Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park is beautifully situated in a stunning natural region filled with breathtaking scenery. With more than 800 miles of hiking trails, world-famous rock climbing routes, rafting on the Merced River, and even more awesome activities once winter arrives.Cycling and scenic drives are also popular pastimes across this territory's adventurous terrain, leaving little to be desired in the way of outdoor escapades. Of course, the region offers tons to do and see for all ages, stamina, and preferences - that's a given. But what exactly is Yosemite National Park famous for?This park that's one of America's most popular is famed for its giant, ancient sequoia trees, gargantuan granite monoliths, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys, and Tunnel View - the legendary vista of the imposing Bridalveil Fall and the El Capitan and Half Dome granite cliffs. While many people visit the park for but a day, one of the best ways to enjoy it and really get to know the place is by staying overnight, be it for a couple of days or even a whole week. Natural camping in Yosemite National Park is an extraordinary experience and affords visitors the chance to discover why it's earned the coveted badge of one of America's most spectacular national parks. What better way to camp in Yosemite than with experienced guides who know the tracks and trails of this glorious spot on California's expansive map? Cue the following three-day Yosemite camping tour from none other than San Francisco!
About This Yosemite National Park Tour
- Tour Name: 3-Day Yosemite Camping Adventure from San Francisco
- Price: From $599
- Meeting and Pickup Point: 8:15 am at the corner of Mason and O'Farell Streets - 333 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
What's Included In This Yosemite National Park Camping Tour
- Camping equipment (except a sleeping bag)
- Breakfast x 2
- Lunch x 2
- Dinner
- Camping fees
- All fees and taxes
- Fuel surcharge ($10)
- Transport by biodiesel van
- Professional guide
Children aged 17 years and under must be accompanied by an adult on this guided Yosemite camping trip.
This epic three-day Yosemite camping tour begins in San Francisco, from where campers depart in the morning of the first day. Led by an experienced guide, guests enjoy the sensational natural sights of the park, including Yosemite Falls and Half Dome, and get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hike the trails among the iconic giant sequoia trees.
With tons of opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, and rafting, as well as plenty of free time to discover the park at their leisure (possible extra fees may apply depending on the activity), visitors' days will be plush with adventure. Plus, with their knowledgeable guide, they'll get to explore some of the off-the-beaten-path trails and sights unseen by the majority of park-goers. As there are guided tour portions and free time to allow visitors to check out the park of their own accord, this tour offers a convenient blend of the best of both: an expert-led and lone wander-lusting way to experience what is undoubtedly one of America’s favorite national parks.
Guests also have two nights of tent camping included. Tents are provided; however, sleeping bags are not, so campers can bring their own or rent one. Meals, drinks, and snacks can also be bought as and when guests need refueling - and they'll need sustenance, what with all that adventuring in Yosemite!
The Benefits Of This Yosemite National Park Camping Tour
- The previous camping experience is not required
- Hike, swim, and raft in Yosemite for three days
- It's guided by professionals
- Explore Yosemite's unbeaten path with a guide
- View the iconic Yosemite giant sequoia trees
- Tents and cooking equipment provided
- Eco-friendly transport in a biodiesel van
Yosemite Camping Tour Itinerary
It's time to get into the finer details of what might be one of the best Yosemite camping tours currently available. With a roster jam-packed full of activities, exploration, and a wealth of Yosemite scenery that never fails to charm visitors (and those who view its vistas from photographs and postcards), here's an in-depth rundown of what campers get up to on this trip of a lifetime.
Day 1: San Francisco To Yosemite
- Stops: 8 stops
- Time: 12 hours
- Accommodation: A campsite with modern facilities and camping equipment
- Meals: Dinner
- Admission Tickets: All free or included
Stop 1: San Francisco Bay
After meeting with the group and guide near Union Square, campers leave San Francisco behind and venture across the Bay Bridge - an exit from the city offering sublime views of Alcatraz Island and Angel Island. They'll then cruise through Oakland, the East Bay, and head on to Central Valley to stop for snacks and groceries (which is at visitors' own expense). They'll also travel through Gold Country and the Sierra Nevada Foothills on the way to the next stop.
Stop 2: Yosemite National Park
After around 3 or 4 hours on the road, visitors reach the entrance of Yosemite National Park. Here's where they'll get to soak up incredible mountain views as the experienced guide explains the history and geology of this magnificent park.
Stop 3: Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
Campers follow a scenic path to the beautiful Tuolumne Grove - an enchanting area plush with dozens of giant sequoia trees for which Yosemite is famed. Stopping for around an hour and a half, there's plenty of time to spend among the towering trees and have lunch in their impressive presence. Although the walk downhill to this point is moderate, the climb back up to the vehicle is quite taxing, so bringing water for this part of the trip is wise!
Stop 4: Yosemite Valley
Next, campers leave the gigantic trees of Sequoia Grove via the mini-coach and head on for an hour-or-so-long narrated tour through Yosemite’s glaciated valley. There are several stops along the way to allow guests to take pictures of famous waterfalls and rock formations. While taking in the mesmeric scenery of this spectacular park's natural shapes and structures, the friendly guide tells fascinating tales that make Yosemite history and the park itself so special.
