We thought we were going to Yosemite. Instead, we found ourselves on horseback in the mountains above Sonora. Kennedy Meadows gave us the kind of unplugged, family-friendly adventure we didn’t know we needed. Here’s how a traffic jam unexpectedly turned into our favorite experience of horseback riding near Yosemite.

The Yosemite Traffic That Turned Us Around

We were supposed to be in Yosemite. We had made it all the way to the top of the switchbacks above the town of Groveland when we hit the wall—literally, a line of cars just waiting to get into the park. Not El Capitan. Not Yosemite Valley. Just the gate. We were 22 miles out from anything worth seeing, and stuck.

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From Barstools to Backroads

So, we turned the car around and drove to Sonora to get something to eat. Cate was tired, cranky, and disappointed. None of this had gone how we planned.

Hoping to lift our spirits a bit, we pulled up Yelp and found a place called The Armory. Surprisingly, it turned out to be tucked inside an old icehouse with more personality than most entire towns. The building once served as a World War II armory. Later, it became a brewery. Then a B&B. Now, it’s a cozy, eclectic bar with more personality than most towns.

As I was talking with the bartender, she asked what we were up to. I told her about the traffic jam into Yosemite, how we turned around, and how disappointed my daughter was. Clearly, she could see Cate was bored and restless.

That’s when fate handed us a Plan B. As we got to talking, she shared that she used to go horseback riding in Kennedy Meadows as a kid. “You know what you should do?” she said, casually sliding a drink across the bar. “Check out Kennedy Meadows. It’s up in the mountains past Pinecrest Lake—horses, cabins, zero stress.”

Plan B is in Action

I immediately called Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station to try and save the day. To my surprise, they still had trail ride spots open. I booked a 4-hour guided ride for the next day. Cate’s mood lifted—fast. We had a plan again, and it was something she actually wanted to do.

The bartender also mentioned Pinecrest Lake, a spot just up the road where the locals swim. She warned us the water would be cold. That turned out to be the understatement of the day.

Following a Bartender’s Lead

Additionally, the bartender mentioned Pinecrest Lake, a spot just up the road where the locals swim. She warned us the water would be cold. That turned out to be the understatement of the day.

Cate, being a bad ass Texas girl, thought she could handle it. However, the moment she dipped a toe in, her eyes went wide. She made the realization that mountain water isn’t just cold—it’s melt-your-soul cold.

Cate, being a bad ass Texas girl, thought she could handle it. But the moment she dipped a toe in, her eyes went wide. She made the realization that mountain water isn’t just cold—it’s melt-your-soul cold.

Trail Ride Options & Costs

Generally, Kennedy Meadows is open from late May through early October, depending on snowmelt. Therefore, it’s best to call ahead or check the website for current trail conditions and ride availability. Be aware that the resort sits at a high elevation, so even summer rides can include snow patches or cool temperatures.

You can reserve cabins at Kennedy Meadows Resort in advance. They are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from rustic one-room options to larger family-style layouts. Most cabins are nestled among the trees and offer a peaceful place to rest after a day on the trail. Unsurprisingly, they tend to book quickly during summer weekends, so it’s smart to reserve early.

• Half‑Day Guided Ride (~3.5 hours to Relief Reservoir):
  – $75 per person
• Full‑Day Guided Ride (~6–8 hours to Kennedy Lake):
  – $150 for 1–2 riders
  – $125 per person for groups of 3+

(Minors must wear helmets; bring lunch/water or purchase a trail lunch onsite.)

Kennedy Meadows: A Wild West Detour

Nestled in the Stanislaus National Forest, Kennedy Meadows is the kind of place that feels like it belongs in a different century. Picture log cabins, pine trees, a general store with personality, and—most importantly—a stable full of horses ready to take you into the mountains.

If you’re searching for things to do near Sonora, California, this spot delivers: cabins, trail rides, and views you’ll never forget.

Without hesitation, we signed up for a guided trail ride. There were no crowds. No lines. Just the creak of a saddle and the soft clop of hooves as we wound through alpine scenery straight out of a postcard.

The Ride Begins

Initially, we expected a mellow trail ride—the kind where the horse has walked the same path so many times it could do it blindfolded. What we got instead was something entirely different: real horseback riding.

As it turned out, our group was the first up the mountain that year. Snow still clung to parts of the trail, and in several places we had to make our own way.

Trail Guide Connections

Interestingly, our guide had just flown in from Louisiana—too hot to ride there in summer—and this was her first time up the trail that season. As we got to talking, we realized we had something in common: I had done several shows near her hometown outside of Lafayette, LA. We hit it off right away.

Alpine Adventure

The trail began flat, following a river swollen with snowmelt. The water was rushing just under the edge of the trail, nearly spilling its banks. We crossed suspension bridges that swayed over rapids and climbed through stretches of rocky terrain, dodging boulders and navigating narrow paths with steep drop-offs.

Meanwhile, my daughter, who had recently taken up English riding, was thrilled to share something she loved with me. She found the Western saddle a little strange at first, but she quickly got into the rhythm. Personally, I hadn’t been on a horse in 25 years and was quietly terrified—but there was no way I was letting her see that.

The Scenic Summit

After nearly two hours of climbing, we reached Relief Reservoir—500 feet deep, glacially cold, and framed by sweeping mountain views. It was breathtaking in every sense.

Ultimately, the ride challenged us, connected us, and surprised us. It wasn’t just scenic—it was personal, emotional, and unforgettable. In the end, it turned out to be one of the best and most memorable experiences of all our trips.

Reflections at the Stables

After the ride, we returned to the stables tired but glowing. We grabbed a snack from the general store and sat at one of the picnic tables, letting the mountain air settle around us. Cate couldn’t stop talking about the river crossings, the snow-covered trails, and how sweet her horse was.

I couldn’t say the same about mine. Sweet? No. My horse had opinions. The entire time, I tried to hug the edge of the trail, and he made it very clear that he was in charge. It felt like he was saying, “Hey buddy, piss me off and I’ll show you what it’s like to fall 1,000 feet into a raging gorge.” Loud and clear. So I adjusted my attitude, trusted him, and did my best not to make any sudden movements.

Somehow, I made it through without falling off—or letting anyone see just how nervous I was.

It was one of those rare travel days that felt like it had been gifted to us: unplanned, unplugged, and absolutely perfect.

Final Thoughts

I don’t know what would’ve happened if we had made it into Yosemite that day—maybe a good hike, maybe a stressful day in bumper-to-bumper traffic. However, I know we never would have found Kennedy Meadows, or crossed snowy mountain trails, or had Cate tell me this was one of her favorite rides ever. This trip reminded me that sometimes the best adventures aren’t the ones you plan, but the ones you let unfold.