Adventure Blog
2023 Half Dome Permits
YExplore has received our 2023 Half Dome Permits. If you would like to attempt the summit of Half Dome on a guided hike, we are
April 14, 2023
Yosemite National Park Tours & Activities |
Yosemite Guided Hikes & Photo Workshops
Yexplore
Adventure Blog
YExplore has guided tours in Yosemite National Park for groups of all ages in every season. We guarantee smaller rosters for a better experience on your Yosemite tour. We will customize a tour for you with any group size. All tours have a privacy option. See all the options below and book, call or email tours@yexplore.com today.
Read More »
Adventure Blog
Yosemite Bear Gear Clearance
YExplore Yosemite Adventures is having a Yosemite Bear Gear Clearance Sale on all of our inventory. Please visit the Yosemite Gift Shop for all items
January 3, 2023
Adventure Blog
Hiking Guide to Mt. Hoffmann and May Lake
Mt. Hoffmann is a beautiful peak in northeastern Tuolumne County in central Yosemite National Park, California, United States. Rising above May Lake, it is a
June 23, 2021
Everest Base Camp
Nepal Peru 2020
Nepal Peru 2020 is an ambitious plan to trek on two continents on two adventures of a lifetime in the span of two months. The
July 28, 2019
Adventure Blog
Yosemite Bear Gift Items
They might not be delivered in time for the holidays, but we are pleased to announce our new line of Yosemite gear featuring our Yosemite
December 23, 2018
Yosemite Adventures
Last Minute Yosemite Gifts
Have you waited until the last minute to do your holiday shopping? Don’t worry, we got you covered. Just choose one of our last minute
December 20, 2018
Adventure Blog
2018 Small Business Saturday
On this 2018 Small Business Saturday, YExplore would like to be your choice for a Yosemite adventure of a lifetime. We are a small family
November 24, 2018
Yosemite Bear Richardson Caps
YExplore has exciting news this holiday season. We have added seven new colors to our trucker cap collection and now use the popular Richardson brand.
November 21, 2018
Adventure Blog
Soaring Above Half Dome
Soaring Above Half Dome It’s been a difficult summer being a guide in Yosemite National Park. As everyone knows, the park just recently fully opened
August 31, 2018
Half Dome
Half Dome Hiking Guide
Every Yosemite summer season begins with a flurry of spring hikes that lead to our busy schedule from June to October. Within those months, I
May 30, 2018
Global Adventures
2019 Kilimanjaro Adventure
We are pleased to announce the dates for the YExplore 2019 Kilimanjaro Adventure will be from January 17 until January 31, 2019. This includes
March 26, 2018
Adventure Blog
Searching For Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro
We are all on a journey in this lifetime. Many of us are on a quest for adventure as we live for each exciting day.
March 2, 2018
Adventure Blog
Subie For All Seasons
It has been a year since I purchased my first Subaru, a 2017 Venetian Red Pearl Outback 2.5i Premium my family and I named Subie
January 3, 2018
Adventure Blog
Yosemite Gift of Adventure
Still shopping for last minute gift ideas? It’s never too late to give a Yosemite Gift of Adventure. You won’t even have to wrap it.
December 20, 2017
Adventure Blog
Giving Tuesday Yosemite Bears
This Giving Tuesday Yosemite Bears need your help. YExplore is committed to helping save Yosemite bears by contributing to the Yosemite National Park Bear Management
November 28, 2017
Adventure Blog
Small Business Saturday YExplore
Small Business Saturday YExplore This Small Business Saturday YExplore would like to thank all of our guests who have made it possible to become a
November 25, 2017
Adventure Blog
Yosemite Bear Trucker Caps
Three new colors of the Yosemite Bear Trucker Caps just arrived and are available at our online store. The new colors are Orange Poppy, Emerald
August 17, 2017
Adventure Blog
Yosemite Tunnel View Bear
As the Founder and Principal of YExplore Yosemite Adventures, I am pleased to announce the release of our Yosemite Tunnel View Bear logo today, June
June 20, 2017
Adventure Blog
Yosemite March 2017 Instagram Monthly Review
This is the Yosemite March 2017 Instagram Monthly Review. To say March kicked off waterfall month in Yosemite National Park would be an understatement. Winter storms persisted
May 2, 2017
Adventure Blog
Yosemite February 2017 Instagram Monthly Review
This is the Yosemite February 2017 Instagram Monthly Review. Yosemite National Park was inundated with winter storms throughout the month of February causing major damage to two
March 16, 2017
Adventure Blog
Yosemite January 2017 Instagram Monthly Review
This is the Yosemite January 2017 Instagram Monthly Review. Winter storms continued to reinvigorate Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada with several feet of fresh snow.
