ostrander/fuzzybear trailhead.
Thanks everyone! My nephews owe you big time ;)

I think an eight-year-old kid might get his butt kicked trying to make it up the hill to Ostrander. During ski season, we get to the trail junction that is 1.5 miles from Ostrander Hut. Then Cardiac Hill starts.

–B.G.–

That bad eh? I was planning on keeping his pack at around 10lbs or so….maybe that would help.
I'm wondering if a redbull would do the trick…