Guided Adventures in Yosemite
Privately-guided experiences in Yosemite for the wellness and nature-loving traveler.
Explore Yosemite National Park with one of our expert, local guides! Each program is tailored to your interests, pace, and comfort level. Our private, customizable guided hikes, walking tours, full-day excursions, and outdoor experiences in Yosemite are designed to help you connect deeply with the land, its stories, and its wild beauty.
Create Your Own Guided Adventure
Balanced Rock’s Guided Adventures are a private Yosemite experience crafted just for you, your family, or your group. Whether you’re seeking a scenic hike, an introduction to Yosemite’s iconic landscapes, or an immersive full-day exploration—our guides bring unparalleled local knowledge and heartfelt care to every adventure.
Balanced Rock is a small organization and at this time, each guided adventure is booked personally by a member of our staff. Please allow at least 72 hours notice when booking a service with us.
What Makes a Balanced Rock Guided Adventure Unique?
When you book a Balanced Rock Guided Adventure, you get:
A privately-guided Yosemite experience tailored to your interests and pace
A dedicated Yosemite guide who lives (and plays!) locally, not another seasonal outfitter from out-of-town
Flexible options for short tours, moderate hikes, full-day journeys, or wellness-infused outings
Peak Reservation Entry Permits are included with each booking (when applicable)
Hands-on support from our team from booking to travel logistics to recommendations on how to spend your time in the area
Personalized planning and optional trip add-ons let you explore Yosemite your way
Our Guided Adventures are accessible for all ages and fitness levels, family- and dog-friendly, perfect for solo travelers or groups, and flexible with your travel plans.
**Please Note: All prices vary based on group size and do not include entrance gate fees, international visitor fees, or optional add-ons.
Real Experiences from Past Clients
-
![private yoga retreat in yosemite national park]()
Wonderful Yoga Retreat Experience
“We wanted to take a moment to thank Meaghan, Josh, Darcy, Paul, and anyone else that we may not know about for helping us host a great retreat. Without the wonderful support of all of you, it would not have been possible. We appreciate that you considered everyone and the work to ensure that everyone felt welcomed. We bow to you!”
-
![Yosemite guided backpacking trip]()
An Unforgettable Visit with a Private Guide
“There were so many great guided trip formats to choose from, but we ultimately just wanted a private guide for a few hours each day without a planned itinerary.
So we called Balanced Rock and they paired us up with one of their best guides. It was an unforgettable trip and our guide was able to create an experience each day that flowed with our needs and what we wanted to see. Absolutely phenomenal!”
-
![private girls trip in yosemite with a guide]()
A Girl's Trip to Remember
“I didn’t know what to expect when my friend’s and I booked a private trip with Balanced Rock, but it exceeded any expectations I may have had.
From the campsite choice to the gear support to the laughs around the campfire…I will always remember this very special trip to Yosemite!”
-
![guided hiking tour in yosemite valley]()
Slowing Down in the Heart of Yosemite
“This was so much more than a hike. Our guide helped us slow down, notice the details, and feel connected to Yosemite in a way we never would have on our own.”
-
![private nature yoga class in yosemite]()
A Nature Yoga Class Beneath the Oak Trees
“Thank you for the beautiful, soul-filling class this morning under the oak trees. I left feeling blissed out and I had the best day today—tranquil, full of gratitude, and joyous. Serving ourselves so we can serve others…it all started with your generous spirit of service.”
-
![dog friendly hike in yosemite]()
Dog-Friendly Trip in Yosemite
“We were thrilled when Balanced Rock said they were happy to guide us around Yosemite with our pup. So many other guide companies wouldn’t allow pets, but our guide was very accommodating and gave us a great tour along the paved trails in the valley!”
-
![Yosemite guided backpacking trip]()
Backpacking Across the Sierra
“I came across Balanced Rock when I was looking for a guided backpacking trip to complete during my sabbatical. They worked with me to create a personalized itinerary that included all the experiences I wanted, discussed different routes, and paired me with an awesome wilderness guide. It was four of the most memorable days of my life!”
