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Yosemite Valley Discovery Walk
Pricing
Cancel up to 24 hours before your adventure!
Winter Adventure with Giant Sequoia Hike & Lunch
All ages welcome!
Description
Yosemite Valley Discovery Walk - Beginner-Friendly Guided Hiking
Duration
- 7 hours
Location / Where to Meet
Ages & Requirements
- Group tour is not suitable for children under 8 years old.
- Custom, private adventure available for all ages.
- 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
- 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
- Custom Hiker's Lunch: Custom Sandwich with 2 sides and a drink made to order!
- Charcuterie Board Picnic: Available on the private adventure option.
- Echo Trail Pack: Add a bespoke trail kit perfectly paired to keep you moving in the harshest Yosemite elements!
- 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.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
11892 Ponderosa Lane
Groveland, CA, 95321
US
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