Yosemite National Park Small Group Tours
Ready for a Yosemite National Park expedition? Head to Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Glacier Point sunset as a baseline. Small groups get better access, and local guides know the secret spots and trail flexibility. Yosemite is California's crown jewel - the only question is when will you go?
10 best Yosemite National Park small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaYosemite National Park travel expert at TourRadar
- Death Valley & Yosemite (Camping) - 4 days
- Death Valley & Yosemite - 4 days
- Real San Francisco to LA
- Wild West Encompassed - 11 days
- Best of Western USA
- Wonders of Yosemite
- Yosemite Classic Summits Half Dome and Clouds Rest
- Womens Yosemite High Country Basecamp Tour
- John Muir Trail: June Lake to Tuolumne Meadows
- Ansel Adams Wilderness High Sierra Camp
The wilderness of Yosemite unfolds for a small group near Lower Yosemite Falls and Half Dome viewpoints. Guided walks reveal wildlife sightings, with flexible time at Bridalveil Falls and El Capitan.
Duration 4 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park, Bishop, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range Ages 7+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator On The Go Tours From
- US$1,105+$80 local payments
Thoughtfully sized groups allow for prime wildlife viewing at Tuolumne Meadows and freedom to explore Half Dome and El Capitan at your preferred pace. Guide-led walks balance with personal time to spot black bears and marmots in Yosemite Valley.
Duration 4 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park, Bishop, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range Ages 7+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator On The Go Tours From
- US$1,725+$55 local payments
Duration 13 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Sierra Nevada, Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Los Angeles Age Range Ages 18-35 Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,130
10% Off- US$2,817You save $313
Eight to fifteen travelers share Yosemite's highlights, hiking Bridalveil Falls and Lower Yosemite Falls. The close-knit group spots wildlife while exploring both popular trails and hidden paths around Half Dome.
Duration 11 days Destinations Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Moab, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Death Valley National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 7+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- US$4,720+$195 local payments
Fifteen travelers maximum share Yosemite's highlights together. The journey features Mist Trail hikes, naturalist-led stargazing sessions, walks to Glacier Point, and pizza picnics overlooking Half Dome.
Duration 13 days Destinations Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Springdale, Bryce Canyon National Park, Page, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Mojave Desert, Mojave, Sequoia National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,390
15% Off- US$4,582You save $809
A group of 12 participants winds through Yosemite's hidden gems. The path leads over Red Peak Pass at 11,000+ feet, past Ottaway Lake, and to secluded spots like Merced Lake and Bunnell Dome with time for photography and wildlife viewing.
Duration 7 days Destinations Yosemite National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Wildland Trekking From
15% Off- US$2,975
Six trekkers form an intimate group, perfect for reaching secluded mountain lakes near Sunrise Mountain. The small gathering enables swift cable ascents of Half Dome and peaceful wilderness camping along Sunrise Creek, with dedicated guidance through the Mist Trail's steep sections.
Duration 5 days Destinations Yosemite National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Wildland Trekking From
15% Off- US$2,115
This women's tour, capped at 12 participants, winds through Yosemite's highlights. The close-knit group enjoys up-close experiences at Vernal Falls and Cathedral Lake, while guides share detailed natural history insights and maintain comfortable hiking paces.
Duration 4 days Destinations Yosemite National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Wildland Trekking From
15% Off- US$2,275
The trails from Tuolumne Meadows to Lyell Canyon welcome 8-12 trekkers. Mule-supported camping lightens loads during high-altitude passages, while guides offer individual support through challenging sections.
Duration 4 days Destinations Fresno, Agnew Meadows, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Wildland Trekking From
15% Off- US$2,915
Select groups of 4-12 hikers traverse the boundary between Ansel Adams Wilderness and Yosemite National Park. Daily 6-mile walks with 2,000+ feet elevation gain access secluded subalpine lakes and summit views, while mule support enables comfortable wilderness camping.
