FAMILY VACATION

Yosemite Family Vacation

  • 6 Days
  • 18 People Max

    6 - 18 guests

  • Activity Level 3
    • Activity Level 3

      Step It Up

      I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Fresno, CA
  • Trip End: Fresno, CA
yosemite family tour

These lands have inspired poets, painters, photographers, and conservationists for centuries – how will it inspire you on your Yosemite family vacation?

Six days of family-friendly fun and activities into one of America’s greatest national treasures. Stand at the base of a tumbling 2,425-foot waterfall, a soaring 8,842-foot granite dome, and a 3,000-year-old, 300-foot Giant Sequoia. Hike and explore the largest subalpine meadow in Sierra Nevada. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like black bears, bighorn sheep, and foxes. Find out why granite will be your new stone of choice as a rock climber. Discover just how huge a Giant Sequoia really is by standing at the base of one of these forest monsters and looking up skyward. This all-inclusive Yosemite family vacation includes cozy accommodations at kid-approved lodges, complemented with the best in regional cuisine and the tastiest pizza of any National Park.

Mariposa Grove

HikingHiking

To Wapama Falls

HikingHiking

The Mist Trail to Vernal Falls

HikingHiking

Valley Loop Trail

HikingHiking

To Upper Yosemite Falls

HikingHiking

Try rock climbing

Plus ...Plus ...

Yosemite Family Vacation ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Fresno, CA Trip End: Fresno, CA
  • Day 1Pick up in Fresno, hike in Yosemite Valley

  • Day 2Hike Hetch Hetchy, swim in the Tuolumne River

  • Day 3Hike Mist Trail to Vernal Falls

  • Day 4Try rock climbing (at your level)

  • Day 5Explore Mariposa Grove and Swim in the Merced River

  • Day 6Relax at the spa, farewell!

  • Day 1

    Pick up in Fresno, hike in Yosemite Valley

    #2119

    Sunday morning pick up in Fresno. Shuttle north into the heart of Yosemite National Park. We'll stretch our legs on the Mirror Lake hike with the mountains all around you. Following a picnic lunch at Yosemite Falls and a short hike, we make our way up to Tunnel View for amazing views of the valley below. Tunnel View is the classic view that Ansel Adams made famous showcasing El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. Late afternoon, check into Rush Creek Lodge, your home for the next two nights.

    Rush Creek Lodge (Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 5 miles (8 kilometers)

  • Day 2

    Hike Hetch Hetchy, swim in the Tuolumne River

    #2120

    While the full loop around Hetch Hetchy reservoir stretches for nearly 28 miles, today's hike will be about a quarter of that, and every bit as beautiful. On the trail, you'll witness beautiful natural scenery, like the thundering waters of Wapama Falls tumbling down the rocky cliffs. After you’ve worked up a sweat, you can take a dip in the South Fork of the Tuolumne River – so remember your swimsuit!

    Rush Creek Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 5 miles (8 kilometers)

  • Day 3

    Hike Mist Trail to Vernal Falls

    #2121

    This morning, we shuttle to the trailhead of the Mist Trail. This hike takes us to the top of Vernal Fall, tackling 1,600 feet of elevation gain that includes an unforgettable stretch of steep stone steps in the midst of a waterfall. When you get to the Vernal Fall footbridge, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the 317-foot-high waterfall roaring down below. Continue up to Clarke Point and return on the famed John Muir trail. Later, we’ll transfer to Tenaya Lodge, your home for the next three nights. Continue your exploration of this amazing area tonight as you spend dinner and the rest of the evening on your own.

    Tenaya Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch)

    Hiking: 7 miles (11.2 kilometers)

  • Day 4

    Try rock climbing (at your level)

    #2122

    Fuel up with a warm, fresh meal before we head out to Half Dome Village, where we’ll grab some climbing shoes for a fantastic day of rock climbing and rappelling – no trip to Yosemite would be complete without it! Classes are designed for climbers of all levels, so everyone from beginners to experts will take away a new skill-set. You’ll spend the better part of the day learning everything there is to know about rock climbing – from tying knots to rappelling, and everything in between. After a pizza lunch at your climbing site, we’ll continue our uphill ascent through the early afternoon. Afterwards explore Yosemite Village before an early dinner and sunset in the valley with colors highlighting the peaks all around you.

    Tenaya Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Rock Climbing: 2-3 hours

  • Day 5

    Explore Mariposa Grove and Swim in the Merced River

    #2123

    This morning we make our way to the famous Mariposa Grove to hike under the giant sequoia trees some taller than 300 feet and older than 3000 years old. After a picnic lunch in the grove we head over Merced River to take a refreshing afternoon dip. This evening we celebrate our adventures in Yosemite during our farewell dinner.

    Tenaya Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 5 miles (8 kilometers)

  • Day 6

    Relax at the spa, farewell!

    #2124

    Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge. This morning you can take advantage of some last-minute pool or spa time. Reluctantly we say goodbye to the park and start our way back to Fresno. Hotel and airport drop-offs in the early afternoon.

