July 4 Wkd in Heart of Yosemite: Vernal Falls 💦🌈 Giant Sequoias🌲 Merced River Float 🍩 Pool Play 🏊 Tent Cabins 🏕️ S'mores! 🔥🍫🎆

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Thursday, July 2 — Sunday, July 5, 2026

There is no better place to celebrate the Fourth of July than the heart of Yosemite Valley — and we're doing it right:

We've secured tent cabins at Curry Village so our group parks the car once and doesn't touch it again until Sunday. No traffic, no shuttling in from an hour away, no scrambling for parking. Just walk or hop on the free Valley shuttle — every single stop on our itinerary is at your fingertips.

Experience pure Valley magic: thundering waterfalls, ancient giant sequoias, floating the Merced River, nature badges, a FAS-hosted hot dog/tofu dog dinner and s'mores, pool time (yes, there’s one in Curry Village!), and the kind of memories that stick with kids forever.

This is summer camp for the whole family — in the most iconic national park in America.

WHAT WE'LL ENJOY 🥳🥳🥳

💦🌈 HIKE TO VERNAL FALLS: One of our biggest adventures! We'll hike up to the Vernal Fall footbridge — mist in your face, and one of the most dramatic waterfall views in the Valley. Kids earn Junior Ranger activities along the way. A true Yosemite bucket-list moment.

💦🌈LOWER YOSEMITE FALLS + BRIDALVEIL FALLS: Easy hikes or shuttle rides to see some other spectacular waterfalls in the Valley — plus a river beach perfect for splashing and snacking

🏕️ TENT CABINS IN CURRY VILLAGE: Your home base for the weekend — canvas-walled cabins with real beds, linens, towels, and more. A true Yosemite experience, steps from everything. Cabins sleep up to 4 people. Want to reduce costs? Pair up with another family and split the cabin fee — Miranda will coordinate matches after sign-up!

🏞️ VALLEY VIEWS: Classic welcome and farewell photos with El Capitan and Half Dome framed perfectly in the distance 📸

🍩💦 FLOAT THE MERCED RIVER: One of the most beloved Yosemite summer traditions — floating the Merced on a warm July afternoon with Half Dome towering above you. Bring your own tube or float — we skip the rental lines and go straight to the fun. Pure bliss. 🏔️

🔥🍫 SENTINEL BEACH DINNER & S’MORES: Friday evening we head to Sentinel Beach as a group for a FAS-hosted dinner — hot dogs, tofu dogs, and s'mores provided by FAS, wading in the sandy shallows, and the best kind of slow evening with new friends. Bring a side to share if you'd like! 🍉

🌲 MARIPOSA GROVE GIANT SEQUOIAS: Walk among some of the largest living things on Earth. Free shuttle takes us deep into the grove of giants! Also, kids will get sworn in here as official Junior Rangers 🏅

🚌 NO CAR NEEDED ALL WEEKEND: Once you park, you're done driving until you leave Sunday. Walk or hop on the free Valley shuttle — it runs every 5–10 minutes and stops at every location on our itinerary. This is one of the great perks of staying right in the heart of the Valley.

🏊 POOL TIME: Splash ‘n’ play for families at the Curry Village pool ☀️

🌳💦 WAWONA SWIMMING HOLE: A perfect last stop on the way home!

🔍🏅 OUTDOOR ADVENTURE LAB: Kids can become a Rock Investigator, Critter Sleuth, Bug Detective and more — earning a sticker for each one in their nature journal. Activities are woven throughout the weekend and designed to spark real curiosity about the wild world around them.

🎭 INFORMAL TALENT SHOW: Songs, stories, instruments, silliness! A sweet send-off tradition before we pack up and head to the sequoias.

🔥🍫 CLASSIC CAMPING FUN: Campfire, s'mores, stories and stargazing.

🌿♻️ LEAVE NO TRACE ADVENTURE: We'll talk about what it means to be a responsible steward of a national park — and put it into practice all weekend.

