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Yosemite

Yosemite and Glacier Point Tours

5 (77 reviews)

Explore the high-altitude perspectives of Glacier Point and the classic sights of the valley floor on these guided excursions. Choose from adaptive, private, or small group tours ranging from 6 to 10 hours.

All 5-star rated tours
📅 Free 24-hour cancellation
🚐 Convenient hotel pickup included
🥪 Lunch or snacks provided
Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour Free Cancellation
5.0 (39) ⏱ 6h

Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour

View Yosemite from 3,000 feet at Glacier Point before exploring the valley floor on this fully accessible tour.

One Day In Yosemite Private Tour:Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point & Giant Sequoias Free Cancellation
5.0 (27) ⏱ 10h

One Day In Yosemite Private Tour:Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point & Giant Sequoias

Explore Yosemite’s Giant Sequoias, Glacier Point, and the Valley floor on this comprehensive one-day guided tour.

Hwy 140 Route Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley Small Group Tour Free Cancellation
5.0 (11) ⏱ 9h

Hwy 140 Route Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley Small Group Tour

Tour Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point with seasonal pickups in Mariposa, Midpines, and El Portal.

What Visitors Say

Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Yosemite — from practical tips to personal highlights.

C
Chloe M. Australia, May 2026
4.7

"Loved the convenience of being picked up right from Rush Creek Lodge. The waterfalls were roaring in late May! We got soaked near Bridalveil Fall, so definitely bring a rain jacket. The guide kept us on schedule perfectly."

J
James P. United States, Mar 2026
5.0

"An epic day trip. We did the Hwy 140 small group tour. The lunch hit the spot, and standing at Tunnel View looking out over the whole valley was breathtaking. It was great not having to worry about parking or driving on those winding mountain roads."

S
Sarah J. United States, Feb 2026
4.8

"We booked the Adaptive Tour for my father who uses a wheelchair. The guide was incredibly accommodating, and the van was perfectly equipped. We got amazing views of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls without any stress. The provided snacks were a nice touch!"

D
David K. Canada, Jan 2026
4.9

"Glacier Point is an absolute must-do. Our driver was super knowledgeable about the park's history and the Ahwahneechee people. Yosemite Falls was pretty dry since it was September, but the views of the valley from the top totally made up for it."

E
Elena R. Spain, Jan 2026
4.5

"Great small group tour along Hwy 140. Getting picked up in Mariposa meant we didn't have to deal with the crazy morning gate traffic. The only downside was the surprise $100 non-US resident fee at the park entrance, but the tour itself and the lunch provided were fantastic."

M
Marcus T. United Kingdom, Oct 2025
5.0

"The private tour was worth every penny. Our naturalist guide took us on a gorgeous 2-mile hike through the Giant Sequoias before heading up to Glacier Point. Seeing Half Dome from 3,000 feet up was unreal. Highly recommend if you want to avoid the crowds."

What to Expect on Your Yosemite and Glacier Point Tour

Yosemite and Glacier Point tours offer an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Sierra Nevada. You will experience a mix of towering granite monoliths, ancient giant sequoias, and breathtaking high-altitude panoramas without the stress of navigating park traffic.

🏔️

Glacier Point Panoramas

Stand 3,000 feet above the valley floor for a direct, sweeping view of Half Dome and the surrounding granite cliffs. This high-altitude perspective is a major highlight on most tours.

🌲

Yosemite Valley Highlights

Drive through the iconic valley to witness massive granite formations like El Capitan and take in the classic, sweeping vistas from Tunnel View.

🌳

Giant Sequoias

Walk among the largest tree species on the planet. Many full-day tours include a hike through these ancient, massive giants in areas like Mariposa Grove.

💦

Towering Waterfalls

Feel the mist from North America's tallest waterfall. Tours frequently stop at the base of the 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls, which is especially powerful in late spring.

🥾

Guided Hikes

Depending on your tour choice, expect anything from a 2-mile round-trip hike in the woods to gentle, fully paved accessible paths suitable for all fitness levels.

Things to Know Before Booking

Planning your Yosemite tour requires a bit of preparation, especially regarding pickup locations, seasonal closures, and park fees. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot.

Tour Types Available

Options range from 6-hour adaptive tours designed for wheelchair users to 9-hour small group bus tours and 10-hour private naturalist excursions. Choose based on your group's mobility and desired pace.

Park Entrance Fees

Most tours include the standard National Park entrance fee in the ticket price. However, non-US residents are subject to an additional $100 per person fee which is typically excluded from the tour cost.

Pick-up Logistics

Tours pick up from specific locations like Mariposa, Midpines, Rush Creek Lodge, or Yosemite Basecamp. All pickups must be prearranged. If you meet your guide inside the park boundaries, you will have to pay the $35 vehicle entrance fee yourself.

Accessibility Options

The Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour is fully wheelchair accessible. In contrast, the Hwy 140 Small Group tour requires seniors to walk up bus steps unassisted, though compact folding wheelchairs can be accommodated with advance notice.

Food and Drink

Full-day 9 and 10-hour tours generally include lunch, while shorter 6-hour tours provide snacks and water. It is always a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle to use at the park's filtered water stations.

Seasonal Closures

Glacier Point Road closes due to snow from November through May or June. Tour itineraries are subject to change based on these winter conditions, and some sights are strictly seasonal.

