Yosemite & Tuolumne Hiker: Peaks, Creeks and Waterfalls
$1895*
Photography Trip: $2145 (see below for details)
Deposit: $250
Single Supplement: $280
Additional Costs:
$16 per person federal, state and local access fees
*All prices based on double occupancy
River Rating  | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Class IV | 12 Yrs (16 at high water) |
Photography Trips
Join one of our professional photographers for an indepth photography exploration of the iconic granite features and springtime waterfalls of Yosemite
- 6-Day Photography Trip: May 18
View more information on Photography trips >>
- Legend
- Directions
Enter your starting city
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Yosemite National Park & Tuolumne River Hiker: Overview
Give us six days and we’ll take you to the summit of one of the West’s most iconic rock formations, down California’s crown jewel of whitewater rivers, across lush, high-country meadows and amongst some of the largest living organisms on the planet. The first two days of this uniquely active itinerary are spent descending the Wild and Scenic Tuolumne River, spilling from the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra. We’ll then travel to a rustic lodge nestled in the towering woods just outside of Yosemite National Park for an evening of relaxing. For the next three days, local naturalists lead us from Yosemite Valley on guided hikes throughout the park, including a visit to Tuolumne Meadows (late summer only), two of the parks giant sequoia groves and a climactic (optional) 16.5-mile hike to Half Dome. All adventures are capped off under a night sky as you’ve never seen it before.
Yosemite National Park & Tuolumne River Hiker: Itinerary at a Glance
- Meet in the quaint community of Groveland and transfer to the Class IV Tuolumne River
- The first stretch of whitewater brings three of the Tuolumne’s most notorious rapids: Rock Garden, Nemesis and Rams Head
- Stop mid-afternoon to make camp, hike and relax
- Day two brings more exciting whitewater as we continue down the Wild & Scenic Tuolumne River
- The remainder of our evenings are spent in the comfort of a rustic lodge outside the park and in cozy tent cabins in the heart of Yosemite Valley
- Explore the valley floor and take in the views
- Stroll among giant sequoia groves with our expert naturalists
- Visit Tuolumne Meadows or hike to Inspiration Point
- Our final day of hiking takes us to the top of Half Dome, Yosemite’s most challenging day hike
- Finish the day with celebratory drinks at the bar before settling into a much needed night of rest
Although the Yosemite & Tuolumne Hiker is only moderately strenuous overall, the final day includes a steep, very challenging 17-mile roundtrip hike to the summit of Yosemite's Half Dome (4800 vertical feet). You will encounter stone stairs and many switchbacks along a steep trail that also includes sections of exposed granite slopes. Therefore, it is not recommended for people who have a fear of heights or children under the age of 12 years. Participants need to take the time to get into very good physical condition before beginning this trip. The hike requires an early morning start time and generally takes about 10 - 12 hours. If you feel that this particular hike may be too strenuous for you, please call us to discuss alternative options.
- Testimonials
- Reviews
- Write a Review
“Liked the guide and Naturalist on the [Yosemite] hiking. We were in the park two days prior to the trip, hiking around and just enjoying the overall grandure of the park, and didn't have a clue of what we were enjoying.
Chris Moore: [O.A.R.S. Guide]: I will come back and do another trip with Chris.
John DeGrazio [YExplore owner/guide]: has excellent knowledge of Yosemite National Park; thanks for having him as part of the trip. I would hire him in a heartbeat to guide an overnight trip in the future.
David Lukas [author/naturalist]: I don't know who made him part of the trip but kudo's to that person. The information he passed on about the smallest of things along the way were very enjoyable.”
Gary Merkl ~
- Weather
- Packing List
- Trip Planner
- Recommended Reads
| Average Temperatures | ||
| Month | Low | High |
| April | 35° | 65° |
| May | 42° | 73° |
| June | 48° | 82° |
| July | 54° | 90° |
| August | 53° | 90° |
| September | 47° | 87° |
| Water Temperatures | ||
| Seasonal Average: 50° - 60° F | ||
Current Conditions
What to bring on the Yosemite & Tuolumne Hiker: Peaks, Creeks and Waterfalls trip
This is a sample list. Please refer to your trip planner for a detailed list for your particular trip. If you do not already own any of the items on the suggested packing list feel free to call our office for suggestions. However, many of the items listed are available for purchase online in the OARStore. Please be mindful of the natural environment when purchasing items for your trip. Whenever possible, consider recyclable containers, rechargeable batteries, natural (non-toxic) sunscreens, lotions, biodegradable soaps, and so on.
Equipment:
- Duffel bag
- Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, ground cloth, sheet and small pillow – (early and late season trips require a synthetic-fill bag rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Backpack/Daypack for day hikes. It should be large enough to carry water, lunch and camera, as well as a warm layer of clothing for spring & fall trips (750 – 2000 cu. in)
- Water bottles: 2 heavy-duty and minimum 1-liter capacity each with a carabiner to attach it to the boat. For day hikes, hydration systems like a CamelBak® are great, but you will still want 1 water bottle while in the boat
- Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries and bulb
- Plastic bags: large trash bags and zip-loc bags to separate clean and dry clothes from wet and dirty
- Camera w/extra media cards and batteries
Personal Items:
- Sunglasses (preferably polarized) with securing strap and a spare
- Towel: small, quick-drying and washcloth
- Toiletries including biodegradable soap and shampoo with moisturizer (Nature's Gate is recommended by our guides)
- Sunscreen: waterproof & SPF 30 or higher
- Lip protection: SPF 30 or higher
- Moisturizing lotion or cream: 1 bottle (Skin tends to get REALLY DRY – this is a VERY important item!)
- Insect repellent (with deet)*
- Spare pair of glasses and/or contacts (Blowing sand can cause problems for contact wearers)
- Cash for gratuities and goodies
*During certain months, mosquitoes can be a bothersome problem. Please make sure you bring an adequate supply of insect repellent.
Clothing:
- Long-sleeved shirt: 2-3 lightweight and light color for sun protection (UPF rated shirts are great)
- Long pants: lightweight and light color for sun protection (No jeans while on the river)
- Shade hat or visor with securing strap and a spare
- Bandana
- Rain jacket & pants: waterproof (not water resistant) to protect you from the wind and splash from rapids, as well as rain. A hooded jacket is recommended as well as good secure closures around your head, neck, wrists and ankles to prevent water from seeping in
- Swimsuit: (two piece suits recommended for women). Tankinis are a great option
- Underwear: quick-drying
- Shorts: 2 pair lightweight, and quick-drying
- Hiking shorts: 2 pair (some people prefer different shorts for the river and hiking)
- T-shirts or lightweight quick-drying tops: 2-3
- River sandals: 1 pair to wear in the boat and for short wet hikes (such as Teva)
- Athletic shoes or lightweight hiking boots: 1 pair, comfortable and with good tread
- Hiking socks: 4-5 pair mid-weight
- Synthetic long underwear top & bottom: 1 set light to mid-weight
- Fleece top & bottom: 1 set light to mid-weight
Additional Essentials for spring & fall:
- Extra pair of dry shoes for camp
- Wetsuit booties and/or neoprene socks
- Additional fleece top & bottom
- Warm hat and gloves: synthetic or wool
- Fleece vest
Optional Items:
- Sarong: also useful as a cover-up from the sun, when bathing or to discreetly change clothes
- Bathing towels/wipes: pre-moistened disposable wipes such as Coleman Swash Cloths
- Binoculars: small
- Paddling gloves
- Lightweight cord and clothespins for drying clothes in camp
- Notebook and pen
Download our travel planner here:
Yosemite & Tuolumne Hiker TP.pdf
Trip planner is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader.
