Yosemite Corporate Retreat

Yosemite Hiking From San Francisco

Change your scenery and inspire your team by holding your group retreat in Yosemite National Park. Whether you wish to brainstorm, foster team camaraderie or host a community event in an outdoor setting, our private guides can help you deliver the right message to your team, away from the noise and distractions of the city.

Choose from a wilderness hike, hotel stay or more as we show your group the real Yosemite, where you can find the balance within yourselves in a total of 2-5 days enjoying the rejuvenation found in nature. Why not disconnect from your devices for a few days in the real world?

Speak To A Human

Retreat Highlights

Private Yosemite experience without the “tour” feeling
Reset your mind in natural surroundings
Breathe fresh air, away from city pollution
Insider tips, tricks and safety information
Retreats for up to 50 guests
Begin and end in downtown San Francisco or San Jose

Included

Private, luxury transportation for your group
All overnight camping equipment (if backcountry hiking — 1-3 guests only)
All wilderness meals, if hiking
Turnkey itinerary planning
Your group’s proper understanding of safety, wildlife, and Leave No Trace ethics
Go home with a clear Yosemite mindset

Group’s Interests

Whether your group wants to stand at the base of El Capitan and see where Alex Honnold accomplished his famous “Free Solo” ascent, or ‘gram themselves leaping in front of world-famous Half Dome, your team members will see the real Yosemite while not feeling like tourists.

Not Included

Each adventure is molded to your budget; what we include or don’t include is up to you. Are you looking for a Yosemite digital detox? Would you like a photographer to record your group’s best moments? We can create the private Yosemite retreat to enrich and inspire your team.

*COVID-19 Policies : Our team is dedicated to providing a safe, healthy environment for all our guests and employees. Read our full list of preventative actions on our COVID-19 page.

Luxury Transportation

Cruise along Yosemite’s roads with our knowledgeable guides leading the way. We’ll visit sights such as Tunnel View, El Capitan and the giant Sequoia Trees, then explore on foot, because hiking is the only true way to view Yosemite’s beauty. All skill levels of hikers are welcome.

Yosemite Meals

Do you travel with forty vegetarians? Are you in need of a private dining room? Your meals will not taste like frozen rubber pizza here. Instead, dine on well-prepared meals from Yosemite’s best restaurants. Enjoy a catered picnic lunch under Yosemite’s pines, followed by delectable, never-ending s’mores once the sun goes down.

Private Hosts

Our expert guides offering our Yosemite Corporate Retreat have hiked hundreds of miles in the park. They know where to go to create the best experience. With the correct planning, knowledge and heart, we provide an authentic Yosemite experience for your team.

Those decades of combined experience enable our hosts give your group that fresh feeling of visiting the wondrous park with a good friend.

Choose Your Style

What’s best for your private group?

Wilderness
Top of Half Dome
Hike into Yosemite’s backcountry, away from the crowds.
Hotel
Budget, Midrange, or Luxury
Choose the style that’s best for your group.

Hotel
Digital Detox
No Signal Hike
Leave your technology behind for a true connection to nature.
From San Francisco
Starting Point
Begin from your hotel’s front door in San Francisco.

From San Francisco

Next Steps

Now that you potentially see the value of a weekend in nature for your group – an outdoor adventure away from San Francisco – what comes next? Or, to put it better: What kind of feeling do you want your group to have once your Yosemite weekend is complete?

Feel free to give us a call, fill out our Planning Form or check out our FAQ page for a clearer understanding of the possibilities. Only when we’re on the same page can we start to create the perfect Yosemite weekend for you.

Discovery Session
What is the average age of your team? Are there any physical limitations? Many answers on Yosemite, such as the best options for hikes for unique situations, cannot be found online. Instead, speak to our expert guides to find the perfect balance between your group’s needs and the park, as we set your expectations with a down-to-earth phone call to understand your time frame, desired style and more.
Rooming List And Extras
You’ll then be asked to complete your Rooming List, when accommodations from budget, mid-range or luxury options are selected, with details varying depending on the time of year, location and availability (with some reservations required up to 18 months in advance). After that, you can choose your Extras — those little add-ons that enhance your Yosemite experience, including catered meals, souvenir socks and more. Ever thought about locking up your team’s cell phones for a digital detox weekend? It’s been done before. Do you dare?
Disclaimer for Yosemite
We retain the right to adjust your route based on unforeseen factors: availability, weather or inconvenient circumstances such as traffic, wildlife, road construction, fires or rock falls, which may prompt a change in our itinerary for safety reasons. We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover potential expenses in case of unexpected events.

Moreover, we understand that Mother Nature doesn’t always behave as planned. While we aim for a flawless experience, some requests may not be possible due to National Park regulations, topography limitations and more. This is for the safety of our guides and Yosemite search-and-rescue teams. We apologize in advance if we cannot fulfill your requested adventure.

