Nature Excursions in Yosemite
Choose from the following offerings:
- Half & Full Day Nature Hikes
- Full Day Naturalist Transect
- Half & Full Day Wildflower Tours
- Half & Full Day Birding Tours
Enroll in our Nature Excursion Series as David Lukas and Dan Webster share knowledge of his favorite places with individuals eager to explore the natural history of Yosemite. Nature Walks will last approximately five hours while the Naturalist Transect will be an all day event. Each excursion requires a minimum of two participants.
Outings with David or Dan are offered throughout the year. Please call for their availability or the availability of other staff naturalists.
Half Day Naturalist Hikes
Nature Hike Prices:
- 2 people – $300 ($150 each)
- 3 people – $375 ($125 each)
Yosemite Valley
Join a naturalist as we journey through Yosemite Valley. Learn about the unique natural history and ecological roles of the flora and fauna. Tours will last approximately five hours
Elizabeth Lake
Join a naturalist as we journey from Tuolumne Meadows toward this magnificent lake perched at the foot of peaks dramatically carved by glaciers. Learn about forest and meadow creatures along the way.
Merced Grove or Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
Join a naturalist as we meander among giant sequoias, some of the largest trees in the world. Learn about their unique life history and ecological roles.
(Also Available- Sentinel Dome & Lembert Dome)
Full Day Naturalist Hikes
Nature Hike Prices:
- 2 people- $400 ($200 each)
- 3 people- $525 ($175 each)
North Dome
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.
(Also Available- Mt. Hoffman, 10 Lakes Pass)
Full Day Naturalist Transect
Transect Tour Prices:
- 2 people- $400 ($200 each)
- 3 people- $525 ($175 each)
Yosemite Valley , Foresta, Olmstead Point, Tenaya Lake, and Tuolumne Meadows
Join us on a one-day “naturalist’s transect” that will introduce you to the full range of ecological zones in the park. Imagine yourself traveling from the Valley floor to Tioga Pass and learning about all the plant communities, birds, flowers, and animals along the way in one complete day! Wow! We will travel in our own cars and make shorter stops at a variety of sites.
Naturalist Wildflower Tours
Each year, wildflowers blanket the Sierra Nevada. Yosemite is the home to several unique species that can be found throughout spring and summer. With dynamic shifts in elevation, Yosemite is the perfect place to watch the progression of the flowers as they move from the foothills to the high country.
Wildflower Walk
Find some of Yosemite’s many diverse wildflowers with a naturalist on this tour to a region of the park with abundant displays. Tours will last approximately five hours and have a 2 person minimum.
Wildflower Walk Prices:
- 2 people – $300 ($150 each)
- 3 people – $375 ($125 each)
Transect Wildflower Tour
Spend a day in Yosemite with a naturalist as we transect through the park in search of diverse wildflowers. This car caravan tour will introduce you to a full range of Yosemite wildflowers with shorter stops at each site. Tours will last approximately eight hours and have a 2 person minimum..
Wildflower Transect Prices:
- 2 people – $400 ($200 each)
- 3 people – $525 ($175 each)
Naturalist Birding Tours
Whether you are someone who just loves looking at birds or an expert looking to track down specialty birds of the western mountains, we can create a custom birding package to match your needs. Your guide on these remarkable tours will be David Lukas, co-author of the forthcoming “Field Guide to Sierra Nevada Birds” and a local bird expert with 15 years experience leading bird tours in the Sierra Nevada.
Specialty Birding Tour
Crane Flat, Foresta, and Yosemite Valley
Find some of Yosemite ‘s many birds with a naturalist on this tour through some of the park’s most productive habitats. We will travel in our own cars and make stops that focus on target birds or habitats with long stops at each site. (Note: This tour may be modified to search for certain target species or to take advantage of shifting bird populations.) Tours will last approximately five hours and have a 2 person minimum..
Birding Tour Prices:
- 2 people – $300 ($150 each)
- 3 people – $375 ($125 each)
Transect Birding Tour
Spend a day in Yosemite with a naturalist as we transect through the park in search of diverse ecosystems. This car caravan tour will introduce you to a full range of Yosemite habitats with shorter stops at each site. (Note: This tour may be modified to search for certain target species or to take advantage of shifting bird populations). Tours will last approximately eight hours and have a 2 person minimum..
Birding Transect Prices:
- 2 people – $400 ($200 each)
- 3 people – $525 ($175 each)
Private Hiking Tours- All Hiking Tours with David Lukas can be made private by adding $125 to the price of the Hike.
We offer discounts for groups of 4 or more. Please inquire at 800-886-8009.
Join us to make your own Yosemite Connection filled with amazing photos and lasting memories.
