Yosemite Outdoor Adventures

Activity/Tour

YA supports Yosemite through education programs that extend what park rangers do. Yosemite Outdoor Adventures are a series of several dozen field seminars that cover photography, birding, backpack trips, family programs, wildflowers, geology, American Indians, art, and lots of great natural history dayhikes. We also have a series of Naturalist Walks in Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows; you don't need to pre-register for these. Our Custom Adventures tailor a day with one of the park's best naturalists just for you, your family or group.

Typical Day

These vary a great deal, but I'll describe a Custom Adventure in Yosemite Valley: Meet your naturalist at 8:30 at the shuttle stop and review goals for the day. Maps and field guides outline where we are and what we're seeing. Descriptions of the geologic history, John Muir's adventures, and tree and bird identification occupy our time as we hike toward Vernal Fall. A picnic lunch, a Miwok legend, a few more photographs of the glacial canyon and we head back down the trail to a well-earned rest. It's been a day of discovery and inspiration in one of the world's most amazing landscapes.

Age range, type of group

Yosemite Association has programs for all ages and populations. Anyone who wants to learn about Yosemite is who we want to spend time with.

Sleeping and meals

Our Outdoor Adventures include free park entry, free camping and we've reserved lodging to go with each course, for an extra cost. Meals are on your own. Yosemite offers a range of comfortable accommodations and dining options.

Restrictions

Our only restrictions are the park regulations and safety considerations.

Rates

Custom Adventures start at $250/day for a party of four; more for additional people. Yosemite Outdoor Adventures start at $70/day per person, and include free park entry and free camping. Our Naturalist Walks start at $10/person. We also offer free art classes every day from March-October at the Yosemite Art and Educaton Center.

Other Information

Since 1923 the mission of our non-profit has been to support education programming in Yosemite. Everything we do is directed to this end, and all our revenues go to the park. We employ the best Yosemite naturalists, the most inspiring educators and are dedicated to your experience of this place.

Discounts Offered

The 11,000 members of the Yosemite Association enjoy discounts of 15% on our scheduled Outdoor Adventures and 15% on all books sold in the park's bookstores and through our website store. Members also get discounts on numerous area lodgings and services. The scheduled field seminars include free park entry and free camping.