February 17, 2017
Adventure Blog
Yosemite African American History Month 2017
February is African American History Month. A great way to celebrate is by honoring many prominent African Americans in United States history. I’d like to
February 1, 2017
Adventure Blog
Yosemite December 2016 Instagram Monthly Review
This is the Yosemite December 2016 Instagram Monthly Review. Winter returned to Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada in full force in December as
January 23, 2017
Adventure Blog
Yosemite Season’s Greetings
Yosemite Season’s Greetings from all of us at YExplore Yosemite Adventures. We are so thankful for the tremendous opportunity to share every inch of Yosemite National Park
December 22, 2016
Adventure Blog
Yosemite November 2016 Instagram Monthly Review
This is the Yosemite November 2016 Instagram Monthly Review. October was followed by a very colorful November that highlighted the fall season. Snow on the valley floor
December 15, 2016
Adventure Blog
Yosemite Prints Make Great Holiday Gifts
I’ve spent the past couple of weeks sorting through hundreds of fall photos and am very pleased with my images representing the fall colors displayed around
November 29, 2016
Fostering Yosemite Stewardship
Walking with the Ghost of El Capitan
The other day I was hiking along the North Rim of Yosemite Valley when an apparition appeared. In prior revenant encounters, the elusive spirit always
November 23, 2016
Adventure Blog
October 2016 Yosemite Instagram Monthly Review
This is the October 2016 Yosemite Instagram Monthly Review. Autumn arrived in Yosemite with brilliant displays of fall colors in October. The temperatures remained warm,
November 17, 2016
Adventure Blog
September 2016 Yosemite Instagram Monthly Review
This is the September 2016 Yosemite Instagram Monthly Review. I know it’s been like forever since I posted to my blog, but there have been a lot
November 15, 2016
Adventure Blog
August 2016 Yosemite Instagram Monthly Review
This is the August 2016 Yosemite Instagram Monthly Review. We celebrated the National Park Service 100 year Anniversary on August 25. A group of park service employees and
September 13, 2016
Adventure Blog
Yosemite NPS Centennial Celebration
August 25, 2016 marked the 100 year anniversary of the National Park Service. The Yosemite NPS Centennial Celebration was one for the ages. Arrangements were made
September 2, 2016
Adventure Blog
Yosemite Stewardship Outreach REI
“Fostering Yosemite Stewardship in the Digital Age” REI Store Scheduled Presentations By John P. DeGrazio “Fostering Yosemite Stewardship in the Digital Age” is the topic of
August 24, 2016
Yosemite Adventures
Das Boot
A Modern Day Yosemite Legend By John P. DeGrazio Some legends are made. Others are born. Every once in a while you cross paths with
August 18, 2016
Adventure Blog
July 2016 Yosemite Instagram Monthly Review
This is the July 2016 Yosemite Instagram Monthly Review. July was one of the most heavily visited months in Yosemite National Park history. This year,
August 16, 2016
YExplore In the News
YExplore Media Buzz
YExplore Featured in NPR Podcast & Nationally Syndicated Blogs By John P. DeGrazio YExplore Media Buzz The travel industry is all about building relationships. Over the
August 3, 2016
Adventure Blog
June 2016 Yosemite Instagram Month in Review
This is the June 2016 Yosemite Instagram Month in Review. Yosemite National Park was an exciting place to be in June. Just ask President Obama
July 24, 2016
Adventure Blog
Nobody Beats the Wizz
A Can O Peaches with CW, Kenny, & Wizz By John P. DeGrazio Nobody Beats the Wizz I stood with an outreached hand, “Great to meet
June 24, 2016
Fostering Yosemite Stewardship
Fostering Yosemite Stewardship
YExplore Announces Schedule for John DeGrazio Yosemite Stewardship Speaking Engagements John P. DeGrazio has developed a presentation titled “Fostering Yosemite Stewardship in the Digital Age”. He is scheduled to present at
June 8, 2016
Adventure Blog
May 2016 Yosemite Instagram Month in Review
Yosemite National Park continued to sparkle in May. The waterfalls kept booming and vernal reflection pools were everywhere. In our May 2016 Yosemite Instagram photos
June 3, 2016
Yosemite Adventures
Rock Climbing Yosemite Valley Guide Book
Rock Climbing Yosemite Valley Guide Book Erik Sloan is a very popular climber in Yosemite National Park. He is also a good friend and has led
May 31, 2016
iPhone Instagram Updates
April 2016 Yosemite Instagram Month in Review
Reflecting on an April to remember in Yosemite National Park with our April 2016 Yosemite Instagram Month in Review. There is so much beauty in the
May 5, 2016
Fostering Yosemite Stewardship
A Hiker’s Guide to Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
Low Impact Tips for Hiking Half Dome By John P. DeGrazio Half Dome is the most popular hike in Yosemite National Park and one of the most
April 29, 2016
YExplore In the News
John P. DeGrazio Yosemite Ambassador of the Week
John P. DeGrazio Yosemite Ambassador Yosemite National Park named me, John P. DeGrazio Yosemite Ambassador in 2016 to help celebrate the National Park Service Centennial. Since
April 15, 2016
Poems, Prose, and Quotes
Cholock, why do you rush?
