Top Yosemite National Park Day Trips

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.

It’s true that Yosemite is much too vast to see in one day. It is, after all, the size of Rhode Island, but Discover Yosemite is fortunate to employ the best tour guides and drivers for our Yosemite day trips and tours, each with many years of experience and certified in Leave No Trace and CPR/1st Aid. They know where to go and when to be there to maximize your day and make your Yosemite day trip fun, relaxed and memorable. Instead of searching through guide books and maps, looking for parking at each stop and figuring out what to do for lunch, your day will be spent with a small group seeing the sights in a comfortable, clean, impeccably maintained vehicle. A picnic lunch consisting of chips, fresh whole fruit, water, soft drinks and your choice of sandwich is included. Sandwich choices are: Turkey and Provolone, Roast Beef and Cheddar, Ham and Swiss, Veggie, American Cheese or PB&J. Condiments come on the side. Upon booking you will be contacted for sandwich choices.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Take a tour that lets you immerse yourself in the park. Our guides are master naturalists, botanists, geologists, historians, and - most importantly - relentlessly curious! This is not just a sightseeing tour, it's a day all about learning and connection. This tour includes short hikes to Taft Point and the Fissures and Sentinel Dome, a visit to Glacier Point, and a short hike in Mariposa Grove either at the start or end of the day. You'll be covering about 6 miles in total throughout the day on mild to moderate trails and will be taking in huge diversity of landscapes - many of which include 360 views of the park from above. Groups are capped at 8 participants. If you're booking more than 4 spots, please inquire about a private tour. If we do not meet the minimum number of spots booked, registrants will be offered an option to make the tour private for an additional charge or cancel for a full refund.

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.

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.

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 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.

Keep every member of your party happy on this private guided tour of Yosemite and Glacier Point. Go at your own pace and customize the itinerary to suit your needs, whether you're traveling with kids or people with mobility limitations. You'll be picked up from your accommodation and taken to highlights of the park, including waterfalls and lookout points.

Take a tour that lets you immerse yourself in the park. Our guides are master naturalists, botanists, geologists, historians, and - most importantly - relentlessly curious! This is not just a sightseeing tour, it's a day all about learning and connection. Your day will include a drive through the valley, stopping along the way to take in views of the iconic rock formations, hear the calls of the wildlife, and see various points of interest. Over the course of your experience, you’ll spend some time walking in the fresh mountain air. Walks will be tailored to you and may include open views, flowing waterfalls, and walks underneath massive and beautiful trees. As you breathe in the deep air, your private guide will share fascinating information about the park’s flora, fauna, and history. Groups are capped at 8 hikers. If we don't meet the minimum number of spots booked, registrants will be offered an option to make the tour private for an additional charge or cancel for a full refund.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Looking for an unforgettable Yosemite Experience? We offer a variety of customizable, private, and family-friendly tours that will allow you to truly immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of Yosemite, all while being led by a local expert. We look forward to sharing our love of Yosemite with you! Customize the day to your interests. Enjoy the flexibility of a private tour. Experience the park's most scenic spots. Keep a personal photo album with the day's images . We meet all travelers at a meeting point and begin the tour.

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.