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.

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