Frequently Asked Questions
Still Have Questions? Contact Us!
What areas do you pick people up from for tours?
We provide pick up from Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Visalia, Hanford, Lemoore, Mariposa, Three Rivers, El Portal and Oakhurst. If you need help figuring out where to stay, call us :)
Where do I stay?
Our tours are based out of the Fresno area but we pick up from multiple cities. Here is a list of hotels that we recommend:
Fresno Hotels
Best Western Plus Fresno Airport Hotel
Best Western Plus Fresno Inn
Best Western Village Inn
Comfort Suites Fresno River Park
Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Fresno North
Courtyard by Marriott Fresno
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Fresno Convention Center
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fresno (River Park) Hwy 41
La Quinta Inn Fresno Yosemite
La Quinta Inn & Suites Fresno Riverpark
Piccadilly Inn Airport
Piccadilly Inn Shaw
Radisson
Ramada Fresno North
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fresno
Clovis
Best Western Clovis Cole
Comfort Suites
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Fresno Clovis
Hampton Inn & Suites Clovis-Airport North
Hilton Garden Inn Clovis
Homewood Suites by Hilton Fresno Airport
Following Locations for Yosemite Trips:
Oakhurst Locations
Americas Best Value Inn – Yosemite South Gate
Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn
Comfort Inn Yosemite Area
Chateau Du Sureau
Hounds Tooth Inn
Oakhurst Lodge
Queen’s Inn
Yosemite Mountain Trail Lodge
Yosemite Sierra Inn
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites
Fish Camp Locations
Inn the Woods Suites
Narrow Gauge Inn
Owl’s Nest Lodging
Sierra Sky Ranch, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
White Chief Mountain Lodge
Bass Lake
Bass Lake Recreational Resort
The Forks Resort
The Pines Resort
WorldMark Bass Lake
Visalia
The Darling Hotel
Three Rivers
Comfort Inn and Suites Sequoia Kings Canyon
Coarsegold
Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino
What kind of tours do you offer?
We specialize in private and semi-private tours ranging from day trips to multi day. We welcome small groups and can easily accommodate larger groups upon request. Our guided hikes are tailored to every ability level—from easy, scenic walks and accessible trails to moderate forest hikes and more challenging summit adventures. No matter your experience level, we create a safe, enjoyable, and memorable outdoor experience for everyone.
How do I sign up for a tour?
Click on the adventure you wish to sign up for and you’ll be taken to our booking page where you’ll be instructed to select dates, time and group size.
How often do you offer tours?
Authentic Adventures offers tours year round, except for major holidays.
What do I need to bring?
For hiking trips, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray (spring/ summer) hiking boots or tennis shoes are highly recommended. Also, dressing in layers is key. The temperature and weather can change quickly in our national parks. A small backpack is also recommended to carry water and snacks.
It can be very cold in winter! Please be sure to have hats, gloves, warm coat, boots so you can be comfortable.
Do I need to bring a national park pass?
If you have one; please bring it as it helps cover the cost of entrance fees. If you'd like to purchase one let us know and we'll stop at the gate for you.
What do you provide during the tour?
We provide pick up to and from your home and hotel, at least one meal, water, trekking poles, tour guide, microspikes for winter hikes and entrance fees to the national parks.
* New information regarding our international guests coming soon!
What kind of vehicle do you use for tours?
We'll pick you up in either a large SUV or 12-15 passenger van.
If you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle, please let us know and we'll provide that for you.
Do you provide accessible tours?
Currently our tours can be modified for those with physical and cognitive disabilities. Email us at info@authenticadventurescencal.com to let us know what accommodations you need and we will make it happen!
How large are the groups?
Our adventure groups max out at 12 people. For hiking tours; the max is 10 people. It helps keep the group intimate and gives the guide a chance to get to know participants better and meet their needs. We also provide private programs if groups are not your thing.
If you would like a larger group tour we can accomdate you! Email us @info@authenticadventurescencal.com.
What is Recreation Therapy?
So glad you asked! Recreation therapy uses leisure to help people dealing with physical, mental or emotional conditions to improve their overall health, their current skills and abilities and their emotional wellbeing. Recreational therapists use a variety of activities to address these issues from sports to music. Authentic Adventures Cen Cal uses outdoor adventure as a means to improve overall health and well being.
