Family Travel: Firefall Ranch (Yosemite NP)

If you’re planning a family trip to Yosemite National Park and looking for the perfect place to stay, you must check out Firefall Ranch. This brand-new, family-friendly resort just outside the park entrance made our recent mother-son adventure easy, comfortable, and unforgettable. With spacious private cottages, tons of outdoor activities, and quick access to Yosemite’s biggest sights, it’s an ideal basecamp for families who love both adventure and a little luxury. In this post, I’m sharing our review of Firefall Ranch and all the details of our Yosemite trip to help you plan your own visit.

*This post was created in collaboration with Firefall Ranch. Accommodations and some activities were exchanged for review purposes. All opinions expressed and all photos contained herein belong to the author.

Winter Weekend Getaway in Yosemite

Earlier this year, I had the chance to take my youngest son (6) on a mother-son adventure to Yosemite National Park—and it was truly unforgettable. We teamed up with my good friend (and Run Wild My Child contributor) Araceli and her son for a few days of exploring, hiking, laughing, and making memories in one of the most iconic outdoor destinations in the country.

This was my first-ever visit to Yosemite, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve always believed that you don’t have to travel far or visit a famous place to have an epic outdoor adventure—and I still believe that. But there’s no denying it: Yosemite completely blew me away.

The sheer size, beauty, and scale of the park is something you just can’t fully appreciate until you’re standing there in person, looking up at towering granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

Firefall Ranch Review

For our trip, we stayed at Firefall Ranch, a brand-new resort located just 20 minutes outside the park’s Big Oak Flat entrance. We couldn’t have picked a better place for our family adventure.

Private cottages, endless outdoor activities, cozy spaces to unwind, a heated pool, and even a general store stocked with trail snacks and gelato—it had everything we needed to make the trip relaxing, easy, and fun. In this post, I’ll share an honest review of Firefall Ranch, what we loved about it, some tips for families visiting Yosemite National Park, and everything I wish I had known before our trip.

If you’re planning a family trip to Yosemite—or even just dreaming about one—here’s everything you need to know about where to stay, what to do, and how to make it a trip your kids will never forget.

Getting to Yosemite (Firefall Ranch)

Getting to Yosemite National Park and Firefall Ranch takes a little planning, but the journey is part of the adventure. Most visitors either fly into Sacramento (SMF), Fresno (FAT), or San Francisco (SFO) and drive in from there. Firefall Ranch is located just outside Groveland, California, about 20 minutes from Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat entrance on the park’s western side.

We made the drive from Lake Tahoe, passing through Sacramento, and while the drive was long, it was absolutely gorgeous. Rolling hills, winding rivers, towering forests—it’s hard not to be distracted by the scenery.

That said, parts of the drive were definitely not for the faint of heart. Some stretches of highway were narrow, steep, and winding, with sheer drop-offs and no guardrails in sight. If there’s any chance of winter weather, you’ll need snow chains or a vehicle with four-wheel drive, and always check road conditions before you set out.

Most of the roads leading into this part of Yosemite are two-lane highways, so traffic, road work, or accidents can easily slow things down. Give yourself extra time to get there, drive during daylight if possible, and make sure your camera is ready, because the views are worth every nerve-wracking turn.

Why we chose Firefall Ranch

When Araceli and I started planning this trip, we knew we wanted to stay somewhere comfortable, family-friendly, and close to the park entrance. Firefall Ranch checked all the boxes. The resort is brand new, having just opened in 2023, and it already had a growing reputation for being one of the best family-friendly places to stay near Yosemite.

Firefall Ranch is part of a small, highly regarded group of hotels (along with the nearby Rush Creek Lodge and Evergreen Lodge), all known for offering laid-back luxury and thoughtful amenities that make outdoor adventures easy and fun for families.

With private cottages, outdoor games, heated pools, on-site dining, a general store, and endless ways for kids (and adults) (and dogs) to stay busy, it seemed like the perfect balance between nature escape and modern comfort.

