From City Streets to Forest Trails

"They told us to turn back,” said Sam Johnson, recalling the moment a well-meaning couple stopped them on the trail. “But if we had, we would have missed that beautiful waterfall.” 

It was the family’s third day in California, and the Houston heat already felt far behind them. The path to Carlon Falls started like a stroll but soon turned into an endurance test, full of steep climbs and rocky footing. It was the kind of hike most parents would hesitate to attempt with three small children in tow – but not this family.   

“It was totally worth it,” said Sam. “When we got there, it was spectacular.” 

His wife, Stephanie Tran, laughed at the memory. “I was about to have a heart attack,” she said. “‘We’re not breaking an arm on this trip.’ This was my thought at Tuolumne Grove when they were clinging to the overturned Sequoia.” 

That mix of daring and laughter defined the Johnson family’s first Yosemite adventure – a weeklong escape that tested their limits, soothed their spirits, and brought them closer to nature than any beach vacation ever could. 

Ethan, Alex, Flynn, and Eva explore the Merced River in Yosemite Valley.

A Birthday Adventure 

The idea started as a birthday wish. “Since it was her birthday, I told her we could go anywhere,” said Sam. “She planned it all.” 

Stephanie knew exactly what she wanted. “We wanted to do something more active and get out of the Texas heat,” she said. 

Traveling with their three young children – Eva, 6, and twins Alex and Flynn, 4½ – they were eager to trade Houston’s summer heat for mountain air and adventure. 

For years, their family vacations had revolved around beaches, the blue relaxation of sea and sun. But this time, she longed for green: the whisper of trees, the sound of running water, and mountain air. 

Their destination was Rush Creek Lodge, just outside Yosemite National Park, where they joined California cousins whose children were the same ages as their own. 

“There was a stream running through the property just outside our window,” said Sam. “At night we opened the doors and had the natural air-conditioning of Yosemite. It was like a white-noise machine.” 

Flynn, Ethan, Eva, James, and Alex explore the massive Dead Giant Tunnel Tree in Yosemite National Park.

Into the Giant Forest 

Their first full day was meant to be easy – a warmup hike through the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. The path sloped gently down into the forest, wide enough for little legs and strollers. Going down, anyway. 

“It was all downhill on the way in, which was perfect,” said Sam. “But that meant we had to go all the way back up with all those kids.” 

Stephanie smiled at the memory. “That got them in the mindset that we can do anything after this,” she said. “You go from city life and television to hiking in nature.” 

The kids were wide-eyed among the towering trees. Some trunks were hollowed by centuries of fire, others fallen like bridges across the forest floor. “The kids could crawl inside and climb on top of the huge trees,” said Sam. “We took photos of them up in the air.” 

By the time they climbed back up the trail, legs trembling and cheeks flushed, they’d earned more than sore muscles – they’d earned confidence. 

Flynn and Eva take in the view of Yosemite Falls from the bridge below.

Carlon Falls 

The next day brought their most memorable adventure. The trail to Carlon Falls wound through the Sierra National Forest, sunlight flickering through pine and cedar, a cool river rushing beside them. But an older couple heading the opposite way warned them to reconsider. 

“We felt like we were in a horror movie at first where someone warns you to turn back,” Stephanie said, laughing. “But it turned out to be my favorite hike of the trip.” 

At the end of the trail, the family reached a waterfall cascading into a turquoise pool. “It was totally worth it,” said Sam. “The waterfall had a big pool we could swim in. The water was freezing.” 

“The water added a cool element,” said Stephanie. “It was so picturesque swimming in the forest.” 

Their children squealed at the icy shock of the water. “They found a fish that came up and ate the goldfish crackers that the kids accidentally dropped,” Stephanie said. “They loved that.” 

As the parents swam under the spray, the kids played at the edge, collecting pebbles and laughter. “It was so beautiful,” Sam said later. “That was definitely my favorite part of the trip.” 

Eva stands victorious atop a giant fallen tree in the Tuolumne Grove as Flynn observes.

Yosemite Valley 

A day later, they decided to see the park’s iconic sights – Half Dome and Yosemite Falls – about a 45-minute to one-hour drive from the lodge, down winding roads into the valley. 

“It was definitely the most breathtaking scene – cliffs crashing into the atmosphere,” recalled Sam. 

But with the beauty came crowds. “It was very touristy, so not our favorite,” Stephanie said. “But everyone was so nice – the rangers were amazing with the kids.” 

The family found their own rhythm by the river, letting the children wade into the cold current. The day was hot, but the water was pure relief. They learned that adventure could look different – sometimes a quiet moment with feet in the stream was all it took. 