🏕️❤️🫂🤲🏽 COMMUNITY, FRIENDSHIP + SUPPORT: Instant playdate for the kids — a great mix of ages from toddlers to tweens, all adventuring together. Solo parenting? Forgot gear? Need help with your tent? We've got you.

This is our idea of SUMMER CAMP for kids — but it's for the whole family, and we get to explore a different amazing park every time. You will make wonderful memories with your family and friends. 🏕️❤️🫂🤲🏽

Pricing Types:

Thursday, July 2 — Sunday, July 5, 2026

There is no better place to celebrate the Fourth of July than the heart of Yosemite Valley — and we're doing it right:

We've secured tent cabins at Curry Village so our group parks the car once and doesn't touch it again until Sunday. No traffic, no shuttling in from an hour away, no scrambling for parking. Just walk or hop on the free Valley shuttle — every single stop on our itinerary is at your fingertips.

Experience pure Valley magic: thundering waterfalls, ancient giant sequoias, floating the Merced River, nature badges, a FAS-hosted hot dog/tofu dog dinner and s'mores, pool time (yes, there’s one in Curry Village!), and the kind of memories that stick with kids forever.

This is summer camp for the whole family — in the most iconic national park in America.

WHAT WE'LL ENJOY 🥳🥳🥳

💦🌈 HIKE TO VERNAL FALLS: One of our biggest adventures! We'll hike up to the Vernal Fall footbridge — mist in your face, and one of the most dramatic waterfall views in the Valley. Kids earn Junior Ranger activities along the way. A true Yosemite bucket-list moment.

💦🌈LOWER YOSEMITE FALLS + BRIDALVEIL FALLS: Easy hikes or shuttle rides to see some other spectacular waterfalls in the Valley — plus a river beach perfect for splashing and snacking

🏕️ TENT CABINS IN CURRY VILLAGE: Your home base for the weekend — canvas-walled cabins with real beds, linens, towels, and more. A true Yosemite experience, steps from everything. Cabins sleep up to 4 people. Want to reduce costs? Pair up with another family and split the cabin fee — Miranda will coordinate matches after sign-up!

🏞️ VALLEY VIEWS: Classic welcome and farewell photos with El Capitan and Half Dome framed perfectly in the distance 📸

🍩💦 FLOAT THE MERCED RIVER: One of the most beloved Yosemite summer traditions — floating the Merced on a warm July afternoon with Half Dome towering above you. Bring your own tube or float — we skip the rental lines and go straight to the fun. Pure bliss. 🏔️

🔥🍫 SENTINEL BEACH DINNER & S’MORES: Friday evening we head to Sentinel Beach as a group for a FAS-hosted dinner — hot dogs, tofu dogs, and s'mores provided by FAS, wading in the sandy shallows, and the best kind of slow evening with new friends. Bring a side to share if you'd like! 🍉

🌲 MARIPOSA GROVE GIANT SEQUOIAS: Walk among some of the largest living things on Earth. Free shuttle takes us deep into the grove of giants! Also, kids will get sworn in here as official Junior Rangers 🏅

🚌 NO CAR NEEDED ALL WEEKEND: Once you park, you're done driving until you leave Sunday. Walk or hop on the free Valley shuttle — it runs every 5–10 minutes and stops at every location on our itinerary. This is one of the great perks of staying right in the heart of the Valley.

🏊 POOL TIME: Splash ‘n’ play for families at the Curry Village pool ☀️

🌳💦 WAWONA SWIMMING HOLE: A perfect last stop on the way home!

🔍🏅 OUTDOOR ADVENTURE LAB: Kids can become a Rock Investigator, Critter Sleuth, Bug Detective and more — earning a sticker for each one in their nature journal. Activities are woven throughout the weekend and designed to spark real curiosity about the wild world around them.

🎭 INFORMAL TALENT SHOW: Songs, stories, instruments, silliness! A sweet send-off tradition before we pack up and head to the sequoias.

