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Our naturalist led hiking trips are designed to help you escape the crowds while exploring Yosemite's most beautiful trails, lakes, waterfalls and scenic vistas. Years of experience and exploration factor into our trip choices and our naturalist guides will share with you insightful information about the Park, its history and its inhabitants.
While specific hikes are subject to change (both day to day and seasonally), our current offering is summarized below:
Please note that most of our day outings cover from 5-10 miles and visit the most spectacular parts of the Park including alpine lakes, meadow lined river canyons, stunning vista points, and more remote and secret locales!
Check out our Featured Hikes of the Month for special trips designed to take advantage of Yosemite's changing seasons.
Our guided trips have limited capacity and should be reserved in advance. Please call our Recreation Department at (209) 379-2606 x140, email us, or send a Recreation Request.
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EXPLORE YOSEMITE’S HIDDEN GEM
Offered February - May
Hetch Hetchy is a dramatic, crowd-free jewel of Yosemite – a smaller version of Yosemite Valley, complete with domes, waterfalls and an idyllic, serene feel. Hetch Hetchy has a long and storied history that we look forward to sharing with you. One of the iconic features of Hetch Hetchy is 1,000-foot Wapama Falls and its two-tiered falls tumbling into the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Our 2.2 mile hike (each way) to the falls winds its way above the shores of the tranquil reservoir and provides splendid walking among granite, creeks and small meadows, with fine views of waterfalls, the reservoir and the domes guarding its shore. We will relax at Wapama falls before heading back; those feeling energetic can continue past the falls.
During your hike, our naturalist guides will share with you their knowledge of Yosemite and the history and evolving controversy of the Dam and surrounding area. Throughout the day, you will gain a better understanding of the trees, wildlife, geology and natural history of this diverse area.
Click here for a detailed trip outline.
To make a booking or for more details on this trip, call our Recreation Department at (209) 379-2606 x140, email us, or send a Recreation Request.
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Offered October - May
It is easy to overlook the beauty of our local area with so much stunning scenery nearby, but we highly recommend that you experience this lovely ‘local’ hike that is steeped in history, has great potential for wildlife sightings and includes a stunning vista point. We meander through dramatic old growth forest past one of the oldest settler’s cabins in the state on our way to a stunning view of the Tuolumne River Canyon. Many guests have spotted the magnificent Great Horned Owls that live in the area, giving this outing the nickname, ‘The Owl Prowl’. Deer, bear, bobcats and even fox may be seen on this classic fall hike, and be sure to bring a camera for the amazing fall light along the way. This 3.5 mile walk is a guide and guest favorite, and it is a great way to settle into lodge life upon your arrival and get to know our great guides and the beauty and history of the area.
Click here for a detailed trip outline.
To make a booking or for more details on this trip, call our Recreation Department at (209) 379-2606 x140, email us, or send a Recreation Request.
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WATERFALLS, WILDFLOWERS, EL CAPITAN & A HIDDEN, HISTORIC HIKE
Offered April - May
Come see Yosemite Valley at its springtime finest with this combination Valley tour and guided hike along an abandoned stagecoach route to one of Yosemite’s most spectacular, historic and least known vistas! During our tour, we visit the Valley’s most famous waterfalls and vistas, and we enjoy a variety of additional stops along the way, including the world-renown Ahwahnee Hotel and El Capitan Meadow, where we watch climbers ascend the largest rock face in the world.
Our 3.5 mile walk follows the historic Old Big Oak Flat Stagecoach route, which upon completion in 1874, allowed wheeled/stagecoach vehicles into Yosemite Valley for the first time. The route provides stunning postcard views, yet it is unknown to most visitors. Though the old road has been long abandoned and nature has done its best to remove it from the landscape, a trail still remains that is gradual and full of wonderful history. Along the trail you’ll learn about Yosemite flora, fauna, geology and natural history, and our scenic lunch vista will take in stunning views of Half Dome, climbers on El Capitan, the south rim of Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Falls, Ribbon Falls and Turtleback Dome. Learning about the storied history of Yosemite and the historic horseback and stagecoach routes will give you a unique perspective as we head back down the trail to our modern stagecoach. This will be a day to remember – bring your camera!
Click here for a detailed trip outline.
To make a booking or for more details on this trip, call our Recreation Department at (209) 379-2606 x140, email us, or send a Recreation Request.
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THE ULTIMATE VALLEY EXPERIENCE!
Offered June - September
Accessing the world-famous Four Mile Trail from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley has never been easier, as we have combined our popular Yosemite Valley tour with a hiker drop-off and pick-up service at the trail. You will enjoy a scenic tour with our naturalist guides, and once we get to Glacier Point, you’ll head off for a self-guided hike at your own pace four miles down to Yosemite Valley, where you will meet the van and continue your tour.
