Yosemite Overnight Hotel Tour - Yosemite View Lodge
What your day looks like
Escape to the mountains for two full days of hiking, sightseeing and exploring in the amazing natural wilderness of Yosemite National Park! This is an experiential tour where you’ll see not just the Valley Floor, but the outlying areas of the park that many tourists miss (by not having transportation or time). In the valley, you’ll have the opportunity to visit and photograph such famous highlights as Yosemite Falls (the tallest waterfall in North America), El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and Inspiration Point. Beyond the valley, you will take a trip to the awe-inspiring Glacier Point* and enjoy a hike among the Giant Sequoias*. You will have two days to explore, giving you more time and flexibility to see all the sights. Your guide stays with the group throughout the tour, providing valuable knowledge of the history of Yosemite and a more personal experience of the park during your trip. Slip away to Yosemite park with us for two full days of fun and exploration! On your two days in the park, you’ll see: Glacier Point Yosemite Valley Yosemite Falls El Capitan Giant Sequoia Trees Tunnel View Bridalveil Fall Half Dome
The experience, in brief
- Two full days of hiking, sightseeing and exploring Yosemite
- See the outlying areas of the park that many tourists miss
- Opportunity to visit and photograph such famous highlights as Yosemite Falls
- Visit El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and Inspiration Point
Your day, step by step
San Francisco
6:00 am – 7:00 am: Pick up from select San Francisco hotels.
San Francisco
Sightseeing. 7:00 am – 11:30 am:Cross the Bay Bridge and see Alcatraz and Angel Island. Travel through Oakland and the East Bay, then on to the Central Valley. There will be a quick stop at a local fruit stand to pick up some fresh produce and an opportunity to buy lunch in advance (not included). Travel through the Gold Country and Sierra Foothills.
Mariposa
Hiking at Yosemite National Park. Approx. 11:30 am: Arrive at Yosemite National Park. Hike to the Giant Sequoia Grove to enjoy your picnic lunch, and wander among the trees. 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Enjoy a narrated, guided tour through Yosemite’s glaciated valley with its famous waterfalls and rock formations from the comfort of the mini-coach (with a few photo-stops) as you descend into Yosemite Valley, and learn some history about this amazing park. 3:00-6:00 pm: Stop for the afternoon near the base of Yosemite Falls (if you are staying at Yosemite Lodge, you can check in or leave your luggage at this time). Your guide will provide a choice of activities that may include, a walk to the base of the falls, time at the main visitor’s center, The Ansel Adams Gallery, The Majestic Yosemite (previously Ahwanhee) Hotel, swimming or relaxing along the river, biking or hiking.
San Francisco
6:00 pm – ?: Meet as a group for dinner (not included), or spend more time exploring the park on your own. If you are staying at Yosemite Valley Lodge, you’ll arrange a time to meet with your guide to drive to the hotel, where you can check in, and then relax by the river, swim in the pool/hot tub, or hang out in the pub.
Mariposa
Eco Tour at Yosemite National Park. Approx. 8 am: Be packed, fed and ready for departure to spend the day in Yosemite. Breakfast (not included) is served at both hotels; get fueled up for a great day ahead. 8:00 am – 4:30 pm: Drive as a group to Glacier Point for views of Yosemite Valley from high up in the mountains! Here you have the option to hike back to the Valley or return in the van and have a full free day in Yosemite Valley. You get to choose. There are loads of different hiking options, from short easy walks to long, strenuous ones. Your guide will give you all the details. You can also choose to check out the main visitor’s center, The Ansel Adams Gallery, The Ahwanhee Hotel, spend time by the river, or rent a bike. 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm:Regroup and head to the base of El Capitan to spot climbers.
San Francisco
9:00 – 9:30 pm: Arrive in San Francisco after stopping for a bite to eat. Enjoy the skyline of San Francisco as we cross the Bay Bridge and return you to your lodging.
What to know before booking
Included
Complimentary pickup/dropoff from select San Francisco hotels Full-time professional, knowledgeable guide Transportation to/from Yosemite in biofueled mini-coach Yosemite Park entrance fee Narrated guided tour
Not Included
Meals; stops will be made to purchase food Guide gratuity (optional) $100 per-person fee for non-U.S. residents to enter National Park
What to Bring
All season: Small, soft-sided overnight bag only (approx airline carry-on size) Camera & Charger Sneakers or hiking boots (mountain hiking can be hard on unsupported ankles) Comfortable hiking clothes (shorts & T-shirt) Change of clothes for relaxing at the hotel Swimwear & Towel Sun protection & bug spray Water bottle Warm layers (evenings can be cooler) Raincoat/jacket Early Spring/Late Fall: (additionally): Hiking boots or durable sneakers (preferably Gortex or waterproof) Warm layers (long underwear & wool fleece suggested) Waterproof jacket/pants for winter conditions Gloves, wool socks and a hat (75% of your body heat is lost through your hands, head, and feet)
Restrictions
Because of our small-size vehicles, we have limited luggage space. Each passenger may bring one soft-sided overnight bag or regular-sized daypack with them on the vehicle. The under-seat storage space will accept ~13.5″x12″x11″ if the item is hard-sided; slightly larger if it is soft-sided. If you must bring more/larger luggage, please be aware that you’ll need to pay for a seat on the vehicle to store it during your trip. No luggage or gear may be placed in the aisle.Most hotels in San Francisco will store your larger luggage after check-out or before check-in (some charge a fee for this service). Starting January 1, 2026, the National Park Service (NPS) is implementing a $100 per-person fee for non-U.S. residents entering 11 major national parks, in addition to standard entrance fees, as part of a new "resident-focused" fee structure designed to prioritize U.S. taxpayers and fund park maintenance. This fee will only impact our international customers. The only exception is for those non-U.S. residents that have purchased the America the Beautiful (ATB) International Pass for $250, which grants annual access to all federal lands.
Meeting & Pickup
Pickup from select San Francisco hotels.
Languages Offered
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Before Booking
Please advise the country of residence for all guests. (Fees apply to non-US residents).
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Automatic