Yosemite Guide Service
Yosemite Guide Service
5
Ski & Snow ToursEco ToursSightseeing ToursHiking & Camping ToursPrivate Tours
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
Yosemite Guide Service offers customized, private sightseeing tours, extraordinary day hikes and backpacking trips, and special camping outings to the most outstanding locations in Yosemite. With decades of experience and knowledge working as biologists, naturalists, and guides in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada, YGS offers the best trips and tours in the region. We specialize in smaller groups and families for a more intimate and private experience, sharing with our guests all the famous landmarks that make Yosemite unique.
Our locally based guides share their unequalled knowledge and expertise on every tour we provide, bringing a more complete understanding and increased awareness of the exceptional attributes that make Yosemite special. For the best value on your vacation, explore Yosemite with us for a very rewarding and memorable experience. Call 530-523-3998 for more information and reservations. "YGS, where we meet as strangers and leave as friends."
Groveland, California
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
173 reviews
Excellent
172
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
paulatki2018
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK5 contributions
Sep 2019 • Family
As part of our 2 week holiday to California last year, we had booked a guided tour of Yosemite with YGS. I can honestly say that our day with John and his team was by far the best and most memorable day of our entire holiday. First thing in the morning, we were collected from Yosemite Park Lodge by Vivian and Kirsten, who drove us to an amazing number of superb vantage points around the Park, whilst managing to avoid the worst of the traffic. The piece de resistance was the trip to the foot of Yosemite Falls where the guys led us via a “Secret Path” to the base of the waterfall, where we all got a thorough soaking from the spray! As it also happened to be our youngest son’s 16th birthday that day, we met up with John and his group and enjoyed a very memorable birthday picnic in the shadow of El Capitain. So much was packed into our day that we didn’t get back to the lodge until much later than planned, which was an added bonus for us and I have to say that Vivian and Kirsten didn’t seem too phased that they were probably 3 or 4 hours late getting home! If you want to get the most out of a day in Yosemite, I would wholeheartedly recommend YGS, as nothing was too much trouble for the guys and their local knowledge was amazing. We even managed to spot a bear... Thank you again. Paul, Mary, Ed and George.
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Paul, Mary, Ed & George! Helping to make lifetime family memories is what we specialize in. We are so glad you had an amazing experience in Yosemite National Park, it was our pleasure!
Vivian and John, YGS
Written August 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
amynrommel
Oahu, HI13 contributions
Jul 2020
John (the co-owner of YGS) was very responsive with my questions and helped me come up with a backpacking itinerary that both my wife and I enjoyed. I've backpacked a few times but my wife had not so I wanted something not too challenging but not a leisure walk either. We ended up doing the Ansel Adams Wilderness trails with Kirsten. What a phenomenal guide! Kirsten is a California Naturalist and she shared her amazing knowledge of plants, trees, herbs, and animals with us as we came across them on the hikes. The amazing thing was Kirsten would share with us what the plant was used for and whether they were edible or not. It just made the hike so much more fun and engaging. My wife and I got so much into it that I forgot all about compass navigation as I wanted to brush up on it since Kirsten is also a member of the Lake Tahoe Search and Rescue team.
We also enjoyed that Kirsten went at our pace and we got to do what we wanted- either stopping to soak our feet in one of the lakes or swimming at Garnet Lake. Thank you John, and Kirsten.
We also enjoyed that Kirsten went at our pace and we got to do what we wanted- either stopping to soak our feet in one of the lakes or swimming at Garnet Lake. Thank you John, and Kirsten.
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Amy and Rommel! Thank you so much for your review! It is so good to hear that your trip was a success :)
Kirsten says she absolutely loved being your guide and she loved that you were interested in everything she shared with you. It is her passion!