🔥🍫 CLASSIC CAMPING FUN: Campfire, s'mores, stories and stargazing.

🌿♻️ LEAVE NO TRACE ADVENTURE: We'll talk about what it means to be a responsible steward of a national park — and put it into practice all weekend.

🏕️❤️🫂🤲🏽 COMMUNITY, FRIENDSHIP + SUPPORT: Instant playdate for the kids — a great mix of ages from toddlers to tweens, all adventuring together. Solo parenting? Forgot gear? Need help with your tent? We've got you.

This is our idea of SUMMER CAMP for kids — but it's for the whole family, and we get to explore a different amazing park every time. You will make wonderful memories with your family and friends. 🏕️❤️🫂🤲🏽

  • Car-style lodging at Curry Village — walk or shuttle everywhere. The Vernal Fall hike is the most challenging activity: about 3 miles round trip with 400 ft elevation gain. All other activities are flat and easy. Family-friendly pacing throughout — we go at the speed of little legs.

  • Subject to change due to weather, trail conditions, etc.

    Thursday, July 2 — Evening Arrival 🌲 Day visitors have cleared out, parking is easier and the Valley is quieter. No program tonight — check in at Curry Village, get settled, and soak it all in. Wake up Friday morning ready to go.

    Friday, July 3 — Waterfalls! Water Play! S’mores + More
    Lower Yosemite Falls, water play with stunning view of the falls, FAS Outdoor Adventure Lab, FAS group dinner & s'mores at Sentinel Beach 🔥

    Saturday, July 4 — Waterfalls! River float! POOOOOOL! Vernal Fall hike, float the Merced River, Outdoor Adventure Lab, pool time, ice cream at Jennie's 🍦

    Sunday, July 5 — Giant Sequoias + Farewell Informal talent show, arts and crafts, Valley +Tunnel View farewell photo opps + stops, Mariposa Grove Giant Sequoias, Junior Ranger badges. Wawona Swimming Hole stop on the way!

  • 🚗 Drive to Curry Village — park once and leave the car until Sunday
    🏕️ Canvas tent cabins with real beds, linens, towels and electric lighting
    🚽 Modern flush toilets nearby
    🚿 Hot showers nearby
    🛒 General store on-site
    🍕 Multiple dining options steps away 🏊 Pool on-site for Curry Village guests
    🐻 Bear lockers at every cabin
    💧 Drinking water throughout

  • What We Provide

    We handle all the planning so busy parents can focus on making memories. That means a fully organized long weekend with guided hikes, nature badge activities, arts and crafts, a group dinner and s'mores, and the warm community energy that FAS is known for. Our goal is to create an unforgettable Yosemite experience for your family — logistics handled, adventure guaranteed.

    Cabin Reality & Expectations

    We've requested that all FAS cabins be located together at Curry Village — however this is not guaranteed and cabins may be spread across the property. We do our best and hope for the best! In these situations, we designate a central spot as "Camp HQ" for group activities like s'mores, arts and crafts, and community gatherings. You may need to walk short distances between your cabin and Camp HQ.

    Curry Village cabins vary and may differ in size, location, proximity to restrooms, and level of shade. Natural elements including wildlife, insects, noise from neighboring guests, and weather are beyond our control and part of the authentic Yosemite experience.

    Food & Cooking at Curry Village

    No gas stoves, JetBoils, camp stoves, or open fires are permitted anywhere at Curry Village — this is a Yosemite National Park rule, no exceptions. Plan accordingly!

    • Pack lunches, snacks, and grab-and-go foods stored in your bear locker — each tent cabin has one and they hold a lot. Bring a cooler packed with all your goodies! 🧊

    • Concession stands are available at Curry Village but lines can get very long on July 4th weekend. We strongly recommend not counting on these as your primary food plan.

