Waterfalls, Views and Whitewater
Yosemite, California
4.9 (8 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Iconic Yosemite Views
- Thundering Waterfalls
- Whitewater Rafting
- Giant Sequoia Trees
- Creekside Camping
- Vigorous Hiking
Description
This all-inclusive Yosemite camping tour packs a tremendous amount of value into an action-packed four days exploring America’s second national park. We operate this trip in the spring and early summer (April 15 to June 15) to take full advantage of the high country snowmelt, which amps up Yosemite Valley’s waterfalls in dramatic fashion, and transforms the famous Merced River into a spectacular whitewater adventure. We give you the best of Yosemite Valley including waterfall hikes, Glacier Point and the Giant Sequoia trees. We earn breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley’s world-famous granite features, like Half dome and El Capitan, as we learn about the Valley’s incredible glacial history. We will also spend a ½ day Whitewater Rafting on the Merced River, and enjoy a relaxing walking tour of the historical cultural sites of Yosemite Valley.
We set up our basecamp either in Yosemite Valley or at a wonderful, nearby private campground on the shores of the Tuolumne River. Each day after a hearty breakfast we will embark on on a diversity of hand-picked trails and activities, and return to our camp for fantastic meals, relaxation, and showers.
$2190 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip earns a Level 3 difficulty rating due to the 9.2 mile, 3200′ elevation gain/loss hike on day 4. The trails are well maintained with moderate heights exposure in places. Also, our day of whitewater rafting requires that guests be able to swim and help paddle the raft in flat water and rapids.
Hiking Distances:
7-9 miles
Backpack Weight:
10-15 pounds
Terrain:
Lightly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
3200 feet
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
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
- Hiking with occasional, moderate heights exposure
- Be able to swim and paddle a raft
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.
MINIMUM OF 2 GUESTS
If a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 4-6 weeks before the departure date, and notify guests of changes and options immediately.
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 1.75
- 4-5 People: Rate x 1.5
- 6-8 People: Rate x 1.25
- 9-12 People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person
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ITINERARY
Day 1
- Hiking Distance: 7.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 2900 feet
Today we’ll meet up at the Curry Village parking area in Yosemite Valley. From there, we start our 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 current conditions. While many of Yosemite’s hikes are centered on a destination, this 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 return to the Valley floor and set up camp among the towering ponderosa pines and oaks of the beautiful Upper Pines Campground in the heart of Yosemite Valley (or alternatively at a wonderful private campground on the shores of the Tuolumne River). After settling into camp, as your guide prepares a sumptuous meal, there is time to is sit around the campfire and soak up your surroundings.
Day 2
- Hiking Distance: 7.75 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1200 feet
Today we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast before leaving our basecamp among the ponderosa pines for our next adventure. Ours hike today takes us into Yosemite’s biggest trees – the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. The trail begins on the south end of the grove and heads west along a maintained walkway passing phenomenal sites like the “Fallen Monarch” and the “Bachelor and Three Graces” within the first mile. Continuing another ¼ mile and a 300ft gain in elevation we will arrive at the Grizzly Giant. This is the tallest, at 209 feet, and the oldest tree in Yosemite National Park. Moving on, the trail climbs steadily as we hike past many other massive Sequoias, including the “Faithful couple” and the aptly named “Clothespin” tree.
We will continue our hike roughly two miles to the stunning Wawona Point, our destination for the day with dramatic views of Wawona Valley, Wawona dome and the South Fork of the Merced River far below. Your guide will prepare a tasty trail lunch as we spend some time taking in the view. After lunch we will return to our starting point and get back to camp for a couple hours of relaxation and then another delicious outdoor dinner prepared by your guide.
Day 3
- Shuttle: 45 minutes
Today we embark on a ½ day whitewater rafting adventure along the wild and scenic Merced River with the veteran Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions! The Merced flows through Yosemite Valley, where it drains the snowpack melting far above in the high country (much of which is dramatically entering the Merced via Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls and other towering waterfalls). It is a cold, clear oasis flowing west out of Yosemite National Park through a series of deep, steep canyons. During the main season from March-June and depending on snowmelt this adventure includes Class 3 and 4 rapids and covers 11 miles. Wet suits, helmets and paddles are provided.
After our journey down the Merced, your guide will prepare a well-deserved lunch and we will head back into Yosemite Valley to visit some of the historic sites. We will visit the spectacular Awahnee Hotel, which opened in 1927. We’ll tour the Yosemite Cemetery, which holds the remains of the first person to organize a tour in Yosemite in 1855, Yosemite’s first Chief Ranger, and the first person to summit Half Dome in 1875. If time allows, we’ll also visit the Yosemite Museum.
