Our family enjoys spending time outdoors and making memories in nature. This past week we headed to Yosemite National Park to make hopefully lasting memories for our family. We hiked, camped, explored, learned, and endured the wilderness of the park.
We started our adventure on Sunday morning. We arrived at Upper Pines campground mid-afternoon. We quickly began to set up camp. The boys were eager to play and explore the creek near our site. I was amazed at the beauty of the valley (where we were). We were surrounded by tall sequoias on flat ground… only to have the rocks shoot up skyward in every direction a few miles away!
As with all things parenting… and parenting boys… always being prepared for the unexpected is important. The boys were picking up and throwing rocks… and P pinched his finger on a large rock. This cut him and caused a bloody mess… which scared everyone. Thank goodness I had a first aid kit in the car… and thankfully it wasn’t as bad as we first thought!
After we got him calmed down and cleaned up (yes it took a while), the monkeys resumed their wild ruckus around the campground. I was on kid duty while Daddy fired up the stove and started a fire for dinner.
The next morning, we drove up to Glacier Point where we saw some amazing views of the valley! Words cannot describe the beauty we saw. I wish my camera could capture just how beautiful and breathtaking the views were. It was awesome.
The boys found deep pleasure testing their mother’s patience and fear of them falling over the ledge. They also giggled as they spit to see how far it would go down.
Daisy girl even was in awe at the amazing views from Glacier Point. I think she was sizing up Half Dome (right behind her).
The hanging rock (above photo) was fenced off from us going out to explore thank goodness! But there were photos of people many years ago who would tempt fate (and their balance) by standing and jumping while standing on that rock! The drop is straight down to the valley floor. Pure craziness, I tell ya!
After an afternoon of exploring trails, the boys earning their Junior Ranger badge, and learning about the history of the park… we were tired.
The next morning, after we broke camp, we headed to hike to the base of El Capitan. This is a monster of a rock formation and my neck hurt just trying to see the top from the ground! It is insane how large it is!
We began our hike to the base of El Capitan. We were hoping to get to the base to get a real feel for how massive the rock structure really is. Or even better to get a good look at many of the rock climbers who were currently climbing El Capitan that morning.
We went as far as we could… and even that wasn’t even close to the base of El Capitan. I have no idea how close we were to the base… but we found ourselves blazing new trails… and I didn’t want to get lost. I love nature… but I also love knowing where I am.
What is wild is that there were 10+ climbers on the rock in the photo above. I zoomed my camera in 10x and they still looked like little ants! The amazing strength, dedication, and talent those rock climbers have to climb these rock structures amazes me!
We had a great time unplugging from technology and plugging in to nature. We made family memories in Yosemite National Park and would love to return in a few years to make more!
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
What beautiful pics-you all sure do get around!
Scott says
We’ve never been to Yosemite, but always wanted to visit. After all those great photos I may not have to! 😉
Mellisa says
What an amazing place to camp. I hope we can make it there someday.
Mommy Blogger says
wow, great photos. we have been many places, but have not yet hit this one up. awesome.
Patty says
It’s a glorious park. We spent several weeks there while we were traveling about the country in our fifthwheel. I’m glad the fires didn’t impact your trip.
HilLesha says
How gorgeous! I haven’t been to Yosemite National Park since I was a kid.
Jen A says
We live 2.5 hours away and have been there many times. You have some fabulous iconic photos, love them, sorry about the booboo though!
laura @ scribbles and sass says
what great photos! (well, except that blood one…was not expecting that!) looks like a fantastic adventure, glad you all had fun!
i love heading out to the mountains, it’s such a fun and relaxing place.
Michelle says
I have to say, I’ve always wanted to go to Yosemite, but your beautiful pictures make me want to go even more!
Shell Feis says
Yosemite camping looks so amazing. I am so close that I should plan on heading there soon. Glad your son wasn’t hurt badly.
rachel young says
How fun!! This looks amazing, and it seems ya’ll had a great time! We’ve never been there but it sure looks gorgeous!
Lisa - BetweentheKids.com says
Oh Rachel! How beautiful! This looks like it’s so refreshing and such a site to behold. We’ve never been. It’s just gorgeous! Poor P, though!
ganeeban says
Awww, pobrecito, that finger looks like it hurt 🙁 The hikes and camping adventure look perfect for your family. I love getting my hike on in Yosemite, we are so fortunate to be so close to such a naturally beautiful area! xoxo, ganeeban
Miranda @ The Bright Side of Reality says
I’ve never been to Yosemite but it looks beautiful there! I would love to take my kids there after seeing how much fun your family had. I’m glad your son’s finger wasn’t hurt as bad as it looks. Poor little guy!
Michelle says
Wow… I I want to go camping now. What an AMAZING sight.
Digna D. says
Ouch! Boys will be boys. Beautiful scenery I can only imagine. This park is on my bucket list, hope to visit soon. Thanks for sharing these great adventure.
Wendy says
YIKES that was a lot of blood! Glad it got better quick and you were able to enjoy your trip. It looks AMAZING. I’ve never been, but after seeing your photos, I want to go!
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
Oh what a fantastic trip (well, except for the bloody finger!)! Yosemite is on my bucket list, but it’ll have to wait a bit, I guess.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
I’ve never been and have always wanted to go. It looks gorgeous!
Sarah | Must Have Mom says
Thank goodness you brought a first aid kit! What a beautiful scene you had there! It’s gorgeous. I’d love to take our family there.
Karen Coutu says
What a gorgeous view! You must have made some lasting memories with your family.
Lisa says
I need to take my kids here.
Nolie says
What a great place to make memories. I hope to visit one day with my family.
Melissa says
These pictures are breathtaking. It’s definitely on my bucket list to go there.
Mel Outnumbered says
I’ve always wanted t visit Yosemite. It looks so beautiful!
Kerri says
I have never been but it looks absolutely amazing. Your pics are so vivid, adding it to my list of places to go.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
Gorgeous. What a fun family weekend. Sorry about the hurt finger, but glad he was okay.
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
What an incredibly beautiful time you had! All of the pictures are beautiful and your son’s dirty face says it all. That’s when you know they had fun.
Ty says
We took the kids there a few years ago and they absolutely loved it! I’d love to go back one day.