Yosemite Valley Walking & Hiking Tour
Yosemite Valley Walking & Hiking Tour
5 days
4 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Deluxe Hotels
2026: Apr-Jun
National Park’s Springtime Waterfalls & Wildflowers
Bring on the drama—it’s springtime in Yosemite. The icons are here, of course: Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls. But the wonder is heightened. Flowers show their colors as they reach for blue sky and peaks still covered in snow. Powerful waterfalls, robust from spring melt, are even more entrancing. And the summer temperatures have yet to arrive. Let Yosemite put a spring in your step.
Highlights
- Embark on spectacular hikes to vibrant meadows, luscious waterfalls and jaw-dropping vistas
- Feel the majestic energy of Yosemite’s ancient trees on a walk through a grove of giant sequoias
- Explore Yosemite's incomparable valley floor, without the typical summertime bustle and throngs
- Marvel at eminent and sometimes snowcapped rock formations, including world-famous Half Dome
Start/End San Francisco
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Set out on foot through Yosemite Valley from Bridalveil Falls, taking in views of iconic Half Dome and El Capitan • Soak in the historic ambience of the storied Ahwahnee Hotel as you roam the museum-like hallways and relax in the same public spaces that hosted presidents, royalty and celebrities • Hike from Yosemite Valley past waterfalls and towering granite walls • Follow a stretch of the famed John Muir Trail • Hop on a bike and cruise through Yosemite Valley or visit the Ansel Adams Gallery • Savor dinner and views out to Glacier Point from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the Ahwahnee’s grand dining room, featuring a 34-foot-high gabled ceiling with massive pine trusses.
Nights 1-2
A National Historic Landmark, this iconic hotel features elaborate stained-glass windows, original Miwok Indian arts and crafts, Oriental rugs and Shaker-style furnishings. (pool)
Days 3-5
Hike amid majestic giant sequoias in Tuolumne Grove—these centuries-old trees will take your breath away • Get up close and personal with Big Red and the Dead Giant for a sense of perspective • Sink into the charming comfort of Yosemite’s newest lodge, situated on a wooded 20-acre expanse • Explore Hetch Hetchy, engaging with the valley’s fascinating natural and human history • View striking Kolana Rock, an El Capitan-like granite dome looming 2,000 feet above, as well as Wapama Falls’ triple cascades • Delight in an array of brightly colored wildflowers, including lupine, monkey flower, buttercup and wallflower in the valley once described by John Muir as “a grand landscape garden” • Hike alongside the South Fork of the Tuolumne River to picturesque two-tiered Carlon Falls.
Nights 3-4
Set on 20 wooded acres at the doorstep to Yosemite National Park, this new lodge offers an ideal blend of contemporary sophistication and rustic warmth. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Springtime weather in Yosemite is generally pleasant, with typically warm days and cold nights. However, rain and snow are still possible and, even in an average year, higher elevations are routinely covered in snow. Trail conditions in spring can be wet, muddy or even snowy, and hiking routes and distances may need to change depending on these conditions.
In order to bring you the best of what Yosemite has to offer, we spend more time shuttling on this trip than on a typical Backroads trip. This enables us to explore our favorite areas of the park and enjoy its natural wonders and springtime splendor to the fullest.
The Ahwahnee is a historical treasure and by far the best place to stay in the Yosemite Valley. Its location within Yosemite National Park makes it an ideal base for exploring the valley's many sights, but also means it is run by the national park and subject to park regulations and oversight. Similar to many national park lodges, service at The Ahwahnee can seem slow and brusque compared to the normally high standards found on other Backroads trips. In addition, the property is undergoing a multi-year seismic upgrade, although most construction typically occurs while we’re out exploring in the park.
Hotels
Deluxe Hotels
Our Deluxe hotels have great ambience and modern comforts.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-2
*Deluxe Hotel
A National Historic Landmark, this iconic hotel features elaborate stained-glass windows, original Miwok Indian arts and crafts, Oriental rugs and Shaker-style furnishings. (pool)
Nights 3-4
*Deluxe Hotel
Set on 20 wooded acres at the doorstep to Yosemite National Park, this new lodge offers an ideal blend of contemporary sophistication and rustic warmth. (pool, spa)
Gallery
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Review Snapshot
by PowerReviews
Reviewed by 9 customers
Exceeded Expectations
My expectations for the trip were quite high, and they were exceeded. The trip leaders were wonderful, knowledgeable, kind, caring and supportive. The lunches and snacks the leaders provided were yummy. The accommodations were excellent. Highly recommend!
Springtime is a great time to visit Yosemite!
The waterfalls were at their peak and it was amazing every time we watched them! The hike up to Vernal falls as amazing and will be something we always remember. We enjoyed meeting new people on the trip and our leaders were amazing as always.
Yosemite Valley Walking & Hiking tour 5-11-25 to 5-15-25
It was the trip of a lifetime, everything I hoped for and more ! Backroads handled everything ! Our tour guides Kevin, Ian and Jon were outstanding ! Every morning they would set up a healthy snack table with zip lock bags, explain where we were going, what we would see, the history and difficulty of the hike ! They couldn't have been more friendly, personal & helpful and would explain in detail any question you would have ! The hotels were great, we stayed at the Ahwahnee and Rush Creek Lodge. The dinners were good & lunch was either preordered or a stop at an awesome restaurant. I walked four miles a day for four months before the trip, and was glad I did. Some trails like the route to Nevada falls are strenuous, but the view at the top is rewarding and worth it . Some of the guests on the trip have been on 4 or 5 Backroads trip and now I can see why ! I would rate this trip a 10 out of 10, Backroads did an outstanding job ! I will definitely plan to take another Backroads trip in the future !
Majestic
Spring in Yosemite was amazing. Rushing water, granite rock faces, flower, and snow!
Beautiful being with nature!
My husband and I lost our son a few years ago. When we are outdoors, surrounded by nature, we feel his presences-and it lifts us, even for just a little, from the weight of our unthinkable reality. These moments of peace and connection are deeply meaningful to us. Thank you Backroads. Your company, and every leader we've met on our 8 trips (7 since our son's passing) has helped us in ways you may never truly realize-but we are so grateful.
Everyone should see Yosemite, and with Backroads.
I always wanted to see Yosemite, El Capitan, and Half Dome. There are many travel groups offering guide services; my friend highly recommended BR and I'm glad I followed her advice. Top notch service, friendly representatives, excellent attention to details. Yummy food and superb accomodations. If you can get Ian for a guide, even better.
Fantastic experience
We had 4 trips with Backroads and we are planning to keep booking more experiences since we always have a fantastic time!
Go!!
Exceeded our expectations and left us with a wealth of priceless memories. Our guides made it all possible.
Springtime in Yosemite
Loved everything about this trip! Our guides were amazing. The scenery was beautiful. Yhe trails were just challenging enough. The food was delicious with great snack options. The hotels and vans were comfortable. AND we had a wonderfully cohesive group. Trips just don't get much better than this😀
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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