Lastly, we will not take any hikers into the wilderness who cannot physically support themselves adequately, with all backcountry guests required to submit a screening form prior to tour approval (for wilderness camping only).

Have Questions?

See our frequently asked questions or contact one of our private guides today.

FAQ Contact Us

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Learn-how-to-Backcountry-Hike-in-Yosemite

Yosemite Group Getaway — Sample Itinerary

For 3 Days, 2 Nights from San Francisco

Embark on a journey of self-discovery in airplane mode during your Yosemite Corporate Retreat, seamlessly blending nature with a digital detox. Set up your email autoresponder, prepare for a hiking adventure and bid farewell to distractions as you trek towards unforgettable memories. Meet us in San Francisco, where our dedicated guides will take care of the rest.

Imagine learning about the details of Yosemite with our expert guides by day. And as night falls, gather around the campfire for marshmallow roasting, storytelling, and witness the modern world gradually fading away. This immersive experience not only showcases Yosemite’s beauty but also fosters group cohesion in a natural setting.

The Challenge

Yosemite Inquiry

A private corporation approached us with an inquiry about showing their group Yosemite National Park in November. They admitted the planning details for the park were confusing (and we agreed), and asked for our assistance. Following a brief phone call, our private guides proposed a tailored solution – a 3-day, 2-night Yosemite Weekend Getaway crafted specifically for their group of 35, showcasing the finest aspects of the treasured national park during their allotted time frame.

Below is an outline of the private retreat we provided them, refined to their group.

Connect by Phone
A corporation reached out to us to speak about their Yosemite options. They had a group of 35 leaders from all over the country flying into San Francisco and wanted to spend 2 nights, 3 days in the famed natural environment.
Questions
Once their Planning Form was completed, our guides could then see the big picture, honing in on the best Yosemite experience to offer them. The park, after all, encompasses more than 1,100 square miles and includes 800 miles of hiking trails as well as some of the most stunning scenery in the world. The team leader, Michelle, also wanted time away from crowds for her group – at least for a few of the meals – for the team to brainstorm new ideas in private.
Select Your Package
Michelle and her bosses then selected the group package that was right for them, including luxury accommodations, private meals and daily hiking adventures. Their retreat was planned six months in advance, a wise decision for a November getaway (We recommend reserving at least one year in advance for summer and spring retreats.)

How We Planned

Yosemite is confusing to plan for, and many times, the details you’ll find by Googling are different from what happens when your boots are on the ground. Michelle, well aware of this challenge, worked closely with us to strategize her accommodations, timeframe, room configuration, extras, and availability. Once we clarified the style she sought – the feeling she wanted her group to leave their Yosemite weekend with – we proceeded to the next steps in the planning process.

Rooming List
A Rooming List was required for planning purposes, listing the room choices for single rooms, shared rooms or a mixture of each. Yosemite accommodations range from economy to luxury, based on the time of year and how far in advance you reserve.
Extras
Extras also are available for groups, including meals, trail lunches, clothing, souvenirs, massages, headlights for stargazing and more.
Confirmation
Once all of these choices were selected, along with a tentative plan for retreat activities, we were able to accept her deposit and have the group’s email documents ready.

The Itinerary

Our private guides and Michelle decided on two nights, three days in the park. Beginning in San Francisco, we would explore Yosemite together on Day One – a way to make the group feel comfortable in their new, natural environs, followed by a private dining room for meals on Day Two (a way for her team to accomplish their brainstorming activities), with hikes in Yosemite in between sessions. This was followed by our last day, where the group would relax by the river – a way to nonchalantly bond with each other, away from their incessant daily phone notifications.

Our guides were to provide documents, hosting in the park and safety talks (such as how to deal with a bear in the wilderness) for the group. In essence, do the heavy lifting so Michelle and her leaders could show up in San Francisco for a weekend away in Yosemite, without the planning or operational headaches.

Arrival Day

San Francisco Travel Day

The group adventure began with a travel day, when all group members flew into San Francisco from all over the country, with their hotel reservations at the Fairmont Hotel, in a safe and homeless-free neighborhood, waiting on their arrival. That night, we chose PCH on Sutter Street for happy hour, a great location for drinks and mingling for her group. During the happy hour, we issued her group’s Yosemite documents, with plenty of dinner suggestions for that night. That evening, the group enjoyed San Francisco at their leisure using our handmade map.

