4.8/5 (44 reviews)

Yosemite Family Vacation

Discover the iconic sites of one of America’s beloved national parks – from El Capitan to Half Dome. Try your hand at rock climbing, channel your inner Ansel Adams, and be humbled before Giant Sequoias on this family adventure to remember.

Start - End: Fresno - Fresno

Total trip: 6 days

Average group size: 12 people

Level: 2

from NZD 8,299/pp including taxes and fees

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These lands have inspired poets, painters, photographers, and conservationists for centuries – how will it inspire you on your Yosemite family vacation?

Six days of family-friendly fun and activities in one of America’s greatest national treasures. Stand at the base of a tumbling 2,425-foot waterfall, a soaring 8,842-foot granite dome, and a 3,000-year-old, 300-foot Giant Sequoia.

Hike and explore the largest subalpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like black bears, bighorn sheep, and foxes. Find out why granite will be your new stone of choice as a rock climber. Discover just how huge a Giant Sequoia really is by standing at the base of one of these forest monsters and looking up skyward.

This all-inclusive Yosemite family vacation includes cozy accommodations at kid-approved lodges, complemented with the best in regional cuisine and the tastiest pizza of any National Park.

Trip Highlights

Hiking

Mariposa Grove

Discover the magic of Mariposa Grove, wandering gentle forest trails beneath some of the largest trees on Earth.

Hiking

To Wapama Falls

Set out on a scenic hike along Hetch Hetchy to Wapama Falls, where wide trails, big views, and a roaring waterfall make the adventure unforgettable.

Hiking

The Mist Trail to Vernal Falls

Hike Yosemite’s iconic Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, climbing stone steps beside rushing water and enjoying unforgettable, up-close views.

Hiking

To Lower Yosemite Falls

Walk to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls, where roaring water, cool spray, and big views create a memorable Yosemite moment.

Plus...

Opportunity to try rock climbing

Try rock climbing and rappelling in Yosemite Valley, where expert guides help climbers of all levels learn new skills on iconic granite walls.

Day by day trip

^{Click map to explore.}

Day 1

Pick up in Fresno, Mirror Lake & El Capitan Meadow

We make our way to Yosemite this morning and arrive for a mid-morning hike to Mirror Lake, offering some fantastic photos with the reflection of the iconic rock formations of the park in the water. Following a picnic lunch, we drive further into the park, stopping for photo opportunities at Tunnel View. This is the classic view that Ansel Adams made famous, showcasing El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.

Afterwards, we make our way to the base of El Capitan on the lookout for rock climbers high above us before continuing to Rush Creek Lodge, your home for the next two nights.

Accommodation: Rush Creek Lodge, Groveland
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 3-4 miles (4.8-6.4 kilometers)

Day 2

Hike Hetch Hetchy

While the full loop around Hetch Hetchy reservoir stretches for nearly 28 miles, today's hike will be about a quarter of that, and every bit as beautiful. On the trail, you'll witness beautiful natural scenery, like the thundering waters of Wapama Falls tumbling down the rocky cliffs.

After lunch, we head out to Lookout Point, a 3-mile hike, with amazing views throughout.

Accommodation: Rush Creek Lodge, Groveland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 5-8 miles (8-12.8 kilometers)

Day 3

Try rock climbing (at your level) and Hike the Lower Yosemite Falls

Fuel up with a warm, fresh meal before we head out to Half Dome Village, where we’ll grab some climbing shoes for a fantastic day of rock climbing and rappelling – no trip to Yosemite would be complete without it! Classes are designed for climbers of all levels, so everyone from beginners to experts will take away a new skill set. You’ll spend the better part of the morning learning everything there is to know about rock climbing – from tying knots to rappelling, and everything in between.

After a tasty pizza lunch, we continue our exploration of the valley with a hike to Lower Yosemite Falls.

Accommodation: Tenaya Lodge, Fish Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 1-2 miles (2-3 kilometers)

Rock-Climbing: 2-3 hours

Day 4

Hike to Vernal Falls

This morning, we shuttle to the trailhead of the Mist Trail. This hike takes us to the top of Vernal Fall, tackling 1,600 feet (488 meters) of elevation gain that includes an unforgettable stretch of steep stone steps in the midst of a waterfall. When you get to the Vernal Fall footbridge, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the 317-foot-high (97 meters) waterfall roaring down below. Continue up to Clarke Point and return on the famed John Muir Trail.

After our full day hike, find the perfect spot for dinner on your own this evening.

Accommodation: Tenaya Lodge, Fish Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hiking: 7 miles (11.2 kilometers)

Day 5

Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome & Mariposa Grove

Today, embark on a hike to experience two of Yosemite's south rim highlights. Along the way, you'll see for yourself the majesty of Glacier Point and Sentinel Dome. Glacier Point offersone of the best vistas over the western Yosemite Valley, while Sentinel Dome’s symmetrical granite summit provides the south rim’s best panorama. You'll also emerge at viewpoints featuring unique perspectives of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls.

In the afternoon, we explore the famous Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, walking amongst these giant trees is something you will never forget!

Accommodation: Tenaya Lodge, Fish Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 5-7 miles (8-11.2 kilometers)

Day 6

Relax at the spa, farewell!

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge. This morning, you can take advantage of some last-minute pool or spa time. Reluctantly, we say goodbye to the park and start our way back to Fresno. Hotel and airport drop-offs in the early afternoon.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast

This trip includes:

5 nights’ accommodation
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
You’re supported from start to finish by our highly experienced guides and leaders
Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
All activities described in the itinerary
Delicious and nutritious snacks to keep you fueled
All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!
Special "Wow" moments you'll never forget
Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away
You’re “trip ready” with our Customer Care Team’s calls prior to your trip
“My Account” - your own online space with everything required for your adventure

What Our Guests Say

FAQs

Where does the trip start?

On the first day of the trip we can either pick you up from the Homewood Suites by Hilton Fresno Airport at 7:00am or the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fresno at 7:00am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Fresno, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Fresno Airport at 1pm in time for flights below or at a hotel of your choice in Fresno around 1.30pm.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Fresno the night before the trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Fresno any time after 3pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

What are the accommodations we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels near Yosemite. We prefer to stay in accommodations close to the park and our activities for the day that are comfortable after a full day of exploration.

While there are laundry facilities at some locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only not have to do laundry during your trip. If needed the best time will be when we are at Tenaya on Days 3-5.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

Hikes on this tour are considered easy to moderate, so a good level of fitness is recommended. Most hikes typically take between two to four hours, though some days may involve more or less hiking depending on the itinerary.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full, we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.

T+Cs Apply. Read more here.

Photos from the Yosemite Family Vacation

Why Travel With Us

Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.

Award-winning guides lead the way

It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!

You’ll never need to sweat the details

When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!

Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.

Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best

Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.