Yosemite Highlights Tour

Explore stunning landmarks on this relaxed 2-hour walk led by a local guide.

Get to Know Yosemite and Visit Must-See Sights!

Includes 3-day entry reservation into Yosemite during peak visitation months.

Explore Yosemite Valley on foot with your own private guide on this 2-hour experience!

Led by one of our friendly and knowledgeable local guides, this leisurely walking tour features iconic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes, offering a perfect introduction to Yosemite’s magic.

All of our trips are privately-guided to offer a unique, one-of-a-kind experience. You will have your own designated guide and will not be grouped with other travelers.

Yosemite Highlights Tour Overview

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited mobility or special needs, including families with small children or dogs. The route follows paved, handicap-accessible pathways, making it suitable for everyone to enjoy.

Duration: 2 hours

Departs: 9am (morning tour) or 1pm (afternoon tour)

Tour Size: 1–8 guests (larger groups please inquire).

Difficulty: Easy (all trips are customized to your group’s fitness and ability levels).

Price: Starts at $350* (varies based on group size)

*All guests will receive detailed meeting location info upon booking.

Reserve Your Yosemite Valley Highlights Tour Now

What You’ll See on This Tour

Note that some landmarks are only visible along certain trails/areas and may not be visible depending on your selected trip itinerary or seasonal trail accessibility.

Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Chapel

Bridalveil Fall

El Capitan

Half Dome

Merced River

Sample Tour Itinerary

9:00 AM: Meet your local guide at the Yosemite Valley Lodge and strike out on foot to explore the scenic trail toward Lower Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. Note: waterfalls are seasonal and may be dry during your visit.

Explore the Landscape: Immerse yourself in the waterfall’s thundering roar and admire the rainbow mist created by the cascading water as you walk through nature (and maybe even see a rock climber or two!).

Meander through verdant meadows and see landmarks like the unmistakable Half Dome or historic Yosemite Chapel. Learn about the area’s unique geology and human history from your expert guide.

Merced River Magic: Conclude your tour alongside the mighty Merced River, the lifeblood of Yosemite Valley. Observe the vibrant ecosystem teeming with life and the crucial role the river plays in shaping the valley's landscape.

11:00 AM: As we end 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.

Yosemite Highlights Tour Pricing

  • Minimum of 4 guests, maximum of 10. Please inquire if your group size is less than 4 or more than 10.

  • First 4 guests are $350 total. Each additional guest is $87.50 per person. 3-day park reservation included in price.

  • Tour & Guide: A 2-hour walking tour with your own private guide, a 3-day entry reservation into Yosemite, and plenty of local tips and recommendations to make your visit unforgettable.

    Transportation is not initially included, as most groups book our services to secure the required 3-day entry reservation for Yosemite National Park (which is included with your booking when the reservation system is in effect).

    To further enhance your tour, select from these optional add-ons (additional fees required):

    • 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.

  • 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), personal hiking gear, and guide gratuity.

  • We recommend each guest has a small day pack or backpack with the following:

    • plenty of water,

    • snacks/lunch for themselves

    • sunscreen

    • bug spray

    • sunglasses

    • hat or sun cover (hat with brim and sun hoody is recommended)

    • a windproof layer

    • comfortable/warm layers

    • sturdy walking/hiking shoes

    • camera/cell phone

    • any medications or other personal items

  • 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!

Additional Tour Info

If you don't see a time and/or date slot that works with your schedule, please contact our team and we are happy to work with you!

Email us directly: info@balancedrock.org

Call our office (open M-F, 8am-5pm PT): (209) 379-WILD

Note: Guests who arrive late will not receive additional time for their adventure and are not eligible for refunds.

Ready to book your trip?

We’re working on automating our booking portal for this trip, but in the meantime please email our team to inquire and book with us!

What People Are Saying About Our Yosemite Highlights Tour…

  • “Very easy to meet up with the guide regarding time and location, organized and got to see beautiful sights.”

  • “Our guide Heather was a fantastic resource for our tour. Loved the lesser-known spots we popped into with flexibility to explore on our own afterwards. Info on the local indigenous tribes and flora/fauna was very interesting. Thanks Heather!”

  • “One of the highlights for me? Learning about our guide and her story made it feel as if we were on a hike with a friend instead of a tour guide. We loved this connected aspect that you don’t normally get on commercial tours!”

  • “Balanced Rock was so helpful in coordinating our trip! Resourceful, easy to get a hold of/book, hassle-free! Thanks, you guys rock!”

  • “Our guide Catherine was amazing!!! We could not have had a better hike or guide. She is the best. She also hosted a guided meditation after the hike - truly a rockstar!”

  • "We loved our little nature walk with Paola! Can't wait to come back and do a longer trip in future!"

The Balanced Rock Promise

When you choose to 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!

Plus…they know the best gems in Yosemite and will share stories and details you won’t find on the internet!

“I can still hear the soft chirping of birds, taste the spring water, and feel the fresh waterfall spray on my face. Thank you for these cherished memories!”

Balanced Rock Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3). Copyright 2022 Balanced Rock Foundation.

Header Photo Credit: Fred Pompermayer