Best of Yosemite Winter Hiking Tour
Inn-Based Hiking Tours
4 Days, 3 Nights
20+ MI/ 32+ KM
Trip Details
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Trip Type
Inn-Based Hiking Tours -
Trip Length
4 Days, 3 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
6-7 mi -
Group Size
2-10 guests
What's Included
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Three nights of double occupancy lodging at the Yosemite View Lodge, or similar equivalent in rare cases (single occupancy requires an additional single supplement) -
Use of a day pack, trekking poles, and snowshoes or micro spikes if needed
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All meals are included from breakfast on Day 1 through lunch on the last day
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Transportation for the duration of the tour (starting and ending in El Portal, CA)
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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.
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
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Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yosemite
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles
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Alcoholic beverages
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Day 1
Drive Time: 1 hour
Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2900 feet
Elevation Loss: 2900 feet
On this Yosemite hiking tour, we’ll start our trip with a hike to two of Yosemite’s crown jewels, Vernal Fall, and Nevada Fall, along either the John Muir Trail or the Mist Trail, depending on conditions. 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.
After we lunch at a picturesque point overlooking the falls, we’ll drive back to Yosemite View Lodge and get settled in our accommodations and have a chance to shower. We’ll reconvene in the evening for a delicious dinner.
Day 2
Drive time: 2 hours
Hiking Mileage: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1000 feet
Elevation Loss: 1000 feet
Today we will rise early and enjoy a great breakfast and a scenic drive into Yosemite’s high country. We’ll head up the Glacier Point Road to the winter road closure at Badger Pass, site of California’s oldest ski area. Here, we’ll strap on snowshoes and begin an epic trip out to spectacular Dewey Point with its unique views of Yosemite Valley. The route begins on the closed Glacier Point Road and winds through a red fir and lodgepole pine forest. These trees thrive in this cold and snowy environment and have adapted throughout the millennia to these conditions. We soon pass through a series of snow-covered meadows before we drop down to Dewey Point and an extraordinary view of Yosemite and the High Sierra. We savor the view before the lure of a steaming cup of hot chocolate at the Badger Pass Ski lodge inspires us to begin our return.
Day 3
Drive time: 1 hour
Hiking Mileage: variable
Elevation Loss: variable
Today we start with hot drinks 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 incredible Valley.
Day 4
Drive time: 2 hours
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, start hatching new plans for future trips to more special places like Yosemite!
Itinerary Note
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.
Packing List
IMPORTANCE OF BEING PREPARED
Your safety and enjoyment will depend on your level of preparedness. It is your responsibility to arrive with the items listed below. Our Gear Guide is a resource to find more information about these items and links to online options. If you have additional questions about what to pack, please ask your guide during the pre-trip contact (~10 days prior to the trip start date) or call our Adventure Consultants 7 days a week at 928-223-HIKE (4453).
STANDARD CLOTHING CHECKLIST
The following items are required for your trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.
STANDARD CLOTHING CHECKLIST
(GG) Gear Guide: see for more info and links to product options
Supportive, lightweight, well-drained shoe or sport sandal for wearing in the evening or the ride back to the lodge (Camp Shoes GG)
One pair for every two days of your trip, plus an extra pair to sleep in. Hiking-specific padded socks, no cotton please! (Socks GG)
( Note: wearing thin liner socks under your hiking socks can help prevent blisters )
Wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo (Sun Hats GG)
Lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves (Hat/Gloves GG)
1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool. (Base Layers GG)
1-2 non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts (Hiking Shirts GG – Sun Hoodie GG) (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
Mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene (Mid Layers GG)
Down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy-weight fleece jacket (Mid Layers GG)
Nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings (Shorts GG – Pants GG)
waterproof jacket and pants, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will allow you to pull them over your boots. (Rain Jackets GG – Rain Pants GG)
recommended for wet or snowy conditions (Gaiters GG)
comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings off the trail
small duffel bag, suitcase or backpack – for extra hiking clothes and casual clothes. (Duffels GG)
Important Note
Important Note : Please, no cotton hiking clothes and please feel free to call us if you have any questions or you can reference the Gear Guide .
Gear Checklist
2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle (Hydration Bladders GG) ( Note: We recommend always having a bottle with 1 liter of capacity as a back-up in case of a hydration system failure and to use while in camp )
preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Headlamp GG) ( Note: always test your headlamp before trips, travel/pack without batteries in device, and for longer trips (4+ days) consider a spare bulb and 1 set of spare batteries )
if you wear contact lenses, please also bring a pair of glasses – your contacts are likely to become dirty and may be difficult to clean
please inform your trip leader of any medications you are taking
for any shopping you would like to do and for consideration of tipping your guide
( Note: industry tipping recommendation is 10-20% of the trip cost based on your level of satisfaction )
OPTIONAL ITEMS
As a Wildland guest, you can enjoy a 20% discount off Leki trekking poles (reservation number required.) Click here for discount. Trekking poles are provided for guests who do not bring their own. (Trekking Poles GG)
consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries
DO NOT Bring
– per our terms and conditions no firearms or other weapons are permitted, including knives with blades longer than 4 inches
– including marijuana, which is illegal on federal lands and in national parks
TRAINING
Training is extremely important for you to maximize your enjoyment! The more physically prepared you are, the more fun you’ll have! Click below to read our training recommendations.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORTATION, MEETING & LODGING
MEETING TIME & PLACE
You will meet your hiking guide and group at Yosemite View Lodge between 7 and 9 a.m. the morning the trip begins. Your guide will email you approximately 10 days before your trip to coordinate the exact time and location of the rendezvous, which will depend on current weather and road conditions.
