Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
01 (Week 36) 12:30pm» Yosemite Intermediate Sentinel Dome/Taft Point	02 3pm» Yosemite High Sierra Tuolumne River Photography Session with Evan Russel	03 3pm» Yosemite Valley Icons Photography Session with Evan Russel	04	05 7am» Yosemite Explorer Masters Macro Photography Workshop with Phil Schermeister 8:30am» Yosemite Gentle Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Hiking Tour	06 6:30am» Yosemite WILD WOMEN'S PHOTO WORKSHOP with Christine White Loberg 10am» Yosemite Family Hiking Tour 3pm» Tuolumne Meadows Specialty Photography Session 3pm» Yosemite Abstracts and Color in Nature Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermei	07 8am» Yosemite Challenging Hiking Tour: Panorama Trail to Nevada Falls 1pm» Yosemite WILD WOMEN'S PHOTO WORKSHOP with Christine White Loberg
08 (Week 37) 6am» Strenuous Plus Half Dome Hike - Private	09 9am» Yosemite Moderate Sentinel Dome/Taft Point 11am» Yosemite Extended High Country Tuolumne River Photography Session with Evan Russ 3pm» Yosemite Valley Photography Hike with Robb Hirsch	10 7:30am» Yosemite Challenging 4 Mile Trail Hiking Tour 3:30pm» Yosemite Valley Icons Photography Session with Evan Russel	11 9:30am» Yosemite Gentle Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Hiking Tour	12 7am» Yosemite Explorer Masters Macro Photography Workshop with Phil Schermeister	13 6:30am» Yosemite Introductory PHOTO WORKSHOP with Christine White Loberg 3pm» Yosemite Abstracts and Color in Nature Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermei	14 3pm» Yosemite Introductory PHOTO WORKSHOP with Christine White Loberg
15 (Week 38) 8am» Yosemite Moderate Sentinel Dome/Taft Point 3pm» Yosemite Icons of the High Sierra Photography Session with Evan Russel	16 8:30am» Yosemite Naturalist Excursion Series: North Dome Hiking Tour with David Lukas 3pm» Yosemite High Sierra Tuolumne River Photography Session with Evan Russel	17 3pm» Yosemite Valley Icons Photography Session with Evan Russel	18 8:30pm» Yosemite Private Intermediate Sentinel Dome/Taft Point	19 6am» Strenuous Plus Half Dome Hike - Private 7am» Yosemite Explorer Masters Macro Photography Workshop with Phil Schermeister	20 7am» Yosemite Points, Peaks, and Domes Hiking Tours: North Dome 3pm» Yosemite Merced River Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermeister	21 7am» Yosemite Points, Peaks, and Domes Hiking Tours: Mt. Hoffman
22 (Week 39) 7am» Yosemite Points, Peaks, and Domes Hiking Tours: Cathedral Lakes	23 11am» Yosemite Extended High Country Tuolumne River Photography Session with Evan Russ	24 11am» Yosemite Gentle Dog Lake/Lembert Dome Hiking Tour 3:30pm» Yosemite Valley Icons Photography Session with Evan Russel	25 5:30am» Private Strenuous Half Dome Hike	26 6:30am» Yosemite Private Strenuous Clouds Rest Hiking Tour 7am» Yosemite Explorer Masters Macro Photography Workshop with Phil Schermeister	27 7am» Yosemite Private Challenging Mt. Dana Hiking Tour 8:30am» Yosemite Intermediate Sentinel Dome/Taft Point 3pm» Yosemite Abstracts and Color in Nature Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermei	28 8:30am» Yosemite Moderate Sentinel Dome/Taft Point 8:30am» Yosemite Points, Peaks, and Domes Hiking Tours: Sentinel Dome/Taft Point
29 (Week 40) 8:30am» Yosemite Points, Peaks, and Domes Hiking Tours: Nevada Falls 3pm» Yosemite Tuolumne Meadows Photo Field Session	30 8:30am» Yosemite Points, Peaks, and Domes Hiking Tours: Inspiration Point 3pm» Yosemite High Sierra Tuolumne River Photography Session with Evan Russel

Time:

12:30pm - 6:30pm

Description:

Intermediate Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 8 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: <1500 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Kids: over 10 years old OK

The day begins with an ascent of Sentinel Dome, an 8000 foot peak, from Glacier Point. We will then travel to discover some of Yosemite's geological wonders at Taft Point. We will have spectacular views of Yosemite Valley along the way.

