Top Yosemite National Park Day Trips

Discover Yosemite is honored to have received Trip Advisors Traveler’s Choice award for being in the top 10% of activities in the World for each of the past two years. We go to great lengths and expense to assure an excellent experience for all who join us on our Yosemite Tours. If you are looking to enjoy the majesty and natural beauty of Yosemite National Park with an expert driver/guide who knows where to go, and how to get there and all about what you are seeing, join us for an unforgettable day in Yosemite. We’ll get you to the iconic viewpoints so you can capture the beauty of this Crown Jewel of National Parks with spectacular photos to commemorate your adventure. We include lunch, snacks and water on all our full-day tours, so you don’t have to take time out from seeing the sights to wait in line. Our vehicles are impeccably cleaned and rigorously maintained for your comfort and safety. Itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.

A drive through Yosemite National Park is one of the most spectacular road experiences imaginable, with the valley’s distinctive granite walls and awe-inspiring rock formations rising up along the curving mountain roads. Enhance your journey with this self-guided audio tour that gives you a wealth of facts and local tips along with driving directions along your route. The app-based service offers several suggested itineraries and uses GPS to deliver relevant information based on your location.

If you just have one day to experience all the wonders of Yosemite, make the most of it with a full-day private Jeep tour that showcases the park’s supersized attractions and amazing ecosystems. Vehicle passes and parking can be tough to come by, so let a guide handle all the driving and logistics while you enjoy the rugged ride—top down optional. Whether you’re into photography, climbing, or wildlife, the itinerary is expertly planned just for your group.

There’s so much to see and do in Yosemite, it can be challenging just getting started. This private tour does most of the legwork for you, providing transportation and covering many of Yosemite Valley’s top attractions in a little less than one full day of sightseeing. Meet your guide at an adventure outfitter or arrange pickup in Groveland, and see more than half a dozen waterfalls, the Cascades, Half Dome, El Capitan, and more.

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.

Experience the natural splendor of Yosemite National Park during this full-day private tour. Explore the valley by comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle alongside your own personal naturalist-trained guide. Follow a tailor-made itinerary customized to your interests and preferences, from guided walks through the forests to iconic rock formations. A gourmet open-air lunch is provided as well as hotel transfers.

If you're visiting San Francisco and want to spend a day or more in Yosemite, enjoy a flexible way to get to the park, with the option to return the same day or later. Skip the hassle of renting a car and trying to get park passes that often sell out, and simply enjoy the ride to Yosemite Valley. See the giant sequoias at Tuolumne Grove, then enjoy the rest of the day to hike and explore on your own. (Please note: return transport and hotel stays are not included and must be booked separately.)

Go off–roading in a Jeep to explore a Giant Sequoia forest near the south entrance to Yosemite National Park. Enjoy a fun 40-minute ride into the forest, followed by an easy hike through the trees. This 2-hour tour from Fish Camp provides both 4WD thrills and a great opportunity to see California's massive trees up close.

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.

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.

This adaptive full-day tour makes the natural wonders of Yosemite National Park accessible to travelers of all mobility levels. You’ll view iconic Yosemite landmarks including the Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the giant sequoias of Tuolumne Grove while your guide shares insights about the landscape. Using paved trails suitable for wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters, the small-group tour is designed to include all participants.

Embark on an extraordinary adventure exploring Yosemite's legendary waterfalls with a local expert: BRIDALVEIL FALL HORSETAIL FALL ILLILOUETTE FALL NEVADA FALL ROYAL ARCH CASCADE RIBBON FALL SILVER STRAND FALL SENTINEL FALLS VERNAL FALL YOSEMITE FALLS Meet your guide in the morning for a fully customizable experience tailored to your preferences, whether for a hiking or car-based tour. Your guide will expertly navigate routes to awe-inspiring viewpoints, ensuring an immersive exploration of Yosemite's natural wonders. Spanning 6 to 8 hours, this experience is sure to ignite your sense of wonder and leave you in awe of Yosemite's majestic beauty! Please note, the prime time to witness waterfalls is spring, with peak flow in April, May or June. Some, like Yosemite Falls, may diminish by August. Late fall storms revive some falls, while winter nights coat them in frost, offering a magical winter scene.

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.

Go fly fishing in Yosemite with your own private guide on a full-day tour from Yosemite Valley or Groveland. Fish the Tuolumne and Merced River watersheds for rainbow, brown, brook and golden trout on a catch and release excursion that includes all fly fishing gear, transportation, and entrance fees. Your guide knows the Yosemite Valley region’s fishing spots and provides a quality fishing trip for both experienced and novice anglers.

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.

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.

Take control of your own trip to Yosemite with this private day tour. Instead of squeezing into a crowded bus with strangers, you and your party will have the use of a private vehicle for the day. Choose the sites that appeal to you most, such as Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls, or Sentinel Bridge. Go at your own pace and create a day worth remembering.

Skip the hassle of driving and enjoy a relaxed journey from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park. This one-way service is via comfortable, Wi-Fi-equipped coach, includes photo stops, and drops you off at Yosemite Valley Visitor Center.

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.

Explore Yosemite National Park on this day hike from Glacier Point. Led by an expert guide, hear about the park’s natural features as you journey past three famous waterfalls: Vernal Fall, Illilouette Fall, and Nevada Fall. Take in stunning views of Half Dome after a shuttle ride to Glacier Point and, from there, begin a moderately strenuous 8.5-mile trek on foot. Travel down to the valley floor and soak up the scenery of the Panorama and Mist Trails. This small-group tour runs from May to October.

Search for wild trout in some of Yosemite’s most pristine landscapes during this private, full-day catch-and-release fly fishing adventure. Look out for rainbow, brown, brook, and golden trout in the Tuolumne and Merced River watersheds with your own personal local guide. Enjoy stunning views of Yosemite’s highest peaks along the way. Fishing gear and licenses, park fees, and a tasty lunch are included.

Embark on an incredible journey through the natural wonders of Yosemite National Park with Shaka Guide's audio-driving tour. As you drive through the park's majestic landscapes, the knowledgeable narrator will be your expert companion, sharing captivating stories and valuable information. With Shaka Guide's Yosemite National Park tour, you have the freedom to explore Yosemite at your own pace. Pause for a hike to Yosemite Falls or stroll along the serene meadows. Capture stunning photos and create unforgettable memories amidst the park's breathtaking beauty. Experience the splendor of Yosemite National Park with Shaka Guide, an immersive journey that combines the convenience of a guided tour with the freedom of self-exploration. Let the audio narration be your knowledgeable companion as you navigate through this iconic natural wonderland, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Discover one of Yosemite National Park’s most beloved hikes as you follow the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, a 4-hour guided hike from Yosemite Valley. Take in sweeping views of the Valley while climbing alongside your guide, and learn about the Park’s ecology, natural history and landscape. Catch a glimpse of Vernal Fall as you cross the Merced River, walk through billowing mist on a trail that parallels the waterfall’s drop from a high, granite cliff, then enjoy clear air and scenic views from the top.