Welcome to the Bay
Several accommodation options were available for the group’s first and last nights in the Bay Area. We always recommend a location where your group members can arrive from the airport and explore safely. Michelle spoke with our guides and decided on a luxury stay with a single room for each team member as the best choice.
5-7 p.m.
Happy hour was then scheduled for the group to come together, socialize and address any remaining questions about Yosemite. A comprehensive schedule was provided, and any final paperwork was completed during this time.
Dinner
Team members then split off into smaller groups to enjoy dinner. A few went to Chinatown for dim sum, others to Upper Polk for drinks and some stayed at the hotel to finish last-minute work before turning on their autoresponders for the weekend. Our guides made sure to emphasize for everyone to be fully charged and starry-eyed for tomorrow’s Yosemite adventure.

Day One

Depart for Yosemite

This morning we departed for Yosemite in private transportation with all equipment and down-to-earth guidance ready. Our primary goal, besides bonding the group together in a natural environment (with us not as the main character), was to give Michelle and her team leaders the relief that all logistics were handled so she could focus on her team. We also wanted to share with the group our knowledge of the park, hopefully motivating the travelers to explore Yosemite – or any natural environment for that matter – independently in the future.

7 a.m.
The final team members (those who flew in late) were checked in by our guides, and once everyone was set, we were on our way. We then began to explain the ins and outs of Yosemite and how it pertained to the group as we cruised across the picturesque California landscape.
10 a.m.
Once arriving in the park, we began to explain our game plan. For example, which of Yosemite’s 800 miles of trails would we be hiking on the trip? What are the best viewpoints for photography? With the group’s eyes wide open in nature, we showed them the beauty of the park, with our first stop as a hike at the giant sequoia trees, the largest living things on earth. Depending on the group and expressed desires, we’re also happy to share historical and anecdotal information about Yosemite.
NOON
Lunch options were to choose from a catered meal (usually recommended for winter corporate retreats) or offer a picnic lunch on the trail. Michelle and her team chose the picnic, enjoying a secluded lunch under the awe-inspiring redwood canopy, taking in the fresh pine scents.

Afternoon Delight

Once the group began to understand Yosemite from a local’s point of view, with the power now placed in their hands, we made our way to the Valley, where group members were able to enjoy many of the viewpoints, such as Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. With no signal in many of the places, the group didn’t have an option but to begin to connect with one another – the way genuine human interaction used to be.

2 p.m.
A stop at Tunnel View, one of the most famous viewpoints in California, was in order – of course, we used our elbows against the crowds to arrange ourselves for a group photo – followed by lesser known but equally spectacular viewpoints. With millions visiting Yosemite annually, maneuvering through the Valley is akin to playing chess; understanding the rhythm of the crowds is key to navigating the park effectively, and our guides knew the moves.
4 p.m.
With Yosemite now embraced as the group’s home for the next few days, we seamlessly checked into our accommodations. Michelle, in a gesture of appreciation for her team’s year-round dedication, again arranged for a touch of luxury — a single room for each employee to say thanks for their hard work.
6 p.m.
Dinner was then served in the restaurant, with no specific seating chart in place. Team members dispersed, opting for the restaurant, pub or even the campfire for delightful marshmallow s’mores. Later that evening, our guides extended an invitation to those intrigued by the cosmos, offering an engaging Yosemite stargazing session.

Day Two

In The Mountains

On our second day, Michelle and the group expressed a desire for greater privacy for their meetings, so we secured a private dining room for the day for up to 48 guests. This arrangement allowed the group to escape the typical restaurant commotion and create an environment conducive to their company discussions. In addition, we provided two large whiteboards, a way for the group to jot notes as they brainstormed.

7 a.m.
Breakfast was ready for the team members, including a classic buffet of scrambled eggs, Applewood smoked bacon, hashed potatoes, sliced fruits and more. A continental breakfast was an alternative option, but we always recommend a hearty breakfast for more energy on the trails.
9 a.m.
During the interim period between brainstorming sessions (after breakfast and before dinner), we embarked on an exploration of Yosemite’s wilderness. Trail lunches (with choices of sandwiches, wraps and/or a salad) were provided for time efficiency. And for those less inclined toward hiking, the option of a leisurely stay at the hotel was available, offering alternatives including relaxing at the day spa and enjoying a massage.
Best Yosemite Hiking
While a Google search may yield a myriad of options for the best trails in the park, what many don’t realize is that these internet answers are subject to change based on weather conditions, time of year, waterfall heights, construction, natural and man-made disasters and more. Our guides, well-informed and up to date, provided the group with tailored recommendations, considering all skill levels to ensure everyone had their best hiking experience for the tour date.

Nature’s Evening

That evening, after a day of brainstorming, hiking, trail lunches, photography and communal bonding, we returned to the hotel to cleanse ourselves of the day’s exertions. Refreshed and invigorated by the crisp Sierra Nevada air, we gathered for another private meal. This setting allowed the group to revisit the morning’s agenda, providing a space to reflect on the day’s wildlife, attractions and wondrous Yosemite sights – and to consider the company’s plans for next year.