A Youthful Poem By John P. DeGrazio Witnessing the thunderous crashing of waterfalls in every corner of Yosemite Valley is a rite of spring that excites
April 11, 2016
iPhone Instagram Updates
March 2016 Yosemite Instagram Month in Review
March came in like a lion. Early storms added to our snowpack which boosted the waterfalls in Yosemite National Park. The days received an extra
April 2, 2016
Adventure Blog
February 2016 Yosemite Instagram Month in Review
February 2016 was a day longer this year which meant we all got an extra day of adventure. It was also the warmest February on record.
March 9, 2016
Adventure Blog
Horsetail Fall Firefall 2016
Yosemite Horsetail Fall Waterfall Magic I’ve never been known to be avant-garde. My fashion sense on the trails leaves a little to be desired, but that’s a topic
March 8, 2016
Global Adventures
YExplore Celebrates 10 Years in Yosemite National Park
Help Us Celebrate Our 10 Year Anniversary By John P. DeGrazio I have always been fond of the number ten. It’s the title of my
February 4, 2016
Observations
Please Stop Trashing Our Beautiful Sierra Mountains
An Open Letter to Keep California & the Sierra Nevada Beautiful Spanish Translation Below By John P. DeGrazio Dear Visitors, I would like to
February 2, 2016
iPhone Instagram Updates
January 2016 Yosemite Instagram Month in Review
Here are some of our most popular photos from January in Yosemite on Instagram with 140 likes or more. There are many more on our
February 1, 2016
A Hundred Half Domes
Half Dome #119 Peaches with Mia
My Yosemite Ambassador Story By John P. DeGrazio 2016 marks the Centennial Anniversary of the National Park Service. When I first learned of the Yosemite Ambassador program
January 28, 2016
Adventure Blog
Yosemite Wilderness Stewardship Plan
Comments for Public Scoping By John P. DeGrazio Yosemite National Park is currently accepting public comments for a proposed Wilderness Stewardship Plan until January 29, 2016.
January 25, 2016
YExplore In the News
YExplore on NPR Marketplace January 2016
Interview About Increased Visitation to Yosemite National Park By John P. DeGrazio I recently had the opportunity to interview with Mark Garrison of Marketplace to
January 18, 2016
Adventure Blog
Yosemite Name Changes
Who Really Owns the Name Ahwahnee? By John P. DeGrazio I am sure some are wondering what our opinion is regarding the current legal battle about
January 15, 2016
Winter
I Know it’s Winter But…
Clouds Rest Summit Photos By John P. DeGrazio I know it’s winter, but I am working on another project and was scanning some of my images from this
January 7, 2016
iPhone Instagram Updates
2015 Yosemite Instagram Year in Review Best Nine
Yosemite Bestnine By John P. DeGrazio 2015 was an exciting year. YExplore has grown in so many ways and are extremely thankful for the opportunity to
January 6, 2016
Adventure Blog
Language Making Nature
New Book by Naturalist David Lukas David Lukas is a well respected author in the Sierra Nevada and one of our lead naturalist guides at YExplore.
December 14, 2015
Adventure Blog
Yosemite Snowshoe Adventures Await
Badger Pass Opens December 12, 2015 By John P. DeGrazio Explore Yosemite National Park on a pair of snowshoes to see the dramatic cliffs from
December 11, 2015
Adventure Blog
November 2015 Yosemite Instagram Month in Review
Here are some of our most popular photos and video on Instagram with 125 likes or more. It was difficult to select some favorites and
December 3, 2015
Adventure Blog
Thanksgiving Reflections from Yosemite
Happy Thanksgiving from YExplore By John P. DeGrazio Thankful for every opportunity to explore and share so many wonderful memories in Yosemite with so many incredible
November 26, 2015
Adventure Blog
Moonrise Over Ahwahnee: Yosemite Photo 2015.11.24
The Sunset and Moonrise from Tunnel View By John P. DeGrazio After finishing my hike yesterday, I decided to drive up to Tunnel View for sunset.
