In the crisp embrace of February, this awe-inspiring photograph immortalizes the breathtaking spectacle of Yosemite's legendary firefall. As the sun dips below the horizon, a cascading ribbon of molten hues ignites the granite cliffs, casting the entire landscape aglow. The juxtaposition of wintry surroundings with the vivid, fiery cascade creates a mesmerizing portrait of nature at its most dramatic and enchanting, offering a fleeting glimpse of a truly magical moment.A closeup view of the Yosemite Horsetail Fall Firefall at sunset.

Yosemite Valley Firefall Tour

Yosemite Valley, CA

Trip Highlights

  • Famous Yosemite Firefall
  • Unforgettable Hikes
  • Spectacular Views
  • Iconic Waterfalls
  • Premier Lodging
  • All-inclusive Tour

Description

Yosemite National Park’s spectacular phenomenon known as “firefall” occurs each February. Shortly before sunset, the setting sun lights up the thin sliver of Horsetail Falls, and turns the iconic waterfall into a brilliant, molten orange color. Visitors from across the country and the world flock to Yosemite to witness this mesmerizing event. On our 3-day “Yosemite Firefall Tour” we combine an overall hiking and sightseeing experience of Yosemite Valley with opportunities each evening to witness and capture Firefall!

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From USD
$2235 Per Person
Trip Type: Family Friendly Trip
Difficulty Level:
Solitude Level:
Group Size: 2-6 Guests
Trip Length: 3 Days
Distance: 15MI / 24KM

DIFFICULTY LEVEL 2

Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult

SUMMARY OF DIFFICULTY
This trip follows well maintained trails. Some concerns include loose dirt, large stepping stones and tree roots. The top of Vernal/Nevada falls has exposed vertical drops with safety railings in place. Trails can be icy or snowy on this trip so be prepared to careful with your footing on variable surfaces.

Hiking Distances:

Up to 6 miles

Backpack Weight:

10-15 pounds

Terrain:

Moderately Rugged

Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:

Up to 1200 feet

Heights Exposure:

Light

Please Note: Terrain, Elevation Gain and Heights Exposure ratings reflect the section or day of the trip with the maximum difficulty of each. Much of the trip is at easier levels. See the trip itinerary for more detailed information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP

  • Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-15 pound backpack for 6-8 hours
  • Maintaining balance and footing on lightly rugged terrain with potential for snow and ice
  • Hiking with occasional, moderate heights exposure
* For an official and complete list of physical requirements, please see our Essential Eligibility Criteria.

SOLITUDE LEVEL 2

1 least solitude, 5 most solitude

We rate this Yosemite trip a solitude 2. You can expect as much as an hour of solitude at a time.

Private Trips

Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!

Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.

Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations. 

PRIVATE RATES FOR THIS TRIP

  • 2 People: Rate x 2.5
  • 3 People: Rate x 2
  • 4 People: Rate x 1.5
  • 5+ People: Rate x 1.15

*all rates are per person and single supplements apply

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ITINERARY

ITINERARY

Day 1

  • Shuttle: 45-60 minutes each way
  • Hiking Mileage: 3 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 1130 feet
  • Elevation Loss: 1130 feet

On this Yosemite hiking tour, we’ll start our trip with a hike to see two of Yosemite’s crown jewels, Vernal and Nevada Falls. While many of Yosemite’s hikes are centered on a final destination, today’s route features stunning views the whole way, from Upper Yosemite Falls across the Valley, to the phenomenal granite heights of Liberty Cap, Grizzly Peak, the Panorama Cliffs, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point and even Half Dome soaring above our heads.

We’ll make it back down in time to get a great spot to witness the spectacular Firefall at sunset. After the sun sets we’ll drive back to Autocamp Yosemite and get settled in our accommodations and have a chance to shower. We’ll reconvene in the evening for a delicious dinner.

Day 2

  • Shuttle: 45-60 minutes each way
  • Hiking Mileage: variable
  • Elevation Loss: variable
  • Accommodations: Autocamp Yosemite

Today we start with hot coffee or tea and breakfast  It’s a very special day as our goal is to explore the hidden gems of Yosemite Valley. We’ll follow parts of the Valley Loop trail to areas rarely seen by the casual tourist. We’ll experience unique and up close views of Half Dome, El Capitan, the Merced River and Yosemite’s famous waterfalls enhanced with a glittering facade of ice. Either on snowshoes or with our hiking boots, depending on conditions, we’ll tailor our day to make the most of this most incredible Valley, and cap it off with another opportunity to witness and photograph Firefall.

After the sun sets, we’ll return to our accommodations, clean up and enjoy a tasty dinner together.

Day 3

  • Shuttle: 45-60 minutes each way
  • Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 1200 feet

On our final day, we’ll pack up and enjoy a hearty breakfast before leaving our cozy accommodation among the pines. We’ll turn south and enjoy one last, special treat. Today’s hike takes us into Yosemite’s biggest trees – the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. We’ll hike the lower and upper loops, which provide for a wonderful morning of hiking. We’ll visit the 2700 year old Grizzly Giant, the 25th largest tree on earth, as well as many other of these giants. We’ll also get an unparalleled view of Wawona Valley, another of Yosemite’s special places.

