Best of Yosemite Valley Day Tour

Best of Yosemite Valley Day Tour

Day Hike Tours

1 Day 2-6MI / 3.2-9.6KM

Trip Highlights

Join Wildland Trekking for a wonderful tour of Yosemite National Park! This sight-seeing and hiking tour is offered to anyone staying in the town of Mariposa; at Autocamp Yosemite; anywhere on the Highway 140 corridor east of Mariposa, or in Yosemite Valley. We will pick you up at your accommodations the morning of your tour and provide a refreshing continental breakfast while we enjoy a scenic shuttle along the Merced River into Yosemite Valley (unless you’re already in the Valley.)

Your guide will customize the tour based on your interests and desires, and explain the fascinating natural and cultural history of Yosemite while we visit the must-see highlights of the Park. You will experience iconic views, thundering waterfalls, towering granite monoliths, pristine rivers and more as we make our way through Yosemite Valley.

SEASON

This hike is operated from March through October.

If you’re interested in this tour during the winter months, please check out our Best of Yosemite Valley Winter Tour.

  • Check Mark Private Tours
  • Check Mark Includes Entrance into Yosemite
  • Check Mark Transportation Provided
  • Check Mark Stunning Yosemite Views
  • Check Mark Breathtaking Waterfall Hike(s)
  • Check Mark Iconic Photography Opportunities
  • Check Mark Top-shelf Backpack & Trekking Poles

Book This Trip

View Dates

Trip Details

  • Trip Type

    Trip Type

    Day Hike Tours
  • Trip Length

    Trip Length

    1 Day
  • Hiking Distance

    Daily Hiking Distance

    2-6 miles
  • Group Size

    Group Size

    1-6 Guests
  • Trip Begins

    Mariposa; at Autocamp Yosemite; anywhere on the Highway 140 corridor east of Mariposa, or in Yosemite Valley.
  • Trip Ends

    Mariposa; at Autocamp Yosemite; anywhere on the Highway 140 corridor east of Mariposa, or in Yosemite Valley.
  • Permit Info

    No permit required
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Is This Trip Right For me?

This trip follows well maintained trails. Some concerns include loose dirt, large stepping stones and tree roots. The half-day version and full-day version vary on the hiking distances and elevation gains as detailed below.

Difficulty Level
1 of 5
Question Mark Learn More
Solitude Level
2 of 5
Question Mark Learn More
Hiking Distances
1 of 5

2-6 miles

Backpack Weight
1 of 5

10-15 pounds

Terrain
2 of 5

Lightly Rugged

Max Daily Elevation
2 of 5

200-600 feet

Height & Exposure
2 of 5

Light

Trip Dates

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

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Rates

  • Hiking Mileage: 2-4 miles
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: minimal to 1000 feet
  • Duration: 6-10 hours

We begin with pick up between 7 and 8 am. From here, we head into Yosemite Valley and begin our grand day of exploration. The itinerary is tailored to your interests and desires. Most groups enjoy starting at a famous viewpoint that offers stunning initial views of the Valley, where we can see Bridal-Veil Falls, Half Dome and El Capitan. Our tour from here takes us on a loop through Yosemite Valley, and we can embark on a series of shorter hikes to pack as much diversity in as possible, or we can tackle a larger hike to bigger views or a grander destination. Options include pristine lakes, waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints, historical sites, the base of El Capitan and more. Somewhere along the way, we’ll stop for a delicious, picnic lunch prepared by your guide.

Full Day Tour Rates

1 person: $620 per person
2 people: $350 per person
3 people: $310 per person
4-5 people: $260 per person
6 people: $225 per person
10 and under: $155 per person

*Prices do not include guide gratuity

What's Included

  • Trip Included
    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.
  • Trip Included
    Round trip transportation from Mariposa, Autocamp Yosemite, anywhere on the Highway 140 corridor east of Mariposa or Yosemite Valley
  • Trip Included
    Entrance into Yosemite National Park
  • Trip Included
    A commitment to make the tour as exciting, challenging, informative, and full as you'd like, and as is possible in a day
  • Trip Included
    Breakfast, trail snacks and a picnic lunch
  • Trip Included
    Use of a top of the line, technical day pack
  • Trip Included
    Use of trekking poles
  • Trip Included
    Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yosemite

What's Not Included (Required)

  • Trip Not Included
    Lightweight hiking shoes or hiking boots
  • Trip Not Included
    Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
  • Trip Not Included
    Warm wool or fleece top (Spring, Fall, Winter)
  • Trip Not Included
    Warm hat and gloves (Spring, Fall, Winter)
  • Trip Not Included
    Water bottles or bladder (2 liters total capacity)
  • Trip Not Included
    Sunhat

Trip Logistics & FAQs

Where Do We Meet?

We can pick you up in the town of Mariposa; the Autocamp Yosemite Resort; anywhere on the Highway 140 corridor east of Mariposa; or at Curry Village in Yosemite Valley (at Shuttle Stop 14). Your guide will contact you approximately 7 days before your trip to determine the exact rendezvous time and location.

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.

Age Restrictions

Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:

  • 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval 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°

Reviews

5.0 (47 reviews)
add a review
Natalie S
5.0
5 months ago

Loved every minute of it!

An amazing experience and a perfect way to see Yosemite for the first time. Our guide, Tom, was so knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate. Highly recommend!

Alexis C
5.0
5 months ago

A must do in Yosemite.

A must do in Yosemite. Colleen was amazing. she helped us go further than we thought we good, without us realising. Really chilled vibes whilst showing a good level of experience and knowledge in the area! Thankyou Colleen,

Michele D
5.0
6 months ago

A perfect day

Had a fantastic single day private tour (2 ppl, one senior) with Tom at Yosemite Valley! Tom's knowledge, service, and professionalism was outstanding. Due to schedule we only had one day at the park, and Tom made sure we saw all the highlights -- despite higher than usual crowds on an early May Saturday. He adapted the day's schedule/logistics as needed and seamlessly incorporated our preferences while making great suggestions about activities--quick stops here, longer hiking options there, etc. He was proactive in offering historical background and had a deep knowledge of the trees and plants. Also super impressed with his hospitality in providing an impressive breakfast and lunch for us on the move. Just terrific in every way--though we were likely slower and less hardcore hikers than the usual group! Thanks, Tom--much appreciated and highly recommended!

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