Do you offer discounts?
We do!
For our central valley locals we offer our tours at a discounted rate. Check out our Tours for Central Valley Locals page to find out more.
For anyone 55 and up we offer discounts on our tours as well as children.
For groups larger than 15 we can offer discounts on your tour.
If you are a veteran or current military member let us know- we provide discounts for you as well.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand things can come up and cancellations happen. Cancellations are free up to 72 hours before activity. After that, it is a 15 dollar charge per person to cancel for semi private tours. 100 per person for private tours. No refunds on cancellations that occur day of the tour.
Are you hiring?
Yes! We're looking for some great guides to join our team. Check out the job description below and if you think you're a fit; reach out to us!
National Park Guide / Driver-Guide (Contract | Mostly Seasonal)
Fresno & Visalia Based | Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Authentic Adventures Central CA is seeking an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and safety-focused National Park Guide / Driver-Guide to join our team on a contract, mostly seasonal basis. This role is ideal for someone who loves the outdoors, enjoys sharing stories and history, and takes pride in delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Position Overview
As a Driver-Guide, you will safely transport guests to and from Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park, primarily departing from the Fresno or Visalia area. You will lead guided experiences throughout the parks, providing educational commentary, managing group logistics, and ensuring guests feel safe, welcomed, and cared for throughout the day.
Key Responsibilities
Safely drive guests in company vehicles to and from national parks, including mountain roads and varying weather conditions
Provide engaging and informative interpretation on park history, geology, wildlife, and conservation
Deliver outstanding customer service and create a positive, inclusive group experience
Manage tour timelines, stops, and group needs throughout the day
Assist guests during short walks and scenic stops (up to approximately 3 miles total, depending on the tour)
Maintain clear communication with guests and the owner regarding tour logistics and conditions
Represent Authentic Adventures Central CA with professionalism and enthusiasm at all times
Required Qualifications
Excellent customer service and communication skills
Comfortable and confident driving in mountainous terrain
Ability and willingness to learn and teach national park history and natural features
CPR and First Aid certification (required)
Valid Food Handler’s Card (required)
Ability to walk up to 3 miles during a tour and remain on your feet for extended periods
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
Dependable, punctual, and safety-minded
Preferred Qualifications
Previous guiding, outdoor education, or tourism experience
Knowledge of Yosemite, Sequoia, and/or Kings Canyon National Parks
Experience working with small groups, seniors, or mixed-ability guests
Class B licence or C with passenger endorsement preferred; willing to get these is a huge bonus!
Position Details
Contract (1099) position
Mostly seasonal, with peak work during spring, summer, and fall
Schedule varies based on bookings and park conditions
Expectations of Staff
- All staff undergo health screening before taking any group on a tour.
- All staff have gone through training for increased sanitation, disinfecting, social distancing and masking to limit transmission of illness.
- All activity equipment and safety gear will be disinfected and sanitized prior to use. This includes hiking poles, helmets, life jackets, kayaks, tents, camping pads, hammocks, paddles, tables and chairs.
- Masks will be required if social distancing can not be maintained- indoors while at National Parks, while in tour vehicle, etc.
- Private tours are offered to those who do not want to be grouped with other guests.
- PPE and sanitizer are offered to all guests free of charge upon request.
Expectations of Participants
- Participants will be required to sign our standard Acknowledge of Risk form prior to participating in a tour, which has been updated to acknowledge the “risk of airborne diseases & viruses such as COVID.”
- Participants are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves before their trip and when traveling.
- Participants must call our office if they have come into contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 within 14 days prior to a scheduled trip or if they develop flu-like symptoms (a fever, cough, and shortness of breath) during the 14 days prior to a scheduled trip.
Flexible Cancellation Policy
For participant travel plans that are interrupted due to illness, we can offer a full holding credit or a reduced cancellation fee of $15 per person when we are notified at least 72 hours prior to trip departure.
For last-minute cancellations please call or email our office directly:
Phone: 559-862-4438
Email: alexisn@authenticadventurescencal.com for support & options.





































































