    • This trip is about experiencing this beautiful park and enjoying each other's company — not gourmet meals! Pack simple, easy foods and you'll be perfectly happy. 🥪🍉

    FAS-provided dinner: On Friday evening we'll head to a spot in the park where grills are available for our group hot dog and tofu dog dinner with s'mores. This is the one cooked meal of the weekend — and it's a good one! 🔥🍫

    Agreement

    We do not make promises about specific cabin features, views, or conditions. Our commitment is to secure the best available cabins and provide exceptional programming and community experiences. By booking with us, you acknowledge and accept these conditions as part of the authentic outdoor experience. 🏔️

  • 🐦 EARLY BIRD PRICING — expires Sunday, June 15: $275 per person

    PRICING AFTER JUNE 15: $300 per person

    Adult and child pricing is the same — we are a kid-centered program and every participant receives the full FAS experience: Outdoor Adventure Lab (make a fossil print, nature badge program), nature journal, arts and crafts, tie-dye and more! 🎨

    IMPORTANT

    • No refunds are provided

    • Trip takes place rain or shine

    • SPOTS ARE LIMITED: Up to 28 participants — the only way to hold your spot is by completing the sign-up form and making payment

  • Cabin Fee: $645 (3 nights — Thursday, Friday, Saturday)

    Paid separately via Zelle at 650-888-2765 — not through this checkout.

    Cabins sleep up to 4.

    Want to split with another family? Miranda will coordinate cabin-sharing matches after sign-up

    Cabins are based on four people: 2 adults and 2 kids. If you want to bring an extra adult, Curry Village charges about $20 for an extra adult when you check-in.

    1. Add this adventure to your cart and checkout! Select quantity of tickets per person

    2. Make cabin payment via Zelle: 650-888-2765

    3. Join the WhatsApp chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HnVuQYTP77YI2QRDhiJFDJ

    4. Complete loaner kit request: https://bit.ly/loanerkit

    • 🗺️ All logistics and planning

    • 🥾 Guided adventures with two experienced FAS guides

    • 📖 Digital guide with natural and cultural history of Yosemite

    • ✅ Packing checklist

    • 🔬 Outdoor Adventure Lab — make a fossil print, earn nature badges, collect stickers in your own nature journal. Plus arts and crafts, scavenger hunt, tie-dye and hands-on challenges designed for little explorers 🎨

    • 🏅 Junior Ranger / Little Cub program support

    • 🍖 FAS-hosted Friday dinner: hot dogs, tofu dogs & s'mores

    • 🗺️ Iron-on patch as a memento of the trip

    • 🩹 First-aid kit

    • 🎒 Loaner kit of hiking gear (48-hour notice) — jogging strollers, Baby Bjorn, toddler backpack carrier, beach wagons and more. Complete the loaner kit request form

    • Lodging (separate Zelle payment to Miranda)

    • All meals and food (we can potluck side dishes if people want for Friday night hot dogs)

    • Park entrance fee ($35/vehicle)

    • Transportation to/from Yosemite

    • Personal gear and river floats

    • Camping gear (though I have some hiking gear and limited camping gear that you can rent: loaner kit request form)

  • Early July in Yosemite Valley means warm, sunny days and cool nights. Daytime highs typically reach the mid-80s°F — perfect hiking and swimming weather! Evenings in the Valley drop into the mid-50s, so layers are your friend once the sun goes down.

    A light sleeping bag or blanket is all you'll need for the tent cabins — they have real beds with linens, but nights can be cool. Sunscreen and a hat are essential during the day. And don't forget a light jacket for evenings at Sentinel Beach! 🧴🧢

    I'll keep an eye on the forecast and share updates as we get closer to the trip. July is one of Yosemite's most reliably beautiful months — we're in great shape. ☀️

  • Why should we arrive Thursday evening? July 4th weekend is one of the busiest times of the year in Yosemite Valley. Arriving Thursday evening means you beat the Friday rush entirely — day visitors have cleared out, parking is much easier, and the Valley is quieter. You'll wake up Friday morning already in Yosemite, relaxed and ready to go. We strongly recommend it!

