Yosemite Family Camping Adventure (Coming Soon!)
Yosemite, California
Trip Highlights
- Fun for Adults & Kids
- Creekside Camping
- Waterfalls
- Giant Sequoia Trees
- Family Bonding
- World Class Hiking
Description
Please Note: This trip is a brand new offering, and we’re still putting the final touches on it. It will be available for booking soon!
Bond as a family, enjoy fantastic Yosemite hikes and give your kids an opportunity to fall in love with the outdoors! Join Wildland Trekking for the ultimate family camping vacation in Yosemite National Park. This basecamp style trip includes a mix of camping, hiking and other activities in California’s famous Sierra Nevada Mountains.
To maximize everyone’s enjoyment, we include daily activities for both kids and adults (some together, some separate). The adults will embark on daily hikes that feature waterfalls, ancient Sequoia trees, high country peaks and breathtaking views. The kids will participate in activities including Yosemite’s Junior Ranger Program, a hike among the Giant Sequoia Trees, swimming in one of Yosemite’s most stunning lakes, and river tubing through Yosemite Valley. In the evenings enjoy meals that adults and kids alike will love, and sit around a roaring campfire with a crystal clear river just a stone’s throw away.
$1860 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 2
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
On this trip the adults and kids engage in largely different daily activities, and then reconvene in the evenings for group/family time. Adults will be hiking on mostly 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. The kids will be doing light hiking and (conditions permitting) tubing on a river, with flotation devices.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 6 miles
Backpack Weight:
8-12 pounds
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
2020 feet
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Adults: hiking uphill or downhill with a 8-12 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Adults: maintaining balance and footing on rugged terrain
- Adults: hiking with moderate heights exposure
- Kids: light hiking, swimming/tubing with flotation devices
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 4 GUESTS
We require a minimum of 4 guests to confirm this trip. If a trip date is not confirmed yet, you can register and will be notified when the trip is officially confirmed. We recommend not making final travel arrangements until your trip meets the minimum number of guests and is confirmed.
In most cases, 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 45 days before the departure date.
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
- 4-5 People: Rate x 1.25
- 6-12 People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private TripsITINERARY
Day 1
The first day of this tour involves meeting your guide and group at the designated campground around 5 pm. We will set up camp and get settled in. Your guides will prepare a delicious dinner and give an overview of the week’s activities.
Day 2
- Adult Hike: Vernal/Nevada Falls
- Kid Activity: Yosemite Valley, Junior Ranger Program
- Shuttle: 2 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1270 feet
- Elevation Loss: 1270 feet
Our first Yosemite hike begins at the Happy Isles trailhead with an outstanding hike to view one of Yosemite’s crown jewels, Vernal Falls, along the John Muir trail. While many of Yosemite’s hikes are centered on a final destination, this route features stunning views the whole way. We’ll enjoy a panorama that includes Upper Yosemite Falls, the phenomenal granite heights of Liberty Cap, Grizzly Peak, the Panorama Cliffs, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point and Half Dome.
Today the kids, led by 1-2 Wildland guides (depending on group size), will begin working toward their Yosemite National Park, Junior Ranger badges. They will each receive a Yosemite Junior Ranger handbook with fun, educational activities that help them engage and learn about Yosemite . They can continue this process throughout the week if they choose to.
After our day in Yosemite Valley, we will all return to camp for an evening of great food, campfires, family bonding and relaxation!
Day 3
- Adult Hike: alpine lake and peak hike
- Kid Activity: swimming
- Shuttle: 2 Hours
- Hiking Mileage: 5.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 2020 feet
Today, after a delicious breakfast, the adults will attempt to summit a peak at the geographical center of Yosemite National Park. Our hike takes us uphill to a charming sub-alpine lake framed by sheer granite cliffs. We’ll take a break at the lake before continuing up the flanks of our peak ascent. This summit involves only hiking, but is an exciting ascent up a picturesque high country mountain peak with stunning views all around.
The kids will be not very far away, spending their day on the shores of Yosemite’s most famous alpine lake, Tenaya Lake. They can swim, splash around, fish (must bring own fishing gear and kids under 16 do not need fishing licenses), work on their junior ranger certification, play games or simply relax near the lake. All the while staring up at the signature features of Yosemite: soaring granite cliffs and domes. Adults are welcome to join us at the lake, if they’re not up for the peak hike.
Day 4
- Optional Hike: 4-Mile Trail to Glacier Point
- Optional Activity: Merced River Float
- Shuttle: 2 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 9.6 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 3200 feet
For our fourth day we will start the morning with another delicious, outdoor breakfast. Today we head back to Yosemite Valley for a few options: either a fantastic hike or a relaxing and fun float trip.
The Four-mile Trail is a challenging but richly rewarding hike to the incredible vantage of Glacier Point. Our hike ascends via switchbacks on a very well maintained trail above the forests into the cliffs above Yosemite Valley. We’ll literally be gazing out at the cliffs, domes, meadows and waterfalls that define Yosemite for the entire hike. Our destination – Glacier Point – gives us yet more views of the Park into Little Yosemite Valley and Vernal and Nevada Falls from Day 1. We’ll enjoy lunch and then descend back to the Valley.
The other option today (for kids and adults alike) is a relaxing and fun float through Yosemite Valley on the pristine Merced River. Fed by snowmelt high in the Sierra, the Merced River flows through Yosemite Valley and each summer the river reaches a water level that creates a 3-mile self guided rafting float that includes views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. (Kids must weigh 50 pounds or more to join the float trip.)
Day 5
- Adult/Kids: hike together to Giant Sequoias
- Shuttle: 1.5 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1200 feet
Today we’ll start with a quick breakfast and break down camp. Today’s hike takes us all, adults and kids alike, into Yosemite’s biggest trees – the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. We’ll hike together, as long as everyone remains motivated, and shoot for completing 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, we will enjoy another picnic lunch among the trees then take a short shuttle back to the trailhead for the conclusion of our tour.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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, Kelty, 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?
We will meet at the campground (31191 Hardin Flat Rd, Groveland, CA) outside of Yosemite National Park at 5pm on Day 1. Your guides will be in contact approximately 10 days before the trip to answer any questions you have, and to coordinate the rendezvous.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Start/End Times
You will meet your guide and group at 5PM at the campground on Day 1. The tour will conclude 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 and camping 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) 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:
- 8 and older to join scheduled tours (Merced River float requirement is at least 50 pounds)
- 12 and older to join the adult activities
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
Premier Campgrounds
4 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
12 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, 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!
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