Time:

3:00pm - 8:00pm

Description:

Yosemite High Sierra Tuolumne River Photography Session with Evan Russel

Distance: 2-3 miles

The Tuolumne River starts at the base of the highest peaks in Yosemite, and meanders its way through High Sierra meadows before plunging down into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and Hetch Hetchy Valley. The river traverses an immaculate landscape within a short distance in the Tuolumne Meadows, providing ample opportunity to photograph meadows, wildflowers, cascades, pools and sublime granite formations.

This tour will begin and end at the Lembert Dome parking lot and will cover a multiple mile stretch of the Tuolumne River as it courses it way through the meadows. The river itself, coupled with nearby subtle trees and the sculpted and polished rocks on it’s shores, provide a visually stimulating, contrasting accent to the ridged, gnarled peaks of the Cathedral Range. We will make several stops along the rivers edge, taking time to consider how to utilize foreground and background information, in the hopes of molding all into a visual whole. This tour will begin around two in the afternoon and end at dusk when the luminous alpinglow blankets the meadows and surrounding peaks. The entire route is relatively flat, but will traverse country above 8000 feet in elevation. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, depth of field, hyperfocal distance, exposure techniques, metering, the zone system, white balance and composition.


Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Time:

3:00pm - 7:30pm

Description:

People have been photographing Yosemite since 1859, when Charles Weed took the first salt print photo of Yosemite Fall. Since then, artists like Carlton Watkins, Edward Weston and Ansel Adams, to name a few, have been photographing the Yosemite Valley and High Sierra, all the while traveling to many meadows, peaks, river banks and vistas. On this tour, we will visit some of those vistas that established these artists as the great landscape photographers of their time, and which helped transform the American environmental movement.

This tour is appropriate for those shooting either black and white, or color photography, and will focus on a select number of locations from which these icons photographed Yosemite Valley. The tour will begin in the afternoon at the Church Bowl parking lot and picnic area -- where Adams shot two famous images-- and will conclude at Inspiration Point on the Wawona Road which can offer epic sunset opportunities. This tour will consist of discussions concerning depth of field, hyperfocal distance, exposure techniques, metering, the zone system, white balance, and composition. A generous portion of the discussion -- in conjunction with the aforementioned topics -- will be devoted to talking about the artists, their philosophies, histories and their eye for photography.

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Time:

7:00am - 12:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Explorer Masters Spring Macro Photography Workshop with Phil Schermeister

Explore Yosemite Valley in the meadows and forests along the Merced River through the unique perspective of a macro lens. We will photograph emerging plants and flowers, insects, water in the Merced River, late spring frost and many other subjects that Yosemite Valley offers. Learn beginning and advanced uses of a macro lens as well as macro flash photography.


Type of tour: Yosemite Explorer Masters Photo Workshop
Price: $300
Difficulty of hiking: Easy
Elevation Gain: None
Miles: under 2 miles hiking roundtrip

*Class Sizes will be limited and are subject to a 2 person minimum.

Time:

8:30am - 12:30pm

Description:

Gentle Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 4.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: <1000 feet
Difficulty: Gentle


The day begins with an easy ascent of an 8000 foot peak. We will then travel to discover some of Yosemite's geological wonders at Taft Point. We will have spectacular views of Yosemite Valley along the way.

Time:

6:30am - 11:00am

Description:

Yosemite WILD WOMEN'S PHOTO WORKSHOP
with Christine White Loberg

Women's-Only Photo Field Sessions

Join us for an introductory photography course with a professional photographer who understands the special needs of women who wish to explore the world of photographic art. Women of all ages and experience levels are welcome.


Learn how to compose a nature photograph, and join us for an introductory photography course with a professional photographer. Photographers of all ages and experience levels are welcome.

1. Learn the functions of the camera and how the work together (Aperture, shutter, film speed/ISO)

2. How to control light for the effect YOU want (Landscapes & mysterious moods, wildlife, abstracts, macro)

3. How to read a histogram (What is it? What to look for, how to use it, how to apply it)

4. The zone system and it relates to digital photography (10 zones, latitude of light, 18% gray, Kelvin light)

5. Composition (choose a subject, placement of subjects, rule of thirds, latitude of light & how it works, emotional impact)

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price $250 per person

You can sign up for one or two day sessions.

Time:

10:00am - 3:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Valley Family Hiking Tour. Interpretive tour throughout the Valley discussing the natural history of Yosemite.

