Program Overview: Celebrate spring in the Sierra Nevada with a guided day hike just outside of Yosemite, where the wildflowers carpet the hillsides this time of year! This one-day adventure takes you to the Merced River Canyon in El Portal, west of the park along Highway 140, where brilliant wildflowers make their early-season debut.
As you wander, enjoy and photograph sweeping displays of vibrant orange poppies and purple lupine blanketing the slopes above the rushing Merced River. Your naturalist guide will also help you spot the smaller, more delicate blooms that are easy to overlook, and teach you how to identify a variety of plant species.
Know Before You Go:
- Program date: Sunday, March 29; 9 am–3 pm
- Location: El Portal (just outside of the park, along the Merced River)
- What’s Included
- A full day of guided instruction with a Yosemite Naturalist
- Free day Saturday, March 28, to explore the park on your own.
- Park entry pass (valid for program dates only)
- Shared tent camping (camping dates cannot be altered.)
- No discount is available if you choose not to use the gate pass or campsite.
- Camping Information: Arrive Friday, March 27, after 12 pm. Depart Monday, March 30, by 11 am. Two campsites are shared between all participants, each with space for 4–5 tents and equipped with a picnic table, bear locker, and fire pit.
- Camping Location: Upper Pines in Yosemite Valley
- Important Notes: Due to the shared nature of the campsites, we cannot accommodate RVs, campers, or car camping. If you would like a private campsite, have an RV/camper, or plan to sleep in your car, you’ll need to make your own reservation. Please note that camping is reserved for program participants only.
- Lodging Upgrade: Upgrade to Yosemite Valley Lodge for an additional fee. A block of rooms is reserved for program dates only.
- Lodging blocks expire 30 days prior to the program. Booking details, including the Group Code, will be emailed after registration.
What’s Not Included:
- Gear or meals during your program
- Camping gear or meals in the shared campsites
- Transportation
Experience Level: All levels welcome!
