How to Spend 1 Day in Yosemite National Park
Soaring peaks, waterfalls, and sheer cliffs make Yosemite National Park a scenic wonderland. The valley's compact size means you can take in key highlights even in limited time; opt for express hiking or sightseeing tours to cover more sights in less time. Here’s how best to spend 24 hours in Yosemite.
Morning: Gaze at Glacier Point
The view from Glacier Point is the classic Yosemite calendar shot and is not to be missed. On typical Yosemite sightseeing tours, this is the first stop as the viewpoint offers you the chance to capture dramatic photos of the landscape. A paved, wheelchair accessible trail continues from the Glacier Point parking area to the viewpoint while the steeper Four Mile Trail links Glacier Point with the Yosemite Valley; some tours offer the option to complete the popular hike and meet your tour vehicle at the bottom.
Afternoon: Into Yosemite Valley
Carved by glaciers and immortalized by photographer Ansel Adams, Yosemite Valley is home to some of the park’s most recognizable sights, which include Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Bridalveil Fall. Spend the afternoon exploring Yosemite Valley on a guided or independent hike, a photography tour, or a scientist-led nature walk. Hiking tours range from leisurely strolls to steep hikes up the sides of the valley, and ensure you don’t lose you way. Among the less-strenuous options are Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Falls, and the Vernal Fall Footbridge; if you’re looking for a bigger challenge, try the Mist Trail, Nevada Fall, or Yosemite Falls Trail.
Evening: Half-Dome Sunset Shots
Late-evening light works colorful magic on Yosemite’s rock faces, with Half Dome looking especially dramatic. Plan ahead to position yourself for photographing the landmark; among the best places for shooting Yosemite at sunset are Glacier Point, Lower Yosemite Falls trailhead, Sentinel Bridge, and Curry Village. If you’re determined to capture the perfect shot, photography tours ensure you get the perfect position, choose the right lens, and find the best light for each destination. Tours typically include hotel pickup and drop-off to save you finding you way back in the dark.
29 Tours and Activities | All Yosemite National Park Tours
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Small-Group Day Trip to Yosemite from Lake Tahoe
39
Explore the scenic highlights of Yosemite National Park on a full-day, small-group guided trip from Lake Tahoe with a lunchtime picnic beside Cascade Falls. Capture unforgettable images of the park’s soaring rock walls and craggy peaks then enjoy an invigorating hike to Yosemite Falls or Bridalveil Falls, where high-mountain rivers tumble from sheer granite cliffs. Spot rock climbers scaling the face of El Capitan, watch for deer in alpine meadows, and take in the timeless beauty of California’s High Sierra mountains.
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From
$220.00
From
$220.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Full-Day Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour Including Hotel Pickup
102
Get acquainted with the landmarks and highlights of Yosemite National Park during this 9-hour day tour from Fresno or Oakhurst. Travel into the Yosemite Valley through the Southgate, then spend the day viewing and photographing some of the valley's best features such as Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Yosemite’s high country. Hike down the 4-Mile Trail (during the spring to fall) or choose to remain on the bus. Lunch will be provided and can be eaten along the trail. National Park entrance fees included.
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From
$143.12
From
$143.12
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Family Hike in Yosemite
16
Experience the monumental scenery of Yosemite on a guided, half-day hike designed especially for families. Choose from a beginning or moderate hike to suit your family’s experience level, and embark on a series of trails that wind through the famous natural attractions of either Yosemite Valley or the High Country. Enjoy spectacular views of one of America’s favorite national parks, and stop for a scenic picnic near a stream, lake or meadow.
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From
$166.67
From
$166.67
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Private Guided Hiking Tour in Yosemite
50
Walk to soaring cliffs and alpine meadows on a private, guided hiking tour of Yosemite National Park. Tailor this 5- or 6-hour trip to your interests and ability, then find your perfect trail into the wilderness. Learn about the history and ecology of the High Sierra as you walk alongside your guide, and find uncrowded paths in the heart of the park. Enjoy a backcountry picnic and discover stunning views of the Yosemite Valley or High Country, or challenge yourself to take on a longer hike with more elevation gain.
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From
$250.00
Price varies by group size
From
$250.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Yosemite Valley Private Hiking Tour
29
Spend the day immersed in nature on a full-day hiking tour of Yosemite National Park. See the dramatic slopes of Half Dome and North Dome, experience the force of Yosemite Falls, and hike a variety trails to see Mirror Lake, and Spider Caves. Opt for a tour of an old Pioneer village and cemetery if you want. Guides carry water purification and first aid equipment and all profits form this tour support Yosemite youth summer camp programs.
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From
$234.00
Price varies by group size
From
$234.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Guided Yosemite Hiking Excursion
45
Explore the stunning trails of Yosemite National Park on this guided hiking excursion. Select a specific hike for your skill level, with options ranging from beginner to strenuous, and enjoy the views from Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome, El Capitan, Half Dome and more. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of this renowned landscape as you hike in the fresh air. An experienced guide will provide insightful commentary along the way.