Time:

3:00pm - 7:30pm

Description:

Tuolumne Meadows Specialty Photography Session

Time:

3:00pm - 8:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Abstracts and Color in Nature Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermeister

Working with Yosemite's spectacular geography and distinctive setting, we will explore a variety of photographic techniques as we work with light, color, form, and motion to create our own works of photographic art. National Geographic photographer Phil Schermeister will help you create visually unique images of many of Yosemite's outstanding features and teach you how to work with water, wildflowers, and other natural features of the park. Artificial light sources will also be discussed and utilized. Seminars will take place in Yosemite Valley and other areas of the park. Participants should bring basic camera equipment, a photographic flash, tripod, and your imagination.


Type of tour: Yosemite Explorer Masters Photo Workshop
Price: $300
Difficulty of hiking: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Miles: under 3 miles hiking roundtrip

All levels of experience are welcome.

*Class Sizes will be limited and are subject to a 2 person minimum.

Time:

8:00am - 2:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Challenging Hiking Tour: Panorama Trail to Nevada Falls

Miles Hiking: 10 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2000 feet
Difficulty: Challenging

We will descend to the top of Nevada Falls from Glacier Point and discover 4 of Yosemite's most prominent waterfalls along the way. Exceptional photographic opportunities of the landscape will present themselves throughout the day.

*Please note (Waterfalls may be flowing at lower capacity at this time)

Time:

1:00pm - 5:30pm

Description:

Yosemite WILD WOMEN'S PHOTO WORKSHOP
with Christine White Loberg

Women's-Only Photo Field Sessions

Join us for an introductory photography course with a professional photographer who understands the special needs of women who wish to explore the world of photographic art. Women of all ages and experience levels are welcome.


Learn how to compose a nature photograph, and join us for an introductory photography course with a professional photographer. Photographers of all ages and experience levels are welcome.

1. Learn the functions of the camera and how the work together (Aperture, shutter, film speed/ISO)

2. How to control light for the effect YOU want (Landscapes & mysterious moods, wildlife, abstracts, macro)

3. How to read a histogram (What is it? What to look for, how to use it, how to apply it)

4. The zone system and it relates to digital photography (10 zones, latitude of light, 18% gray, Kelvin light)

5. Composition (choose a subject, placement of subjects, rule of thirds, latitude of light & how it works, emotional impact)

Type of tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

You can sign up for one or two day sessions.

Time:

6:00am - 6:00pm

Description:

Strenuous Plus Half Dome Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 17 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: about 4800'
Difficulty: Strenuous

This is an all day hike to the top of Half Dome, Yosemite's most recognized landmark. This hike is strenuous and should last about 12 hours. All participants must carry extra water and food on this trip as hydration and nutrition are extremely important. This hike is for advanced hikers and training is required as it should not be taken lightly.
This is a private tour that is closed to the public.

Time:

9:00am - 2:00pm

Description:

Moderate Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: <1000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Kids: over 10 years old OK

The day begins with an easy ascent of an 8000 foot peak. We will then travel to discover some of Yosemite's geological wonders at Taft Point. We will have spectacular views of Yosemite Valley along the way.

Time:

11:00am - 7:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Extended High Country Tuolumne River Photography Session with Evan Russel

Distance: 6-7 miles

The Tuolumne River starts at the base of the highest peaks in Yosemite, and meanders its way through High Sierra meadows before plunging down into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and Hetch Hetchy Valley. The river traverses an immaculate landscape within a short distance in the Tuolumne Meadows, providing ample opportunity to photograph meadows, wildflowers, cascades, pools and sublime granite formations.

This tour will begin and end at the Pothole Dome parking lot at the far Western end of Tuolumne Meadows. We will walk along the base of the dome to where the river leaves the meadows and begins its journey towards the Grand Canyon. From this vantage point, the meadows, river and peaks create a stunning visual amalgam that would leave even the most seasoned landscape photographer in awe. Our tour will continue over granite slabs and along the river, passing numerous cascades of varying amplitude, providing a chance to play around with shutter and film speeds. Continuing along, we will travel through more meadows, cross streams, visit ponds usually bustling with animal activity, and explore the geologic anomaly known as Little Devil’s Postpile. The terminus of the tour will be Tuolumne Fall -- a union of turbulent water and gentle rock formations -- two-and-a-half miles from our beginning. This tour will begin at noon and end near dusk, and is designed for the more adventurous photographer willing to venture beyond the well trodden trail. This trip will be strenuous, as we will cover territory between 7000 and 8000 feet in elevation, while parts of the trail will be steep and overgrown. The exact path and distance to be covered will vary depending on the time of year as water levels early in the season can make parts of the trail impassable. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, depth of field, hyperfocal distance, exposure techniques, metering, the zone system, white balance and composition.