Plus, being just 20 minutes from the national park entrance meant we could spend more time exploring Yosemite and less time driving back and forth. After reading reviews and hearing great feedback from other outdoorsy families, we knew Firefall Ranch would be the right fit for our adventure. Spoiler alert: it absolutely was.

Accommodations at Firefall Ranch

We stayed in one of the larger cabins at Firefall Ranch, with two bedrooms and a loft for the kids, and it was absolutely perfect for our little crew. Traveling with kids means you’re basically packing for an expedition—luggage, gear, snacks, stuffed animals, random “must-have” treasures—and having all that space to spread out made a huge difference.

The cabin was thoughtfully designed, cozy, and packed with small touches that made it feel like home. The kids immediately claimed the loft space (of course) and spent the evenings playing games by the fireplace, which was everyone’s favorite hangout spot.

I personally fell in love with the wrap-around porch, which was the perfect place to sit, sip coffee, and read a book (or our magazine!). And in one of the most refreshing surprises of all, there were no screens! No TVs, no distractions—just lots of books, board games, puzzles, and actual family time.

The cottages also had fun and thoughtful features like heated bathroom floors (luxury!), a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and a sink. I do wish there had been a full kitchen in each unit (because honestly, it’s so helpful when traveling with kids), but with two restaurants and a general store right on-site, we made do without it (and never really missed it).

The cabins are nicely spaced out across the property, so you’re never right on top of other guests. Our cabin was a short walk or quick drive to the main lodge and pool area. On the way up, we passed a pond with a little island, and the kids loved spotting the frogs, lizards, and other critters every time we went by. It was the perfect setup—close enough to everything we needed, but still quiet, private, and peaceful.

Amenities and activities at Firefall Ranch

One of the best parts about staying at Firefall Ranch was that there was so much for the kids to do right on-site. After a long day of adventuring in Yosemite, it was such a treat to come back to the ranch and let the kids burn off even more energy while we relaxed nearby.

The heated outdoor pool and hot tubs were hands-down the highlight for the kids. No matter how much hiking, climbing, and exploring we did during the day, they somehow always had enough energy for the pool. (Meanwhile, I was just thrilled to be soaking in a hot tub under the stars.)

When they weren’t swimming, the kids were busy taking full advantage of the outdoor games scattered across the property. There’s an 18-hole putt-putt course, frisbee golf, a rock climbing wall, volleyball courts, nearby hiking trails, foosball, and shuffleboard—enough activities to keep even the most restless kids happy. We loved how everything was close enough that they could explore safely while we sat nearby or wandered with them.

Dining at Firefall Ranch

Food was another big win. Firefall Ranch has two on-site restaurants—a fine dining option for those nights you want to treat yourself and a casual spot serving hearty mountain meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There’s also a general store stocked with trail-ready breakfasts and lunches, coffee, snacks, gifts, games, gear, and even gelato (because obviously no trip is complete without ice cream).

Between the restaurants and the store, we never once had to leave the property to hunt down food, which made the whole trip feel so much easier and more relaxed. We ate most of our meals in the casual dining room and everything was amazing. Do yourself a favor and order the spicy margarita with your dinner and the pancakes for breakfast!

Planned activities and guided adventures at Firefall Ranch

Another huge perk of staying at Firefall Ranch is the daily list of activities and excursions they offer. Every morning, there’s a full schedule of options for families, making it incredibly easy to stay active, explore the area, and try something new without having to plan everything yourself.

You can choose from a wide variety of on-property activities like archery lessons, nature walks, yoga, photography classes, meditation sessions, and arts and crafts. Most of these are kid-friendly (or even specifically designed for kids), and the relaxed, casual vibe makes it easy to jump in without feeling like you’re locked into a rigid schedule. We loved how approachable everything was—you could do as much or as little as you wanted based on your mood each day.

And if you’re looking to venture into Yosemite without the stress of planning or navigating, Firefall’s guided excursions are incredible. It’s like getting a backstage pass to Yosemite. Their professional guides (who work at both Firefall and Rush Creek) take care of all the logistics—driving, parking, timing—so you can focus on enjoying the park and soaking in all the insider tips and hidden gems you might otherwise miss.

