5K+ Adventures 4.8 Avg Book Direct

Adventure, Curated

Explore 5,000+ human-powered experiences — handpicked outdoor adventures for all skill levels with max stoke, zero hassle.

Local Legends, Real Reviews

We partner with the best in the business — trusted local outfitters and guides who know the trails, tides, and terrain. Backed by 185,000+ reviews, averaging 4.8⭐

Book Direct, Best Price Guarantee

Get the best price, availability, and flexibility you need by booking directly with the outfitter or guide.

Protect What You Love

Your adventure gives back. Every booking supports conservation and keeps wild places wild.

logo

Yosemite Valley Discovery Walk

Guided ·
4.8
(103)
See all hiking tours in Yosemite National Park
Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Shuttle Included
Small Group Sizes
Beginner Friendly
Private
Instant Book
Duration: 6 hours

Pricing

Person | Easy Cancelations Rate | Age 8 and older

Cancel up to 24 hours before your adventure!

$200
Person | Easy Cancelations Rate | Age 8 and older

Winter Adventure with Giant Sequoia Hike & Lunch

$250
Private Adventure | Easy Cancelation Rate | Up to 6 People

All ages welcome!

$850

All Prices

Person | Easy Cancelations Rate | Age 8 and older

Cancel up to 24 hours before your adventure!

$200
Person | Easy Cancelations Rate | Age 8 and older

Winter Adventure with Giant Sequoia Hike & Lunch

$250
Private Adventure | Easy Cancelation Rate | Up to 6 People

All ages welcome!

$850
Private Adventure | Easy Cancelation Rate | 7-9 People

All Ages Welcome

$1,250

Description

Yosemite Valley Discovery Walk - Beginner-Friendly Guided Hiking

Experience Yosemite Valley on foot with a full-day walking and hiking adventure that immerses you in the heart of the park. This guided discovery walk is designed for guests who want to explore beyond the viewpoints, moving through Yosemite’s iconic landscapes at a relaxed but active pace.
After meeting your experienced local guide at select locations along Highway 120, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive into Yosemite Valley before setting out on an easy-to-moderate hike along mostly flat and gently sloping walking paths. With a minimum of three miles of hiking throughout the day, this tour offers the perfect balance of movement, interpretation, and time to truly take in your surroundings.
As you explore the valley floor, you’ll visit some of Yosemite’s most legendary sights, including Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, The Cascades, El Capitan, Half Dome, Royal Arches, Tunnel View, and the winding Merced River. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the park’s natural history, geology, wildlife, and the cultural stories that shaped Yosemite.
A special all-inclusive winter and spring option is also available, featuring a Giant Sequoia hike and lunch—ideal for guests looking to experience Yosemite’s quieter season with added comfort and inclusions. No matter the season, the Yosemite Valley Discovery Walk is the perfect way to experience Yosemite for all ages and ability levels. 

Duration

  1. 7 hours

Location / Where to Meet

Pickup is included from locations along Highway 120 into Hetch Hetchy. At checkout, you'll be able to select the meeting location closest to your accommodations. If you're not sure where you'll be staying yet, simply select "I don't know yet" and we'll work with you to coordinate a meeting location.

Ages & Requirements

  1. Group tour is not suitable for children under 8 years old.
  2. Custom, private adventure available for all ages.
  3. Guests shuold be prepared for an easy to moderate walk with a minimum of 3 miles of hiking on flat and gently sloping walking paths.

What's Included

  • Local and experienced guide and Wilderness First Responder.
  • Transportation from several locations along Highway 120
  • National Park Entrance Fee, If applicable
  • Reusable Water Bottle
  • Filtered Water
  • First Aid & Emergency Equipment available throughout the adventure.
  • Lunch is provided on our Winter All-Inclusive Adventures

Not Included

  1. Lunch is not included unless otherwise noted at checkout. You may bring a picnic lunch or purchase a Custom Hiker's Lunch as an adventure add-on
    1. Custom Hiker's Lunch: Custom Sandwich with 2 sides and a drink made to order!
    2. Charcuterie Board Picnic: Available on the private adventure option.
  2. Echo Trail Pack: Add a bespoke trail kit perfectly paired to keep you moving in the harshest Yosemite elements!
  3. Guide gratuity is not included

What to Bring

  • Layered Clothing
  • Daypack
  • Brimmed Hat & Sunglasses
  • Sun Block & Insect Repellent
  • Camera & Binoculars
  • Hiking Boots or Shoes
  • Snacks & Lunch

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Echo Adventure Cooperative

FAQs

Is this a good first hike in Yosemite?

Absolutely. This discovery walk is designed for guests who want to experience Yosemite beyond roadside viewpoints without committing to a strenuous hike. It’s an ideal introduction to the park, blending gentle walking with iconic scenery and expert interpretation.

What makes this different from just walking the Valley on my own?