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Time:

3:00pm - 8:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Valley Photography Hike with Robb Hirsch

Explore Yosemite's landscapes as you hike around the Valley with a local Photographer capturing spectacular sunset images.

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Time:

7:30am - 3:30pm

Description:

Yosemite Challenging 4 Mile Trail Hiking Tour

The hike ascends 3200 feet as we make our way up to Glacier Point with views of Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon on the East and views of El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks to the West.

Distance - 9 miles
Elevation Gain - 3200 feet

Time:

3:30pm - 8:00pm

Description:

People have been photographing Yosemite since 1859, when Charles Weed took the first salt print photo of Yosemite Fall. Since then, artists like Carlton Watkins, Edward Weston and Ansel Adams, to name a few, have been photographing the Yosemite Valley and High Sierra, all the while traveling to many meadows, peaks, river banks and vistas. On this tour, we will visit some of those vistas that established these artists as the great landscape photographers of their time, and which helped transform the American environmental movement.

This tour is appropriate for those shooting either black and white, or color photography, and will focus on a select number of locations from which these icons photographed Yosemite Valley. The tour will begin in the afternoon at the Church Bowl parking lot and picnic area -- where Adams shot two famous images-- and will conclude at Inspiration Point on the Wawona Road which can offer epic sunset opportunities. This tour will consist of discussions concerning depth of field, hyperfocal distance, exposure techniques, metering, the zone system, white balance, and composition. A generous portion of the discussion -- in conjunction with the aforementioned topics -- will be devoted to talking about the artists, their philosophies, histories and their eye for photography.

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Time:

9:30am - 1:30pm

Description:

Gentle Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 4.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: <1000 feet
Difficulty: Gentle


The day begins with an easy ascent of an 8000 foot peak. We will then travel to discover some of Yosemite's geological wonders at Taft Point. We will have spectacular views of Yosemite Valley along the way.

Time:

7:00am - 12:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Explorer Masters Spring Macro Photography Workshop with Phil Schermeister

Explore Yosemite Valley in the meadows and forests along the Merced River through the unique perspective of a macro lens. We will photograph emerging plants and flowers, insects, water in the Merced River, late spring frost and many other subjects that Yosemite Valley offers. Learn beginning and advanced uses of a macro lens as well as macro flash photography.


Type of tour: Yosemite Explorer Masters Photo Workshop
Price: $300
Difficulty of hiking: Easy
Elevation Gain: None
Miles: under 2 miles hiking roundtrip

*Class Sizes will be limited and are subject to a 2 person minimum.

Time:

6:30am - 11:00am

Description:

Yosemite Introductory
PHOTO WORKSHOP
with Christine White Loberg

Beginner/Intermdiate Photo Classes

Learn how to compose a nature photograph, and join us for an introductory photography course with a professional photographer. Photographers of all ages and experience levels are welcome.

1. Learn the functions of the camera and how the work together (Aperture, shutter, film speed/ISO)

2. How to control light for the effect YOU want (Landscapes & mysterious moods, wildlife, abstracts, macro)

3. How to read a histogram (What is it? What to look for, how to use it, how to apply it)

4. The zone system and it relates to digital photography (10 zones, latitude of light, 18% gray, Kelvin light)

5. Composition (choose a subject, placement of subjects, rule of thirds, latitude of light & how it works, emotional impact)

You can sign up for one or two day sessions.


Type of tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Time:

3:00pm - 8:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Abstracts and Color in Nature Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermeister

Working with Yosemite's spectacular geography and distinctive setting, we will explore a variety of photographic techniques as we work with light, color, form, and motion to create our own works of photographic art. National Geographic photographer Phil Schermeister will help you create visually unique images of many of Yosemite's outstanding features and teach you how to work with water, wildflowers, and other natural features of the park. Artificial light sources will also be discussed and utilized. Seminars will take place in Yosemite Valley and other areas of the park. Participants should bring basic camera equipment, a photographic flash, tripod, and your imagination.


Type of tour: Yosemite Explorer Masters Photo Workshop
Price: $300
Difficulty of hiking: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Miles: under 3 miles hiking roundtrip

All levels of experience are welcome.

*Class Sizes will be limited and are subject to a 2 person minimum.

Time:

3:00pm - 7:30pm

Description:

Yosemite Introductory
PHOTO WORKSHOP
with Christine White Loberg

Beginner/Intermediate Photo Classes

Learn how to compose a nature photograph, and join us for an introductory photography course with a professional photographer. Photographers of all ages and experience levels are welcome.

