Best sight to see here just make sure you go early and find the right time for the waterfall which…read moreis in spring which is when the snow caps are melting. Hikes can range with difficulties but there are simple trails for kids

I never expected to love Yosemite. I've been fortunate enough to travel to different places and…read morehave seen some truly breathtaking natural wonders. And so when I stepped off the Yosemite Close Up Tours van as Ken (our guide and the tour owner) parked it beside a few rocks to test our climbing/walking ability, I wasn't expecting much. But it's pretty appropriate that this tour group has this name, because Ken gave us a close up and intimate glimpse into the beauty of Yosemite. They say mountaineering is a lonely experience and so it is a very close/tight-knit community. They also say that there is something about Yosemite that brings people together. We were fortunate enough to have Ken bring both these things to us, as he shared his decades of experience scaling Yosemite's mountains and hiking its trails; imparted his knowledge about the delicacy and power of the nature around us; and allowed us to experience his lifelong love story with this national park. In our one day tour on a bright spring day, Ken taught us: - Balance: He started the tour by asking our group of 10 to walk up and down a few rocks, just so he could see what level we were each at. The 5 year olds in our group loved this 'playtime' while the 60+ year olds in our group loved this proactive calibration of how much (or little) help was needed throughout the day. - To look up, out and inward: While Ken was great at picking spots for photo opportunities, I loved it most when he picked spots that were set-ups for stories. He would ask us to look up at specific sections on the mountains and talk about how climbers would tackle this crevice or that ridge. So as we looked up at El Capitan or the Half Dome, we not only saw the beautiful shots seen in pictures and screensavers, but also the solitary suffering and the exhilarating exhaustion of challenging oneself, of being one with that challenge, and of finally and triumphantly scaling the top (and getting down afterwards). - Respect for the danger/risk: Ken lightly but seriously talked about this book he had that detailed different ways people had died in Yosemite (e.g., there's a whole chapter on rivers). It wasn't meant to be morbid or macabre, but matter-of-fact. And it made us aware and respectful about what was around us. - Conservationism without the hard sell: In between the more tour guide-y stories, Ken made sure to drop some geological/biological knowledge on us. For example, he explained what meadows were and how they came to be (which was his thesis if I remember correctly) and talked about the regular volunteer work that climbers do to clean up the park. - The evolution of climbing: Mid-tour, Ken brought out his different hooks and clamps to show us how climbing gear has changed and become more sophisticated over the years. And this may sound like a boring history lesson but it actually helped us appreciate Yosemite's mountains - and the people who dream/do climb them - even more. - Picnics are the best: I'm not sure whether it was because we had been walking a lot, or because Ken's tour provides locally sourced food, but that picnic lunch of sandwich+chips+cookie+apple absolutely hit the spot. Ken ended our tour with a funny/folksy song about 2 climbers at Yosemite. And in a way, I thought that was a kinda perfect way to end the day. Because it was only later on when, through good ol' Google, that we found out Ken was a sort of mountaineering legend, with many initial ascents (i.e., first time anyone ever scales a mountain) credited to him. But at that moment, as he was singing his folksy song to bid us goodbye, he wasn't Ken Bouche, a known mountaineer. He was just another guy who was completely in love, and wanted to playfully share that love with the people he was entrusted with that day. 5 stars. Highly recommended.

Always a must when visiting Yosemite we've been on the tour multiple times throughout the years and…read morelook forward to it every time. We always grab the latest tour once the sun and heat has cooled off and enjoy the views. We've had a different ranger explains things a little differently every time so it's nice to get point of views from different people and get a variety of information. I definitely recommend booking the tour.

Great way to see the valley floor, $40.per person for 2 hours, Ranger led tour in an open trailer…read more Takes you by all the major spots in the valley with a couple of short stops. Well worth the time especially if your only have one day in the park. Tickets, start and stop at Yosemite valley lodge.

We booked a private full-day tour with Ethan, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience…read more He is incredibly knowledgeable about Yosemite and made sure we visited all the iconic spots, including Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, the Visitor Center, Starbucks, and even a couple of beautiful beach areas. One of the highlights of the tour was when Ethan brought out binoculars so our group could get a closer look at the rock climbers scaling El Capitan--such a unique and memorable touch. Even more special, he took us to a hidden gem near Yosemite Falls called the Spider Cave, which was absolutely fascinating and something most visitors wouldn't even know exists. Ethan was not only friendly but also very engaging. He shared interesting stories and insights throughout the day, making the time in the car just as enjoyable as the stops themselves. Lunch was thoughtfully prepared and exceeded our expectations. We enjoyed a delicious charcuterie board with a variety of meats and cheeses, a selection of sandwiches (including PB&J for my daughter), plus a to-go box with macaroni and chocolate truffles. Water was provided in reusable metal bottles, and Ethan found a peaceful, quiet spot for us to relax and enjoy our meal. Overall, the entire experience was seamless, fun, and truly memorable. My wife and daughter had an amazing time. I would highly recommend booking a private tour and requesting Ethan if he's available--you won't be disappointed!

My parents are seniors and this tour was able to hit ALL the major landmarks they wanted to see in…read morea reasonable time. Jeremy was an excellent guide who had lots of information and was diligent in assisting my mother (with some mobility issues). The boxed lunch was very good. We had the turkey and vegetarian options. Also love love love they don't use plastic water bottles! Water is offered in refillable metal containers.