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From
$175.00
Price varies by group size
From
$175.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Yosemite Valley Private Winter Hiking Tour
4
While Yosemite is at its most popular during the warm summer months, the beloved National Park is equally in the winter months, with fewer crowds and beautiful snowfall on many of the valley's surrounding peaks. With this customizable winter tour, you'll get to experience Yosemite in a way that interests you, with a wide option of activities running from hikes to museum tours.
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From
$234.00
Price varies by group size
From
$234.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Private Guided Snowshoe Hike in Yosemite
5
Discover the stunning winter scenery of Yosemite National Park on a guided snowshoe hike that goes deep into the frozen landscape. Embark on a beginner trail or take on an extended option for this 4- or 6- hour adventure, and watch for the tracks that deer, coyote, bobcats and bears leave in the pristine snow. See the Yosemite Valley or the High Country, take in views of soaring rocks with an icy glaze, and experience the remarkable tranquility of this park’s quietest season.
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From
$250.00
Price varies by group size
From
$250.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Experience Yosemite: Beginner or Advanced Photography Lesson
4
Capture unforgettable images of Yosemite National Park with a 4-hour photography lesson for beginners or advanced photographers. Bring your camera and learn new techniques from an expert instructor, and watch the afternoon light transform the soaring cliffs, alpine rivers and high meadows of this remarkable landscape. Set up at a series of shooting locations that include iconic views and lesser-known sites as you follow in the footsteps of Ansel Adams, Carlton Watkins and Edward Weston in California’s most iconic national park.
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From
$575.00
From
$575.00
Yosemite Valley Tour with Transport from Oakhurst
4
Visit Yosemite National Park on a full-day tour from Oakhurst that starts early to beat the crowds, with time to see the very best of the spectacular Yosemite Valley. Take in Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and Half Dome, then eat lunch at the base of Yosemite Falls and spot rock climbers from the El Capitan Meadows. This full-day Yosemite tour includes pickup and drop-off from hotels in Oakhurst, national park entrance fees, and a packed lunch.
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From
$130.19
From
$130.19
Semi Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch - with Hotel Pickup !
6
Skip the impersonal, large-group bus tours on this full-day trip to Yosemite National Park, with lunch and round-trip transport included. In addition to navigating the park’s vast size for you, your guide provides stories and facts often unheard by visitors. Options for the day’s itinerary include a short hike, sweeping views of El Capitan, and a drive along the Merced River.
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From
$231.67
From
$231.67
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Hummer 4 X 4 Tour of Yosemite Including Hotel Pickup
2
Explore Yosemite National Park on a private tour in a 4X4 Hummer. Create your own itinerary with options to get out and hike, or stay in the Hummer for a scenic ride. Stop for a picnic lunch, and learn how John Muir convinced President Roosevelt to create the park during a 3-night camping trip. End the tour with a visit to The Pioneer Village History Center. This tour is ideal for visitors looking for an exclusive experience away from crowds.
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From
$1,095.00
per group
From
$1,095.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Full-Day Private Yosemite Scenic Sightseeing SUV Tour Including Hotel Pickup
Enjoy Yosemite at your pace. Indulge in luxury instead of riding in a crowded bus without breaking the bank. Your SUV has capacity for up to 4 guests at one set price. This is a great way to celebrate special occasions or simply to enjoy a trip with family and kids. This tour allows you to customize your schedule and to visit the attractions that best suit your needs and interests.
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From
$975.00
per group
From
$975.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Full Day Private Yosemite Scenic Sightseeing Van Tour - with Hotel Pickup !
1
Private Yosemite Tour at your pace. If you have more than 4 guests in your group you can use this option for up to 9 guests in a comfortable Van. All at one price. Your family and friends can enjoy a private tour instead of being, think of a sheep blindly following the flock no matter where they go just ...in a larger group in a bus with other strangers. Our local guides can make this trip special for you. Private Tour so you can decide the schedule whatever is convenient to you and we can customize the tour for your needs. Just let us know what your interests are we do the rest.
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From
$1,175.00
per group
From
$1,175.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Jeep 4 X 4 Yosemite Park Tour with Hotel Pickup
4
Convertible 2020 Jeep 4 X 4 Tour of Yosemite - Full-day. Snow or Dirt this gentle monster knows we need to get there. There is a time in life you want to indulge in luxury, instead of riding in a crowded bus with others you need to go on a private tour without breaking the bank. Jeep has capacity for up to 4 guests for one price. In good weather we can remove 2 front sun roofs before we arrive and if you want to go full convertible that option is also available and requires us to remove the complete top before we arrive.To celebrate Birthday or Anniversary, Engagement or Proposal, Celebrate success or just enjoy a trip with family and kids. We can make this trip special for you. Private Tour so you can decide the schedule whatever is convenient to you and we can customize the tour for your needs. Just let us know what interests you.
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From
$1,175.00
per group
From
$1,175.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias - One Way (SF to Yosemite or v.v.)