5 p.m.
Dinner was then served in a catered style, the same as breakfast, with the group’s meal choices of slow-roasted beef tenderloin, ratatouille over goat cheese polenta or bison meatballs. Vegetarian and vegan options were also available. As the group savored their second private meal, many smiled as they were far removed from Yosemite’s bustling crowds.
9 p.m.
Afterward, the group came together to relish those marshmallow s’mores by the crackling campfire. Are the stars closer to earth in Yosemite? It seemed so.

Day Three

Morning Glory

Our last day is when everything came together, with the group, hailing from different corners of the globe, and usually only seeing each other on Zoom or by other virtual methods, were now interacting, laughing and understanding Yosemite as they embraced the essence of nature. The park became more than a backdrop for business discussions; it evolved into a space where genuine connections flourished, once people were liberated from the constant distractions of email, smartphones and social media. Continuing to unravel the intricate puzzle that is Yosemite, our private guides planted the seed of possibility – a future visit with their families.

7 a.m.
Breakfast was served in the restaurant, which offered a full menu catered to all diets. Alternatively, a coffee shop provided a quick option for those who wanted to sleep in. Stressing the importance of efficiency, our guides issued a friendly reminder for everyone to have their bags packed and ready by 8:45 a.m.
9 a.m.
With the group packed and ready to go, we checked out of our accommodations, loaded up and made our way to the trails. Upon arrival, our guide briefed the team on the options for their last day — whether to embark on more hiking for the active enthusiasts or to unwind by the river for a more leisurely experience. The guests had the freedom to choose the Yosemite experience that resonated with them.
11 a.m.
Lunchtime offered flexibility, and our guides took it a step further by offering cooking utensils and charcoal for those interested in a riverside barbecue (with food available to be purchased from Yosemite’s only grocery store). Recognizing that grilling might not suit everyone, we ensured a variety of alternative lunch options, including the deli or Village restaurants.

The group then enjoyed the remainder of their park visit by wandering through meadows, scrambling over boulders or browsing the gift shop for souvenirs. Once thing’s for sure – the team now understood the photos they took this weekend would never do the famous national park justice.

Hello San Francisco

After a few days immersed in the wonders of Yosemite, enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery on earth, invigorating hikes and more, we bid farewell to the national treasure and began our journey back to San Francisco. Most, if not all, of the team members recognized that Yosemite held a power that extended far beyond what just a few days could reveal. It was life changing for some.

3 p.m.
With our introduction of Yosemite now complete, we departed for San Francisco. Despite our guide’s desire for the group to disconnect a bit longer, we recognized the need for some team leaders to reconnect to their phones. But for those seeking a complete break from gadgets, we do offer a complete Digital Detox Tour (for those with the guts).
5 p.m.
We made a pit stop for a well-deserved post-hiking dinner, providing the group the opportunity to recharge and use the restrooms.
7 p.m.
We arrived in San Francisco, renewed and refreshed, with our minds clear, after a few soul-enriching days in Yosemite. The group made sure not to reserve flights with a departure time earlier than 9 p.m., allowing enough leeway for relaxed, heartfelt farewells to the team.

A Quick Recap

Yosemite Corporate Retreat

35 Guests

3 days, 2 nights

Hotel Stay

Extras: Headlamp, Trail Lunch, Socks

A Final Note On Yosemite

Yosemite National Park can be an incredible wondrous place to visit if you allow yourself to disconnect from your notifications while here. Even then, it can take a few days for a guest to fully recharge. This can be while simultaneously relaxing at a luxury resort, camping, wilderness hiking or anything else — and it’s your choice. Your private retreat. But we can assure you, as we’ve hiked hundreds of miles in the park ourselves, you will have a more rewarding experience if your phone is in airplane mode…at least while in Yosemite. You may find a new outlook on your screen time.

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Yosemite Camping Tour From San Francisco

Vernal Fall on Yosemite Offsite from San Francisco

Yosemite Corporate Retreat Accommodation

Yosemite Camping Tour for a Group From San Francisco

Where We Went

On Our Yosemite Corporate Retreat

Outdoor Offsites From San Francisco

Is authentic, unfiltered human connection fading away in our digitalized age? To us, a corporate retreat in the post-COVID era should transcend activities such as ziplining. It’s about affording your staff the time to genuinely connect with each other – and with themselves. Not every retreat requires a motivational speech or cliché team-building exercises (egg on a spoon, anyone?).

Instead, provide your team with the opportunity to clear their tech-savvy minds, fostering insight and growth through the shared experience of Yosemite’s inspiring natural environment. Consider it a formula: spiritual growth = rejuvenation = enhanced productivity. Contact us »