Review for Lasting Adventures and Guide Isaac V…read more Backpacking Half Dome with Lasting Adventures was an unforgettable experience, made even better by our incredible guide, Isaac V. It was just my spouse and me on the trip, which made it feel really personal and special. Isaac was not only knowledgeable and professional but also had a great personality that made it easy to talk openly and honestly with him. He gave us the confidence we needed to take on this adventure and was encouraging every step of the way. Thanks to his guidance and support, this trip was a true success. We would absolutely recommend Lasting Adventures--and Isaac specifically--to anyone looking for a meaningful and empowering outdoor experience. We're already looking forward to doing another trip!

I did the guided 3-day yoga and backpacking retreat at May Lake/amount Hoffman in Yosemite and it…read morewas AMAZING. The location was so beautiful and serine, and not far enough to scare off an absolute backpacking beginner like me! I kinda pinched myself several times to make sure it was all real. The yoga instructor Britta was fabulous. She had amazing insight, knowledge, and overall her "do what your body tells you" guidance approach to yoga was above and beyond what I expected. She's also just such a warm and encouraging person, which helped me engage spiritually and openly in every practice. Also, I loved that she guided us how to use yoga in our hikes and various activities throughout the day (like breathing technique and TOE YOGA!) The guide Dawson was so chill, knowledgeable and an ASTONISHING cook! I went in expecting to eat nothing but berries and raw avocado, but he made delicious meals I'd gladly eat any day anywhere (like vegan French toast with berries, chia seeds and syrup...never would have thought that was do-able on a backpacking trip!). His mellow and trustworthy demeanor made everything feel so effortless and eased so much anxiety I had going into the whole thing. Overall, it was the trip of a lifetime in such a beautiful place. I made new friends, I saw new things, I never felt judgement, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

The Yosemite Welcome Center was a fun little spot to check out while we were in Yosemite last week…read more It is located in Yosemite Village next to the Museum and Post Office. It was a nice big open building with different counters to stop and ask about different information regarding Yosemite and the surrounding areas. They also sold t-shirts, magnets, books and even puzzles. My daughter picked up a Junior Rangers activity book for free which was really! They had all the information on different hikes, plus different programs each day like the Ranger Walk, Bear Walk and the Family Ranger Talk. We only stopped in briefly, but next time we will be staying longer to check out more of the programs. I highly suggest stopping in next time you visit Yosemite! We'll be back next time!

This welcome center is nice and big with plenty of information about the park. My kids ran into a…read morePark ranger at Glacier point and were asked if they wanted to become a junior ranger of course they agreed . A book for them to complete was handed to them and once done they can bring it into the welcome center. They had a mini ceremony it was such a great cute experience for the kids. You need to do this for your little ones when in yosemite. Note to self always have a map with you. They have some here.

Company is impossible to contact. Terrible customer service…read more- refuse to answer their phone and won't respond to emails.

The best one day, three friends guided tour of Yosemite ever!! "Yosemite Dan" our driver tour guide…read morewas friendly, knowledgeable, and charming! We hit six major highlights of the park, the walking was just the right amount, and we did have gorgeous weather for a mid-fall Yosemite adventure. highly recommend.

Lisa and Phil are wonderful hosts. They had great advice about activities and dining. They are…read morevery accommodating and friendly. Helpful but create space for a relaxing time on their oasis of a property. Lush, well kept gardens and clean, comfortable - just what you need accommodations. Highly recommend their options! Was a great base camp for exploring Bass Lake, southern Yosemite and area surrounding Oakhurst. We stayed in the Garden Suite but they also have an airstream and garden cottage.

One of the best vacation rental experiences my family has had. The beautiful Yosemite Dreams…read moreGarden Suite felt like home with its thoughtfully stocked library, beautiful patio, landscaped grounds and the perfect on-site hosts to make sure we saw everything we wanted to see and had the scoop on the best restaurants and hikes. Tip that off with a truly rejuvenating yoga experience and you have the perfect getaway. We will definitely be back next year!

Horrible experience. Booked and paid a deposit a year in advance. Was to pay the rest of the amount…read moreon August 2. Heard from no one so contacted the company (if you can call it that- I think it may be a one guy operation) on August 3. Got an email back stating that they could not do the tour due to business operations and had no guide. Very unprofessional. Would give a zero if I could. Warning back out of tours- would not recommend to anyone.

We found Pat serendipitously when there was a error in our Yosemite day pass. As I write this…read morereview, it is August 2020 and Covid is rampant in the United States, so access to Yosemite park was limited. We found Pat and his services and he saved our trip! The experience was great. Pat is knowledgeable about the park and an expert with Photography. He knows exactly the route to take his guests to maximize our time in the park and capture them with ours or his camera. The day we were scheduled with Pat, he had a guide that he was training. They were both very receptive about the feedback about photo composition, lighting etc. At first there was a little sticker shock of $850/day for a family of four. however, if you compare this rate with other companies operating semi private tours, Pat's rate is a bargain! A half a day in a semi private tour will cost you about $700. Pat met us in Oakhurst at 8 AM and our tour ended at 3 PM. It was the highlight of our week. Thank you.