1. Learn the functions of the camera and how the work together (Aperture, shutter, film speed/ISO)

2. How to control light for the effect YOU want (Landscapes & mysterious moods, wildlife, abstracts, macro)

3. How to read a histogram (What is it? What to look for, how to use it, how to apply it)

4. The zone system and it relates to digital photography (10 zones, latitude of light, 18% gray, Kelvin light)

5. Composition (choose a subject, placement of subjects, rule of thirds, latitude of light & how it works, emotional impact)

Type of tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

You can sign up for one or two day sessions.

Time:

8:00am - 1:00pm

Description:

Moderate Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: <1000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Kids: over 10 years old OK

The day begins with an easy ascent of an 8000 foot peak. We will then travel to discover some of Yosemite's geological wonders at Taft Point. We will have spectacular views of Yosemite Valley along the way.

Time:

3:00pm - 8:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Icons of the High Sierra Photography Session with Evan Russel

Distance: Under 2 miles

After the Winter snows have given way to the warm days of Summer, the High Sierra affords a romantic grandeur to those who would partake. Granite domes and jagged peaks soar above the solemn observer, meadows bear numerous wildflowers while serving as centers for wildlife activity, and lakes of varying breadth deliberate on light of equally varying magnitude. Like Yosemite Valley, the High Sierra has lured many a photographer, captivating them, and inspiring a greater enlightenment.

On this tour, we will visit a select number of locations that will encapsulate the greater High Sierra. We will begin at Olmstead Point, a favorite site of many photographers from Edward Weston and Ansel Adams to contemporary professionals. From there, we will travel to Tenaya Lake to explore its granite shores, erratic boulders, stunted trees and majestic reflections. Afterwards, the tour will continue on to Tuolumne Meadows, where several different stops will yield views of the meadows, Mt. Dana, the Cathedral Range, the Tuolumne River, Lembert Dome, as well as many more landmarks. If conditions permit, evening alpenglow will blanket the Sierra crest and provide us with a vibrant, luminous scene even after the sun has dropped below the horizon. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, depth of field, hyperfocal distance, exposure techniques, metering, the zone system, white balance and composition.

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Time:

8:30am - 2:30pm

Description:

Yosemite North Rim Naturalist Hike: North Dome Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 10 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: about 1000'
Difficulty: Challenging
Price: $85 per person

Join a naturalist as we gradually ascend to a spectacular viewpoint on the rim of Yosemite Valley where Half Dome looms directly in front of you as you peer down into the valley below. Return hike meanders through a superb example of old growth forest, giving us a chance to explore this unique ecosystem.

Time:

3:00pm - 8:00pm

Description:

Yosemite High Sierra Tuolumne River Photography Session with Evan Russel

Distance: 2-3 miles

The Tuolumne River starts at the base of the highest peaks in Yosemite, and meanders its way through High Sierra meadows before plunging down into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and Hetch Hetchy Valley. The river traverses an immaculate landscape within a short distance in the Tuolumne Meadows, providing ample opportunity to photograph meadows, wildflowers, cascades, pools and sublime granite formations.

This tour will begin and end at the Lembert Dome parking lot and will cover a multiple mile stretch of the Tuolumne River as it courses it way through the meadows. The river itself, coupled with nearby subtle trees and the sculpted and polished rocks on it’s shores, provide a visually stimulating, contrasting accent to the ridged, gnarled peaks of the Cathedral Range. We will make several stops along the rivers edge, taking time to consider how to utilize foreground and background information, in the hopes of molding all into a visual whole. This tour will begin around two in the afternoon and end at dusk when the luminous alpinglow blankets the meadows and surrounding peaks. The entire route is relatively flat, but will traverse country above 8000 feet in elevation. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, depth of field, hyperfocal distance, exposure techniques, metering, the zone system, white balance and composition.


Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Time:

3:00pm - 7:30pm

Description:

People have been photographing Yosemite since 1859, when Charles Weed took the first salt print photo of Yosemite Fall. Since then, artists like Carlton Watkins, Edward Weston and Ansel Adams, to name a few, have been photographing the Yosemite Valley and High Sierra, all the while traveling to many meadows, peaks, river banks and vistas. On this tour, we will visit some of those vistas that established these artists as the great landscape photographers of their time, and which helped transform the American environmental movement.