Traveling with a knowledgeable local guide transforms the experience. You’ll learn how Yosemite was formed, why its landmarks are so unique, and how people have interacted with this landscape for generations—stories and insights that are easy to miss when exploring solo.

Will we really see Yosemite’s famous landmarks on foot?

Yes. This walk connects many of Yosemite Valley’s most legendary sights—waterfalls, granite walls, river corridors, and sweeping viewpoints—allowing you to experience them at ground level rather than just from pullouts.

What’s the pace like throughout the day?

The pace is relaxed and flexible, with frequent stops for interpretation, photography, and soaking in the scenery. The goal is immersion, not speed, making it approachable for a wide range of fitness levels.

Is this tour more about hiking or sightseeing?

It’s a balance of both. You’ll cover several miles on foot, but the focus is on discovery—learning, observing, and experiencing Yosemite Valley in a deeper, more connected way.

Will we have time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed?

Yes. This full-day experience is intentionally designed to allow time for exploration, questions, photos, and moments of quiet appreciation along the Merced River and beneath Yosemite’s iconic granite walls.

Is this a good option for families or mixed-ability groups?

Absolutely - this is an excellent way to explore Yosemite together. The mostly flat terrain and engaging storytelling make it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of abilities.

What is the winter and spring all-inclusive option like?

During the quieter seasons, this special option adds a Giant Sequoia hike and included lunch, offering a more intimate Yosemite experience with fewer crowds and a cozy, all-inclusive feel.

What kind of wildlife might we see?

Wildlife sightings vary by season, but it’s common to observe birds, deer, and other native species. Your guide will help you spot signs of wildlife and understand how animals live within the Valley ecosystem.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This experience is perfect for first-time Yosemite visitors, travelers seeking a low-stress, guided introduction to the park, and anyone who wants to explore Yosemite Valley in a meaningful, walk-based way without tackling strenuous trails.

Will you pick me up at my hotel?

We'll pick you up anywhere along Highway 120, between Groveland, CA and the Yosemite National Park entrance. If you are staying on Highway 140 near El Portal or Highway 41 near Oakhurst, then we'll find the most accessible place to meet you based on the adventure you choose! Don't worry; we'll work with you, and provide maps and directions!

Do you include lunch on your adventures?

All of our all inclusive packages, backpacking adventures and full day whitewater rafting trips include lunch, and we offer a low cost, customizable lunch Add-Ons for all of our day tours and adventures!

Typically, you cannot buy lunh on the tours. We encourage you to buy a Custom Hiker’s Lunch or bring a bag lunch, so we can spend as much time as possible enjoying the National Park.

Can I cancel if it's raining?

Our philosophy is there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing! That being said, we will cancel and refund tours if it is dangerous to operate - which is incredibly rare. For those fair weather hikers, we recommend the Easy Cancelation Rate! You can also double check that your travel insurance will cover guest cancelations.

Do we need a Yosemite reservation?

Nope! We will cover your reservation and entrance fee into Yosemite on the day you are with us. If you want to go in on your own, then make sure you know the rules!

Cancellation Policy

Please contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation.

Easy Cancelations Rate
- When available, our easy cancelations rate allows you to cancel your adventure or package up to 24 hours in advance for just a $25.00 processing fee.
- Cancelations within 24 hours will be refunded 50% of the listed price.

Non-Refundable Rate:
- Cancelations made at least 48 hours before scheduled adventure will be refunded 50% of the excursion price.
- Guests cancelling within 48 hours of scheduled adventure and no shows will not be refunded.

Adventure Add-Ons:
- Full refund on any cancellations 24 hours in advance of excursion start time.
- Cancellations within 24 hours will be handled on a case by case basis.

Gear & Bike Rentals
- Full refund on any cancellations 24 hours in advance of excursion start time.
- Cancelations within 24 hours will be refunded 50% of the listed price.

Exceptions:
- You will not be charged a cancellation fee if your trip is cancelled by Echo Adventure Cooperative due to weather, fire, road closures, or guide unavailability.
- You may reschedule your adventure or convert your balance into a gift card free of charge if done within 72 hours of your adventure start time.
- Your Adventure Coordinator will always work with Member-Guides as well as lodging & recreation partners to provide the largest possible refund based on your circumstances; however, we are rarely able to secure a larger refund than is stated above.
- Yelling, disrespecting or threatening your Adventure Coordinator will not result in a larger refund, so we HIGHLY recommend purchasing the easy cancelations rate, buying traveler's insurance, or using a credit card with travel protection to help take the pressure off.
- Review extortion (defined as threatening a negative review or promising a positive review in exchange for refunds or freebies) will not be tolerated and will void all refund eligibility.

Read more
Read more

Availability

October 2026

SuMoTuWeThFrSa

Reviews

4.8
(103)
4.8 (103)

Location

Address

11892 Ponderosa Lane

Groveland, CA, 95321

US

Get Directions

ASK THE LOCAL EXPERT

Explore More