Overview
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Enjoy a pleasant half-day hike on a relatively gentle trail in Yosemite Valley or the High Country that will allow for excellent photo opportunities and a chance to picnic perched atop a magnificent vista point or alongside a meadow, lake or stream. These introductory hiking tours are perfect for beginners.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please dress in athletic-wear
Items recommended to bring: camera, gloves, extra layer of clothing, jacket, sunscreen, hat, snacks and water
Please provide your hotel information so we may email you driving directions to the meeting location. Hotel pick up/drop off is not provided.
Please Note: National Park fees may apply for international visitors. If applicable, this fee is collected in-destination and not at the time of booking.
What To Expect
Yosemite National Park
Spend quality time with your family while hiking and learning the natural history of Yosemite National Park from our local guides. These interpretative tours combine short easy hike with outdoor educational sessions that will benefit children and parents alike. Learn about the natural world and listen to the stories of Yosemite while we take you to some of the bets photo spots in the park. We offer these introductory Gentle and Moderate Hike at a special discount to families. Please note: Family tours are designed for families of 4 or more members.
Yosemite Valley
Select from the following hiking options: Beginner Hike Enjoy a pleasant half-day hike on a relatively gentle trail in Yosemite Valley or the High Country that will allow for excellent photo opportunities and a chance to picnic perched atop a magnificent vista point or alongside a meadow, lake, or stream. These introductory hiking tours are perfect for beginners. Expect to hike four to five miles with minimal elevation gains. Tours will last approximately four to five hours. Moderate Hike Escape from the masses and take some of Yosemite’s most scenic trails a little further. 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.
Options
Beginner Hike
These 4-5 hour hiking tours are perfect for beginners. Expect to hike four to five miles with minimal elevation gains.
Moderate Hike
These 5-6 hour tours are perfect for novice hikers. Expect to hike five to six miles with elevation gains up to 1000 feet.
What‘s Included
Informative local guide
Vehicle reservation permit into Yosemite National Park (when reservations are required)
Custom Tour Location (you must contact us upon confirmation to discuss)
Private Guided Hiking Tour
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Private transportation
Park Entrance Fee
Additional National Park Entrance Fee (Non-U.S. Residents Only) USD 100.00 per person
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
38 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Phenomenal Excursion!
penny e,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We (family of 5) were interested in not only hiking to see the notable sights in the Yosemite Valley but also learning about the history of Yosemite. We were also interested in getting recommendations on areas to go and places to eat after the private hike. Josh, was an amazing guide; so knowledgeable and full of smiles! We also loved how he asked for our input during the hike so we truly got a personalized hike. I’d highly recommend this excursion; and i’d recommend that you take this the first or second day of your vaca so that you can get the “lay of the land” and really get the most out of your stay in Yosemite!
Highly Recommend
Lauren S,Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Emily was awesome - super knowledgeable about the park, patient with the kids, adaptable as needed with the course. We would do it again and highly recommend it to others.
Excellent hike with the...
Dwayne D,Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent hike with the family. Very informative guide and good pace for family and did not feel rushed. Highly recommend.
A perfect morning at Yosemite
DavidNEIL R,Jun 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The beginner hike consisted of two out and back trails at Sentinel Dome and Grant’s Point, each were about 1.1m each way, so just over four miles. The elevation gain was very doable and the views were priceless. I am so thankful we invested in this guided hike with John. We were blessed with cool temps and a breeze which added to this already perfect morning.
Exceptional
Colleen P,May 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00John was full of awesome historical, local, and outdoor information. I could have talked with him for HOURS about Yosemite. The hike started at 8 am and ended around 2. He took us from the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center to Mirror Lake with dozens of brief stops along the way to answer each question any of us had. Anytime we wanted to stop for a photo, wanted to climb some rocks or needed a break his response was “sure, this is your hike”. And we did this MANY times. I would highly recommend John for this experience. When I write a review, I like to describe the specifics of my/our situation. I feel it gives a better idea of how exceptional (or terrible) the experience was. Our group exists of 6 people, one of which is my adult autistic, nonverbal son. John was patient and kind. And seemed to understand the difficulties that we face having a special needs participant in our group. When we come back to Yosemite, John is the guide I will be booking for another exceptional hike.
Beautiful scenery, easy...
Lauren N,Apr 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful scenery, easy hike for all family members, and knowledgeable guide (John). Definitely recommend!
Worth the drive
E3619JWangelap,Oct 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The views were amazing! The people were nice. Parking is limited. It’s a long drive from San Francisco for a day trip. I am not sure the excursions are worth 200 per person.
Best trip ever in US
Anthony J,Sep 23, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00John who was our hiking guide was friendly and was really good with 6 yr old kid as well too. He explained very detailed on what things are and also where the beautiful shots can be taken from. He also knew when and where to take a bit of rest at each point since hiking with a little one can be quite difficult. But he understood exactly where and when. Only thing I was disappointed was that after so many shots with cameras, I realized that no Camera could take it as we saw the surroundings no matter how good it was. I would say this was one of the best trip ever. Thanks again John!
Great for the whole family
Jennifer B,Jul 5, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide Emily was prompt and easy to find at the agreed upon meeting place. She was extremely accommodating to all of our needs and was able to customize the hike for each of us. My father is elderly and she was kind enough to bring walking sticks, which were a great help to him. And while we took a rest after the first portion of the hike, she continued on with my teenage nephew. He got to see a bear! It was the absolute highlight of his trip! Great views with a short hike. Terrific.
Truly a hike to remember
james m,Oct 20, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00John was a great guide and great company. He pointed out all the landmarks to us as well as the local fauna and wildlife. We were in awe of the view and landscape. John was also a fantastic photographer, got us some superb family shots. He made it a really special and memorable experience for us. Thank you John we had a very special day.
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