Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service

The Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide service has been helping people get into the wilderness and creating memorable experiences in Yosemite since 1969. Based in Yosemite Valley in the Curry Village complex, the guide service offers rock climbing, backpacking and hiking adventures in a group or customized private setting.

Rock Climbing

Whether you’ve been climbing for years and are ready to take on the big walls of Yosemite or it’s your first time, Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service is there to help you “learn the ropes.”

Since the late 1960s, the Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service has been guiding climbers, hikers and backpackers in Yosemite and they can help you achieve your climbing goals in the park or just learn a great new skill. You can choose from half-day, full-day, multiple-day and customized climbing sessions.

Most climbing classes are seven hours long and meet daily at 8:30 am at the Mountaineering School in Half Dome Village or in Tuolumne Meadows. The classes are designed to be taken sequentially and guides recommend a multi-day approach: with each class building upon what was learned the day before.

The class size is limited to six students per instructor, and the minimum age for non-parentally supervised climbing lessons is 12. Children 10 and 11 years old can join the regular classes with a supervising adult. Children under 10 can participate in a private lesson with an adult. Please call to make reservations.

Backpacking

The professional guides at the Yosemite Mountaineering School make backpacking in Yosemite a comfortable and easy adventure. The guides provide personalized attention and take care of the logistics. They obtain the necessary permits, plan meals, and ensure that you have the equipment that you need.

The guides have a wealth of information about Yosemite. Your backpacking trip will also be a great opportunity to learn more about your environment and surroundings. Hear Yosemite stories, and pick up backpacking skills like wilderness navigation, safety and stream crossings.

Join a group backpacking trip, or sign up for a private, custom backpacking trip for just you and your group. Ask about multi-day trips that include stops at the High Sierra Camp campgrounds as well.

Hiking

The Yosemite Mountaineering School’s trained naturalists add value to any park exploration. Guided hikes range from just a few hours to full-day trips to the top of Half Dome. Join a half or full-day group hike, or hire a private guide to design a hike customized to your interests and ability levels.

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Coming in the wintertime? The Yosemite Mountaineering School team also teaches cross-country skiing lessons and offers guided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trips from Badger Pass Ski Area.