Yosemite Guide Service

Join us today for our specialty hikes in Yosemite!

Backpacking Trips
Rates are $650 per person - with all gear, food, maps, permits included. (4 day, 3-night trips).

Each trip is individually designed and specially arranged considering hiker experience, ability  and type of environment or ecosystem desired.

My trips are not "pre-packaged" and detailed to avoid the most popular backpacking destinations.

With expert knowledge and years of experience, I take you to places away from the crowds and off the beaten paths, for a real and unique back-country experience.

Trips are planned with expert local knowledge - with current information on seasonal conditions and high elevation availability.

Trips can be designed for those just starting out with backpacking, or even if you are a seasoned backpacker and experienced hiker.

My backpacking guide trips are ideal for people new to Yosemite and the High Sierra - or those who desire an uncrowded and "road less traveled" experience...

History and Background
Owner and sole operator of Yosemite Guide Service, John Kleinfelter has been escorting people to see the sights and wonders of the Sierra Nevada for over 30 years. Exploring the Sierra Nevada has been a way of life for John since his first family-based trips to Yosemite in the 1960’s. Fresh out of high school, John’s desire to learn everything possible about the Sierra Nevada led to his first job as Assistant Park Naturalist for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. From this position at park headquarters in 1978, John grabbed an old backpack, a sleeping bag and pad, a few things out of the kitchen and embarked upon his first backpacking trip; a week long solo trek across the Great Western Divide. Since that initial expedition, John has followed his passion at every opportunity, eventually leading him to journey into nearly every watershed and basin in the Sierra Nevada.

Working primarily as an Aquatic Biologist for the California Department of Fish & Game for over 25 years, John was responsible for surveying many of the high mountain lakes and meadows throughout the Sierra Nevada.

From the Emigrant Wilderness north of Yosemite through the Golden Trout Wilderness in the south, John has spent hundreds of days and hiked thousands of miles in visiting some of the most spectacular places in the "Range of Light." While leading and directing large groups researching native aquatic species and their habitats, these extended trips also provided John with the experience and expertise to safely and successfully lead groups on hikes and backpack trip into the Sierra Nevada back-country.

John’s considerable knowledge and understanding of the environment of the Sierra Nevada, along with his keen interest in alpine ecosystems, is passionately conveyed through his trips. As a former teacher in junior high and high school, as well as coordinator for the Department of Fish & Game's "Trout in the Classroom Program" for elementary and secondary school aquatic education, John utilizes his experience to communicate effectively with people of all ages.

Along with his experience and passion for the Sierra Nevada, his extensive knowledge of the history and events that shaped Yosemite National Park and the surrounding area provide for intriguing human interest stories and colorful sights to his trips. His enthusiastic and personable attitude is always included with the guided hikes and guided tour experience, always sure to make for an unforgettable and highly enjoyable outing!

Yosemite Guide Service caters to individuals, couples, families, and smaller groups!

Offering scenic day hikes, backpacking trips, camping-hiking outings, and special outings and arrangements for small groups & families.

My service is very personalized and my tours are only serviced by myself on a very limited basis. This allows me to guarantee you the absolute best experience and highest value for your trip.

All hikes and trips can be adjusted to accommodate every ability level and experience desired.

My knowledge of the environment, culture, natural and human history of Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada is very extensive and brings a unique and interesting perspective to your trip .

With over 30 years of experience working and living in Yosemite and the surrounding Sierra Nevada, with each trip individually arranged and personally guided by owner John Kleinfelter - no other guide service can provide the level of individual and personalized service that Goes into every Yosemite Guide Service outing.

Whether you are a seasoned hiker with many miles on your boots or just a reasonably fit beginner, we’ll make sure you have a good time on our trips.

A typical Yosemite Guide Service hike consists of two to four hikers.

I rarely take more than six people at a time, but I can easily accommodate groups, families, special needs, or private hikes and special tours, too.

With my promise to give you more than just a packaged trip and run you around to view the sights everyone can see. My intent is to provide more than just a routine sightseeing tour.

I plan each of my trips and tours for the specific desires of my guests, including being flexible and adjusting through the day to maximize your time, enjoyment, and overall experience.

Mobility limited or fit as a triathlete, you will never feel left behind or unchallenged. I can provide a variety of options for hikers of all skill levels.

I am fully trained and certified in Adult, Child, and Infant First Aid/CPR, as well as Wilderness and Remote First Aid. Safety is always the first priority and foremost concern on every trip.

• Groveland, CA, USA
• (530) 523-3998
• Contact: john@yosemiteguideservice.com

• Cost Range: $650
• Categories: Backpacking, Camping
• Tags: Day Trips, Limousine, Lodging, Mild, Multi-Day, Northern California, Tours, Wheels, Winery Tours, Yosemite Attractions

• Groveland, CA, USA
• Contact: john@yosemiteguideservice.com
• (530) 523-3998