Cousins Ethan and James Huynh join Eva, Flynn, and Alex on the giant swing at Rush Creek Lodge.

‘Bougie and Bored’ 

By the fourth day, they were ready to rest. Rush Creek Lodge had plenty of diversions: zip lines, giant lawn games, and, surprisingly, a family-friendly spa. 

“No spa wants kids – except this one,” said Stephanie. “It was a good family time.” 

“The kids were sitting there with towels on their heads,” Sam laughed. “Bougie and bored – they’re living the life.” 

They spent the rest of the day bouncing between the pool and the playground, soaking up the Sierra sunshine. After three days of hiking, it was the kind of relaxation they hadn’t known they needed. 

When it came to her favorite part, Eva’s answer was pure six-year-old logic. 

“The favorite part of my trip was going down the slide and up the climbing wall,” she said with a grin. “Oh, the slide! And the pool, the pool. The pool and the slide. Because it was fast!”  

Eva balances on a log above a mountain stream as Alex and Flynn prepare to take a turn.

Pillars of Creation 

That night, the family joined a stargazing session at the Lodge. The kids bundled in blankets as the Milky Way spread above them. 

“I thought they’d just point the telescope and say, that’s Mars, that’s Venus,” said Stephanie. “But we were looking at whole galaxies.” 

“We saw the Pillars of Creation,” added Sam. “We even took photos of what we were seeing through the telescope.” 

For a family used to the glow of screens, the brilliance of actual stars felt both ancient and new. 

Stephanie, Sam, Alex, Eva, and Flynn pause for a family photo.

A Soundtrack of Memory 

The trip left the couple with more than photos. It left them with a deep sense of connection – to nature, to their children, and to each other. 

“I recorded a lot of audio of the kids,” said Sam. “Their little voices, the crunch of leaves, the forest behind them – I’ll have that forever.” 

Stephanie reflected on the gift of disconnection. “It was nice to reconnect without being connected all the time,” she said. 

The kids, too, had grown – stronger, braver, and more curious. “Every trip we take with them, they grow physically and mentally,” Stephanie said. “Their vocabulary, their emotional intelligence – it all improves just being out there, with us, in nature.” 

Lessons from the Trail 

For Sam, Yosemite’s lessons were as clear as its mountain air. “If we’d turned back, we’d have missed that waterfall,” he said. “Sometimes you have to go a little further – the reward can be huge.” 

And for Stephanie, adventure now had a new definition: the courage to trade comfort for experience, and the calm that comes from letting the forest set the pace. 

Tips from Our Travelers

By Stephanie Tran 

Worth the splurge: Direct flights and renting three car seats. Traveling with a 6-year-old and two 4-year-olds, this was a must – and it was nice not to haul our own through the airport. We actually tried Turo for the first time, which made renting an SUV easy. Also worth it – the extra offerings at Rush Creek Lodge, such as the stargazing experience or family spa time. 

Don’t miss: Yosemite Valley. Every direction you turn, there’s another breathtaking sight. 

Favorite restaurants: We ate all our meals at Rush Creek Lodge, and it was delicious. They have a store on the property, plus a tavern and restaurant. 

Packing: Sunscreen (surprisingly, no bug spray was needed – and mosquitoes love me). Comfortable shoes – there’s a lot of walking involved. Don’t forget a refillable water bottle. 

Don’t bring: Too many warm clothes. We probably overpacked for the 40s at night. When you’re in the sun, it can feel surprisingly warmer than you’d think. Pack a few more outdoor clothes for the kids – the dirt is so fine they’ll get incredibly dirty. 

Don’t forget: Check NPS.gov before your trip – Yosemite now uses a timed-entry reservation system during the park’s busiest months. Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov for a small $2 fee, in addition to the $35 per-vehicle entrance fee, which covers seven consecutive days. Outside of peak dates and hours, no reservation is needed. In 2025, timed-entry (vehicle entry reservation) tickets are released up to six months in advance. Additional tickets are also released one day before your arrival (last-minute availability). However, note: As of mid-2025, Yosemite does not require a reservation to enter the park at any time. 

Local favorite: Carlon Falls, we were told by the guides at the recreation desk, is a local hiking favorite. It’s a short drive from the lodge, and you don’t have to enter Yosemite National Park. 

Safety tip: Most of the trails we traveled were crowded enough that there was no risk of bears. A first-aid kit comes in handy for the inevitable bumps and scrapes. 

Unexpected hit: No TV in the rooms. We knew this ahead of time, but it turned out to be great – a nice, screen-free week together.