Thank you for choosing YGS as your guide service for this backpacking trip adventure. We greatly appreciate it! Give us a call if you ever decide to come back for more ;)
Vivian and John Kleinfelter, YGS
Written August 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brenda L
Fernandina Beach, FL7 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
My husband and I planned to visit Yosemite from NY to photograph the area. I reached out to John via phone and left a message. He promptly returned my call. After discussing our needs and wants, John crafted a two day tour of the Yosemite area. He came equipped with more knowledge of Yosemite and the area that I could have ever researched on my own.
On our first day, John met us at our hotel and drove us to Hetch Hetchy. There was a flipped car accident on the only road that enters and exits the area. John was quick to assess the situation and calmly and competently ask questions of the authorities. He made sure that we felt safe. He was very professional.
On the second day, John brought his wife Vivian, also a guide. We spent 10 amazing hours touring the area together. John and his wife packed a delicious lunch for us and we picnicked while watching the climbers on El Cap! They even brought wine and cheese for our time at Glacier Point!
We learned so much more with our guides than if we had merely done the windshield tour. I recommend hiring John and/or Vivian for your time in Yosemite. You will not be disappointed. We look forward to hosting them when they visit NY later this year!
On our first day, John met us at our hotel and drove us to Hetch Hetchy. There was a flipped car accident on the only road that enters and exits the area. John was quick to assess the situation and calmly and competently ask questions of the authorities. He made sure that we felt safe. He was very professional.
On the second day, John brought his wife Vivian, also a guide. We spent 10 amazing hours touring the area together. John and his wife packed a delicious lunch for us and we picnicked while watching the climbers on El Cap! They even brought wine and cheese for our time at Glacier Point!
We learned so much more with our guides than if we had merely done the windshield tour. I recommend hiring John and/or Vivian for your time in Yosemite. You will not be disappointed. We look forward to hosting them when they visit NY later this year!
Written May 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Brenda, thank you so much for choosing our guide service for your Yosemite visit. We were both honored to help you have the best experience possible, and we enjoyed your company as well! Thanks for the awesome review 🙏
We are looking forward to visiting you in NY.
Vivian and John, YGS
Written May 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul D
13 contributions
May 2021
My wife and I have been trying to reserve a camp site in one of the Yosemite's campgrounds for the past 3 years and finally were able to secure a 3 night/4day slot this May. We wanted to maximize our experience and scheduled a day sightseeing tour with John and his wife Vivian to facilitate this. This was especially important this year since the shuttles were not operating and walking everywhere (with our dog in tow) was not feasible. The tour not only met our expectations but far exceeded them; John was not only able to schedule the day to include all the major attractions but was able to give the background and history for each as well as antidotes from his experiences living near and working in the national park and surrounding area. We highly recommend the Yosemite Guide Service to park visitors who want to get the most out of a visit to one of the world's wonders.
Written May 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for choosing YGS and for this nice review! We thoroughly enjoyed being your guides for your adventures in Yosemite. Please come back to visit sometime! With the pooch ;)
Vivian and John
Written June 23, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jenny L
1 contribution
Jul 2020
We had the very best time with John and Vivian! They were both so kind and knowledgeable. They packed us a delicious and health lunch along with snacks, sport drinks and extra water through the day. They were patient with our children and didn't mind all the extra hiking breaks our little ones needed to take. Hiring a private guide was so much more enjoyable than touring the park ourselves, they took the stress out of the entire day! I cannot say enough good things about Yosemite Guide Services.
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much Jenny, we had a very nice day with your family as well! BTW, any extra hiking breaks were great because it gave us a break too! ;)
Please call us if you ever come back for more adventures in Yosemite! We will be honored to guide you again!
Vivian and John
Written July 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PaBaLondon
London, UK3 contributions
Feb 2022
I spent just under a week with John and Vivian on a 3 day hiking and camping trip and a trip to Yosemite valley. They also provided accommodation and transfers. John was highly knowledgeable and both were a delight to spend time with. Equipment and meals provided were excellent. Before I arrived John took the time to understand my preferences for this custom trip and was responsive to changes needed due to weather once I arrived. Thank you both very much.
