Nature-Led: Yosemite Guided Tours & Experiences

Covering 1,463 square miles, the rugged beauty of Mariposa County calls out for exploration. From the ethereal loop of Yosemite Valley’s waterfalls to eBiking the county’s labyrinth of fire roads, and from moonlit train rides to learning how to rock climb Yosemite’s signature granite, countless experiences await. Yet “knowing the ropes” can be a tricky proposition.  A tried & true approach? Booking a Yosemite guided tour and letting a local outfitter lead the way.

Why A Guided Tour?

Taking advantage of a local guide can result in a transformative experience where culture, history, and adventure come together seamlessly, and where “inside” knowledge of Yosemite Mariposa County’s great outdoors makes for a nature-led trip to remember. Here are the top reasons why a Yosemite guided tour makes sense.

• Tours cover a range of interests from sightseeing iconic landmarks to fishing and photography, and from wildlife viewing to history and wine tasting.
• Tours cover a range of physical abilities and fitness levels from riding in the comfort of a temperature-controlled vehicle to weeklong backpacking trips into the Yosemite backcountry.
• Some tours are ADA-approved, some are kid-friendly, and others welcome pets.
• Tours are available year-round, with some taking advantage of seasonal conditions such as whitewater rafting in spring and guided snowshoe hikes in winter.
• Costs range from value to luxury, meaning there’s always an option that fits your budget.
• Many operators will work with you to customize a private tour for individuals or groups based on your specific interests.
• Some tours provide add-ons such as free lunches, admission into Yosemite National Park, backcountry permits, and gear for use or rent.
• For driving tours, there’s nothing better than letting someone else take the wheel so you can enjoy the sights uninterrupted.

Classic Tours

It’s impossible to go wrong when touring Yosemite National Park, but there are always a few perennial favorites. The Yosemite Valley Floor Tour is a two-hour highlight reel of the Park’s geologic marvels, bouncy wildlife, and rich history. Led by park rangers and well-versed naturalists, the guided tour is available year-round via open-air tram in summer and heated motor coach with panoramic windows in winter.

Hiking & Backpacking Tours

There’s nothing like those first steps on a Yosemite trail. And having a trusted guide lead the way only makes the experience richer. YExplore Yosemite Adventures offers guided day hikes based on difficulty level (easy to strenuous), and backpacking tours from 2-6 days. Perfect for creating a new chapter in your backcountry backstory.

For outdoor empowerment, the guide-owned Echo Adventures Cooperative offers a variety of Yosemite adventures from sightseeing to summit hiking tours and fishing tours. EAC takes a socially and environmentally sustainable approach while providing gear, transportation, entrance fees, and most important of all — knowledgeable guides. Custom lunches are available for vegan/gluten-free guests.

Thrill-Seeking Tours

Where there are rocks, there are rock climbers. For epic granite-top adventures, the world-renowned Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service has been teaching visitors how to climb since 1969 with group and private classes. Whether you’re ready to graduate to the big walls such as El Capitan or want to start small, this Yosemite Valley institution has you securely clipped and ready to scale. For everything from gym-to-crag to multi-pitch and family climbs, Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides (SYMG) has been operating since 1991 and was voted one of the “Best Outfitters On Earth” by National Geographic Adventure Magazine.

The ultimate in thrill-seeking tours, Skydive Yosemite offers tandem jumps with licensed & experienced pros from 10K, 12K, and 14K feet while providing stunning views of the Sierra crest as well as Yosemite icons El Captain and Half Dome.

For an airborne experience that keeps the heart rate a bit more steady, Airborrn Aviation Services takes guests up in their Cessna, “Joy”, to soar above the Park’s signature landmarks. Tours are available for 1-3 passengers (520 lbs combined max) and can be booked for sunrise & sundown for a magic hour unlike any other.

With the Merced River gracefully weaving through Yosemite Valley and then plunging the westward slope of the Sierra, Yosemite whitewater rafting is a spring rite of passage for thrill-seekers worldwide.  Several licensed tour operators offer a range of packages from half to full-day trips, with lunches and gear provided. For many these tours are life-changing, and a highlight of their Yosemite experience.

Unique Tours

In keeping with Mariposa County’s independent spirit, its unique tours are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

For a pedal assist that’s good for the environment, Yosemite E-biking is the perfect alternative to car touring as you explore Mariposa, the gateway to Yosemite. From the laid-back streets of downtown to the surrounding Gold Rush history, and from exploring its many fire roads to rock climbing some classic Sierra granite, the tour possibilities are endless. All ages & experience levels are welcome!

Trains have played an important role in Yosemite’s history so it makes sense that visitors can ride the rails in style at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. Located 2 miles from historic Fish Camp and the Southern Entrance to Yosemite National Park, the open-air cars are pulled by a vintage Shay steam engine as you weave through the forest and hear stories of the region’s colorful past.  Tours range from the one-hour “Logger” to the “Moonlight Special” — a ride under the stars that features dinner and campfire sing-a-long. Oh, and friendly dogs ride free! 

Tours Departing From San Francisco & Los Angeles

For visitors who’d rather not arrange a car rental or drive unfamiliar roads, several operators provide Yosemite guided tours departing from California’s major cities.

Incredible Adventures departs from San Francisco and offers day and overnight tours that range from Yosemite Valley’s greatest hits to walking among giant sequoias and winter escapes.  Extranomical Yosemite Tours picks guests up from most SF hotels and provides audio translations into eight different languages. Day trips and overnights are available, with accommodations at leading Mariposa County properties.

Serving Los Angeles, California Pacific Excursions gets eco-friendly with its Amtrak train and YARTS bus combo tour, as well as offering bus tours and private charters. Trips from 1 to 3 nights are available, not to mention one-way trips if your travel plans carry you on to forward destinations.

Yosemite Guided Tours: Where to Stay

Choosing where to stay while enjoying a Yosemite guided tour is an exercise in reverse engineering. Figure out your meeting spot for the tour, how you’ll get there from the property, and of course if the accommodations reflect your personal Sierra style. Some hotels such as Tenaya at Yosemite provide their excursions, while some tours offer ground transportation to/from where you’re staying. Be sure to ask your tour operator, and enjoy your stay in Yosemite Mariposa County!

Journey With Confidence

Yosemite’s inimitable “range of light” as captured in the dramatic photos by Ansel Adams can be found in equal measure by enjoying one of Yosemite’s many guided tours. From the tranquil snow-kissed months of winter through the flip-flop days of summer, and from photo safari tours to bird watching and wellness retreats, there is something for everyone. Check out our full list of Yosemite Mariposa guided tours and let nature be your guide!