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Escape from the masses and take some of Yosemite’s most scenic trails a little farther. These introductory hiking tours are perfect for beginners and novice hikers. Expect to hike five to six miles with elevation gains up to 1000 feet. Tours will last approximately five to six hours.
Travel back in time on one of Yosemite’s most storied trails and find your inspiration on a breathtaking hike up the south rim of Yosemite Valley. This gently used trail leads to one of the Valley’s hallmark vistas. We will uncover many of the same views witnessed by the first western visitors of Yosemite and will be visiting the site of the 1851 “Discovery of the Yosemite”. On this hike, we will discuss the importance of this “discovery” and history of Yosemite National Park.
Distance: 6 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1400 feet (4000′ – 5400′)
Time: 5 hours
Water Requirements: 48 ounces
Best time to visit: October-April
The exciting day begins with relatively short access to one of Yosemite’s 8000+ foot peaks while learning about some of the natural features of the park along the way. From the summit of Sentinel Dome, we will have breathtaking panoramic views of all of Yosemite. We will then travel a very scenic alternative trail to discover some of Yosemite’s geological wonders, the Taft Point Fissures. The Taft Point overlook presents us with one last spectacular vista before we return. This versatile hike can be customized to be a Gentle, Moderate, or Intermediate Hiking Tour based on your group’s needs.
Distance: 5.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: ~<1000 feet (7720′ at trailhead-8122 feet at Sentinel Dome-7503 feet at Taft Point)
Time: 5 hours
Water Requirements: 48 ounces
Best time to visit: June-October
Explore Hetch Hetchy and discover the ‘less traveled’ Twin Valley of Yosemite. This hike is considered one of Yosemite’s most scenic as it encompasses the area favored by John Muir. As we travel past the roaring O’Shaughnessy Dam, we escape through a tunnel to a tranquil setting along the peaceful path of the Tuolumne River. We continue along our trail that is lined with wildflowers in spring to the hike’s terminus, the Wapama Fall which stands at 1080 feet tall and is the most powerful fall in Yosemite.
Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: <500 feet
Time: 5 hours
Water Requirements: 48 ounces
Best time to visit: October-June
Spend an exciting day discovering sweeping vistas of Yosemite’s High Country above Tuolumne Meadows. Hike up a small but steep slope to the summit of Lembert Dome where we will have broad views of the Cathedral Range as well as many of the high peaks in Yosemite including Mt. Lyell, its highest. We then descend to one of Yosemite’s most pristine settings, Dog Lake, where we will picnic before we return down the trail to complete the loop. There will be an opportunity to swim in the shallow water of Dog Lake.
Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 800+ feet (8650′ – 9450′ with some loss and gain)
Time: 5 hours
Water Requirements: 48 ounces
Best time to visit: June-October
Journey through Yosemite Valley to Yosemite Falls and Mirror Lake. Learn about the unique natural and cultural history of the land called Ahwahnee. Be sure to bring your camera as this hike will offer unique photographic opportunities of majestic landscapes and possible wildlife encounters.
Distance: 5-6 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: Minimal (start at 4000 feet)
Time: 5 hours
Water Requirements: 32 ounces
Best time to visit: October-June
Discover the quieter side of Yosemite Valley while hiking below 3000 foot cliffs and leaping waterfalls while we discuss the natural history of wondrous Yosemite National Park. Hike along the Merced River and listen to the stories of this remarkable valley and its people while meandering down tree lined paths with breathtaking views.
Distance: 5-6 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: Minimal (start at 4000 feet)
Time: 5 hours
Water Requirements: 32 ounces
Best time to visit: October-June
Explore Glacier Point then capture astonishing images of Half Dome with Vernal and Nevada Falls along the Panorama Trail. Continue down the trail to Illilouette Falls and bathe in a swimming hole in the creek before making the return trip back uphill to Glacier Point. This is also a popular trail for potential wildlife encounters.
Distance: up to 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1400 feet (7220′ – 5800′)
Time: 5 hours
Water Requirements: 48 ounces
Best time to visit: June-October
* Please note the return trip up to Glacier Point is steep and this trail can be very hot in summer months.
Start your hike in Tuolumne Meadows and rise to discover a true gem of the Yosemite high country. Elizabeth Lake sits directly below Unicorn Peak in the Cathedral Range. This is an ideal hike for swimming, and after a relatively short 2.3 mile hike to the shore, you will be able to take a dip in its cool inviting water. There will be opportunities to walk around and photograph the lake from several different perspectives.
Distance: ~5 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 900 feet (8600′ – 9500′)
Time: 4 hours
Water Requirements: 32 ounces
Best time to visit: July-October