    No Accommodation (Breakfast)

Yosemite Family Vacation Departure Dates

  • Upcoming
  • 3 months
  • 6 months
  • 1 year

Discounted child prices are available for children 12-years-old and under.

USD $4499/per adult , USD $4099/per child

Child rates apply for children 12 years and under.

Not ready to book yet?

Get in touch with our specialized team to find out more and get personalized advice.

  • Speak with one of our specialists
  • Confirm trip details
  • Discuss your specific needs
9 Jun 2024
2024
9 Jun14 Jun
Departure Open Open
16 Jun 2024
2024
16 Jun21 Jun
Departure Open Open

What's Included

  • Our own highly experienced guides, with you from start to finish
  • Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Travel Wallet’, an online space with everything required for your trip
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • All accommodations for the duration of your trip 
  • All meals except where indicated in the itinerary
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
  • Special ‘Wow!’ moments you'll never forget
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and activities 
  • All park and other entry fees 
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!

Reviews from our Guests

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Yosemite Family Vacation - June 2023

Trip of a Lifetime

"We took our two children on a family adventure to Yosemite and had the most… read more

"We took our two children on a family adventure to Yosemite and had the most amazing time. Five stars, highly recommend! We made great friends, had so many adventures and the accommodations and food were superb. Our guides Jayson and Kevin were the absolute best- we want to sign up for another trip!! read less

5 Stars (42 reviews)

Rebecca,

Yosemite Family Vacation - July 2022

Yosemite Family Vacation

"Austin delivers! This was our second trip w/ you (Yellowstone 2016 was the other),… read more

"Austin delivers! This was our second trip w/ you (Yellowstone 2016 was the other), and we continue to be impressed. Each aspect of the adventure is well thought out, and the guides are professional, friendly, and lots of fun to be with.

Austin is great value for money because the trips ensure that guests get the most out of the experience. The guides are knowledgable about the terrain, the activities, amenities and logistics. There is really nothing to worry about in terms of planning, variety of activities, or food. Great experience always. read less

5 Stars (42 reviews)

Sean,

Yosemite Family Vacation - August 2021

Yosemite Family Vacation

"First trip with Austin and very pleased overall with the trip.

One constructive comment. Two… read more

"First trip with Austin and very pleased overall with the trip.

One constructive comment. Two of our party came down with Covid before the trip so could not attend. Appreciated the flexibility with substituting another traveler on my trip, though we did pay for one unused spot. Totally understand that I chose not to buy travel insurance so my loss and that the majority of the trip expenses are sunk. That said not all trip expenses are sunk particularly meals, food, activities such as horse riding, etc. As you run many of the trips below the 12 cap the trips can do fine if not full. Would have been nice to have a small partial credit toward a future trip as we paid $3,800 for an unused trip. read less

5 Stars (42 reviews)

Rick,

Yosemite Family Vacation - August 2021

Yosemite Family Vacation

"The guides Steve and Grace were incredible. My wife and I were the slowest people… read more

"The guides Steve and Grace were incredible. My wife and I were the slowest people in the group but there was always Steve or Grace with us encouraging my wife (who had knee problems) to give us a great experience. They were enthusiastic and it showed in their eyes when they spoke to us. Whatever you are paying them, it's not enough. They made the adventure. Our last trip was 7 years ago but we won't wait 7 years for our next trip. read less

5 Stars (42 reviews)

Tom,

Yosemite Family Vacation - August 2021

Yosemite Family Vacation

"Trip was great read more

"Trip was great read less

5 Stars (42 reviews)

Doug,

Yosemite Family Vacation - August 2021

Yosemite Family Vacation

"The trip was fantastic - especially in a year of Covid! As always, the… read more

"The trip was fantastic - especially in a year of Covid! As always, the guides, food, lodgings and most of the activities were great. Key for us are the guides, and we really enjoyed them both. They connect with both adults and kids and that's what we're looking for. read less

5 Stars (42 reviews)

Kiersten,

Yosemite Family Vacation - July 2021

Yosemite Family Vacation

"Yosemite suprised me. It was prettier than I expected. I really liked spending more than… read more

"Yosemite suprised me. It was prettier than I expected. I really liked spending more than 1 night at a hotel, which provided the option to not go on the hike, but enjoy the many ammentities of the resorts. Being as the guides came back mid-day, one could choose to just do the morning or the afternoon. That was a really nice bonus. read less

5 Stars (42 reviews)

Sherry,

Yosemite Family Vacation - July 2021

Yosemite Family Vacation

"Saw what we came to see! Amidst an extreme heat wave, pandemic, and forest… read more

"Saw what we came to see! Amidst an extreme heat wave, pandemic, and forest fires, we were impressed that we were able to get it all in there! The guides aimed to please and kept us focused on the goals of taking in as much as possible. read less

5 Stars (42 reviews)

Andrea,

Yosemite Family Vacation - July 2021

Yosemite Family Vacation

"Wonderful trip. Guides worked really hard under challenging circumstances - COVID, closures, heat wave, etc.… read more

