Experience Yosemite With a Naturalist

Join our naturalists for casual, one- to two-hour programs in Yosemite Valley! These guided programs focus on a specific topic, such as history or astronomy. If you know you’ll be there, please register ahead of time – you can reserve your spot weeks or months in advance using the links below, which will redirect you to our external adventure booking site, Flybook. Children five and under can attend our naturalist walks for free. When you are signing up, you do not need to include them in your reservation under ‘number of people’, but please do fill out a waiver for them under the ‘minors’ section.

Registration fee: $10–$25/person (see program details below). Please register in advance!

Please note: Registration for our naturalist walks does not include the $35/vehicle gate fee.

Yosemite Valley Sunset Walk

Experience the magic of Yosemite while the setting sun lights up your favorite granite features. On this casual walk, our naturalists will share with you the natural and cultural history of the park. Families welcome!

The program will take place on the Cooks Meadow Loop in Yosemite Valley. Meeting details will be sent after you register.

Registration: $10/person

Register

Explore Yosemite's Night Sky

Minimal light pollution makes Yosemite Valley a perfect place for stargazing! Your naturalist will use a laser pointer to single out specific stars, planets, and constellations. The program topics include star science, constellations, planetary science, light speed, meteors, meteorites, and story/lore/mythology rooted in cultures both locally and across the world.

Registration: $25/person

Register

Birding in Yosemite Valley

Listen, watch, and learn about Yosemite’s birdlife while enjoying an easy paced walk from Yosemite Village. Travel one-two miles on flat ground. Binoculars are available if needed.

Registration: $10/person

Register

Birding and Wildlife Walk in Yosemite Valley

Look for birds and other wildlife as well as the signs they leave behind. Learn about the variety of wildlife in Yosemite and where they might be found. Travel about two miles on flat ground. Family friendly.

Registration: $10/person

Register
Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about what to expect from a Naturalist Walk, including answers to common questions, information on our cancellation policy, and more details about difficulty ratings — we call them Experience Levels. As with all Conservancy programs, your participation in our Outdoor and Custom Adventures helps support Yosemite.

FAQs

Looking for an even more in-depth Yosemite experience? Check out our naturalist-led Outdoor Adventures and Custom Adventures!