This tour is appropriate for those shooting either black and white, or color photography, and will focus on a select number of locations from which these icons photographed Yosemite Valley. The tour will begin in the afternoon at the Church Bowl parking lot and picnic area -- where Adams shot two famous images-- and will conclude at Inspiration Point on the Wawona Road which can offer epic sunset opportunities. This tour will consist of discussions concerning depth of field, hyperfocal distance, exposure techniques, metering, the zone system, white balance, and composition. A generous portion of the discussion -- in conjunction with the aforementioned topics -- will be devoted to talking about the artists, their philosophies, histories and their eye for photography.

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Time:

8:30pm - 2:30am

Description:

Private Intermediate Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 8 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: <1500 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Kids: over 10 years old OK

The day begins with an ascent of Sentinel Dome, an 8000 foot peak, from Glacier Point. We will then travel to discover some of Yosemite's geological wonders at Taft Point. We will have spectacular views of Yosemite Valley along the way.

This is a private event that is closed to the public.

Time:

6:00am - 6:00pm

Description:

Strenuous Plus Half Dome Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 17 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: about 4800'
Difficulty: Strenuous

This is an all day hike to the top of Half Dome, Yosemite's most recognized landmark. This hike is strenuous and should last about 12 hours. All participants must carry extra water and food on this trip as hydration and nutrition are extremely important. This hike is for advanced hikers and training is required as it should not be taken lightly.
This is a private tour that is closed to the public.

Time:

7:00am - 12:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Explorer Masters Spring Macro Photography Workshop with Phil Schermeister

Explore Yosemite Valley in the meadows and forests along the Merced River through the unique perspective of a macro lens. We will photograph emerging plants and flowers, insects, water in the Merced River, late spring frost and many other subjects that Yosemite Valley offers. Learn beginning and advanced uses of a macro lens as well as macro flash photography.


Type of tour: Yosemite Explorer Masters Photo Workshop
Price: $300
Difficulty of hiking: Easy
Elevation Gain: None
Miles: under 2 miles hiking roundtrip

*Class Sizes will be limited and are subject to a 2 person minimum.

Time:

7:00am - 1:00pm

Description:

Challenging North Dome Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 9.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: about 1000'
Difficulty: Challenging
Kids: over 10 years old OK

The trail gradually leads to a vista uncovering a spectacular face to face view of Half Dome. A short spur trail leads to interesting rock formations that provide excellent photo opportunities.

*Each tour may be attended for one day or as a combination package.

Time:

3:00pm - 8:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Merced River Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermeister

The Wild and Scenic Merced River meanders through Yosemite Valley then plunges down a boulder-strewn canyon in a miles-long series of cascades. Along the way photographic opportunities abound from the landmarks of Yosemite Valley such as Half Dome and El Capitan to sandy beaches, swirling pools, rushing rapids, wildlife, and stands of colorful wildflowers. Join National Geographic photographer Phil Schermeister on a trip along the river to find and capture many of these interesting subjects. You will learn the basics of shooting large scenes as well as finding and photographing unexpected details. You will work with light, the weather, and the season.

Type of tour: Yosemite Explorer Masters Photo Workshop
Price: $300
Difficulty of hiking: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Miles: under 3 miles hiking roundtrip

All levels of experience are welcome.

*Class Sizes will be limited and are subject to a 2 person minimum.

Time:

7:00am - 12:00pm

Description:

Intermediate Mt Hoffman Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 6 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 8900'-10,850'
Difficulty: Intermediate
Kids: over 10 years old OK

The trail gradually leads to May Lake for a breathtaking view of Mt. Hoffman. We continue around the lake and hike through steep rocky terrain. After a brief flat area of trail, we continue to climb with a minor scramble to the top where we will be greeted by several yellow bellied locals.

*Each tour may be attended for one day or as a combination package.

Time:

7:00am - 1:00pm

Description:

Challenging Cathedral Lakes Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 8 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 8600’-9800’
Difficulty: Challenging
Kids: over 10 years old OK

The trail leads to Upper and Lower Cathedral Lakes uncovering magnificent views of Echo, Tressider, and Cathedral Peaks.

*Each tour may be attended for one day or as a combination package.

Time:

11:00am - 7:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Extended High Country Tuolumne River Photography Session with Evan Russel

Distance: 6-7 miles

The Tuolumne River starts at the base of the highest peaks in Yosemite, and meanders its way through High Sierra meadows before plunging down into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and Hetch Hetchy Valley. The river traverses an immaculate landscape within a short distance in the Tuolumne Meadows, providing ample opportunity to photograph meadows, wildflowers, cascades, pools and sublime granite formations.

