Private Guided Day Hikes in Yosemite National Park
Discover Yosemite in a Day
Experience Yosemite with a professional guide who brings the landscape to life. Our guides are passionate naturalists and storytellers, sharing the ecology, natural history, and stories of the Sierra Nevada along the way- helping you see the landscape in a way most visitors never experience.
Explore Our Guided Day Hikes
-
The Mist Trail to Vernal & Nevada Falls
Hike the famous Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls, one of Yosemite’s most scenic and popular routes. Expect steady climbing, incredible waterfall views, and a classic Sierra Nevada experience.
-
Yosemite Valley Explorer
Walk beneath towering granite walls, past iconic waterfalls, and through the heart of Yosemite Valley on a fully customized, guide-led day. This experience blends Yosemite’s most famous sights with quieter moments, naturalist insight, and stories that bring the landscape to life. Move at your own pace while gaining a deeper connection to one of the most awe-inspiring places in the Sierra.
-
Yosemite Falls Summit
Climb alongside iconic Yosemite Falls as the trail rises above the valley, revealing sweeping views and the raw power of the falls. A challenging yet rewarding ascent, brought to life through expert guidance and deeper insight into the landscape.
-
Mariposa Grove: Among the Giant Sequoias
Walk beneath towering ancient sequoias in Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove. A peaceful forest experience that invites you to slow down and take in the scale of these living giants.
-
Winter Snowshoe/Ski Adventure in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Step into a hushed winter world beneath some of the largest trees on Earth. This guided snowshoe or xc ski experience through the Mariposa Grove offers a rare opportunity to explore Yosemite’s most iconic giants in their most peaceful season.
What Makes Axis Wild Expeditions Different
At Axis Wild Expeditions, a day hike is more than just reaching a destination — it’s about how you experience the landscape along the way.
Our guides are professional wilderness leaders, naturalists, and storytellers who bring the Sierra Nevada to life through ecology, geology, and human history. Along the trail, you’ll gain insight and a depth of knowledge to bring a deeper comprehension of these awe-inspiring landscapes.
We move with intention — taking time to notice the details, adjust to the rhythm of the day, and create space for both exploration and reflection. Whether you’re hiking to a well-known viewpoint or along a quieter trail, the experience is shaped by a deeper connection to place.
With AWE, you can expect:
Professionally trained wilderness guides
Naturalist insight into ecology, geology, and wildlife
Storytelling that brings the landscape to life
Thoughtful pacing tailored to your group
A deeper, more intentional experience of Yosemite
Why Private?
A private day hike offers a more refined and flexible way to experience Yosemite. Without the constraints of a larger group, your guide can tailor the pace, route, and focus of the day to match your goals, ability, and interests.
Whether you’re seeking a challenging hike, a relaxed exploration, or a deeper understanding of the landscape, your experience is designed entirely around you.
Who These Hikes Are For
Perfect for:
Visitors looking for a deeper Yosemite experience
Families and small groups
Travelers short on time
First-time Yosemite visitors
Photographers and nature lovers
Those preparing for longer backpacking trips
Pricing Overview
Private Guided Day Hikes
Half Day (up to 4 hours)
1 person: $425
2 people: $245 per person
3 people: $215 per person
4–5 people: $185 per person
6–7 people: $165 per person
Full Day (up to 8 hours)
1 person: $650
2 people: $350 per person
3 people: $310 per person
4–5 people: $260 per person
6–7 people: $225 per person
Prices do not include guide gratuity.
Families with children are welcome — we’re happy to recommend age-appropriate routes and pacing.
What’s Included
Professional wilderness guide
Naturalist interpretation, ecology, and storytelling along the trail
Private, customized experience tailored to your pace and interests
Thoughtfully prepared trail lunch and snacks
Trip planning support and pre-trip guidance
Use of trekking poles and day backpack (if requested)
What’s Not Included
Transportation to and from the trailhead
National Park entrance fee (if applicable)
Guide gratuity (recommended 10-20% cost of trip)
Personal gear and clothing (layers, footwear, etc.)
Trip Insurance
What to Bring
We recommend bringing the following items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable day on the trail:
Daypack (to carry personal items)
Comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good traction
Weather-appropriate clothing (layers are key in the mountains)
Reusable water bottles or hydration system (Up to 3 liters recommended)
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Light rain layer or wind shell
Personal medications (if needed)
Cancellation Policy
Because private day hikes are reserved exclusively for your group:
Cancellations made 7 days or more prior to your trip receive a full refund.
Cancellations made 3–6 days prior receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations made within 72 hours of your trip are non-refundable.
If Axis Wild Expeditions cancels due to unsafe weather or conditions, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of illness, injury, or unexpected travel disruptions.
Mountain conditions can be unpredictable. Travel insurance can provide coverage for trip cancellations, delays, or medical expenses.