Yosemite & Tuolumne Hiker: Peaks, Creeks and Waterfalls
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6 Days
Raft the Champagne whitewater of the Tuolumne River: then hit the hills for 3 days of hiking in Yosemite National Park on this one-of-a kind active California adventure.
Departure Dates
June 5, 12 (Photography), 25; July 15; August 26
Photography Workshop: June 12
Price
$2011*
Photography Trip: $2261 (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) |
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Join one of our professional photographers for an indepth photography exploration of the iconic granite features and springtime wildflowers and waterfalls of Yosemite National Park.
- 6-Day Photography Trip: June 12
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PrintYosemite 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 few days of this exceptionally 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 two to three days, local naturalists lead us
from Yosemite Valley on guided hikes throughout the park, including a visit to two of the park’s 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 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 (or three) 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 canvas tents in the heart of Yosemite Valley
- Explore the valley floor and take in the views
- Stroll among giant sequoia groves with our expert naturalists
- 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.
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- Legend
- Directions
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- Trip Reviews
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- Testimonials
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- 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 ~ Slinger, WI
Yosemite & Tuolumne Hiker - 6 Days Trip Planner
Required Forms
Please print, sign and return the required forms (for each person in your party) to our office by email, fax or mail at least 30 days prior to your trip.
Trip Documents
Itineraries
Trip Planners (includes packing list)
Packing List
Relevant Links
Local Weather & Current Conditions
| 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 | ||
