Quick Details
- Season: Available April to October
- Duration: Customizable
- Vehicle Size: 2–14; minimum of 2 recommended
- To reserve: Call our concierge team at (559) 692-8985.
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Private Guided Hiking Tour
Yosemite Trails, Tailored to You
There’s a different kind of connection that happens on the trail. Our private guided hikes invite you deeper into Yosemite’s forests, meadows, and granite landscapes with a knowledgeable guide who adapts the route to your rhythm. Each step blends scenic beauty with storytelling—turning a hike into something more meaningful.
Mirror Lake and Tenaya Canyon
Mirror Lake is a seasonal, reflective lake surrounded by Yosemite’s towering cliffs. Located in the Tenaya Canyon, there is not a lot of climbing on this easy trail—much of which is paved. It is a pleasant walk, and about as close as you can get to the base of Half Dome, whose crown you can see reflected in the lake’s waters. Mirror Lake is also one of Yosemite’s most popular summer swimming holes.
- Total Distance: 2.5mi (3.8km) or 5mi (6.4km) loop
- Hiking Time: 2 – 3 hours
- Route Type: Out-and-back or loop options
- Elevation Gain: 300ft (91m)
Available April 1 to October 31
Difficulty: Easy
Ages 5+
Wawona Meadow
A peaceful, scenic trail through meadows and forests. This is a gentle walk along a wide, smooth trail. You’ll have a mild ascent on the first half of the hike and a corresponding descent on the second half. After your hike, you’ll relax and enjoy your lunch with plenty of time to explore the Pioneer Yosemite History Center.
- Total Distance: 3.5mi (5.6km) or 5mi (8km) loop
- Hiking Time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
- Route Type: Out-and-back or loop options
- Elevation Gain: 230ft (70m)
Available April 1 to October 31
Difficulty: Easy
Ages 5+
Sentinel Dome and Taft Point
On this guided hike, you will reach the top of both Sentinel Dome and Taft Point, providing spectacular panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Lower mileage options are available, including out-and-back tours to Sentinel Dome and out-and-back tours to Taft Point.
- Total Distance: 4.9mi (7.9 km)
- Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours
- Route Type: Out-and-back or loop options
- Elevation Gain: 1,105ft (337m)
Available May 1 to October 31
Difficulty: Moderate
Ages 7+
Mariposa Grove
Come explore the world’s largest living organisms and the inspiration for wilderness conservation: the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. This hike takes you on an invigorating adventure as you get close to the most famous trees in California, including the Bachelor and Three Graces, the Faithful Couple, and the Clothespin Tree. Continue to Wawona Point, an overlook with panoramic views. A lower mileage option along the Grizzly Giant Loop is also available.
- Total Distance: 6.7mi (10.78km)
- Hiking Time: 4+ hours
- Route Type: Out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 1,217ft (371m)
Available June 1 to October 31
Difficulty: Moderate
Ages 7+
The Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
Feel the power of Vernal Fall as you tackle the famous Mist Trail on this advanced hike. You’ll first approach the footbridge for an excellent view of Vernal Fall and continue up a steep granite stairway to reach the top. Prepare for slippery footing and a tremendous amount of waterfall spray in spring and early summer. Following the trail up to Clark’s Point, you will see Vernal Fall from above before descending.
- Total Distance: 4.5mi (7.9km)
- Hiking Time: 4+ hours
- Route Type: Out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 1,614ft (492m)
Available April 1 to October 31
Difficulty: Advanced
Ages 10+
Every detail is designed to keep the day seamless and focused on discovery.
- Lunch Included: A trail-style lunch is provided for each participant.
- Meeting Location: Tours depart from the porte-cochère at the Lodge at Tenaya, with special pickups available for guests staying in the Cottages or Waybound Yosemite.
- Transportation: Comfortable private transportation is provided for your group. If desired, guests can provide their own vehicle for a private step-on experience.
A private guided hike in Yosemite is as much about preparation as it is about the view. These items will help keep you comfortable, safe, and ready for adventure on diverse terrain and variable mountain weather:
- Refillable water bottle and at least 1–2 liters per person
- Layered clothing for changing mountain temperatures
- Comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Insect repellent from April to September
- Small day bag for personal items, snacks, and layers
- Trekking poles for added stability on uneven terrain
- Cancellations & Refunds: A full refund is available with at least 24 hours’ notice prior to your scheduled tour. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are non-refundable. No-shows will be charged the full tour price. Tours canceled due to unsafe weather or road conditions will receive a full refund.
- Non-U.S. Resident Entrance Fees: Non-U.S. residents may purchase a Non-Resident America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $250, which covers Yosemite entrance fees for the pass holder plus up to three additional adults (ages 16+) on a Yosemite 360 Tour (maximum four adults total). Guests without this pass will be charged $100 per non-U.S. resident adult (ages 16+). For full details, please visit the National Park Service website.
- Guide Gratuity: A gratuity of 10–20% of the tour price is customary in the guiding industry and appreciated for exceptional service.
Activities
At Tenaya, the adventure comes standard. Discover the many on-site activities included in every stay.
Amenities
Every detail has its place. From pools to fire pits, explore amenities that shape your Tenaya experience.