Yosemite Autocamp Winter Tour
Yosemite National Park
5.0 (2 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Wonderful, Unique Lodging
- Crowd-free Yosemite Hiking
- Best waterfalls & Viewpoints
- Pristine Winter Scenery
- Stunning Views of the Valley
- Home Cooked Meals
Description
Come join us for an extraordinary four days of exploring Yosemite National Park in the winter plus the added benefit of wonderfully unique lodging! Each day we’ll embark on a different exciting day hike or snowshoe trek throughout the Park, and each evening we’ll return to Autocamp Yosemite, where guests will have private Airstream accommodations and home cooked meals prepared by your guide. We provide all the meals, lodging, local transportation, and an expert guide so you can relax and soak up Yosemite!
Our daily treks cover the gamut from popular, classic hikes to lesser-known gems that we selected just for this trip. We’ll spend time in Yosemite Valley; we’ll venture up into the snow at Badger Pass, and explore one of Yosemite’s three Giant Sequoia Groves. We’ll see waterfalls, high peaks, stunning viewpoints, and giant Sequoia trees, all enhanced by winter’s beauty. You’ll get to see and experience an amazing amount of this park in just 4 days!
$2075 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 2
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
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:
6-7 mi
Backpack Weight:
8-12 lbs
Terrain:
Lightly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
2900 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 8-12 lb 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
SOLITUDE LEVEL 3
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.
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 Fresno: Yosemite Area Rapid Transit (YARTS) is offering 4 bus rides each direction from Fresno to Yosemite Valley. If you’re not renting a vehicle, this is the simplest way to reach Yosemite.
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).
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
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private TripsITINERARY
Day 1
- Shuttle: 45-60 minutes each way
- 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 Autocamp Yosemite and get settled in our accommodations and have a chance to shower. We’ll reconvene in the evening for a delicious dinner prepared by your guide(s).
Day 2
- Shuttle: 45-60 minutes each way
- Hiking Mileage: 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1000 feet
- Elevation Loss: 1000 feet
- Accommodations: Autocamp Yosemite
Today we will arise early and enjoy a light continental breakfast on a scenic drive into Yosemite’s high country. (If you’d prefer a more elaborate breakfast, Autocamp offers a variety of cooked-on-site, reheatable breakfast items like breakfast burritoes, egg sandwiches and oatmeal.) 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 millennium 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
- Shuttle: 45-60 minutes each way
- Hiking Mileage: variable
- Elevation Loss: variable
- Accommodations: Autocamp Yosemite
Today we start with hot coffee or tea and another continental breakfast (with more elaborate options available through Autocamp if you desire). 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.
Day 4
- 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 lodge 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
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
- 3 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)
- A professional, knowledgeable, certified Yosemite hiking/snowshoeing guide
- 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
- A Lifetime Hiking Membership entitling you, your spouse and dependents to a discount of 10% off any Wildland hiking trip after your first one (must book directly with us to receive the discount)!
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
We provide all your meals from breakfast the first day through lunch the last day. Your guide will prepare breakfasts and lunches with a variety of hot and cold meals that are appropriate for the day’s activities. Dinners, also prepared by your guide, are hosted each evening at a very special roof-top grilling area at Autocamp Yosemite. Feel free to tell us about your food preferences, as we’re more than happy to tailor the menu to your needs/desires. Some specialty diets 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)
What Gear to Bring
We ask that you supply a couple of gear items on your hiking tour. These items are two 1-liter water bottles per person and either a headlamp or flashlight per person. Basic items like sunscreen, bug repellent (where and when applicable), lip balm, and toiletries are also important.
What Clothes to Bring
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with detailed information about what clothes to pack (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, and our recommended clothing system. A minimum of three pairs of wool or synthetic hiking socks are also required.
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 information about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
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.
Guides
Your tour will be led by a trained, experienced professional with a solid guiding background, years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
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.
Group Size and Age Restrictions
The standard group size on inn-based trips is 6 guests and 1 guide. If you have more questions about group size, please give us a call at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) and we’ll answer all your questions.
Age restrictions 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
Autocamp Yosemite
3 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
Trip Reviews
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Julius G.
Great Trip
Kevin did a great job. Very knowledgeable, very helpful, all around great guide
Miriam S
Very Experienced Guide
Kevin was a great guide, he made sure that all our needs were met and made sure to check in individually on our expectations and well-being throughout. He had an abundance of information on Yosemite and history etc and was always up for a cheerful conversation. His experience made the trip extra great.
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