We’re not a tour company; we’re Evan and Shawna. We spent years getting tripped up by the permits, the gear research, and the airport hassle. YWC was built on a simple belief: wilderness access shouldn’t require becoming an expert in logistics. We handle the complex systems, from airport pickup to securing hard-to-get permits, so you can focus on the trail.
We’ve spent years exploring the Yosemite backcountry, and we’ve also seen countless people get tripped up by the planning. It can feel like a second job: trying to win the permit lottery, researching and renting hundreds of dollars in specialized gear, and figuring out the complex logistics of getting from a Bay Area airport to a remote trailhead.
We started Yosemite Wilderness Company on a simple belief: the best parts of the mountains shouldn’t be reserved only for logistics experts. Our entire service is designed to remove every one of those barriers. We handle the permits, provide the professional-grade gear, and manage all the transportation. We take care of the hassle so you can be fully present for the hike.
From the time you arrive at the airport in California, to the time you return to the airport, all logistics are handled so all you need to do is show up.
I handle the logistics so you don’t have to think about them. Permits, routes, gear, food, weather – that’s all on me. I’ve been exploring these trails for 20 years, and I know which campsites have the best sunrise views and which creek crossings are sketchy after snowmelt. My job is making sure you get to the good stuff without any of the headaches.
My focus is the on-trail experience. I manage the group’s pacing, teach you how to stay comfortable in the backcountry, and make sure the daily plan fits the group’s energy. My job is to handle the group dynamics so you can be present in the mountains, not worried about keeping up.
We’ve been married for 12 years and adventuring together for 15. Two guides means one of us is always free to help with whatever comes up, while the other keeps things moving. It’s the difference between a stressful trip where you’re worried about logistics, and a trip where you can just enjoy being in the mountains.
We’ve done the paperwork so you don’t have to. We’re properly licensed, insured, and certified because that’s what professional guides do. But more importantly, we know these mountains, we’ve guided groups for years, and we’re genuinely excited to share our favorite places with you.
We are an official Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) holder with Yosemite National Park and meet all insurance and operational requirements for leading trips.
Navigating Yosemite's permit system is complex. We handle the entire process, securing the best routes for the right time of year based on years of experience.
Your safety is our primary responsibility. We hold Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certifications, the industry standard for professional guides in remote environments.
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