Yosemite Valley Private Winter Hiking Tour
Active
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
Much like in the summer, the Yosemite Valley Floor offers hours of exploration within the more level and easier accessible areas of the Yosemite Valley. In addition to providing you with natural and geological history, this tour will highlight some of the lesser known winter ‘gems’ around the valley. The Yosemite Valley Floor Loop is great for families with younger children and/or families looking for an easier hike but can be customized to be more strenuous if desired.
This is a private tour.
Available options
Yosemite Valley Winter Tour
What's included
Professional guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
This trip is fully customizable and offers a huge variety of activities to choose from including awesome sight-seeing around Yosemite Valley, as well as short hikes that are accessible to anyone and everyone, even during the winter. This trip can be customized to be more of a leisurely tour or pushed to a longer more moderate hike depending on interest and fitness level.
Options for this Yosemite Valley Custom Adventure may include:
2
Stop 2
Hike to the base of 2425’ tall Yosemite Falls which, under certain weather conditions, features an enormous snow cone at the base. If lucky, clients may also get to watch as snow lightly drops hundreds of feet from the cliffs settling in a pile at the bottom.
Frazil Ice is another amazing phenomenon that only occurs this time of year. If the conditions are just right, some of the rivers in Yosemite Valley fill with icy, undulating slush.
“Oh My Gosh Point” on the way up the Yosemite Falls Trail for an amazing view of Yosemite Valley.
3
Stop 3
A variety of museums offer terrific and informative history lessons about Yosemite National Park including the Ansel Adams Gallery, the Art Center and the Yosemite Village Indian Museum.
4
Stop 4
Hike to the top of Vernal and/or Nevada Fall via the John Muir Trail. Great View!
5
Stop 5
The famous 5-star Majestic Hotel is always a site to see in the winter as well!
We try to make the most out of the day, so please let us know what you would like to see and experience, and we will try to fit all of your recommendations into one jam-packed day of excitement!
Guides carry first aid kits, water purification methods, toilet paper (for emergencies), suntan lotion and bug repellent. Please plan to bring your own lunch, snacks, water bottles, etc. Remember, profits from our guided trips go towards supporting our youth summer camp program.
High Point: Various Valley Locations
Length: 6-8 hours
Mileage: 4-8 Miles
Rating: Easy-Moderate
What's not included
Please plan to bring your own lunch, snacks, water bottles, etc.
Gratuities
Yosemite National Park Entrance Gate Fee
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
4 reviews
5★
3
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.7
3 reviews
5★
2
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
While the valley floor is generally clear of snow in the winter, if there is a considerable amount of snow, LA will provide snowshoe gear and instruction.
Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. You will be kept in contact throughout this process. That being said, some of Yosemite most unique winter phenomena occur in less than ideal weather conditions!
Profits go towards supporting the company's youth summer camp program
Meeting point
This is a walking-based tour, therefore we are only able to meet in Yosemite Valley.
Important notes
Lasting Adventures reserves the right to cancel trips. If this is the case a full refund of the amount paid will be returned. Lasting Adventures is not responsible for additional expenses incurred while preparing for or traveling to the reserved experience. To contact Lasting Adventures prior to your trip, please email staff@lastingadventures.org or call 209-962-6251.
Meeting Location: https://goo.gl/maps/25Jsw
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
