Yosemite & Sequoia Trip Using Points and Miles
Our Family Zion National Park December 2025
National park trips are some of my favorite ways to use points — the flights are usually simple, the hotels are affordable in points, and the whole experience feels like such a high‑value redemption. Our upcoming Yosemite and Sequoia adventure is no exception. With a little planning (and points), I booked our entire trip for a fraction of the cash price.
Here’s exactly how I did it — flights, hotel, and why Hyatt Place continues to be one of my favorite family‑friendly redemptions.
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Flights: 21,000 American Airlines Miles Round‑Trip
Flying from Nashville to Fresno can get pricey, especially during peak national park season. But AA miles came through in a big way. We are flying right before the peak season to save.
What I Booked
Round‑trip flights: Nashville (BNA) → Fresno (FAT)
Cost: 21,000 American Airlines miles per person
Cash price at the time: Significantly higher
Taxes & fees: Just the standard small amount
This is one of the reasons I love AA miles — when you catch the right dates, their award pricing can be incredibly reasonable. And Fresno is the perfect gateway airport for both Yosemite and Sequoia.
Ready to start earning free flights and hotel nights? Begin with a flexible points card — it’s the easiest way to unlock the exact redemptions I use for my own trips.
How I Earned the Miles
Everyday spending
A sign-up bonus from my Citi Strata Premier Card
A few strategic shopping portal wins
Nothing extreme — just consistent earning and smart timing.
Cards I used for this trip:
Hotel: 6 Nights at Hyatt Place Fresno (One Free Night Certificate + Points)
Hyatt Points for the win -
Hyatt Place is one of my go‑to brands for family travel. The rooms are spacious, the layouts are predictable, and the value in points is unbeatable.
What I Booked
7 nights at Hyatt Place Fresno
1 free night certificate (from my Hyatt card)
Remaining nights: 69,000 Hyatt points total
For a week‑long national park trip, that’s an incredible deal.
Why Hyatt Place Works So Well for Families
Two double beds + a pull‑out couch
Free breakfast
Consistent room layout
Affordable award rates
When you’re traveling with kids, that extra space makes a huge difference — and Hyatt Place delivers every time. My teens refuse to share a bed, so I always check if where we are going has a Hyatt Place.
How I Earned the Points
Chase Ultimate Rewards transferred to Hyatt
Free night certificate from the Hyatt credit card
A few leftover points from previous stays
Hyatt continues to be one of the best sweet spots in the points world, especially for national park trips where lodging can get expensive fast.
👉 More real examples of trips booked on points and miles - Trips for Only Taxes & Fees
Why This Trip Was Such a Great Points Redemption
Between the low AA award pricing and Hyatt’s generous point structure, this trip was the perfect example of how far your points can stretch.
Total Out‑of‑Pocket Cost
Just taxes and fees — everything else was covered by points, miles, and one free night certificate.
Total Value
Flights + 6 nights near two major national parks would have cost thousands more if paid in cash. Using points made the entire trip affordable and stress‑free.
👉Check out our other National Park Adventures using Points and Miles - Explore America's National Park
Tips for Booking a Yosemite or Sequoia Trip With Points
If you want to recreate this trip, here’s what I recommend:
1. Look at AA award pricing early
Fresno is a smaller airport, so award seats can vary. Flexibility helps.
2. Transfer Chase points to Hyatt
Hyatt remains one of the best uses of Chase Ultimate Rewards.
3. Use your free night certificates strategically
Hyatt Place properties are often perfect for this.
4. Book early for National Park season
Summer and fall fill up fast.
Final Thoughts
This trip reminded me why I love using points and miles for national park travel. The flights were affordable in miles, the hotel was a fantastic value, and the whole experience felt like a win from start to finish. My son Tanner requested this trip, and I was able to provide it for him using my travel hacking skills and a little out of pocket.
If you’re planning a Yosemite or Sequoia trip and want help mapping out your own points strategy, I’m always happy to share ideas — these redemptions are some of the easiest and most rewarding for beginners.
About the Author
Julie is a travel‑hacking expert and the founder of NO POINT LEFT BEHIND, a resource for families who want to turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips. She shares practical guides, points strategies, and real‑life travel experiences to help you maximize every dollar. Stay connected — follow Julie on Facebook for fresh travel tips and join the Travel Hacking Moms Facebook Group to be part of a supportive community of travelers learning together.
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