November 24, 2015
Yosemite Trail Burritos with the National Geographic Digital Nomad
Exploring Hetch Hetchy with National Geographic By John P. DeGrazio “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything
November 18, 2015
iPhone Instagram Updates
July 2015 Yosemite Instagram Month in Review
Instagram photographs from July 2015. Here are the most popular photos with 125 likes or more. View this post on Instagram A post shared by
August 20, 2015
iPhone Panorama
Clouds Rest: Yosemite Panorama Photo 2015.07.16
Looking Down on Half Dome By John P. DeGrazio It’s been a busy month which is a good thing. They say a picture is worth
July 16, 2015
iPhone Panorama
Lembert Dome: Yosemite Panorama Photo 2015.07.06
The Payoff Pitch By John P. DeGrazio It’s summertime in Yosemite National Park and as the Major League Baseball All Star Game approaches, I can’t
July 6, 2015
Adventure Blog
Happy Independence Day 2015
The Pursuit of Happiness in Yosemite By John P. DeGrazio 239 years ago, the founders of this nation held certain truths to be self evident “that
July 4, 2015
Adventure Blog
June 2015 Yosemite Instagram Month in Review
YExplore images on Instagram from June 2015. Here are our most popular photos with 120 likes or more. View this post on Instagram A post shared by
July 2, 2015
Adventure Blog
It Starts with One
YExplore Volunteer Day By John P. DeGrazio Have you ever heard the expression “it starts with one”? My interpretation is that you only need one person
July 1, 2015
iPhone Panorama
A Tale of Two Waterfall Panos: Yosemite Panorama Photos 2015.06.09
Hiking the Mist Trail By John P. DeGrazio No matter what time you hike the Mist Trail in spring, you will be in for a
June 9, 2015
Adventure Blog
May 2015 Yosemite Instagram Month in Review
YExplore images on Instagram from May 2015. View this post on Instagram Sadness would come from choosing only 1 favorite spot in #Yosemite #TaftPoint A post shared
June 1, 2015
iPhone Panorama
Half Dome Takes Center Stage: Yosemite Panorama Photos 2015.05.25
Clearing Storm on the Panorama Trail By John P. DeGrazio What a week in Yosemite! Storms continued to hit the Sierra Nevada bringing much needed
May 25, 2015
Yosemite Weekly Photo Updates
Living a Dream: Yosemite Photos 2015.05.23
Half Dome Through the Curtain By John P. DeGrazio I was leading a Yosemite Adventure Hike at Glacier Point almost exactly a year ago when
May 23, 2015
Yosemite Weekly Photo Updates
Half Dome Rainbow: Yosemite Photos 2015.05.22
Glacier Point on a Rainy Day By John P. DeGrazio We’re experiencing some welcome wet weather in the Sierra this May. Every little bit will help
May 22, 2015
Adventure Blog
YExplore Has a New Home in Groveland CA
Announcing Our New Location at Mountain Sage For the past 5 years, I have had discussions with Robb Hirsch about finding a way to build
May 13, 2015
Yosemite Weekly Photo Updates
Mirror Lake in Spring: Yosemite Photos 2015.05.12
Rainy Day Photography From Yosemite By John P. DeGrazio At the heart of every adventure is a distinct awareness and appreciation of the unknown. Eagerness and
May 12, 2015
Yosemite Adventures
Happy Mothers Day from Yosemite 2015
Mothers Day Adventures Happy Mothers Day to all the moms of the world. We think hiking to a waterfall in Yosemite National Park would be a
May 10, 2015
Adventure Blog
April 2015 Yosemite Instagram Month in Review
Here are some of our most popular Instagram Photos from April 2015. Please click on our logo and follow us @yexplore View this post on Instagram
May 1, 2015
Adventure Blog
Happy 177th Birthday John Muir: Yosemite Panorama Photos 2015.04.21
Retracing Muir’s Footsteps on the North Rim By John P. DeGrazio It’s not every day you get to follow a legend. This past week I
April 21, 2015
Adventure Blog
Return to Normalcy: Yosemite Panorama Photos 2015.04.10
Back in the Swing of Things By John P. DeGrazio It’s been a hectic month in and out of Yosemite to Red Rocks, the Grand
April 10, 2015
Adventure Blog
Adventure Day with My Daughter: Yosemite Panorama Photos 2015.03.17
Explore Nature with Your Children By John P. DeGrazio If I had a dollar for every Facebook post with a generic proclamation about how kids make their
March 17, 2015
Guest Blog