Cancellation Policies

The standard cancellation policy across these tours allows for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Which Yosemite and Glacier Point Tour Is Best for You?

Adaptive / Accessible TourSmall Group Hwy 140 TourPrivate Full-Day Tour
Duration 6 hours9 hours10 hours
Best for Wheelchair users and families seeking a relaxed paceBudget-conscious travelers staying in MariposaActive hikers wanting a personalized experience
Includes Snacks, water bottle, entrance feesLunch, driver/guide transportLunch, 2-mile Sequoia hike, private naturalist
Price from $180$200$500

Plan Your Visit to Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can enter at any time, which is ideal for beating the crowds.

However, there are a few exceptions:

  • Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station: Open only during daylight hours (approximately sunrise to sunset).
  • Seasonal Road Closures: Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are closed due to snow from around November through May or June.

There are several ways to reach Yosemite Valley depending on your starting point and preferred mode of transit:

  • By Car from San Francisco: The 195-mile drive takes about 4 hours. Arrive before 9 AM or after 5 PM to avoid heavy gate traffic.
  • By Bus (YARTS): The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System runs from Merced directly into the valley. It takes 2.5 hours and costs $44 round-trip, which includes your park entrance fee.
  • By Train & Bus: Take the Amtrak bus from SF to Emeryville, ride the train to Merced, and transfer to YARTS. This takes about 6.5 hours and starts at $30 each way.

Late spring and early summer (May and June) are the absolute best times to visit Yosemite. The high-country snowmelt makes the waterfalls incredibly voluminous, the weather is pleasant, and seasonal roads like Tioga Road usually open up.

Winter visits (November through March) are much more challenging. Freezing temperatures bring ice and snow, forcing the closure of Glacier Point Road. If you visit during this time, you are strictly required to carry tire chains in your vehicle.

Yosemite is highly accommodating for visitors with limited mobility. The park features free Valleywide shuttle buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and tie-down systems.

Several trails are fully wheelchair-accessible, including the eastern portion of the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail and the path to Bridalveil Fall. Manual wheelchairs and electric scooters can also be rented at the Yosemite Valley Lodge.

Yosemite is well-equipped, but visitors must utilize specific facilities to protect the wildlife and environment.

  • Bear-Proof Lockers: All food and scented items must be stored in designated metal lockers at night to prevent bears from breaking into vehicles.
  • Water Stations: Filtered water stations are available throughout the park. Bring a reusable bottle to stay hydrated in the high-elevation air.
  • Firewood: To prevent the spread of Sudden Oak Death, do not bring outside wood. Buy firewood locally within the park region.

Because Yosemite is federal land, strict rules apply to protect the 747,956-acre ecosystem:

  • Prohibited Items: Drones (unmanned aircraft), bear spray, and marijuana are strictly illegal within the park boundaries.
  • Food Storage: Leaving food in vehicles overnight is illegal. You must use bear lockers.
  • Pets: Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times. They are only permitted on paved trails, parking lots, and campgrounds—not on dirt hiking trails.
  • Permits: While vehicle reservations are not required for 2026, you still need permits for wilderness backpacking and hiking Half Dome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are park entrance fees included in the tour price?

Most tours include the standard National Park entrance fee. However, non-US residents must pay an additional $100 per person fee, which is usually not covered by the tour. Also, if you choose to meet your guide inside the park boundaries, you will have to pay the $35 vehicle fee at the gate.

Can I bring a wheelchair on these tours?

Yes, if you book the Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour, which is fully wheelchair accessible. Other tours, like the Hwy 140 Small Group Tour, require guests to walk up bus steps unassisted, though they can store compact folding wheelchairs.

Do tours go to Glacier Point year-round?

No. Glacier Point Road is subject to seasonal closures due to heavy snow. It typically closes in November and does not reopen until May or June, so winter tour itineraries will be adjusted accordingly.

Will we get to hike on the tour?

It depends on the tour you select. The Private One Day Tour includes a 2-mile round-trip hike through a grove of Giant Sequoias, while other tours focus on scenic driving and short, paved walks to viewpoints.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

The 9-hour and 10-hour full-day tours generally include lunch in the ticket price. The shorter 6-hour adaptive tour provides snacks and a Klean Kanteen, but not a full meal.

Where do the tours pick up?

Pickup locations vary by operator but commonly include Mariposa, Midpines, El Portal, Rush Creek Lodge, and Yosemite Basecamp. All pickups must be prearranged, and you will be dropped off in the same order you were picked up.

Can I bring bear spray on the tour just in case?

No, bear spray is strictly prohibited and illegal to carry anywhere within Yosemite National Park. Guides are trained in wildlife safety, and you will not need it.

What should I wear for a Glacier Point tour?

You should dress in layers, as temperatures can change suddenly between the valley floor and the 3,000-foot elevation of Glacier Point. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended, and rain gear is helpful if you plan to get close to the waterfalls.

Will we see Yosemite Falls?

Yes, viewing the 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls is a staple of valley tours. However, keep in mind that the falls are most impressive in May and June, and can dry up completely by August or September.

Do I need a vehicle reservation to enter Yosemite in 2026?

No, vehicle reservations are not required to enter the park in 2026. You will only need to pay the standard $35 entrance fee if you are driving yourself to a meeting point inside the park.

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