After our hike and lunch we’ll contemplate the unforgettable time we’ve just experienced, and most likely start hatching new plans for future trips to more special places like Yosemite!

Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.

Trip Dates & Booking

TRIP DATES & BOOKING

Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.

Available to Book

AVAILABLE TO BOOK

This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!

Going Fast

GOING FAST

This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.

Request a Reservation

REQUEST A RESERVATION

This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.

No trip dates are scheduled at the moment. Please check back soon.

Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.

800-715-HIKE (4453)

Trip Details

Trip Details

What's Included

  • 2 nights of lodging at Autocamp Yosemite
  • Use of trekking poles and snowshoes
  • All meals are included from breakfast on Day 1 through lunch on the last day
  • Transportation for the duration of the tour (starting and ending from Autocamp Yosemite)
  • Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
  • Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
  • Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yosemite

What's Not Included

  • Clothes, raingear and footwear (see recommendations)
  • Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
  • Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)

Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed information about what to pack.

Meals: What to Expect

This Yosemite hiking tour features a combination of restaurant meals and/or meals prepared by your guide.

Your guide will prepare some breakfasts and/or dinners and all lunches for the trip. For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables. In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.

We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.

Gear We Provide

We provide all group gear which includes the following:

  • Deuter or Osprey backpacks
  • Leki trekking poles
  • Snowshoes
  • Company-issued first-aid kit
  • Emergency communication device(s)

Guest Packing List

When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.

Trip Logistics

Trip Logistics

How Do I Register?

Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.

Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!

Where Do We Meet?

You’ll meet your hiking guide and group at Autocamp Yosemite between 6 and 9 AM the morning the trip begins. If you will not have your own vehicle, we can also pick you up in Yosemite National Park or in Mariposa, California. Your guide will be in contact approximately 2 weeks before your trip and will provide directions to Autocamp. You can leave your vehicle parked at Autocamp for the duration of the tour.

Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed informatio

Travel to Autocamp Yosemite

You’ll meet your hiking guide and group at Autocamp Yosemite between 6 and 9 AM the morning the trip begins. If you will not have your own vehicle, we can also pick you up in Yosemite National Park (at Curry Village) or in Mariposa, California. Your guide will be in contact approximately 2 weeks before your trip and will provide directions to Autocamp. You can leave your vehicle parked at Autocamp for the duration of the tour.

Most of our guests drive personal or rental vehicles to Autocamp Yosemite, but you can also travel to and from Yosemite National Park using train and bus options from much of California:

From FresnoYosemite Area Rapid Transit (YARTS) is offering 1 bus ride each direction from Fresno to Yosemite Valley.

From Other California Cities through Merced: by rail on the Amtrak San Joaquin Train to the city of Merced (serviced by most large cities in California) or by Amtrak “Thruway” Bus Service from Merced to Yosemite Valley. To book your trip, use Amtrak’s Online Reservation Service to book round-trip Amtrak travel to “YOS” (Yosemite Valley).

Start/End Times

Your guide will inform you of the first day’s rendezvous time, generally, you can expect it to be between 6 and 9 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. We will be done hiking normally before 5 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time) on the final day.

Safety Precautions

Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.

If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.

Essential Eligibility Criteria

Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.

Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.

The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.

Guide Shifts

The guide(s) on this trip work daily shifts from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. During off hours (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.) the guides’ time is their own, and they are free to sleep, rest, take personal time, postpone guest requests until the next morning, and any other legal, reasonable activity people engage in when not working. We ask all guests to respect the guides’ off-duty hours by not waking or asking anything of them unless there is a true emergency. Also, state law requires that employees receive an uninterrupted 10 minute break every four working hours, so guides are required to take four 10 minute breaks between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Age Restrictions

Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:

  • 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
  • 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis

Weather in the Sierras

Being a high mountain environment, the Sierra Nevada Mountains are prone to sudden temperature and weather shifts. This is an exciting aspect of being in the mountains. On trips in June, snow is a possibility, and the rest of the summer rain is always a possibility on your trip. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). See below for average summer temperatures:

Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit)
Month
Valleys
Alpine
hi
low
hi
low
January
49°
26°
45°
25°
February
55°
28°
46°
26°
March
59°
31°
48°
27°
April
65°
35°
54°
30°
May
73°
42°
62°
37°
June
81°
51°
71°
46°
July
89°
57°
77°
50°
August
89°
56°
81°
53°
September
82°
51°
71°
46°
October
74°
39°
62°
37°
November
58°
31°
51°
29°
December
48°
26°
46°
25°

Accommodations

Accommodations

Autocamp Yosemite

2 NIGHTS

Autocamp’s wonderfully unique lodging experience features deluxe Airstreams with spa-inspired bathrooms and chic interiors. Each unit has a private patio and campfire area. The Autocamp Yosemite clubhouse is a modern mid-century facility where we enjoy home-cooked dinners.

*These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used

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