-
![private yoga and guided hike in yosemite]()
A Mother-Daughter Visit to Remember
“We found Balanced Rock online and reached out to book a morning yoga class in Yosemite and then a guided hike. Meaghan was so helpful and organized to get us booked and answered all of our questions about where to stay and how to get around Yosemite. And our sunrise class at Cathedral Beach!! Doing gentle yoga in the still morning air with my mom was the highlight of the visit. We WILL be back! -Hugs from LA”
-
![family guided hiking in yosemite]()
Family Fun in Yosemite
“Thank you for creating such a special visit for us in Yosemite. As a family of four plus a dog, we were able to see all the highlights and get some great photos and memories. We had an amazing time!”
-
![solo hiking trip with a private guide in yosemite]()
Connecting with Solo Travelers
“Thank you so much! I had a perfect time! The day hike with Heather was the highlight of my trip. I can still hear the waterfall and birds, taste the spring water, and feel the waterfall spray! I could never have imaged how fabulous the experience would be. Thank you for lasting memories.”
No two Guided Adventures are ever the same. For over 25 years, we’ve designed and led experiences for:
Visitors booking a private Yosemite guide for a single afternoon
Families seeking a relaxed and accessible Yosemite walking tour
Guests wanting a deeper, full-day Yosemite hiking experience
Groups incorporating wellness, reflection, or outdoor yoga into their existing itineraries
Companies and organizations looking for meaningful time spent exploring the park
Reunions and milestone gatherings celebrated through camping adventures or peaceful nature yoga sessions
Have questions?
Send an email to our team and get your questions answered!
Frequently Asked Questions
-
A: Our Guided Adventures are privately booked and fully customizable. Options include Yosemite guided hikes, scenic walking tours, half-day or full-day excursions, outdoor yoga sessions, and custom experiences led by a private Yosemite guide. Each adventure is tailored to your group’s interests, pace, and comfort level.
-
A: Yes! We have many guests who have either already explored Yosemite previously or aren’t able to make it into Yosemite on this visit and seek a memorable guided experience in the surrounding area.
Our Guided Adventures outside of Yosemite have ranged from wildflower walks along the river, private yoga or nature journaling sessions in the Eastern Sierra, or a moderate trek through the foothills.
-
A: No, our Guided Adventures are private—meaning you book directly with us and have your own guide or instructor for your booked experience.
For those interested in joining in on an experience open to all, we invite you to check out or trips & retreats page which features our rotating, seasonal calendar of offerings that are available for anyone to sign up.
-
A: All Guided Adventures are led by our professional, local guides who live and work in Yosemite. Unlike other outfitters who bring guides in from out of town, our team has deep, place-based knowledge of the park—its landscapes, seasons, history, and hidden nuances—which shapes every experience we offer.
-
A: Not at all! Our Guided Adventures are designed for a wide range of ages, fitness levels, and experience. We work with you to choose the right program that feels supportive, enjoyable, and aligned with your goals—whether that’s a gentle valley walk or a longer, more immersive hike.
-
A: Your booking includes a dedicated private Yosemite guide, personalized trip planning, route selection based on current conditions, local insights and storytelling, and thoughtful care for safety and wellbeing.
Transportation, meals, and gear rentals are not included unless arranged separately.
-
A: When applicable, your Guided Adventure includes the required Yosemite entry reservations for your group.
Yosemite National Park entrance fees are not included and are paid separately at the entrance gate ($35/vehicle). We’ll walk you through exactly what’s needed and what to expect so there are no surprises.
-
A: Yes. We regularly design private Yosemite experiences for families, couples, friend groups, reunion trips, wedding parties, companies, and small teams.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply exploring together, we’ll help create an experience that fits your group.
-
A: To get started, reach out through our booking inquiry form or contact us directly. We’ll connect with you to understand your vision, recommend options, and confirm availability before finalizing your Guided Adventure.
We are working toward having select Guided Adventures available for auto-booking online in 2026.
Our Promise To You
When you choose a Guided Adventure in Yosemite with Balanced Rock, you can expect to be inspired, nurtured, and transformed.
Our local experts are more than just your guides…they’re storytellers, historians, entertaining, friendly, and always put your comfort and safety first!