Stop 5: Yosemite Village
On the next part of day one, guests get the awesome opportunity to spend a couple of hours exploring on their own. The group stops near the base of Yosemite Falls, where there are several options of where to go. Guests can opt for a leisurely saunter through the Ansel Adams Gallery, take the path to the historic Ahwahnee lodge, or even get their hearts pumping with a hike or fun bike ride along the river.
Stop 6: Yosemite Falls
Technically part of the fifth stop, visitors can also explore Yosemite Falls alone without a guide during their free time in Yosemite Village, getting to know the place more intimately as they discover it on their own.
Stop 7: Ansel Adams Gallery
Also, during guests' free time in Yosemite Village, they can visit the famous photography gallery to view an interesting collection of original photographs taken by Ansel Adams himself - an American photographer who was the most prominent landscape photographer of the twentieth century.
Stop 8: El Portal
Upon arrival at the campsite, the guide hands out camping equipment and shows campers the local amenities. Once everyone's settled in and ready, campers dine on a sumptuous, freshly prepared dinner at camp, tuck into s’mores, and enjoy drinks and stories around the campfire with the group. However, campers are advised not to let the day's excitement get ahead of them - staying up too late will leave them exhausted for the second day, which entails a full day exploring the park!
Day 2: Yosemite High Country
- Stops: 1 stop
- Time: 10 hours
- Accommodation: A campsite with modern facilities and camping equipment
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Admission Tickets: All free or included
Stop 1: Yosemite National Park - Full Day Exploration
The second day is a full adventure exploring Yosemite National Park! In the midst of crisp, clean mountain air, campers explore Yosemite’s crystal-clear lakes, hike to mountain summits overlooking lush green landscapes, and traverse through charming meadows all day. The guide also customizes the day's hikes around the groups’ needs, ensuring the adventure remains enjoyable and accessible for all.
Day 3: Yosemite To San Francisco
- Stops: 3 stops
- Time: 8 hours
- Accommodation: A campsite with modern facilities and camping equipment
- Meals: Breakfast
- Admission Tickets: All free or included
Stop 1: Yosemite Valley
On the trip's last morning, guests chow down on a quick breakfast, prepare a brown bag lunch, and pack away all camping gear before moving onto Yosemite Valley. The third day's itinerary is the time to pick one's own adventure; whether guests want to take a dip in a particular swimming spot, check out a certain hiking trail by themselves, hunt for waterfalls, rent a bicycle to cruise around the valley, or simply rest and relax in the shade by the emerald green Merced River, this four-hour stop is the chance to do whatever they want. Plus, the visitor’s center, museum, and Ansel Adams Gallery are also open to visitors interested in learning more about Yosemite's history and science.
Stop 2: El Capitan Meadow
Campers get together for the final group activity: visit the El Capitan Meadow to witness the adrenaline-seeking rock climbers scaling the largest granite monolith in North America!
Stop 3: Back To San Francisco
After the third day's activity checklist is complete, the group takes the four-hour journey back to the San Francisco Hilton, arriving from around 8:30 pm to 9 pm.
This camping trip is organized on an on-demand basis and requires a minimum of five guests to guarantee departure. If it’s canceled due to not meeting the minimum requirements, guests will be offered a different date/experience or a refund.
What Is The Best Month To Go To Yosemite?
Naturally, Yosemite National Park weather changes with the transforming seasons, spring and summer being a little more inviting for hiking and camping while the colder months provide awesome winter activities and differing scenery. To avoid road limitations, trail closures, and campground shutdowns, the best time to visit Yosemite is between June and September, when everything is normally open and accessible - and warmer. On the other hand, May and September are great for avoiding crowds, according to Yosemite National Park facts and figures in terms of tourist visits. Fall and winter may be chillier; however, the trails and scenery are still beautiful - although a few extra layers wouldn't go amiss when exploring the park throughout the colder seasons.
Is Yosemite Worth Visiting?
Absolutely; it's not called one of the USA's best national parks for nothing! Yosemite is definitely worth including as a contender for outdoorsy types aspiring to experience the best national parks in North America.
A Brief History Of Yosemite National Park
The Yosemite Valley predates humans by many eons; around 10 million years ago, the Sierra Nevada uplifted and tilted to create the unique slopes seen across the region, which augmented the steepness of stream and river beds and formed the deep and narrow canyons witnessed across the terrain today.
In terms of human history, Yosemite was once the home of the Ahwahneechee people for many thousands of years before settlers first arrived at the lands. This wasn't the first Native American tribe, but the Ahwahneechee were indeed present in the 1800s when outsiders first encountered them. Interestingly, the tribe is also responsible for the naming of Yosemite Valley.
Later, on October 1, 1890, Yosemite was officialized as a national park. More than 125 years after its inauguration, it still enchants the millions of visitors who come to enjoy its majestic beauty in the modern day.