"Wonderful trip. Guides worked really hard under challenging circumstances - COVID, closures, heat wave, etc. Really enjoyed the other families. Hiked well and ate well! read less

5 Stars (42 reviews)

Michael,

Yosemite Family Vacation - July 2021

Yosemite Family Vacation

"Another great trip. Interesting itinerary and fun, competent guides. read more

"Another great trip. Interesting itinerary and fun, competent guides. read less

4 Stars (42 reviews)

Richard,

Yosemite Family Vacation - July 2019

Yosemite Family Vacation

"The logistal planning by Austin Adventures and the work of our guides made it easy… read more

"The logistal planning by Austin Adventures and the work of our guides made it easy for us to come across the country and experience this beautiful national park. read less

5 Stars (42 reviews)

April,

Yosemite Family Vacation - July 2019

Yosemite Family Vacation

" read more

" read less

5 Stars (42 reviews)

Robert,

Yosemite Family Vacation - July 2018

Yosemite Family Vacation

"Wonderful read more

"Wonderful read less

5 Stars (42 reviews)

Brad,

Yosemite Family Vacation - July 2017

Yosemite Family Vacation

" read more

" read less

5 Stars (42 reviews)

Joseph,

Yosemite Family Vacation - July 2017

Yosemite Family Vacation

" read more

" read less

5 Stars (42 reviews)

Whitney,

Yosemite Family Vacation - July 2017

Yosemite Family Vacation

" read more

" read less

4 Stars (42 reviews)

Bonni,

Yosemite Family Vacation - July 2016

Yosemite Family Vacation

" read more

" read less

4 Stars (42 reviews)

Lisa,

Yosemite Family Vacation - July 2016

Yosemite Family Vacation

" read more

" read less

5 Stars (42 reviews)

Liam,

Yosemite Family Vacation - August 2015

Yosemite Family Vacation

" read more

" read less

5 Stars (42 reviews)

Anne,

Yosemite Family Vacation - July 2015

Yosemite Family Vacation

" read more

" read less

5 Stars (42 reviews)

Scott,

Interactive Trip Map

Austin PIF 2

Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full.

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. 

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. Please note CFAR insurance can only be purchased within 14 days of booking. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.

T+Cs Apply.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first day of the trip we can either pick you up from the Homewood Suites by Hilton Fresno Airport at 6:30am or the Best Western Plus Fresno Inn at 6:45am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Fresno, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Fresno Airport at 1pm in time for flights below or at a hotel of your choice in Fresno around 1.30pm.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Fresno the night before the trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Fresno any time after 3pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

What is not included?

Flights to and from trip start/end points
Pre/Post Accommodation
Optional extra activities
Travel insurance
Gratuities for your guides

What should I bring with me on the first day?

When you speak with your guides the night before your trip, they will give you a detailed description of what to bring with you on Day 1. Typically, this includes a day pack with your rain jacket, sunglasses, hat, camera, etc. Anything you want easy access to during the day should go in your day pack as the rest of your luggage will go in the locked cargo trailer pulled behind the van. Your guides will provide you with a water bottle on the first morning of your trip and will always have water available for refills. There will be snacks available at all times in the van. Your guides will also have bug spray and sunscreen accessible for you to use.

Will I have contact with my guides before the trip starts?

Your guides will call your cell phone the night before your trip begins to touch base on the first day’s plan. If they don’t get through to you, they will leave a voicemail on your cell phone with all the details you need to plan for your first morning.

What are your recommended guide gratuity guidelines?

You will have 2-3 guides on your Austin Adventure (depending on group size). We recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. Typically, gratuities are offered by check or cash in local currency on the final morning of the trip and can either be given to each guide individually or to one guide to be equally distributed. Most of our guides these days also accept gratuities via Venmo (please note this app does not work in Canada). All dining, housekeeping and activity tips are included in your trip price.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 90 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement. 

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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Your Expert Local Guides

Why Travel With Us

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Experience adventure the way you want

You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace.

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Crafting award-winning trips for decades - the Kiwi way

We're proud of our Kiwi roots and you’ll love our professional and warm style of hosting. We’re always here to help with planning... even hiking boot recommendations!

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Every detail covered, to maximise your time

We've got everything covered – top-notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.

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Group travel for those who aren’t ‘group travelers’

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you'll get to know your fellow travelers and have the flexibility to go at your own pace.

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Explore hidden gems through our expert local guides

All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy an authentic local experience.

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4.85 out of 5 from 6592 reviews. That’s pretty solid.

We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.

Trip Inquiry

North America

Yosemite Family Vacation

USD $4499/per adult
USD $4099/per child
$500 USD deposit per person required to secure your place on the trip

What To Expect

  • Place your booking
  • Receive your confirmation email & details to set up your Travel Wallet
  • Our dedicated team will keep you up to date all the way to the departure date

Dates

2024

June 2024

Sunday 9 June 2024
To Friday 14 June 2024
Open
Sunday 16 June 2024
To Friday 21 June 2024
Open