You can pick from dozens of guided trips that include everything from driving tours of Yosemite’s most iconic spots to adventurous hikes, biking, snowshoeing, fly fishing, overnight backpacking, and even airplane rides over the park! It’s the perfect setup for families who want to maximize their time in Yosemite without feeling overwhelmed by all the options and planning.

We ended up doing the Giant Sequoia Hike (which I’ll share more about below), and I can honestly say that having so many adventure options right at our fingertips was a huge part of what made our trip feel so smooth, relaxed, and fun.

Exploring Yosemite National Park

Of course, the real star of the trip was Yosemite National Park itself. Even after seeing a million photos over the years, nothing prepared me for how massive, rugged, and jaw-droppingly beautiful this place really is.

Most of Yosemite’s famous sights are located in Yosemite Valley, a glacier-carved valley surrounded by towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and iconic rock formations like El Capitan and Half Dome. If you’re visiting for the first time (especially with kids), this is where you’ll want to spend most of your time. It’s home to many of the park’s most accessible and family-friendly hikes, viewpoints, and scenic spots.

February in Yosemite

We visited in February, which comes with a few important notes:

• Advanced reservations are required during February ($2) because of the Firefall phenomenon at Horsetail Falls (more on that later).
• Entry fee is $35 per vehicle, valid for seven days.
• Bikes aren’t available for rent in winter, but there’s a free shuttle that runs through the valley if you don’t want to drive and deal with parking.
• Crowds were minimal in the morning (especially early!), but picked up in the afternoon as people arrived for Firefall.
• Weather can change fast—pack layers and be ready for anything. We were breaking ice in the morning and stripped down to our t-shirts sitting in the sunshine by afternoon!

We started by hitting some of the most iconic stops in Yosemite Valley:

• Tunnel View – One of the most famous and awe-inspiring views in the park.
• Bridalveil Fall – A short, easy walk to the base of a stunning waterfall.
• Yosemite Falls – The tallest waterfall in North America, accessible via a family-friendly trail.
• Merced River – A gorgeous winding river flowing through the park.
• El Capitan Meadow – Perfect for spotting climbers or just soaking in the views.

Everywhere you turn, there’s another postcard-perfect scene, and even the kids were impressed (between snack breaks, ice breaking, and rock-throwing, of course). We mostly kept things easy and flexible, which worked perfectly with two young kids in tow.

If it’s your first visit, my biggest piece of advice is: don’t try to do it all. Yosemite is massive, and trying to cram too much in will just leave everyone exhausted. Pick a few highlights, slow down, and soak it in. The magic here is in being present.

Hiking among the Sequoias: a giant adventure

One of the highlights of our Yosemite trip was the Giant Sequoia Hike we did through Firefall Ranch’s guided excursions. I knew the sequoias would be big, but nothing really prepares you for just how massive and ancient these trees feel in real life. It’s one of those moments where you instantly feel tiny in the best possible way.

Our guide made the whole experience easy and fun—he shared tons of interesting facts about the history of the grove, the trees’ incredible lifespans, how they survive fires and other challenges, plus told jokes to the kids. It wasn’t just a hike—it was a storytelling adventure that kept both the kids and adults engaged (no small feat when hiking with a six-year-old).

The trail itself was relatively easy and family-friendly—not too steep or long, and absolutely stunning the entire way. Firefall provided wrap-around-your-shoe ice cleats for our boots, which helped tremendously on any icy patches.

The kids ran ahead, picked up pinecones, checked out the sap icicles, and tried to “hug” the trees, which was hilarious because their little arms barely covered a fraction of the trunk. My son even stopped mid-hike, licked his lips dramatically, and announced, “I think the air tastes better here.” (You’re right, buddy.)

The highlight was being able to walk through one of the giant felled trees. It was massive and hollowed out enough that it created an incredible tunnel. It got a little tight in places (I definitely whacked my head a few times), but it was SO cool! The kids loved climbing on the tree and could have stayed there playing for hours.

