Yosemite Valley Winter Hiking Tour: Private, Customizable

Discover hidden winter gems on gentle trails perfect for all ages and paces

A private winter hiking tour of Yosemite Valley with a professional guide who customizes the route and pace to your fitness level and interests. You choose between leisurely valley walks and moderate hikes to Yosemite Falls or Vernal Fall, with snowshoe gear and instruction included if snow is deep. The tour runs 4 to 6 hours and covers 4 to 8 miles across various valley locations; national park entrance fees may apply for international visitors.

Step-by-step itinerary

Yosemite Valley Winter Hiking Tour

• Customize tour activities
• Hike Yosemite Falls base
• View snow cone and frazil ice
• Stop at Oh My Gosh Point
• Visit Ansel Adams Gallery and museums
• Hike John Muir Trail to Vernal or Nevada Fall
• See Majestic Hotel in winter

The Experience

You start by telling your guide what you want to see—whether that's a gentle loop around the valley floor, a hike to the base of Yosemite Falls, or a more strenuous climb toward Vernal Fall via the John Muir Trail. The guide carries first aid, water purification, sunscreen and bug repellent, and will adjust the day's route and intensity as you go. This is a private tour, so the itinerary is yours alone.

Winter in Yosemite Valley brings phenomena you won't see in summer. Yosemite Falls can form an enormous snow cone at its base under the right conditions, and frazil ice—icy, undulating slush—fills some of the rivers when temperatures align. You'll pass "Oh My Gosh Point" on the Yosemite Falls Trail for a view across the whole valley. If the valley floor is clear of snow, you hike on bare ground; if snow is deep, your guide provides snowshoes and teaches you how to use them. Museums like the Ansel Adams Gallery and the Yosemite Village Indian Museum are also options if you want to break up the day with indoor stops.

The tour runs 4 to 6 hours and covers between 4 and 8 miles depending on which stops and hikes you choose. Bring your own lunch, snacks and water bottles. Weather, fire or delayed seasonal openings may shift the itinerary, but the operator will keep you in contact and may offer alternatives—and some of Yosemite's most striking winter moments happen in less-than-ideal conditions. Profits from this tour support the company's youth summer camp program.

What’s included

• Professional guide fluent in English.
• snowshoe gear and instruction if snow conditions warrant.
• first aid kit, water purification, sunscreen and bug repellent carried by your guide.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Lasting Adventures

Is this one for you?This tour suits small groups or families who want to explore Yosemite Valley on their own terms without building an itinerary from scratch. The private format and customizable route mean you're not locked into a fixed schedule or a predetermined pace—you hike what interests you, at the speed that works for your group, with a guide who adjusts as the day unfolds.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the easy and moderate options on this Yosemite Valley tour?

The Yosemite Valley Floor Loop is the easier route, staying on more level, accessible terrain around the valley. The moderate option includes hikes to the base of Yosemite Falls or to Vernal Fall via the John Muir Trail, which are steeper and longer. Your guide will adjust the route on the day based on your fitness level and what you want to see.

Will I need snowshoes for a winter hike in Yosemite Valley?

Snowshoes are provided and included only if snow is considerable on the valley floor. If the valley is clear of snow, you hike on bare ground. Your guide will teach you how to use snowshoes if conditions require them.

What is frazil ice, and when can I see it in Yosemite Valley?

Frazil ice is icy, undulating slush that forms in some of Yosemite's rivers when winter conditions are just right. It only occurs during the winter season, so it's one of the unique phenomena your guide can show you if the weather aligns.

Do I need to bring food and water on this tour?

Yes, you should plan to bring your own lunch, snacks and water bottles. Your guide carries water purification methods and first aid, but food and hydration are your responsibility.

What happens if weather or snow conditions change my planned itinerary?

If weather, fire or delayed seasonal openings affect the route you chose, your guide will offer a different itinerary and keep you in contact throughout the process. Some of Yosemite's most striking winter moments actually happen in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

Are national park entrance fees included in the tour price?

National park entrance fees may apply for international visitors and are collected in-destination at the time of the tour, not at booking. U.S. residents typically have entrance covered; check with the operator about your specific situation.