This tour will begin and end at the Pothole Dome parking lot at the far Western end of Tuolumne Meadows. We will walk along the base of the dome to where the river leaves the meadows and begins its journey towards the Grand Canyon. From this vantage point, the meadows, river and peaks create a stunning visual amalgam that would leave even the most seasoned landscape photographer in awe. Our tour will continue over granite slabs and along the river, passing numerous cascades of varying amplitude, providing a chance to play around with shutter and film speeds. Continuing along, we will travel through more meadows, cross streams, visit ponds usually bustling with animal activity, and explore the geologic anomaly known as Little Devil’s Postpile. The terminus of the tour will be Tuolumne Fall -- a union of turbulent water and gentle rock formations -- two-and-a-half miles from our beginning. This tour will begin at noon and end near dusk, and is designed for the more adventurous photographer willing to venture beyond the well trodden trail. This trip will be strenuous, as we will cover territory between 7000 and 8000 feet in elevation, while parts of the trail will be steep and overgrown. The exact path and distance to be covered will vary depending on the time of year as water levels early in the season can make parts of the trail impassable. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, depth of field, hyperfocal distance, exposure techniques, metering, the zone system, white balance and composition.

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Time:

11:00am - 3:00pm

Description:

Gentle Dog Lake/Lembert Dome Hiking Tour

Miles Hiking: 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: Less than 1000 feet
Difficulty: Gentle

Spend an exciting day in Yosemite's High Country near Tuolumne Meadows. Hike up a small slope to Lembert Dome and then to one of Yosemite's most pristine settings, Dog Lake. We will picnic at the lake before we return down the trail.

Time:

3:30pm - 8:00pm

Description:

People have been photographing Yosemite since 1859, when Charles Weed took the first salt print photo of Yosemite Fall. Since then, artists like Carlton Watkins, Edward Weston and Ansel Adams, to name a few, have been photographing the Yosemite Valley and High Sierra, all the while traveling to many meadows, peaks, river banks and vistas. On this tour, we will visit some of those vistas that established these artists as the great landscape photographers of their time, and which helped transform the American environmental movement.

This tour is appropriate for those shooting either black and white, or color photography, and will focus on a select number of locations from which these icons photographed Yosemite Valley. The tour will begin in the afternoon at the Church Bowl parking lot and picnic area -- where Adams shot two famous images-- and will conclude at Inspiration Point on the Wawona Road which can offer epic sunset opportunities. This tour will consist of discussions concerning depth of field, hyperfocal distance, exposure techniques, metering, the zone system, white balance, and composition. A generous portion of the discussion -- in conjunction with the aforementioned topics -- will be devoted to talking about the artists, their philosophies, histories and their eye for photography.

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Time:

5:30am - 5:30pm

Description:

Private Strenuous Half Dome Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 17 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: about 4800'
Difficulty: Strenuous

This is an all day hike to the top of Half Dome, Yosemite's most recognized landmark. This hike is strenuous and should last about 12 hours. All participants must carry extra water and food on this trip as hydration and nutrition are extremely important. This hike is for advanced hikers and training is required as it should not be taken lightly.

This is a private event and closed to the public.

Time:

6:30am - 2:30pm

Description:

Summit one of Yosemite's most impressive peaks and stand above Half Dome while avoiding the crowds of the Valley. Strenuous Hike will last 7-9 hours.

This is a private event that is closed to the public.

Time:

7:00am - 12:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Explorer Masters Spring Macro Photography Workshop with Phil Schermeister

Explore Yosemite Valley in the meadows and forests along the Merced River through the unique perspective of a macro lens. We will photograph emerging plants and flowers, insects, water in the Merced River, late spring frost and many other subjects that Yosemite Valley offers. Learn beginning and advanced uses of a macro lens as well as macro flash photography.


Type of tour: Yosemite Explorer Masters Photo Workshop
Price: $300
Difficulty of hiking: Easy
Elevation Gain: None
Miles: under 2 miles hiking roundtrip

*Class Sizes will be limited and are subject to a 2 person minimum.

Time:

7:00am - 12:00pm

Description:

Private Strenuous Mt. Dana Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 6 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: about 3000'
Difficulty: Challenging

At 13,061 feet, Mt. Dana is one of two Yosemite Peaks above the 13,000 foot mark and second highest to Mt. Lyell at 13,114 ft. This hike begins with a gentle ascent over the first mile, but becomes very steep for the final two. Altitude efficient step and breathing techniques will be utilized during this short but very challenging hike. Hikers are rewarded with one of the most unique views of Yosemite National Park and its Northern and Eastern boundaries as we literally sit above Mono Lake.

This is a private event that is closed to the public.

