Yosemite Hiking & Camping

San Francisco - Yosemite National Park. Our tour begins with pick up from in front of the Hilton Hotel, at the corner of Mason and O’Farrell Streets in San Francisco (address in Trip Notes) at 08:15 am (unless otherwise specified in your tour documentation).

Leaving San Francisco, we’ll cross the Central Valley and pass through Gold Country on our way into the mountains. Before arriving at Yosemite Valley, we’ll hike down for a picnic among the giant sequoias, the largest living beings on Earth.

The hike through the giant sequoias is pleasantly shaded and takes you right up close to these colossal wooden monuments, some of which are over a thousand years old and measure up to 30 feet wide and 300 feet tall. After this, we’ll make a brief stop at Tunnel View, a classic vantage point offering breathtaking panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome. Continuing into the park, we’ll descend into Yosemite Valley, the most famous and photographed part of Yosemite (thanks to the work of Ansel Adams).

While in Yosemite Valley, our guide will provide an orientation to the park, along with an explanation of the itinerary and options for the next two days. You’ll also be treated to views of iconic landmarks like El Capitan and Yosemite Falls as part of this scenic overview. After some free time in Yosemite Valley, we’ll head to the campsite to set up camp, ending the day with an included camp dinner and a campfire. On this tour, all camping equipment is provided at a full service campground with electricity, Wi-Fi, hot showers and flush toilets. You will need to provide your own sleeping bag, or can hire one for $40 per person per tour. Must be booked in advance, please let us know at time of booking.

Please note: This tour has a flexible itinerary, and the below is a general guide of what you can expect on tour. Your tour guide may alter certain night stops to maximize your enjoyment; maybe you opt to visit a local event or stay longer in a certain place. The beauty of a small group tour is that the itinerary can also be adapted to suit the group’s preference! We encourage you to relax and go with the flow!

We start the day early, preparing our breakfast and lunch, clearing up the campsite, and heading off for a day full of hiking, sightseeing, and exploration.

On the second day, we usually focus on exploring Yosemite’s High Country. A group hike to May Lake and Mount Hoffman is often the highlight (depending on snow levels). May Lake is a beautiful example of a High Sierra Lake.

For those wanting more of a challenge, we can hike further, to Mount Hoffman. Located at the heart of the park, Mount Hoffman offers a non-technical hike with a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. After a full day, we return to camp to relax by the campfire.

Yosemite National Park - San Francisco. Today is a free day, and the itinerary is based on the group’s interests. We usually head back into Yosemite Valley, where we can choose from a range of excellent hikes, rent bikes, or simply relax in the shade by the emerald-green Merced River.

After spending a full day in the park, we make our way back to San Francisco, arriving at around 9 pm. Drop off is back in the city centre, outside the Hilton Hotel.