Activities

It goes without saying that Yosemite National Park provides one of the world's most phenomenal backdrops for hiking and exploration. You can journey with our guides on a variety of day hikes ranging from a few hours in length to full day trips to the top of Half Dome. Interested in overnight backpacking? Sign up for our group backpacking trips, or have our Yosemite hiking and camping experts design a custom backpacking trip just for your group. High Sierra Camps provide tremendous access to the Yosemite backcountry without the need to carry a big pack, just carry your essentials and then enjoy a hot meal prepared by our staff and take advantage of our tent cabins.

The Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service has been rock climbing in Yosemite since 1969. Our guides can take you where you want to go. As the only guide service permitted to operate in Yosemite National Park, we know Yosemite better than anyone and love sharing our knowledge and skills with you.
Many of our Yosemite climbing guides are AMGA certified and have decades of climbing experience in the park. All of our guides also hold Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness EMT certifications.

• Climbing lessons – offered daily at 8:30 am
• Girls on Granite – women's climbing package
• Guided climbs
• Meet our rock climbing guides page
• We practice Leave No Trace
• Rent climbing and camping equipment

Biking in Yosemite is a fun, easy way to enjoy some of the most picturesque spots in the Park. With over 12 miles of paved bike trails in Yosemite National Park, you can explore Yosemite at your own pace, stopping to take photos and soak in the magnificent views at your leisure. The floor of Yosemite Valley is predominantly flat, with an occasional mild incline, making for easy cruising.
Don't forget to pick up a water bottle or other hydration system to take along for the ride! These and other Yosemite biking accessories are available in most shops throughout Yosemite.
Rental bikes, trailers and helmets are available for all ages of riders. For the visually or physically impaired, we have a tandem bike and a hand crank bike.

The National Park Service created a permit system for getting up the subdome and cables on Half Dome. This year, permits are required 7 days/week while the cables are up. For more information on obtaining a Half Dome permit, please visit recreation.gov Yosemite Mountaineering School has no special access to Half Dome Permits, therefore we can no longer make Half-Dome hiking reservations unless our clients have already secured permits for the hike. If you secure a permit for your party and one for our guide, we would be happy to guide you up Half Dome. (Click here for information about the Half Dome cables and hiking Half Dome on your own.)
Our experienced guides are fun, friendly and carry important group supplies like first aid kit, water filter and communication devices. Most important, they are trained in advanced first aid and CPR, and they know the trail. On your way to Half Dome, the guide will share his or her knowledge of the flora, fauna and natural history of Yosemite. Not only will you get a guide who is trained to deal with emergencies, but also a local who is educated and able to teach you about Yosemite National Park during your day hike.
To hire a guide for Half Dome, call the Yosemite Mountaineering School at 209.372.8344. To see a list and short bio of our hiking and backpacking guides, visit the official Guides Page. For Half Dome Hike prices, visit the official Custom Day Hikes page.
Leave No Trace Principles when out on the trail so that our clients can learn ways to minimize their impact here in Yosemite National Park as well as in their everyday lives. What better place to provide this education than on one of the most sought-after summits in California-Half Dome!

Stay cool on a warm day by spending some time down by the water. Whether you're serious about fishing, or just serious about fun, the many rivers and lakes in Yosemite can provide just the right source of recreation.
Rafting
In Yosemite, rafting is a fun, relaxing way to cool off and take in the views. Gather your friends and family, rent a raft and float leisurely down the Merced River.
Rafting is Closed for 2015
The length of the Yosemite rafting season changes from year to year and depends on river depth, water temperature and climate. As of mid-July, the river level is too low for the raft rental operation to continue for the summer season.

Swimming
Whether you are interested in lounging by the river or splashing at one of our swimming pools, at Yosemite, swimming is a restful and refreshing way to spend an afternoon.
The Wild & Scenic Merced River at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley offers many delightful swimming holes and sandy beaches for summer sunning. In addition, Tuolumne Meadows and the Park's High Sierra Camps also have some great Yosemite swimming areas in more secluded spots. Please note that river and lake swimming is at your own risk as there are no lifeguards on duty. Floatation devices are strongly recommended, especially for children.
If you'd rather skip Yosemite National Park's swimming holes and cool off at your hotel, Curry Village®, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls and Wawona® Hotel offer on-site swimming pools. The Ahwahnee also has a swimming pool available only for Ahwahnee guests.
Use of our swimming pools is free to our overnight guests. Non-lodging guests may use the pools at Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge at the Falls for $5/adult and $4/child per person per day. Lifeguards are on duty at Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. All of Yosemite Park's swimming pools are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, conditions permitting. Check the Yosemite Guide for current hours.