Out There
The Three Rs of Being “Out There” By Alex Ainley I have spent the last seven hours inside my solo tent. There is an enormous storm blowing
March 10, 2015
Adventure Blog
Half Dome Permit Lottery 2015
Apply for Half Dome Permits March 1-31, 2015 By John P. DeGrazio Today is the first day to apply for the Half Dome permit lottery
March 1, 2015
A Hundred Half Domes
#20 Finding Solitude in Wilderness
A Solo Half Dome Adventure By John P. DeGrazio Do we choose our adventures or do our adventures choose us? I moved to California two years
February 27, 2015
Adventure Blog
A Face in the Clouds
Half Dome From Mt. Watkins By John P. DeGrazio I take a lot of photos in Yosemite that I post on this site as well
February 24, 2015
Adventure Blog
Waterfalls & Clouds: Yosemite Panorama Photos 2015.02.23
The Storm that Wasn’t By John P. DeGrazio Rain and snow were in the forecast for Yosemite yesterday so we showed some flexibility in
February 23, 2015
A Hundred Half Domes
#24 It’s Not How You Start
It’s How You Finish By John P. DeGrazio I was up at the plate with a runner on second base and one out. I hit
February 20, 2015
Adventure Blog
Cloudless Days in Yosemite Valley: Yosemite Panorama Photos 2015.02.18
Looking on the Bright Side By John P. DeGrazio Last week it rained for a couple days, and then it stopped. Soccer practice ended, and
February 18, 2015
A Hundred Half Domes
#50 Always Celebrate Achievements
Enjoy Every Milestone By John P. DeGrazio I was leading a group of explorers who were all close friends when one of the hikers looked at the others
February 13, 2015
Adventure Blog
Another Half Dome Ascent on Youtube
A Winter Celebration on Yosemite Valley’s Highest Peak By John P. DeGrazio Lasting friendships are built through wilderness adventures. Last week I hiked to the top
February 9, 2015
Adventure Blog
Views from Half Dome Summit in Winter: Yosemite Panorama Photos 2015.2.7
A February Ascent of Yosemite’s Most Famous Dome By John P. DeGrazio On Thursday I had an opportunity to do something I’ve never done before
February 7, 2015
Adventure Blog
Summer Night Skies in Yosemite
Have you every captured the night sky in a photo? I have always enjoyed looking at images of the Milky Way, and last July I had the unique
February 3, 2015
A Hundred Half Domes
#48 The It Factor
This is What “It” is all About By John P. DeGrazio The “It” factor is a concept that there are certain intangible characteristics individuals possess
January 30, 2015
A Hundred Half Domes
#11 Gotta Have Heart
The Glow of Half Dome By John P. DeGrazio Every story worth telling is crafted from an experience replete with highs and lows that are accompanied by the pain and
January 23, 2015
Adventure Blog
True Colours From a Fall Visit
Yosemite in Fall with a Visiting Tour Operator We hosted a travel writer from the UK this past November on a FAM tour. Camilla was an
January 20, 2015
Adventure Blog
Ask Glen Young About Everest Base Camp Question 2
Everest Base Camp Mailbag Part 2 This week’s question for Glen Young is from a person wanting to know the cultural makeup of the guide
January 19, 2015
A Hundred Half Domes
#86 A Bond Stronger than Steel
Sisterhood and the Half Dome Cables by John P. DeGrazio As a father of two daughters, I am constantly reminding the older one that she
January 16, 2015
Adventure Blog
Views from the Summit of El Capitan
We’ll Take You There the Conventional Way By John P. DeGrazio Congratulations once again to Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson for being the first team
January 15, 2015
Adventure Blog
Mt. Watkins Mirror Lake Reflection: Yosemite Photos 2015.01.13
Morning Photography From Mirror Lake By John P. DeGrazio Early winter mornings are the perfect time to visit Mirror Lake for a Yosemite photography hike. The
January 13, 2015
A Hundred Half Domes
# 8 Jersey Strong
A 9 Year Old’s Journey to the Top of Sub Dome by John P. DeGrazio Success is not always measured by reaching the summit of
January 9, 2015
YExplore In the News
YExplore Photo in NTA Courier Magazine
Mariposa Grove in Winter By John P. DeGrazio The January 2015 edition of the National Tour Association Courier Magazine was released this week and one
January 6, 2015