Heart of the Valley Tour

9:00AM: Meet your guide at the designated meeting location (shared upon booking, or we’ll provide full service pick-up and drop-off - see below for details).

The Adventure Begins: Before we’re ready to embark on foot, your guide will go over brief expectations of your adventure, make sure everyone has the proper gear, and allow space for questions.

On the Trail: Whether you’ve elected to explore a single trail* or opted for a more leisurely sightseeing tour around Yosemite Valley**, you and your guide will become immersed in nature as you take in the views.

*Possible Single Trail Options: Yosemite Falls Trail to Columbia Point/OMG Point, Mirror Lake Loop, Four Mile to Union Point, The Mist Trail, Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Loop, Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Grove.

**Possible Sightseeing Tour Options: Tunnel View, Cathedral Beach, Lower Yosemite Falls & the Spider Caves, meadows & the Merced River, Camp 4, El Cap Meadow & El Capitan.

12:00 PM: Concluding our time together, your guide can offer insights and local advice for how to spend the rest of your day or trip in Yosemite. As we say our goodbyes, you’re free to continue exploring Yosemite’s magic on your own, equipped with tailored recommendations.

Note: This is a sample itinerary, and slight adjustments may be made based on weather conditions, trail accessibility, and client desires.

Throughout your time together, your local guide will share fascinating facts and tales about Yosemite's geology, flora, fauna, and human history–bringing the park to life. 

Transportation is not initially included as most groups elect our services in order to obtain the 3-day entry reservation that is required to enter into Yosemite National Park when the reservation system is in effect (which is included in your booking).

If you’d like to further enhance your tour, select from these optional add-ons (some options carry an extra fee):

• Full Service Transportation: We’ll take you to and from our designated meeting location within Yosemite Valley for your group of up to 8 people.

• Locally-Sourced Trail Lunch: Delight in a delicious picnic lunch sourced from local ingredients, enjoyed amidst the scenic beauty of Yosemite Valley. Consists of a sandwich option, side item, and beverage.

• Artful Discovery: Awaken your creative senses with a short reflective writing or nature journaling session as we explore.

• Mindfulness in Nature: Take a mindful moment with a short, guided yoga practice or meditative moment in nature.

What’s Not Included: Park entrance fee ($35/private vehicle or free for annual park pass holders), any transportation or food (unless you elect to add-on these services), hiking gear, and guide gratuity.

Starts at $650* (total trip price, not per person. 3-day park reservation included in price)

All tours are private.

*Based on group size. Does not include entrance gate fees to the park or optional add-ons. Please allow at least 48 hours notice when booking a custom day adventure with us.

We understand plans change. As a small nonprofit, we can offer a partial refund of the trip price minus a $50 administrative fee up to 30 days before the trip date. Any cancellations after the 30 day deadline will not be eligible for a refund. 

If Balanced Rock must cancel your tour due to weather concerns or park closures, you will be notified promptly and receive a full refund or the option to reschedule for a future date.

All participants will be required to read and accept our Cancellation and Refund Policy upon registration.

Q: Do I need an entrance reservation for Yosemite to come on a Balanced Rock tour?

A: No! Booking a tour inside Yosemite National Park with us automatically grants you a 3-day entrance reservation for your private vehicle, which begins on the day of the booked service (3 consecutive days). You’ll show your trip receipt at the entrance gate, and they’ll issue you the entry reservation designated as entry through a commercial tour company. 

Please note that if you are booking the full service transportation add-on option with us, you are not eligible to receive an entry reservation as you will not be entering Yosemite in your own vehicle.

Q: Are dogs allowed on your tours?

A: Yes, but in observance of NPS trail guidelines. All dogs must be on-leash at all times and are only allowed on paved trails, meaning they are welcome on a small subset of trails in the park. If you are planning to bring your dog along, please notify us before registration so we can make sure your trip itinerary supports the addition of your furry friend!

Q: Are your tours kid-friendly?

A: Yes! We often host families with kids of all ages, and we love to share the magic of Yosemite with the younger generation. Please let us know if you have kids in your group & what ages so we can make sure the trip itinerary accommodates everyone and we select the best guide for your group.

Q: Are these tours accessible for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility?

A: Yes! We have trip options that can accommodate folks with disabilities or limited mobility. Please let us know when booking if you have members of your group that require special considerations, and we will make sure the trip itinerary is inclusive and accessible for them.

Q: Do your tours accommodate large groups?

A: Yes! Per NPS guidelines, we must have at least 1 guide for every 10 participants, and keep the groups separate to manage trail numbers. This is feasible with creative planning and we encourage groups larger than 10 guests to give us a call or email so we can chat further!