With extensive experience working with corporate groups and small cohorts, Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides can design highly successful programs and events and seamlessly execute these outings. Whether your goals are team building, appreciation outings, jumpstarting creative vision, or large group promotional events, SYMG will make your vision a reality.
Our outings are focused on shared experiences in the spectacular outdoors of the Yosemite region. We create spaces for your group to unplug, strengthen relationships, and engage in meaningful conversations while enjoying natural surroundings here in California's renowned mountain region. We can incorporate a variety of activities to meet the abilities and interests of your group. This can be anything from luxury lodge accommodations with day hikes into Yosemite, to more adventurous endeavors like tent camping and rock climbing.
Our retreats are designed to facilitate thoughtful and meaningful workshops that will empower your team, start new conversations, and ultimately lead to renewed vision and purpose in personal and professional settings. We specialize in creating multiday programs to get people out of their comfort zone in an effort to inspire and reconnect with nature, themselves, and each other.
Our friendly office staff are ready to answer any questions and help you book your next adventure!
The High Sierra lakes and streams we travel in are notable for the fishing opportunities! High Sierra Lakes hold fish in the 6-15" range typically. Brook (mostly) and Rainbow Trout are commonly caught but its also possible to catch German Brown and Golden Trout depending on your location. We typically recommend the practice of catch and release. If keeping fish, we recommend keeping fish over 12" and the Brooks only. You'll be responsible for cleaning your own fish and will need to discuss with your guide a plan for cooking and eating them. Each person will also need a CA Dept of fish and game fishing license which you can pre-purchase online.
As far as fly fishing gear. We recommend bringing a 3-7 piece, 4-6 weight rod for the lakes and streams of the Sierra. Hard cases for pack trips mandatory. Recommended fly patterns are:
If you use spinning rods, telescoping are best for packing. Small (1-2 lbs test is best). Lures should be barbless and single if possible, although treble hooks aren't mandatory.
Read about our recent trip with AirBnB's CEO Brian Chesky
For over 15 years, Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides has been honored to work with the Leukemia Lymphoma Societies’ (LLS) to develop a highly successful fundraising event located in Yosemite National Park. Each event hosts 100+ hikers who participate as individuals or in teams to raise support for blood cancer research. Through the event, they have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.
San Francisco’s elite social club, The Battery approached us about an event for a group of 100+ members. The event combined lodging at the newly built AutoCamp just outside of Yosemite, and private dining in the gateway community of Mariposa. We were able to offer multiple hiking options with our expert guides to cater to different hiking interests and abilities. We offered logistical support for the event working with the National Park Service to ensure everything was executed seamlessly and with incredible attention to detail.
Learn more about Guided Yosemite Day Hikes
"My employer, Sports Basement, organized a trip with SYMG and I was fortunate to be picked to go. I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to backpacking in the US. The guides (Katie and Dahlia) were fantastic, the food they cooked for us was delicious and the scenery was to die for."
-Sam Woodward, Corporate Retreat, 2019
"We’ve taken our clients to Yosemite to climb Half Dome; did a Mt. Hood glacier hike and crevasse climbing trip; hiked Zion and Bryce; rafted on the American River; climbed Mt. Rainier; went to a Utah Dude Ranch to ride, rope, hike, and drive ATV’s; paddled, snorkeled, fished, and hiked out in the Channel Islands; hiked in the Enchantments; etc. Our goal is to get clients to get to know us out of their offices and, to some degree, out of their comfort zone by doing something more memorable than the typical, boring dinner and drinks routine. When SYMG suggested a guided backpack trip, I was skeptical that it would match past trips, but it did and then some. The hiking, fishing, bouldering, food, camaraderie and SNOW made it absolutely memorable. We’ve already received a blast of emails with photos and thanks from the gang. All of them agree with Chris and me – it was a unique experience and you guys were absolutely great. Thank you (and enjoy some well-deserved time off.)"
- Richard Wootton, Corporate Retreat, 2014
At SYMG we specialize in planning and executing incredible Yosemite and High Sierra Backpacking Adventures. From three day Half Dome Trips to expedition-style John Muir Trail Adventures, we can do it all, and have since 1991. Our professional guides are renowned for their amazing backcountry cuisine and add color to the experience through natural and cultural history interpretation. In addition to the trips listed below that anyone may join, we can also organize private departures of any of our trips, or even create a custom trip just for you.
Browse Backpacking Trips
Want to get out in the backcountry but don't want to carry a heavy backpack? Then our Yosemite and High Sierra Pack Trips are just the thing for you! We don't hike with the mules each day, but they do pack our gear and provisions along the trail, leaving you to enjoy the day and explore with your professional guide. Plush camps, amazing food, world-class scenery, and engaging guides make SYMG's Horsepack supported trips through the Yosemite High Country a trip to remember. In addition to the Pack Trips we offer, we can also organize private departures of any of our trips, or even create a custom trip just for you.
Browse Pack Supported Trekking Trips
Since 1991 we've been offering Guided Yosemite Climbing in the southern Yosemite high country. All of our day trips are privately arranged and your personal guide will cater the days to your own personal interests and abilities. From easy top-roping for the family to challenging multi-pitch trad and sport routes, we can do it all. And if you're looking to expand your own skill set, consider our Rock Climbing Instruction courses: the rock climbing skills day and rock climbing camps.
Browse Rock Climbing Trips
Since 1991 we've been offering Yosemite Hiking Adventures throughout the park. All of our day trips are privately arranged and your personal guide will cater the days to your own personal interests and abilities. Choose an interpretive day focusing on natural and cultural history walks to famous landmarks, or set out for a more challenging hiking day on one of Yosemite's long trails.
Browse Yosemite Guided Hiking Trips