After our historical tour, we will return to camp for a final evening campfire and outdoor dinner prepared by your guide.
Day 4
- Hiking Distance: 9.2 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 3200 feet
Our last and arguably most challenging hike takes us up the iconic Fourmile trail to Glacier Point. The trail begins near Sentinel Rock in Yosemite Valley and climbs steadily with north facing views of Yosemite Falls, the 3 Brothers and El Capitan. Topping out at stunning Glacier Point we will enjoy a trail lunch and 360-degree views of Half Dome, the Clark Range, Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite Valley, and Vernal and Nevada Falls from Day 1. After lunch we will double back and descend to our starting point, say our goodbyes, and reflect on our amazing adventure in 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
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
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
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.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- Top-of-the-line tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and day pack
- Use of trekking poles
- All meals are included from breakfast on Day 1 through lunch on the last day
- A professional, knowledgeable, certified Yosemite hiking guide
- 1/2 day of whitewater rafting (wet suit, helmet and life jacket included)
- 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)
- National park entrance fee
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
All of our hiking and backpacking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We carry foods that travel well in the outdoors – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, and more.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables (fresh and dried). 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
- Sierra Designs, Kelty or Big Agnes tents
- Sierra Designs, Big Agnes and Mountain Hardware sleeping bags
- Thermarest sleeping pads
- Leki trekking poles
- Cooking stoves and cookware
- 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.
Additionally, some guests choose to bring their own sleeping bag. We supply high quality, synthetic fill bags that are professionally laundered after every trip. Synthetic fill is non-allergenic, insulates when damp and stands up well to repeated washings, but is heavier and bulkier than down. If you’re able to bring your own down sleeping bag, there are multiple benefits. If not, we’ve got you covered!
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 in Curry Village in Yosemite Valley around 8 AM the morning the trip begins. Your guide will be in contact approximately 2 weeks before your trip and will specify the exact location of the rendezvous at that point. You can park your personal vehicle at Curry Village for the duration of the trip.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Yosemite Valley
TRAVEL TO CURRY VILLAGE IN YOSEMITE
You’ll meet your hiking guide and group in Curry Village in Yosemite Valley around 8 AM the morning the trip begins. Your guide will be in contact approximately 2 weeks before your trip and will specify the exact location of the rendezvous at that point. You can park your personal vehicle at Curry Village for the duration of the trip.
Most of our guests drive personal or rental vehicles to Yosemite, but you can also travel to and from Yosemite National Park using train and bus options from much of California:
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).
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s rendezvous time at the orientation meeting. Generally, you can expect it to be between 5 and 8 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. We will be out of the backcountry 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 Considerations
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. We’ve developed comprehensive risk management protocols that our guides adhere to in case of an emergency, and all tours carry an emergency communication device. 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) for 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) | ||||||
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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°
|
||
Accommodations
Premier Campgrounds
3 NIGHTS
On our basecamp tours we hand pick wonderful campgrounds that put us right in the action for exceptional hiking and camping vacations. They may be national park, state park, or private vehicle-accessible campgrounds. They may vary by trip date depending on availability and seasonality.
Fantastic Meals
11 MEALS
Basecamp trips include meals for the duration of the tours beginning with breakfast the first day through lunch the final day. Meals are prepared by your guide(s) using fresh ingredients, exclusive Wildland recipes, and we adhere to all department of health outdoor cooking codes.
Comfortable Camping
CAMPING AMENITIES
What amenities do basecamp tours include? Cold and hot drinks, campfires (where/when allowed), camp chairs, access to showers (not available on all basecamp tours), fresh food, roomy tents, comfortable sleeping pads, comfy sleeping bags, camp pillows and more! Camp comfortably, eat like royalty, and hike til your heart’s content!
Trip Reviews
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- Most recent
- LOW - HIGH
- HIGH - LOW
Stephanie S
The Best
Morgan was a great friend to all ages in our group. She knew how to adapt and counsel us and prepare food to delight each person. Her attitude set a tone of sustainable joy and realistic ways to care for ourselves while hiking farther than we thought we could. I can’t recommend Wildland and Morgan enough. This was the best our family has ever taken! I’ve already recommended our guide and Yosemite Waterfalls to 3 other families.
Elizabeth G
Top Notch
This was my eighth Wildland trip and it was excellent! The whitewater rafting was incredible! Our guide, Sass, was top notch- she was perfectly organized, made fantastic and creative meals and is just really fun to be around. Definitely recommend this trip, especially for the rafting!
Rob A
Great Trip
I really enjoyed my trip in Yosemite. My guide Sass was amazing and I felt really taken care of the entire time.
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