    Will the Valley shuttle be crowded on July 4th weekend? Likely yes — it's a holiday weekend! That's why we head out early each morning and do a lot of our exploring on foot. Curry Village is wonderfully located and many of our stops are within walking distance. We'll use the shuttle strategically and work around the crowds. 🚶🏽‍♀️

    What about holiday traffic getting to Yosemite? This is exactly why we arrive Thursday evening. By the time you get there, the day visitors have left and traffic has cleared. Friday morning traffic into the Valley can be significant — Thursday arrival is the best way to avoid it entirely.

    Are there cooking facilities at Curry Village? No — and this is important to know! No gas stoves, JetBoils, camp stoves, or open fires are permitted anywhere at Curry Village. Plan to bring pack lunches, snacks, and grab-and-go foods stored in your bear locker. Each cabin has a bear locker that holds a lot — bring a cooler packed with your favorites! 🧊

    Concession stands are available on-site but lines can get very long on July 4th weekend — we recommend not counting on them as your primary food plan.

    This trip is about experiencing one of the most magnificent places on Earth and the joy of being together — not gourmet meals! Simple, easy food is all you need. The s'mores more than make up for it. 🍫🔥

    Does FAS provide any food? Yes! On Friday evening we head to a spot in the park where grills are available for a FAS-hosted group dinner — hot dogs, tofu dogs, and s'mores provided by FAS. Bring a side dish to share if you'd like! 🍉🔥 This is the one cooked meal of the weekend and it's a highlight of the trip.

    Do you provide river floats for the Merced River float? No — please bring your own tube or float! We skip the rental lines and go straight to the fun. We'll head to calm, slow-moving spots on the Merced that are safe for families. We also recommend bringing your own life vest for little ones. 🏄🌊

    Can we bring bikes and scooters? Absolutely! Bikes and scooters are great during free time. You won't need them for any group activity — we travel by foot and free Valley shuttle — but they're a fun addition for independent exploring around Curry Village. 🚲

    Will our cabins be next to each other? We request that all FAS cabins be located together at Curry Village, but this is not guaranteed. Cabins may be spread across the property. In all cases we'll designate a central "Camp HQ" spot for group activities, s'mores, arts and crafts, and community time. You may need to walk short distances between your cabin and Camp HQ.

    What amenities are included in the Curry Village tent cabins? Curry Village tent cabins come with real beds, linens, towels, and electric lighting — a big step above traditional camping! That said, nights in Yosemite Valley can drop into the mid-50s in July, so we recommend bringing a light sleeping bag or an extra blanket for added warmth. Also pack a headlamp — it gets very dark outside at night — and shower shoes for the shared restrooms. 🏕️🌙

    What age is this trip designed for? This trip is designed for families with children of all ages — babies and toddlers are absolutely welcome! 👶🏽 We go at the speed of little legs, make plenty of stops to explore, snack, and play, and have a wonderful mix of ages on every trip. The Outdoor Adventure Lab activities are designed with young explorers in mind. Younger kids and babies can ride in a carrier — the Vernal Fall hike is doable with a carrier and many families do it that way! 🐾

    What is the Outdoor Adventure Lab? FAS's signature nature badge program! Kids earn stickers in their nature journal for completing hands-on activities throughout the weekend — make a fossil print, earn nature badges, complete a scavenger hunt, do arts and crafts, and more. On this trip we're also hoping to do tie-dye! 🎨 Every participant receives the full experience regardless of age.

    Is there a pool? Yes! Curry Village has a pool available to guests. It's a perfect cool-down after a big morning on the trail. ☀️🏊

    What happens if it rains? The trip takes place rain or shine — and Yosemite in July is generally beautiful. In the unlikely event of rain we'll adapt activities accordingly. No refunds are provided for weather.

    What's the refund policy? No refunds are provided. Please make sure the dates work for your family before booking.

    How do I hold my spot? Complete the sign-up form and make payment — that's the only way to secure your spot. Spots are limited to 28 participants and will go quickly once released to the public!

WHERE WE ARE STAYING