If you are needing a more flexible itinerary to experience the wild, natural beauty of Yosemite National Park this is the tour for you. This is the only Yosemite Valley tour from San Francisco where you can select your departure day and return day as separate segments. Enjoy plenty of free time to hike, bike and explore at your own pace. Guaranteed departures 365 days a year. Arrange your hotel separately, accommodations are NOT included in the tour.
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From
$109.00
From
$109.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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1 day Yosemite and Giant Sequoia Tour from Groveland
This experience to the towering granite cliffs and gushing waterfalls of Yosemite National Park and its Giant Sequoias takes off 365 days a year. This is the only 1-day Yosemite Valley tour from San Francisco where you will experience the solitude of the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, the largest living things on the Earth. Your heart will race as you enter Yosemite Valley for 5 glorious hours to enjoy Lower Yosemite, Nevada and Bridalveil falls, then take some moments at El Capitan, Half Dome and other iconic monuments.
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From
$119.00
From
$119.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco
1784
Discover the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada on this full-day trip to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco. Travel aboard a comfortable van through historic Gold Rush towns to reach the park, where you’ll be amazed by supersized natural wonders like Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs of Half Dome and El Capitan. Take a hike among ancient sequoia trees, and enjoy several hours to explore the park’s wonders on your own.
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From
$189.00
Price varies by group size
From
$189.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Trip from San Jose
14
See the towering sequoias and dramatic landscape of Yosemite National Park on a day trip from San Jose that combines Yosemite highlights with free time to explore. Take in Half Dome, Inspiration Point, and El Capitan, join a guide for an hour-long hike through Tuolumne Grove, then hike or bike through the Yosemite Valley on your own. With convenient, round-trip transport from San Jose and park entrance fees included, you can focus on the views and watch for wildlife along the way.
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From
$209.00
From
$209.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Yosemite National Park - Full Day Tour from San Francisco
522
Visit Yosemite National Park on this day trip from San Francisco. Upon arrival in the state's most famous national park have, lunch (own expense) or skip straight to the park to begin exploring. Follow your guide bus tour of the area and discover the park's charms on your own during your visit. Pickup from select San Francisco hotels is included.
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From
$169.00
From
$169.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Tour
1
Explore glacially-formed cliffs, wildflower-speckled meadows, and hike to the towering Sequoias in the heart of Yosemite’s dynamic wilderness.
Immerse yourself in our day-long tour with our professional guides as they lead you through not only Yosemite Valley but also to see the ancient Giant Sequoias of Tuolumne Grove. You’ll capture the endless skylines, rock formations, and waterfalls as you enjoy an overview of how Yosemite Park’s unique landscape was formed, who came before, and how the park became the nation’s first ever protected national park. Next, strap up your hiking boots and embark on the 2.5 mile (4 km) round trip hike down to the Sequoia Grove which most day tour visitors do not get the chance to see.
With 1.5 hours of free time in Yosemite Valley you’ll also get the chance to wander through the picturesque meadows, check out the Visitor’s Center or just find a serene overlook to sit and reflect.
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From
$182.75
From
$182.75
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Yosemite Valley Orientation Tour
1
Leave your car outside the park and take our eco-friendly guided transportation instead.
After picking you up at Yosemite View Lodge on Highway 140, we will drive approximately 45 minutes to Yosemite Valley. On the way, you'll hear about the history and geology of Yosemite National Park before stopping for photos at El Capitan. Before being set free for a day of hiking and exploration, our expert guides will provide a park orientation & hiking briefing so you'll be prepared to hit the best trails and find the best viewpoints.
Once you've hit the trails, taken a dip in the Merced River and gotten all the photos of Half Dome and El Cap you could desire, we will head back to Yosemite View Lodge to drop you off.
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From
$66.37
From
$66.37
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Best of Yosemite Tour: Giant Sequoias & Glacier Point
5
Scattered across sprawling and mountainous Yosemite National Park, lie spectacular views and sky-high trees. Join us on this small-group tour of Yosemite's most photographed landmarks, many of which most park visitors never even see.
Within our small-groups you'll be accompanied by an expert driver & guide to witness waterfalls, hike between towering Giant Sequoias, enjoy a beach-side box lunch and photograph the famous viewpoints of Tunnel View and Glacier Point.
Leave your car outside the park while you sit back, relax and leave the winding mountain driving to us. Don't forget your camera! This tour is a photographer's paradise.
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From
$151.18
From
$151.18
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Yosemite Sunset & Champagne Tour
Leave the crowds behind and join us for an evening excursion to reach the heights of Yosemite National Park and watch the sky unfold around you with a glass of champagne in hand.
First, we will climb 3,200 feet of elevation to reach the Sentinel Dome trailhead. From there, we will embark on a mild hike to reach the granite mound which makes up Sentinel Dome and offers 360 degree views. Watch as the sun goes down while you enjoy views of Half Dome and the high-elevation expanses of Yosemite National Park. Enjoy a glass of bubbly and some small-bites before descending the dome and heading back to the vehicle.
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From
$137.44
From
$137.44
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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