Yosemite National Park , United States of America

Private Family Hike in Yosemite

Active

(37 reviews)

4h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy a pleasant half-day hike on a relatively gentle trail in Yosemite Valley or the High Country that will allow for excellent photo opportunities and a chance to picnic perched atop a magnificent vista point or alongside a meadow, lake or stream. These introductory hiking tours are perfect for beginners.

Available options

Moderate Hike

These 5-6 hour tours are perfect for novice hikers. Expect to hike five to six miles with elevation gains up to 1000 feet.

Beginner Hike

These 4-5 hour hiking tours are perfect for beginners. Expect to hike four to five miles with minimal elevation gains.

What's included

Informative local guide

Vehicle reservation permit into Yosemite National Park (when reservations are required)

Custom Tour Location (you must contact us upon confirmation to discuss)

Private Guided Hiking Tour

Detailed itinerary

Spend quality time with your family while hiking and learning the natural history of Yosemite National Park from our local guides. These interpretative tours combine short easy hike with outdoor educational sessions that will benefit children and parents alike. Learn about the natural world and listen to the stories of Yosemite while we take you to some of the bets photo spots in the park. We offer these introductory Gentle and Moderate Hike at a special discount to families.

Please note: Family tours are designed for families of 4 or more members.

Stop 2

Select from the following hiking options:

Beginner Hike

Enjoy a pleasant half-day hike on a relatively gentle trail in Yosemite Valley or the High Country that will allow for excellent photo opportunities and a chance to picnic perched atop a magnificent vista point or alongside a meadow, lake, or stream. These introductory hiking tours are perfect for beginners. Expect to hike four to five miles with minimal elevation gains. Tours will last approximately four to five hours.

Moderate Hike

Escape from the masses and take some of Yosemite’s most scenic trails a little further. These introductory hiking tours are perfect for beginners and novice hikers. Expect to hike five to six miles with elevation gains up to 1000 feet. Tours will last approximately five to six hours.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Food and drinks

Private transportation

Gratuities

Park Entrance Fee

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

16 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

21 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please dress in athletic-wear

Items recommended to bring: camera, gloves, extra layer of clothing, jacket, sunscreen, hat, snacks and water

Please provide your hotel information so we may email you driving directions to the meeting location. Hotel pick up/drop off is not provided.

Meeting point

Departure Point: Yosemite National Park (exact trail head confirmed with supplier after booking)

Important notes

This operator requires you to contact them directly prior to this tour/activity.

About Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including giant sequoias, granite cliffs, and waterfalls. It offers a unique blend of natural wonders and outdoor adventures, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Top Attractions

Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, with a total height of 2,425 feet (739 meters). It consists of three sections: Upper Yosemite Fall, Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall.

Nature 1-2 hours to explore Free

Half Dome

Half Dome is one of Yosemite's most iconic landmarks. The granite dome rises 4,800 feet (1,463 meters) above the valley floor and offers a challenging hike and a thrilling rock climb.

Adventure 10-12 hours for the hike Free (permit required for the cables route)

Glacier Point

Glacier Point offers one of the most breathtaking views in Yosemite, overlooking Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the high country. It's a popular spot for photography and sunset viewing.

Nature 1-2 hours to explore Free

Mariposa Grove

Mariposa Grove is home to one of the largest concentrations of giant sequoias in the world. The grove features over 500 mature sequoias, including the famous Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.

Nature 2-3 hours to explore Free

Tunnel View

Tunnel View is one of the most famous and photographed viewpoints in Yosemite. It offers a stunning panorama of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome.

Nature 15-30 minutes to explore Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Acorn Bread

A traditional Miwok dish made from acorns, a staple food of the indigenous people of Yosemite

Appetizer Vegetarian, gluten-free

Elk Burger

A delicious and sustainable burger made from locally sourced elk meat, often served with local produce and artisanal cheeses

Main Course Contains meat, gluten (if served with a bun)

Yosemite Granola

A homemade granola made with local honey, nuts, and dried fruits, often served with yogurt or milk

Breakfast Vegetarian, can be made vegan

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock climbing Backpacking Mountain biking Skiing Snowshoeing Picnicking Photography

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Yosemite for hiking, camping, and exploring the park's attractions. The weather is warm, and most facilities and roads are open.

10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F) 50°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English, Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Time Zone (PT, UTC-8)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but visitors should be aware of potential hazards and take necessary precautions

Yosemite National Park is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as wildlife encounters, extreme weather, and challenging terrain. By taking necessary precautions and following park guidelines, visitors can have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Important Precautions:

• Stay on marked trails and follow park guidelines.
• Carry plenty of water and snacks, especially when hiking.
• Be aware of wildlife and store food properly to avoid encounters.

Getting there

By air

Fresno Yosemite International Airport • 135 miles (217 km)
San Francisco International Airport • 175 miles (282 km)

By train

Merced Station

By bus

Merced, San Francisco

Getting around

Public transport

The free shuttle service operates in Yosemite Valley, making it easy to explore the park's attractions without a car. The shuttle runs frequently and stops at major trailheads, campgrounds, and visitor centers.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Yosemite Valley High Country Wawona

Day trips

Mono Lake

40 miles (64 km) from Yosemite Valley • Half day to full day

Mono Lake is a unique and ancient saline lake located east of Yosemite, known for its striking tufa towers and diverse birdlife. It offers a unique contrast to the park's granite cliffs and waterfalls.

Hetch Hetchy Valley

35 miles (56 km) from Yosemite Valley • Full day

Hetch Hetchy Valley is a stunning and lesser-known area of Yosemite, offering a mix of waterfalls, granite cliffs, and alpine meadows. It's a great destination for hiking, photography, and nature enthusiasts.

Grove of the Ancient Giants

25 miles (40 km) from Yosemite Valley • Half day

The Grove of the Ancient Giants is a lesser-known sequoia grove located near Yosemite, offering a peaceful and less crowded alternative to Mariposa Grove. It's a great destination for hiking, photography, and nature enthusiasts.

Festivals

Yosemite Facelift • September Yosemite Winter Wildlife Festival • February Yosemite Valley 10-Mile Trail Run • May

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photography.
Check road and trail conditions before visiting, as some areas may be closed or limited due to weather or maintenance.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers, as weather and temperatures can change quickly and unexpectedly.
Consider hiring a local guide or joining a ranger-led program to gain a deeper understanding of the park's natural and cultural history.
Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance, especially when hiking or exploring remote areas.