Yosemite National Park is a wonderland of cascading waterfalls, ancient forests, and serene meadows, offering over 800 miles of hiking trails for visitors to explore. Yosemite hiking tours are growing in popularity as more visitors seek to explore the park’s natural wonders more authentically, enlisting the help of local experts and guides to show them the best places to hike in Yosemite, hidden gems, and more.
Yosemite Day Hikes
You can’t see Yosemite in a day, but you can certainly hit the highlights with the help of an experienced guide from Firefall. These Yosemite day hikes range from easy to strenuous, giving adventurers of all levels a chance to experience Yosemite’s wonders.
Easy Yosemite Day Hikes
For beginners and those looking for a leisurely exploration of the park, Firefall Ranch offers hikes like the Yosemite Valley + Glacier Point Tour. Featuring stunning views and a small elevation gain, visitors can see panoramic views from Glacier Point, enjoy a shaded picnic in El Capitan Meadow, and take a swim in Merced River with no scrambling or climbs required – participants should just be comfortable walking for about an hour at altitudes up to 7,200 feet.
Moderate Yosemite Day Hikes
Intermediate hikers can embark on the Granite Gorge + Preston Falls Naturalist Hike from Firefall Ranch to experience the secluded splendor of the Tuolumne River, just downstream from the famous Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. This hidden gem follows the narrow gorge and arrives at Preston Falls, where hikers can enjoy lunch on the banks and a quick swim in the Tuolumne to cool off before the return hike. Participants should be comfortable hiking up to 8 miles on slightly uphill terrain, at elevations between 3,000 and 4,000 feet.
Advanced Yosemite Day Hikes
Seasoned hikers can take on the Cloud’s Rest Naturalist Hike. Some insiders insist that Cloud’s Rest is just as challenging but even more rewarding than reaching the top of Half Dome, with a panoramic view from the top that is free from trees and offers a truly unobstructed view of Yosemite (including Half Dome!) This advanced Yosemite day hike is especially challenging due to the length and elevation, but offers rewards that are beyond spectacular. Participants should be comfortable hiking up to 13.5 miles on rolling hills, with one steep ascent at elevations between 8,100 and 9,900 feet.
Specialty Yosemite Tours
Yosemite Stargazing Tour
Offered by Firefall Ranch in the spring, summer, and fall, this stargazing tour in Yosemite gives guests the chance to experience the night sky like never before. So far from light pollution, the night sky comes alive through the lens of a Unistellar telescope. Plenty of constellations are also visible with the naked eye, but the view through the telescope is incomparable – the digital telescope stacks long-exposure photos of the sky in real time to give the viewer a crystal clear picture of galaxies, the planets, and more otherworldly features in the night sky.
Yosemite Photography Tour
Visiting Yosemite as a photographer? See some of the most highly photographed and famous sites in Yosemite on a photography tour from the Ansel Adams Gallery. See the sights and capture them at the time of day that offers the best lighting, whether you’re working from an iPhone or a professional camera. The expert guides at the gallery will customize the tour just for you, bringing a bespoke and exclusive element to this specialty Yosemite tour.
Yosemite Backpacking Trips
A private, all-inclusive Yosemite backpacking trip is the perfect way to experience Yosemite, whether you’re looking for a relaxing overnight adventure for the family or a rugged 30-mile backcountry experience. The experts at Firefall Ranch will tailor their Yosemite Overnight Backpacking Adventure to fit your needs and expectations. Spend 2 – 4 days traversing along the Tuolumne River, through Yosemite High Country, Hetch Hetchy, or the rim of Yosemite Valley and focus on backpacking, professional fly fishing, landscape photography, white water rafting, and so much more – the magic is up to you!
Planning Your Yosemite Hiking Trip
Best Time to Hike Yosemite
Yosemite’s hiking trails vary with the seasons. Spring and early summer mean rushing waterfalls and the first blooms of wildflowers, and high-elevation trails become accessible in the summer but come with peak season crowds. Fall offers cooler weather and fall foliage, plus fewer visitors, while winter provides a peaceful landscape perfect for winter photography and snowshoe tours. Keep in mind that some areas of Yosemite National Park require permits, and be sure to check weather conditions before you head out.
What to Pack to Hike Yosemite
One major part of a successful hike is bringing the right gear and knowing how to use it. Essentials like broken-in hiking boots, sunscreen, plenty of water, and navigation tools are a great start, with additional items like snacks and layers of clothing for longer hikes. Not sure what you need? Ask an expert at Firefall Ranch, or visit the Rec Desk at Rush Creek Lodge for local guidance.
A guided Yosemite tour is a great way to get to know this majestic destination. Whether you tackle a challenging overnight backpacking trip, join a photography tour, or take on a day hike, these experiences offer a rewarding and unforgettable look into one of the most beloved national parks in America. Start your trip on the right foot with lodging at Firefall Ranch, the area’s newest accommodations.
