Yosemite Hiker

Adventure Overview

Yosemite National Park is a place that’s imprinted on visitors from the moment they catch the first glimpse of its towering granite walls. The beating heart of the park is its spectacular glacier-carved Yosemite Valley, surrounded by dramatic mountains and filled with lovely meadows, majestic redwoods, aspen groves and jaw-dropping waterfalls. 

The four Yosemite Hiker itineraries we’ve put together showcase the best of the best of this dramatic region. These highly active trips are a chance to experience Yosemite by foot and raft during two very distinct seasons within the park—spring and summer. We explore some of its famed trails, while also providing the opportunity to go off-the-beaten path and see a side of Yosemite’s wilderness that’s away from the crowds.

Our Valley Views program is a chance to experience the spring awakening in the park. First, we raft the free-flowing Wild & Scenic Merced River, which comes alive in May with snowmelt gushing from the heart of the park, before exploring Glacier Point and tackling two quintessential Yosemite Hikes—Upper Yosemite Falls and Nevada Falls.

Spring wonders continue for our Waterfalls & Wildflowers trip, when the spring runoff is at its peak and the park’s rivers and waterfalls are raging. We ride those wild waters on a Merced River rafting trip and explore the southern end of the park, before attempting to summit Half Dome or hike from Wawona to Chilnualna Falls.

Later in the summer, with crowds at their peak, we turn to the relatively quieter side of Yosemite for our High Country Experience. We’ll travel just beyond the park to raft the Wild & Scenic Tuolumne River, before exploring Tuolumne Meadows and tackling several high elevation hikes, including spectacular Cloud’s Rest for an unparalleled 360° vista of Yosemite National Park.

Finally, as the end of summer draws near, our Greatest Hits trip is the chance to see the park in its entirety. First, we head into the adjacent wilderness to raft the Tuolumne River, before making our way into the park for several bucket list hikes—everything from the Panorama Trail along Glacier Point Road to Half Dome or Mt. Hoffmann and the Glen Aulin Trail in Tuolumne Meadows. 

Each of these experiences include expert guides, meals, and comfortable lodging accommodations in conveniently located lodges near the park entrances.