Can Kids Hike Nevada Falls? What You Need To Know

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Yosemite is one of America’s most treasured places, with lots of jaw-dropping scenery (meadows, lakes, mountains, trees, waterfalls, and beaches) to behold. The most popular trail that leads to Vernal and Nevada falls — the Mist Trail — is usually at the top of every hiker’s list and presents a wide array of challenges for you to conquer. But what if your kids want to tag along and hike Nevada Falls too?

Kids can hike Nevada falls as long as they are at least seven and love walking. The Mist Trail is steep, wet, slippery, and has no rails. Additionally, some steps are too tall for short legs. The stretch from Vernal to Nevada falls is even steeper and rockier.

This post will explore Nevada Falls and Yosemite Park in general as a family adventure destination. I’ll also give you tips for hiking the trail with kids and highlight some alternative hiking trails and activities suitable for your little ones.

How To Hike Nevada Falls With Kids

Nevada Falls begins at Happy Isles and requires you to cover a stretch of 5.4 miles (8.69 km). The trip is primarily steep, with an altitude of about 6561.68 yards (6000 meters). You’ll follow the Mist Trail up over 600 granite steps to the first stop (the footbridge), where you’ll enjoy the beautiful view of Vernal Falls.

You can hike this trail with a baby carrier if you’re a fit hiker. But I don’t recommend it due to the wet and slippery path because of the water spray from the falls.

Here are other tips to keep in mind when hiking Nevada Falls with kids:

Wear the right outfit. Wear the right shoes (no flip-flops). Also, don’t forget your rain jackets because you’ll be soaking wet at the end of the trip.
Keep an eye out for your kids. Keep them at close range since the trail is commonly crowded. Get ready to hold hands, grab shirts and yell at your kids when needed.
Bring lots of snacks and water for your young ones. It’s worth noting that there’s a water stop at the footbridge of Vernal Falls where you can refill your bottles.
Have frequent breaks. That way, the hike will be a lot easier for the kids.
Arrive early to beat lines. Kids hate lines, after all.

Child-Friendly Hikes in Yosemite Park

If you feel your kids can’t go up Nevada Falls, there are many other child-friendly trails they can enjoy at Yosemite Park. Let’s have a look.

Glacier Point Trail

Glacier Point is arguably one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite Park. It offers a spectacular view of the Nevada Falls, Half Dome, Upper, Lower Yosemite Falls, Clouds Rest, and Yosemite Valley. The best way to experience Glacier Point with kids is to drive to the car park and hike along the paved path. Otherwise, trekking on the entire 21-mile (33.8-km) trail with your little ones can be challenging.

Glacier Point is perfect for a sunrise or a sunset view. However, the weather can change quickly. Ensure that you carry extra warm jackets for your kids in case it gets chilly.

Mirror Lake Paved Trail

If you’ve always wanted your kids to see a glacial lake, Mirror Lake Paved Trail in Yosemite is your ideal hike. It’s a seasonal lake, meaning it only shows up during the rainy season. The lake used to occupy the larger part of Yosemite, but it has shrunk over the years.

Besides the lake, the Mirror Lake Paved trail allows visitors to see different animals like geese, trout fish, and ducks. But the real highlight of this trail is walking around the magnificent lake.

Lower Yosemite Falls

The Lower Yosemite Falls is among the most interesting child-friendly hikes in Nevada Falls. It’s a short trail most kids can handle easily, leading visitors to the stunning Yosemite Falls base. There’s no better place to create memories and take family photos than the Lower Yosemite Falls.

Most importantly, you don’t need special gear for this trail because of the pavings. It’s also ideal for strollers and wheelchairs if you’re using snow. Because the Lower Yosemite Falls come from melting snow, it doesn’t flow throughout the year.

The best time to tour this trail is during the spring or summer. You can hike it during the winter, but since it gets icy during the cold months, you’d need shoes with excellent grip to do so.

In any case, the trail is close to Yosemite Valley, where you can see awe-inspiring rock formations.

Taft Point and The Fissures

Taft Point provides breathtaking views of the valley. It stands out because of its easy hikes that are great for kids. The Fissures are exciting hikes adjacent to Taft Point and are well-known for their fascinating rock formations.

Taft Point has two accessible viewing points. The first one offers a superb view of the Half Dome and Yosemite Valley, while the second one is arguably one of the best photo spots.

Also, visitors can experience the beautiful wildflowers and short walks in the forest.

However, Taft Point has no railings, so parents must watch their children during winter hikes.

Activities To Do With Your Kids in Yosemite Park

Yosemite Park is an exquisite and welcoming destination for families. There’s plenty that you and your kids can do in this park. These include:

Experience the Tunnel View

The Tunnel View is a popular stopover. It provides a diverse view of El Capitan and the Half Dome. The Tunnel View orients you with the trip to Yosemite and is an excellent spot for a memorable family photo against a breathtaking background.

Picnic at the Swinging Bridge

A family picnic never disappoints, especially for the young ones. Picnicking at the Swinging Bridge along the Merced River will give them time to unwind and have a snack. A shallow beach near this bridge will encourage your kids’ playfulness and curiosity. If you want to stop at the Swinging Bridge, pack a few sandwiches and other snacks for your little ones.

Ride Bikes at the Yosemite Valley

You can have a fantastic family bike ride at the Yosemite Valley. The valley is crowded most of the time, so biking is the next best alternative. Luckily, there are many spots at the Yosemite Valley where you can rent bikes for your kids.

These spots include Yosemite Village and the Valley Village. You can find all types of bikes in these locations. For example, there are bikes with trailers for parents with toddlers.

Final Thoughts

Even though hiking Nevada falls can be treacherous for younger kids, Yosemite Park is vast and full of enjoyable family activities. You don’t have to leave your kids home on this trip. You can have a good bonding experience with them as you engage in the various activities at Yosemite Park.