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Yosemite Fall Colors (Hiker)
Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
Upcoming Departures
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Single Supplement: +$550.00
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Deposit: $2,000.00
Start/End
Fresno, CA / Fresno, CA
Length
6 Days/5 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 3 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 7 Guests
Highlights
- Explore the world-class landscapes of Yosemite National Park during peak fall color season
- Capture the majestic beauty of iconic landmarks like Upper Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half-Dome
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of maples and cottonwoods, and witness dramatic atmosphere in Yosemite Valley
- Benefit from personalized attention and guidance in small groups led by professional photographers
If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:
Yosemite National Park is reminiscent of names like John Muir and Ansel Adams. It is an icon of American Mountain Scenery and one of the world’s first National Parks. The beauty and history of this place is unparalleled from the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the mirror-like Merced River as it courses through Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite is a land carved by glaciers. As the land was lifted upwards, an estimated 4000 feet of ice sculpted the igneous batholith of Yosemite and moved slowly down steam to create a massive U-Shaped Valley for which Yosemite is so famous. This glacial artistry is responsible for creating the well-known granite domes such as El Capitan, Sentinel & Half-Dome. Yosemite was set aside as a National Park in 1890 and a world heritage site in 1984.
This is a unique opportunity to photograph and hike Yosemite during the spectacular fall color season. Yosemite is one of the most unique natural wonders on our planet and provides jaw dropping opportunities for landscape photography, waterfalls, rainbows and wildlife! The light is soft in the fall and the colors are vibrant making for superb landscape photography opportunities. We schedule this trip in late fall to take advantage of Yosemite Valley’s brilliant foliage when it is turning red and gold.
Discover Yosemite with an experienced professional photography guide who has an intimate knowledge of incredible shooting locations. This photography excursion features full days of hiking and photography from sunrise to sunset as we visit carefully selected locations in the best possible light, taking our time (key for us photographers!) exploring and photographing. We’ll hit the iconic spots such as Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls and Glacier Point as well as many off the beaten path locations most people don’t know about.
This Yosemite photography tour will be based out of our quaint & cozy lodge with prime access to Yosemite Valley. Each evening after our photography session we will return to the lodge for some rest and relaxation and a great meal at their restaurant.
You’ll get ample one on one time with your instructor and improve your photography in one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic locations. Aside from the fun you’ll experience with your fellow photographers you’ll leave this trip with a highly expanded portfolio of excellent images and a wealth of memories. Join us today for the trip of a lifetime to Yosemite National Park in the spectacular Fall Season!
Please note: We are excited to offer both a standard and “hiker” version of this trip for photographers who like to get out and hike! Not sure which one suits you best? Give us a call at 928-478-1521
What's Included
- All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
- All transportation during the workshop
- All lodging during the workshop
- All permits and park fees
- Professional photography guiding and instruction
- Gratuity for service staff
What's Not Included
- Transportation to and from Fresno, California
- Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
- Lodging outside workshop dates
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs and personal items
- Gratuity for photography guide(s)
- Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
Trip Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Travel Day)(D)
We will meet at our hotel at 5pm the first evening of the trip for an orientation and welcome dinner.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
“Hiker” Itinerary: 4-5 miles, minimal elevation gain
We’ll be up and at ‘em early for a pre-dawn drive to Yosemite Valley. After our morning photography session, we’ll spend the day hiking the nuances of Yosemite Valley. This will be an easier day on foot to acclimatize and we’ll spend some quality time on photographic instruction and rest up for the evening’s session at Tunnel View and a bigger day tomorrow.
This evening we’ll head to Tunnel View which has arguably one of the best evening photography spots in all of Yosemite. This incredible vista popularized by Ansel Adams is an iconic image that we will spend some time getting just right. From the vantage at Tunnel View you can see El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Cathedral Rocks and Half-Dome.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
“Hiker” Itinerary: 2-4 miles, ~500 feet elevation gain
Today, we'll assess the weather and choose from a variety of hikes in the Yosemite Valley. We may find ourselves climbing up the valley for a view of El Capitan and Half Dome, or we may find ourselves in a sequoia grove.
Depending on road conditions, we may also venture along Tioga Road for some lesser photographed vantage points of Yosemite. After a great day photographing in the field it’s back to the lodge for a much deserved gourmet dinner, rest and relaxation!
Day 4 (B,D)
“Hiker” Itinerary: 5 miles, ~1400 feet elevation gain
This morning we’ll photograph Upper Yosemite Falls from the Swinging Bridge. This is an excellent viewpoint that tends to get its best light mid-morning and features stunning reflections and dramatic views of the Upper Falls. After photographing this location we’ll hike the falls, which is one hike you’ll never forget! The Upper Yosemite Falls Trail promises a challenging, steep work out with up-close views of North America’s highest waterfall and panoramic views of Yosemite Valley.
Beginning at Camp 4, the legendary epicenter of Yosemite’s big wall climbing era, the trail ascends numerous switchbacks to Columbia Point, where Half Dome dominates an awe-inspiring view of Yosemite Valley. Beyond the point, the impressive Upper Yosemite Falls comes into view, offering a refreshing spray of mist along with the thundering sight of tons of water dropping straight down 1430 ft. After climbing switchbacks through a break in the Valley wall, the trail tops out on the rim in a forest of impressive Jeffrey pines. Here we will photograph Yosemite Falls from above in the beautiful evening light before heading back down the trail.
Day 5 (B,D)
"Hiker" Itinerary: 6-9 miles, ~1000-1900 feet elevation gain
We’ll begin with a trek along the Mist Trail to photograph both Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls – two of Yosemite’s most impressive waterfalls. These gems are best photographed in mid-morning during even light. Liberty Cap, Grizzly Peak, the Panorama Cliffs, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point and even Half Dome will be rising all around us during this wonderful full-day trek. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the high country next to an impressive waterfall overlook before descending back to the valley floor. This evening with weather conditions permitting, we’ll drive up to what many consider the most impressive vantage point in Yosemite – Glacier Point.