Written March 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greetings and you are so welcome! It was our pleasure hosting you and we're so glad your trip was a success :)
Please bring your family for any future adventures. We'd love to meet them!
Adventure on,
John & Vivian
Written April 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Victor
3 contributions
Jun 2022
Outstanding experience. We spent 4 days and 3 nights on a wilderness camping trip with John on the outside edge of Yosemite. It was amazing. During the whole trip, we saw fewer than 10 other people, despite being peak season. John isn't just a guide -- he is one of California's leading experts on ecology and wildlife management, with several decades of experience at California's Dept of Fish & Wildlife. He was extremely prepared, made sure every possible detail and item of hiking/camping equipment was taken care of. He can also answer virtually any question about the Yosemite environment, geography, wildlife, flora, and even the region's economy with extraordinary knowledge and firsthand experience. And he is tremendously caring, patient, and kind. Can't recommend Yosemite Guide Service highly enough!
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Victor, thank you so much for this great review! We're so glad that you had a 5 star experience with John as your backpacking guide. It was his pleasure!
Adventure on!
Vivian and John,
YGS
Written June 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EB
Atlanta, GA16 contributions
Jul 2022
We recently completed our second backcountry backpack trip with Yosemite Guide Service. Last year it was just the two of us but this year it was us two and four friends. Every step, every view, every climb, every descent, and every swim in a frigid alpine lake was totally worth it. John is a professional guide in every way, enhancing our hikes with knowledge of the majestic Sierra plants, flowers, ecology, geology, and more. We did a four-night, five-day adventure starting near Mammoth Lakes, then out to Thousand Island Lake, Garnet Lake, and Shadow Lake. John's customized service, hospitality, sense of humor, and great personality made the trip all that much more enjoyable. We will likely book a third trip with him next season ( if he'll have us, of course!) Anyway, don't hesitate to book any kind of adventure with him.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for this glowing review you guys! We work hard to give our guests 5 star quality service and we truly appreciate your feedback!
See ya next year ;)
John and Vivian
Written September 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
OnceaTravelerNowaDad
Los Angeles, CA6 contributions
Jun 2020
You don't need a guide to visit Yosemite Valley... but you don't know what you'd be missing without one. John Kleinfelter knows the park like the back of his hand, and will take you where you want to go. His knowledge is matched by his kindness and patience. He's the kind of person you'd want to be stuck together with in a van full of energetic children... if you have to be in a van with energetic children.
Written July 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for your review! We so appreciate that you chose us for your guide needs. Let us know if you ever come back for more adventures, we would be happy to guide you again :)
John and Vivian
Written July 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Donna K
2 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
My husband and I spent two days with John and Vivian. The first at Yosemite and the second at Sequoia at our request - which was very accommodating for them and much appreciated. Their combined knowledge added layers of appreciation for the beauty we encountered. The more you know, the more you see. We were able to see so much more at a nice pace than we would have ever on our own. The personal attention and tailored tours made our visit a more memorable experience. John has been walking these trails since he was about three, and with his experience in the field, you won't find anyone better qualified. We highly recommend Yosemite Guide Services.
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your glowing review Donna! We so appreciate it! It was such an amazing adventure we shared with you both. Thank you again for hiring YGS!
Vivian and John
Written June 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Several positive posts about John as a Guide for Yosemite National Park but I can't find a link or phone # - Believe he may work from Groveland, CA but do not see a specific Tour Agency or Service highlighted. Please forward....thank you.
Written June 10, 2018
Yosemite Guide Service
530-523-3998
18595 Main Street
Grove land, CA 95321
Trip Advisor won’t let me include the link, but if you google Yosemite Guide Service you’ll find it. Sometimes he’s out leading overnight hikes, so don’t be alarmed if he doesn’t answer immediately.
Written June 11, 2018
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