Duration 5 days Destinations Fresno, Bass Lake, Ansel Adams Wilderness Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Wildland Trekking From
15% Off- US$2,680
Reviews of Small Group tours to Yosemite National Park
If you want to go on a tour that’ll change your life, this one is the one for you! We were able to hug the huge sequoia trees, hike, swim in the lakes, have s’mores by the campfire, watch the stars and so much more. Jill was an amazing guide as she gave us lots of information about all the places along the way to Yosemite as well as the park itself. She is so fun, has an amazing roadtrip playlist, and an amazing campfire burrito recipe to make sure you have the best. Time. Ever.
Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
- Yosemite & Tahoe Sierras - 4 Days
We had a fantastic experience during our four day tour! Our tour guide and driver Lisa made sure everyone got to see and experience as much as we possibly could of Yosemite, Tahoe and the Sierra Nevadas. Every day was jam packed full of options for hiking, sightseeing, swimming in pristine lakes and hot springs and exploring everything from ghost towns to restaurants. Lisa kept us informed and on track, and made adjustments to the schedule if necessary. Thank you to Tour Radar, Incredible Adventures, Lisa and all the crew on the tour with us!!
What our customers ask about Yosemite National Park Small Group Tours
What are the best seasons for small group tours in Yosemite?
The prime time for Yosemite small group tours runs from May through October. Summer opens up high-elevation areas like Tuolumne Meadows and Glacier Point for exploration. Spring visitors in May and June can see Vernal and Nevada Falls at peak flow. The weather tends to be reliable with clear skies and moderate temperatures. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Our September tour had perfect weather for hiking to North Dome and exploring the Valley floor plus fewer crowds than peak summer months."
What is the typical group size for hiking tours in Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite hiking tours keep numbers intimate with 4 to 12 participants per group. This size works well for accommodations like Rush Creek Lodge and Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort where travelers can rest between hikes. Small numbers mean easier access to both famous spots in Yosemite Valley and quiet corners of the High Country. One TourRadar traveler noted "The small group size makes it really nice to travel and to experience nature."
What unique access do small group tours provide in Yosemite National Park?
The compact size of small group tours opens up parts of Yosemite that larger groups can't reach including the Ansel Adams Wilderness and quiet sections of the North Rim Trail. Professional guides take travelers to viewpoints like Indian Rock Arch and Snow Creek Falls away from the busy valley. Lodging at places like Backpackers Camp near Tenaya Creek or Murphy's Motel adds to the authentic experience. One TourRadar traveler shared "Our small group was able to discover secluded viewpoints of Half Dome that most visitors never see and our guide knew exactly when to visit popular spots to avoid crowds."
What level of hiking experience is needed for small group tours in Yosemite?
Most Yosemite group tours work well for people with average fitness who can handle 4 to 8 mile daily hikes and elevation gains between 1500 to 2500 feet. Strong hikers can opt for more demanding routes like the Mist Trail to Nevada Falls or Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "Our guide was excellent at pacing the hikes to match everyone's abilities while visiting highlights like Lower Yosemite Falls and Sentinel Dome."
How far in advance should I book a small group tour to Yosemite?
Book Yosemite small group tours 6 to 8 months ahead especially for summer trips between June and September. Popular routes including Half Dome and sections of the John Muir Trail fill up fast due to limited permits. As confirmed by a TourRadar traveler: "We booked our July tour in December and were glad we did as many tour dates were already full for spots in the Tuolumne Meadows area."
What are the advantages of having a guide on a small group tour in Yosemite?
Guides enrich Yosemite small group tours with deep knowledge of the park's natural features wildlife and secret spots. They lead groups to outstanding views from places like Clouds Rest and North Dome while explaining local history and ecosystems. The guides handle permits meal prep at camps like Snow Creek and Bass Lake plus other logistics. They can adjust routes through areas like Ansel Adams Wilderness or Tuolumne Meadows based on group abilities. One TourRadar traveler noted "Our guide's extensive knowledge of Yosemite's trails and geology transformed what could have been a simple hike into an unforgettable educational adventure."
More about Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park: Trails, Hikes & Maps