This dramatic, awe-inspiring viewpoint looks straight down into Yosemite Valley, 3,000 vertical feet below. We can gaze across the Valley to take in the entire plunge of Yosemite Falls, and get an up-close and personal view of Half-Dome as well as Nevada and Vernal Falls. This is an iconic sunset shot in which we’ll make sure to spend the necessary time to capture it just right. After shooting well into the evening we’ll retire to our cozy lodge!
Day 6 (B)
“Hiker” Itinerary: 4 miles, ~500 feet elevation gain
Today’s hike takes us into Yosemite’s biggest trees – the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia trees. After some important photographic instruction regarding photographing these early giants we’ll hike the lower and upper loops snapping shots of Wawona Valley and the 2700-year-old Grizzly Giant tree, as well as getting in-depth photographs of several other Giant Sequoia trees in the grove. This will be our final stop in Yosemite.
We’ll leave this once-in-a-lifetime adventure with unforgettable memories, enhanced landscape photography skills, and digital cards full of stunning images!
Day 1 (Travel Day)(D)
We will meet at our hotel at 5pm the first evening of the trip for an orientation and welcome dinner.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
“Hiker” Itinerary: 4-5 miles, minimal elevation gain
We’ll be up and at ‘em early for a pre-dawn drive to Yosemite Valley. After our morning photography session, we’ll spend the day hiking the nuances of Yosemite Valley. This will be an easier day on foot to acclimatize and we’ll spend some quality time on photographic instruction and rest up for the evening’s session at Tunnel View and a bigger day tomorrow.
This evening we’ll head to Tunnel View which has arguably one of the best evening photography spots in all of Yosemite. This incredible vista popularized by Ansel Adams is an iconic image that we will spend some time getting just right. From the vantage at Tunnel View you can see El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Cathedral Rocks and Half-Dome.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
“Hiker” Itinerary: 2-4 miles, ~500 feet elevation gain
Today, we'll assess the weather and choose from a variety of hikes in the Yosemite Valley. We may find ourselves climbing up the valley for a view of El Capitan and Half Dome, or we may find ourselves in a sequoia grove.
Depending on road conditions, we may also venture along Tioga Road for some lesser photographed vantage points of Yosemite. After a great day photographing in the field it’s back to the lodge for a much deserved gourmet dinner, rest and relaxation!
Day 4 (B,D)
“Hiker” Itinerary: 5 miles, ~1400 feet elevation gain
This morning we’ll photograph Upper Yosemite Falls from the Swinging Bridge. This is an excellent viewpoint that tends to get its best light mid-morning and features stunning reflections and dramatic views of the Upper Falls. After photographing this location we’ll hike the falls, which is one hike you’ll never forget! The Upper Yosemite Falls Trail promises a challenging, steep work out with up-close views of North America’s highest waterfall and panoramic views of Yosemite Valley.
Beginning at Camp 4, the legendary epicenter of Yosemite’s big wall climbing era, the trail ascends numerous switchbacks to Columbia Point, where Half Dome dominates an awe-inspiring view of Yosemite Valley. Beyond the point, the impressive Upper Yosemite Falls comes into view, offering a refreshing spray of mist along with the thundering sight of tons of water dropping straight down 1430 ft. After climbing switchbacks through a break in the Valley wall, the trail tops out on the rim in a forest of impressive Jeffrey pines. Here we will photograph Yosemite Falls from above in the beautiful evening light before heading back down the trail.
Day 5 (B,D)
"Hiker" Itinerary: 6-9 miles, ~1000-1900 feet elevation gain
We’ll begin with a trek along the Mist Trail to photograph both Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls – two of Yosemite’s most impressive waterfalls. These gems are best photographed in mid-morning during even light. Liberty Cap, Grizzly Peak, the Panorama Cliffs, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point and even Half Dome will be rising all around us during this wonderful full-day trek. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the high country next to an impressive waterfall overlook before descending back to the valley floor. This evening with weather conditions permitting, we’ll drive up to what many consider the most impressive vantage point in Yosemite – Glacier Point.
This dramatic, awe-inspiring viewpoint looks straight down into Yosemite Valley, 3,000 vertical feet below. We can gaze across the Valley to take in the entire plunge of Yosemite Falls, and get an up-close and personal view of Half-Dome as well as Nevada and Vernal Falls. This is an iconic sunset shot in which we’ll make sure to spend the necessary time to capture it just right. After shooting well into the evening we’ll retire to our cozy lodge!
Day 6 (B)
“Hiker” Itinerary: 4 miles, ~500 feet elevation gain
Today’s hike takes us into Yosemite’s biggest trees – the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia trees. After some important photographic instruction regarding photographing these early giants we’ll hike the lower and upper loops snapping shots of Wawona Valley and the 2700-year-old Grizzly Giant tree, as well as getting in-depth photographs of several other Giant Sequoia trees in the grove. This will be our final stop in Yosemite.
We’ll leave this once-in-a-lifetime adventure with unforgettable memories, enhanced landscape photography skills, and digital cards full of stunning images!
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
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Testimonials From Our Customers
Julie K.
"I have traveled with Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) several times over the last 4 years to Glacier NP, Costa Rica (2x), Smoky Mountains NP, Joshua Tree, Zion and Bryce NPs, and most recently to Alaska.
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
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Scott S.
"BCJ provides an outstanding experience for photographers of all levels of experience/expertise. Each day's excursion is well planned-out and the guides always have a back-up plan if the weather is less than cooperative.
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
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Katherine P.
"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
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We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
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"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024