Time:

8:30am - 2:30pm

Description:

Intermediate Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 8 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: <1500 feet
Difficulty: Intermediate
Kids: over 10 years old OK

The day begins with an ascent of Sentinel Dome, an 8000 foot peak, from Glacier Point. We will then travel to discover some of Yosemite's geological wonders at Taft Point. We will have spectacular views of Yosemite Valley along the way.

*Each tour may be attended for one day or as a combination package.

Time:

3:00pm - 8:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Abstracts and Color in Nature Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermeister

Working with Yosemite's spectacular geography and distinctive setting, we will explore a variety of photographic techniques as we work with light, color, form, and motion to create our own works of photographic art. National Geographic photographer Phil Schermeister will help you create visually unique images of many of Yosemite's outstanding features and teach you how to work with water, wildflowers, and other natural features of the park. Artificial light sources will also be discussed and utilized. Seminars will take place in Yosemite Valley and other areas of the park. Participants should bring basic camera equipment, a photographic flash, tripod, and your imagination.


Type of tour: Yosemite Explorer Masters Photo Workshop
Price: $300
Difficulty of hiking: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Miles: under 3 miles hiking roundtrip

All levels of experience are welcome.

*Class Sizes will be limited and are subject to a 2 person minimum.

Time:

8:30am - 1:30pm

Description:

Moderate Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: <1000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Kids: over 10 years old OK

The day begins with an easy ascent of an 8000 foot peak. We will then travel to discover some of Yosemite's geological wonders at Taft Point. We will have spectacular views of Yosemite Valley along the way.

Time:

8:30am - 2:30pm

Description:

Intermediate Sentinel Dome/Taft Point
Miles Hiking: 8 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: about 1500'
Difficulty: Intermediate
Kids: over 10 years old OK

The day begins with an ascent of Sentinel Dome, an 8000 foot peak, from Glacier Point. We will then travel to discover some of Yosemite's geological wonders at Taft Point. We will have spectacular views of Yosemite Valley along the way.

*Each tour may be attended for one day or as a combination package.

Time:

8:30am - 2:30pm

Description:

Intermediate Nevada Falls
Miles Hiking: 6 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: about 2000'
Difficulty: Intermediate
Kids: over 10 years old OK

This trail is steep but very rewarding. At .9 miles we will uncover our first gem, Vernal Falls. From the bridge we will ascend the giant granite steps to the top of the falls and then proceed to Yosemite's other year round falls, Nevada. The breathtaking views are just rewards for the steep climb out of the Valley.

*Each tour may be attended for one day or as a combination package.

Time:

3:00pm - 7:00pm

Description:

Photographing Tuolumne Meadows from the Tuolumne River

Time: 3:00-7 PM; Miles Hiking: 2 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: none
Difficulty: Easy


This short hike in Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows high country area will help open they eyes of photographers as they learn how to compose in a natural setting.

Time:

8:30am - 1:30pm

Description:

Intermediate Inspiration Point
Miles Hiking: 7 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: about 2000'
Difficulty: Intermediate
Kids: over 10 years old OK

Find your inspiration on a breathtaking hike up the south rim of Yosemite Valley. The trail leads to a vista uncovering the same views witnessed by the first western visitors of Yosemite.

*Each tour may be attended for one day or as a combination package.

Time:

3:00pm - 8:00pm

Description:

Yosemite High Sierra Tuolumne River Photography Session with Evan Russel

Distance: 2-3 miles

The Tuolumne River starts at the base of the highest peaks in Yosemite, and meanders its way through High Sierra meadows before plunging down into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and Hetch Hetchy Valley. The river traverses an immaculate landscape within a short distance in the Tuolumne Meadows, providing ample opportunity to photograph meadows, wildflowers, cascades, pools and sublime granite formations.

This tour will begin and end at the Lembert Dome parking lot and will cover a multiple mile stretch of the Tuolumne River as it courses it way through the meadows. The river itself, coupled with nearby subtle trees and the sculpted and polished rocks on it’s shores, provide a visually stimulating, contrasting accent to the ridged, gnarled peaks of the Cathedral Range. We will make several stops along the rivers edge, taking time to consider how to utilize foreground and background information, in the hopes of molding all into a visual whole. This tour will begin around two in the afternoon and end at dusk when the luminous alpinglow blankets the meadows and surrounding peaks. The entire route is relatively flat, but will traverse country above 8000 feet in elevation. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, depth of field, hyperfocal distance, exposure techniques, metering, the zone system, white balance and composition.


Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Call us toll free at 800 886-8009 and we will gladly customize a