We were picked up at our hotel. We were encouraged to bring snacks and water. We also got a 20 min break driving up to Yosemite and a 20 min break. This was to refuel, bathroom and is at a large grocery store, so if you forgot snacks or want to get coffee you can do it there. It is the same place on the way back and is also a good place stretch a bit.
Brian was very nice and helpful. He had movies about Yosemite and movies about the climbers who pioneered climbing in Yosemite. They were interesting to watch on the to/from the park, or you can nap.
We saw Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan. Brian parked the van and gave us information on where we were, how to find our way back to the van, and good trials to hike. We then had about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to hike and see things. We were in our mid 40’s and aren’t avid hikers but we are in good shape. We were able to hike the Lower Yosemite Falls trail (paved and labeled easy, mostly paved), very small part of the Upper Falls trail (labeled hard, not paved), walk across the Swinging Bridge and get a quick bite at the cafeteria within the time Brian gave us.
We stopped in a meadow and watched the climbers climb El Capitan. Brian had several telescopes and binoculars for us to spot the climbers. He provided a lot of good information on El Capitan and the routes the climbers take along with what they typically have to do while up there.
We went to Bridalveil Falls trail (labeled easy, mostly paved, seemed slightly more difficult than Lower Falls trail) and hiked to the falls. We could feel the mist from the falls depending on the wind direction. Beautiful hike with lots of talus rock, forest and stream.
Finally went to Mariposa