TRIP CONCLUSION
We aim to conclude this trip between 3:00 and 4:00 pm on the last day to allow time for travel. Please understand this time frame is approximate and not guaranteed.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DATES
Travel to and from the trip starting point is not included in the cost of our trips. Please plan on arriving in the area the evening before Day 1 (or very early on Day 1) and departing no earlier than the evening of the last day.
GATEWAY CITIES IN CALIFORNIA:
Fresno, Bakersfield, Merced, Sacramento, Oakland, San Franciso, San Jose, Visalia
GATEWAY CITIES OUTSIDE OF CALIFORNIA:
Reno, Nevada or Las Vegas, Nevada
BY RAIL AND BUS TO Yosemite View LODGE
From Fresno: Yosemite Area Rapid Transit (YARTS) is offering 1 bus ride each direction from Fresno to Yosemite Valley.
From Other California Cities: 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).
Once in Merced you can connect with the YARTS Blue line that stops at Yosemite View Lodge.
TRANSPORTATION TO & FROM THE TRAILHEAD
We will be utilizing Wildland Trekking vehicles as well as the Yosemite National Park Shuttle Service for transport inside the park.
STORAGE OF PERSONAL ITEMS & VEHICLES
We recommend checking with your pre- and post-trip hotel(s) to inquire about luggage storage. Most of the time hotels are happy to accommodate.
PRE & POST-TRIP on request lodging
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging at the Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal, CA as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
RECOMMENDED LODGING
Yosemite View Lodge (location of pre and post-trip lodging)
Website / 209-379-2681
Lodging in Yosemite Valley
Website / 801-559-4884
Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn (in El Portal, 30 minutes from Yosemite Valley)
Website / 209-379-2100
Wild Haven Yosemite (glamping and cabins in Mariposa, CA)
Website / 209-225-9225
The Cedar Lodge (40 minutes from Yosemite Valley)
Website / 209-379-2612
Redwoods in Yosemite Vacation Rentals
Website / 877-753-8566
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. We designed our terms and conditions with trip insurance in mind. When you register for a trip, your spot is no longer available to other guests. Therefore, if you discover that you are unable to travel, no refund is available past a certain point. With trip insurance, your payment to Wildland may be covered, but also your flights, hotels and other travel costs can also be insured.
Read more about our trip insurance recommendations.
Pack Weight & Contents
You will be hiking with a light day pack that we provide. You’re also welcome to bring your own. The contents will be what you need for the day – rain gear, an extra layer or two, snacks, water, sunscreen…etc.
Estimated Pack Weight: 5-10 Pounds
Check The Weather Forecast For Your Trip
We recommend using NOAA’s website (www.weather.gov) for the most accurate 5-day weather forecasts. See Yosemite Valley Forecast.
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) | ||||||
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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°
|
||
Guide Shifts
Guides are required to take 10-12 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal time, take rest breaks…etc. and be uninterrupted for a minimum of 8 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
Tipping Your Guide
Tipping your guide is greatly appreciated! Wildland guides, and outdoor/backcountry guides in general, do much more than lead guests down the trail. Although supported by amazing in-town staff, they often work independently in the field due to permit and logistical constraints. The guide is responsible for the group’s safety, menu planning (including dietary restrictions), cooking for the group, prepping and taking care of the gear, handling livestock (on stock-supported trips), driving, complying with government regulations, ensuring guest satisfaction, and generally making sure the tour runs smoothly. They wear many hats and are extraordinary at what they do!
The industry standard tip amount for hiking and backpacking guides is between 10% and 20% of the tour cost per person, depending on your level of satisfaction. If you have any questions about tipping, feel free to call us 7 days a week at 800-715-HIKE (4453)!
Group Travel
If you’re joining one of our scheduled trekking tours you’ll be hiking with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Please carefully examine the trip materials and difficulty level prior to registering to select a trip that matches your ability level. If you need assistance selecting the right trip we are more than happy to help.
It is possible there will be a discrepancy in fitness levels on your trip. Consider that the trip may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for your fellow travelers and it is important to respect each guest’s individual condition, needs and desires.
Finally, guided groups are required by land management agencies to stay together on the trail. Hiking together can require patience and flexibility. If hiking at a very specific pace is extremely important to you, you may want to consider booking a private trip.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
If you’re joining one of our scheduled trekking tours you’ll be hiking with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Please carefully examine the trip materials and difficulty level prior to registering to select a trip that matches your ability level. If you need assistance selecting the right trip we are more than happy to help.
It is possible there will be a discrepancy in fitness levels on your trip. Consider that the trip may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for your fellow travelers and it is important to respect each guest’s individual condition, needs and desires.
Finally, guided groups are required by land management agencies to stay together on the trail. Hiking together can require patience and flexibility. If hiking at a very specific pace is extremely important to you, you may want to consider booking a private trip.