The Four Mile Trail down from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley may have the best views of any trail in the Park, which is saying a lot. The trail includes majestic views of towering high country peaks, countless granite domes including Half Dome, four waterfalls, and the best views in all directions of Yosemite Valley and its surrounding cliffs. On our drive to the Glacier Point trailhead, we stop at Discovery View and Washburn Point before arriving at jaw dropping Glacier Point and the start of your hike. At the conclusion of your hike, we will meet you and continue the tour around the Valley. We’ll enjoy a variety of relaxing stops along the way, including the world-famous Ahwahnee Hotel and a final stop in El Capitan Meadow to view climbers on the largest rock face in the world. This will be a day to remember – be sure to bring your camera!
Click here for a detailed trip outline.
To make a booking or for more details on this trip, call our Recreation Department at (209) 379-2606 x140, email us, or send a Recreation Request.
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HALF DOME’S LITTLE BROTHER
Offered June - September
Yosemite is a hiker’s paradise, and our High Country Naturalist Hike showcases one of the premier Yosemite destinations, North Dome. Perched on the North Rim of Yosemite Valley directly across from Half Dome, North Dome provides an impressive perch to gaze out at massive Half Dome and the surrounding cliffs, canyons and peaks of the greater Yosemite area. The view atop North Dome is an absolute jaw-dropper – among the finest in the Sierra.
We will provide transportation to and from the trailhead off of Tioga Road, which bisects Yosemite’s breathtaking high country. Our hike is 9 miles in length, and though the terrain is not overly demanding, participants should be in good shape and be prepared to spend up to 5 hours hiking. Our trail travels through lush old growth forest, home to falcons, eagles, bears, foxes and bobcats, and ends at North Dome with scenery that many consider the most spectacular on Earth! Our expert naturalist guides will share with you their intimate knowledge of Yosemite. Throughout the day, you will gain a better understanding of the trees, wildlife, geology, glacial history and natural history of the Park. A day hiking in the Yosemite high country is an unforgettable experience.
Click here for a detailed trip outline.
To make a booking or for more details on this trip, call our Recreation Department at (209) 379-2606 x140, email us, or send a Recreation Request.
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STAND ATOP ONE OF THE MOST RECOGNIZED PEAKS IN THE WORLD
Offered September - October
Join us for one of the most enduring challenges in Yosemite National Park. This day hike covers roughly 17 miles and 4,800 feet in elevation gain from the Valley Floor to the summit of Half Dome. The view from the summit is one of the most rewarding experiences to be had in the Park, and the journey to the top is one of the most memorable. This day hike is for those who are looking for a true challenge. This will be an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.
We will meet in the Recreation Center at 5:30AM to get breakfast and coffee for the road. Then we will head to the Valley and begin our adventure. Along the trail we will hike past two of the most spectacular waterfalls the park has to offer. The end of the climb will be the Cable Route, an adventurous path to the summit. We will have lunch on the top and enjoy 360 degree views of the Park. At the end of our hike we will have the choice to either get dinner at the Curry Village Pizza Deck or dine upon our arrival back at the lodge.
Click here for a detailed trip outline.
To make a booking or for more details on this trip, call our Recreation Department at (209) 379-2606 x140, email us, or send a Recreation Request.
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OUR MOST IN DEPTH & INTIMATE LOOK AT YOSEMITE VALLEY
Offered in October - December
Experience Yosemite Valley in its fall glory with this combination Valley tour and guided hike along an abandoned stagecoach route to one of Yosemite’s most spectacular, historic and least known vistas! During our tour, we visit the Valley’s most famous waterfalls and vista points, and we enjoy a variety of additional stops along the way, including the world-renown Ahwahnee Hotel and El Capitan Meadow, where we watch climbers ascend the largest rock face in the world. In addition to our stagecoach route hike, we include another hike to one of our favorite secret spots in the Valley. Hikers can plan to be on the trail for 5-6 miles total throughout the day, working up an appetite for dinner back at the lodge.
Our 3.5 mile walk follows the historic Old Big Oak Flat Stagecoach route, which upon completion in 1874, allowed wheeled/stagecoach vehicles into Yosemite Valley for the first time. The route provides magnificent postcard views, yet it is unknown to most visitors. We time this hike towards the end of the day to take advantage of the stunning fall light that typically envelopes the valley before sunset. Though the old road has been long abandoned and nature has done its best to remove it from the landscape, a wonderful, gradula trail still remains. Along the trail you’ll learn about Yosemite flora, fauna, geology and natural history while enjoying stunning views of Half Dome, climbers on El Capitan, the south rim of Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Falls, Ribbon Falls and Turtleback Dome. Learning about the storied history of Yosemite and the historic horseback/stagecoach routes will give you a unique perspective as we head back to our modern stagecoach. This will be a day to remember – bring your camera!
Click here for a detailed trip outline.
To make a booking or for more details on this trip, call our Recreation Department at (209) 379-2606 x140, email us, or send a Recreation Request.
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