REI Adventures Ends Yosemite Tours: Why Yosemite Wins Is Your Go-To Resource for 2025 Trips
Big news shook the travel world recently: REI, one of the most well-known names in adventure travel, has decided to discontinue their Adventures division, ending over 40 years of guided trips. For Yosemite enthusiasts, this means REI’s popular guided hiking tours in the park, such as the Nevada and Vernal Falls Hiking Tour and the Yosemite Cathedral Lakes Hiking Tour, will no longer be available.
If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite National Park in 2025 and feeling uncertain about how to fill the gap left by REI Adventures, Yosemite Wins is here to help. While we don’t offer in-person guided tours, we’ve designed our detailed itineraries to make trip planning easy, stress-free, and incredibly rewarding.
Here’s how Yosemite Wins can help you navigate this shift and ensure your Yosemite adventure is unforgettable.
Cliff top views near Taft Point in Yosemite National Park
A Trusted Resource for Yosemite Travel Planning
Yosemite Wins specializes in providing customized itineraries and expert advice to help travelers explore Yosemite National Park. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, our itineraries are packed with insider tips, route details, and recommendations tailored to your interests.
We understand the park inside and out, with over a decade of experience exploring Yosemite. Think of us as your virtual guide—without the need to join a group tour or follow someone else’s schedule.
Hiking the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park
The REI Adventures That Are No Longer Available
Many of REI’s popular Yosemite hiking tours were perfect for travelers seeking structured guidance and group camaraderie. Here are some of the experiences REI will no longer offer:
Nevada and Vernal Falls Hiking Tour: A breathtaking trek along the Mist Trail to two of Yosemite’s most iconic waterfalls.
Taft Point and Sentinel Dome Hiking Tour: A journey to some of the most spectacular viewpoints in the park, ideal for sunset seekers.
Upper Yosemite Falls Hiking Tour: A challenging but rewarding hike to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall.
Yosemite Cathedral Lakes Hiking Tour: A peaceful adventure into Yosemite’s high country, perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
Yosemite Mariposa Grove Hiking Tour: A chance to walk among the awe-inspiring giant sequoias in Yosemite’s southern section.
Yosemite Valley Interpretive Hiking Tour: A guided exploration of Yosemite Valley’s rich history, geology, and ecology.
California Tunnel Tree in Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
How Yosemite Wins Fills the Gap
While these guided tours are no longer an option, Yosemite Wins ensures you can experience the same iconic locations and more—on your own terms. Here’s what we offer:
1. Pre-Made and Custom Itineraries
We provide downloadable multi-day itineraries (perfect for printing out or referencing on your mobile device) that cover everything you need to know for a self-guided adventure, including:
Recommended trails, viewpoints, and must-see stops.
Hour-by-hour schedule with Google and Apple Map pin locations of each location.
Detailed hiking descriptions, including distance and elevation change, with tips on navigating the terrain.
Suggested timing for optimal lighting, fewer crowds, and best photo opportunities.
Links to photos so you know what to expect before you arrive.
2. Insider Knowledge
Our itineraries aren’t just maps and schedules. They’re filled with insider tips that only someone with extensive Yosemite experience can provide. Learn where to park, how to avoid the busiest spots, and where to find hidden gems off the beaten path. Our itineraries even have dining recommendations for your trip! That’s right, our Yosemite experts like to eat too, so they know all the best restaurants and coffee shops in and around the park.
3. Stress-Free Planning
We make trip planning simple. Entrance fees, reservations, and seasonal road closures can get confusing when researching on your own—our guides include all the details you’ll need to navigate Yosemite’s logistics like a pro. And if you’re still unsure about something, just shoot us a message! We’re here to help!
Dog-friendly views of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
Why Choose Yosemite Wins?
With REI Adventures stepping away from Yosemite, travelers now have the opportunity to create more personal, flexible, and intimate experiences. Here’s why Yosemite Wins is the perfect partner for your trip:
Expertise You Can Trust: With over a decade of exploring, photographing, and sharing Yosemite, our experts understand the intracacies of the park and the surrounding regions in every season.
Customization Options: Whether you want a full-day hike or a leisurely scenic drive, we’ll craft an itinerary that suits your pace and interests. You might be looking for a dog-friendly trip, an experience filled with history, or a schedule that focuses on accessibility—whatever the case, we’ve got you covered.
Affordable Alternatives: Skip the cost of a guided group tour and invest in an itinerary that’s yours to keep.
Indian Village of Ahwahnee in Yosemite Valley
Plan Your 2025 Yosemite Adventure Today
Don’t let REI Adventures’ closure keep you from experiencing Yosemite’s magic. With Yosemite Wins, you’ll have everything you need to plan your perfect trip—from exploring Yosemite Valley’s waterfalls to hiking the serene lakes of the high country.
Let’s make your 2025 Yosemite adventure one for the books. Browse our pre-made itineraries or request a custom plan today to start building your dream trip.