If you’re visiting Yosemite with kids, hiking among the sequoias is a must. It’s an easy win—adventurous enough to feel exciting without being too difficult, and the chance to see these giant trees up close is something your kids will remember forever. Bonus points for doing it with a guide who handles the navigation and makes it even more interesting with stories and insider knowledge.

Bonus: seeing Yosemite’s Firefall (or not!)

If you visit Yosemite in February, you might get the chance to witness the park’s famous Firefall phenomenon at Horsetail Fall.

For a few weeks each year, the setting sun hits the waterfall at just the right angle, making it glow bright orange and look like molten lava pouring down the cliffside. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of sight—but there are a few things to know before you plan your whole day around it.

First, viewing Firefall takes some work. The Park Service enforces strict parking restrictions during this time, and you’ll likely need to park far away and walk a mile or more to get to the best viewing spots.

There’s no guarantee you’ll actually see it—conditions have to be just right with clear skies, flowing water, and the perfect timing. Plus, after the sun sets, you’ll be hiking back in the dark, which adds another level of challenge if you’re traveling with kids.

We had initially planned to stay and watch it, but by late afternoon, the kids were completely done. After a full day of hiking, climbing rocks, and exploring, they had zero interest in waiting around for “another waterfall”—even if it glowed like lava. Instead, we headed back to Firefall Ranch where they happily swam in the heated pool under the stars. Honestly, no regrets.

Tip: If you want to catch Firefall, plan ahead, pack headlamps, lots of snacks, and be prepared for a late night and a lot of walking. But also know—it’s okay to skip it if it’s just not in the cards. The real magic of Yosemite is everywhere.

Practical Tips for Visiting Firefall Ranch and Yosemite with Kids

A few things we learned (sometimes the hard way) that might help make your family adventure even smoother:

1. Book early.
Firefall Ranch is still pretty new, but word is getting out fast. If you’re visiting during popular times—especially spring break, summer, or Firefall season in February—you’ll want to reserve your cottage early.

2. Plan for driving time.
Even though Firefall Ranch is close to Yosemite’s entrance (20 minutes), the park itself is huge. Expect at least 30–60 minutes of driving from the hotel to get to popular trailheads and sights inside the valley, depending on where you’re headed.

3. Be flexible with weather.
Especially if you’re visiting in winter or early spring, be ready for snow, rain, sunshine, and everything in between. Pack layers, waterproof gear, and check road conditions daily. You may need snow chains or a vehicle with four-wheel drive if a storm rolls in.

4. Bring snacks and water everywhere.
There’s food available at Firefall Ranch and in the park, but it’s still smart to pack your own, especially with kids. Snacks solve 90% of outdoor complaints in my experience.

5. Take advantage of the on-site activities.
The daily activities at Firefall Ranch are a great way to fill in gaps on your trip without needing to leave the property. Whether it’s yoga, archery, crafts, or swimming, it’s nice to have options that don’t involve hopping back in the car.

6. Don’t try to do it all.
Yosemite is massive. You won’t see everything in one trip (and trying to will only stress you out). Pick a few highlights, leave plenty of time to explore at a kid’s pace, and soak up the magic.

7. Enjoy the downtime.
One of my favorite parts of this trip was the slow, cozy evenings at Firefall Ranch. No screens, no distractions—just kids playing board games by the fireplace or splashing in the pool while the grownups relaxed. Leave some unplanned time in your schedule—it’s worth it.

Final thoughts: Firefall Ranch and Yosemite with kids

Our stay at Firefall Ranch made our Yosemite trip feel easy, comfortable, and truly unforgettable. The combination of adventure, space to relax, kid-friendly activities, and thoughtful touches turned what could have been a stressful national park trip into one of my favorite memories with my son.

Yosemite itself is beyond anything photos can capture—wild, beautiful, humbling—and having a peaceful, cozy home base like Firefall Ranch made it even better.

If you’re planning a family trip to Yosemite, I cannot recommend Firefall Ranch enough. It’s the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and laid-back luxury, and it gives kids and parents the space they need to truly enjoy the experience. Book early, pack your sense of adventure (and snacks), and get ready to make memories you’ll be talking about for years.