GROVELAND FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Three Days of Granite, Sequoias and Waterfalls: A Close-Quarters Tour of Yosemite’s High Country and Valley
A tightly focused, private 3-day Yosemite Explorer Package that guides you from Groveland into Tuolumne’s sequoias and lakes, through Yosemite Valley dinners by the Merced River, and up the Hetch Hetchy trail to Wapama Falls — this guide explains what to expect and what to pack.
Three Days of Granite, Sequoias and Waterfalls: A Close-Quarters Tour of Yosemite’s High Country and Valley.
This Yosemite Explorer Package is a three-day sequence of private adventures out of Groveland that moves from the high-country tufts of Tuolumne — where giant sequoias stand and Tenaya Lake invites a swim — down into Yosemite Valley for riverside BBQs, and finishes with a public hike along Hetch Hetchy to a dramatic Wapama Falls. The itinerary stitches together swims, picnics and day hikes with expert guiding and transportation so you can focus on the places themselves.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hike into the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
On Day 1 the route takes you into the Tuolumne Grove to stand among giant sequoias — a defining, old-growth moment in Yosemite’s high country that anchors the trip’s first day of hiking and meadow time.
Swim at Tenaya Lake and picnic in Tuolumne Meadows
The package pairs the sequoia hike with lakeside swimming at Tenaya Lake and a picnic in Tuolumne Meadows — a contrast of clear alpine water and open subalpine meadows on the same day’s itinerary.
Wapama Falls and a Merced River BBQ
The program culminates with a public day hike in Hetch Hetchy to Wapama Falls — a roughly 5-mile round-trip on granite reservoir trail — and includes a riverside BBQ along the Merced River during the Yosemite Valley day.
What the day feels like
What the Three Days Feel Like
The package is paced as a series of private day adventures: an 8 a.m.–4 p.m. high-country day exploring Tuolumne’s sequoias, lake and meadows (noon starts in winter when the high-country road is closed), a noon–8 p.m. Yosemite Valley day capped by a steak BBQ by the Merced River, and a final 8 a.m.–3 p.m. public hike in Hetch Hetchy that reaches Wapama Falls. Throughout, a private guide, provided transportation from accommodations along Highway 120, lunches on days 1 and 3 and park entrance fees are included so the days are organized around the landscape rather than logistics.
THE GROVE
Hike into the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
On Day 1 the route takes you into the Tuolumne Grove to stand among giant sequoias — a defining, old-growth moment in Yosemite’s high country that anchors the trip’s first day of hiking and meadow time.
THE WATER
Swim at Tenaya Lake and picnic in Tuolumne Meadows
The package pairs the sequoia hike with lakeside swimming at Tenaya Lake and a picnic in Tuolumne Meadows — a contrast of clear alpine water and open subalpine meadows on the same day’s itinerary.
THE TRAIL
Wapama Falls and a Merced River BBQ
The program culminates with a public day hike in Hetch Hetchy to Wapama Falls — a roughly 5-mile round-trip on granite reservoir trail — and includes a riverside BBQ along the Merced River during the Yosemite Valley day.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this package suits and what to consider before booking.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a 3-day package; Day 1 normally runs 8 a.m.–4 p.m. but in winter the high-country road closure shifts the Day 1 start to noon with snowshoeing in the grove.
Bring registration forms, layered clothing, at least one liter of water per person, a brimmed hat and sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent, plus a camera and binoculars.
The operator supplies a private guide, transportation from accommodations along Highway 120, lunches on days 1 and 3, a BBQ dinner on day 2, national park entrance fees, hiking equipment, water and a water filter, first-aid and emergency gear, and gratuities, fees and taxes.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Yosemite Explorer Package?
The package is a 3-day program.
Where is the meeting point or pickup location?
Pickups are arranged from accommodations and the meeting location is Yosemite National Park; the operator provides transportation from accommodations along Highway 120.
What is provided during the trip?
The package includes a private guide, transportation from accommodations along Hwy 120, lunches on days 1 and 3, a BBQ dinner on day 2, national park entrance fees, all hiking equipment, water and a water filter, first-aid and emergency equipment, and all gratuities, fees and taxes.
What should I bring?
Bring registration forms, layered clothing, at least one liter of water per person, a brimmed hat and sunglasses, sunblock and insect repellent, plus a camera and binoculars.
Are there seasonal changes to the schedule?
Yes. In winter Yosemite’s high-country road is closed; Day 1 begins at noon and the Tuolumne Grove experience is conducted with snowshoes.
How long is the hike to Wapama Falls?
The hike to Wapama Falls is described as a 5-mile round-trip along the reservoir trail to the 1,200-foot falls, with the option to continue to Rancheria Falls.