Yosemite National Park Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Yosemite National Park Tours & Trips

• When's the best time to visit Yosemite and what can I expect each season?

  You can visit Yosemite any time of year and honestly each season has something special to offer. Spring is amazing with waterfalls at their peak from all that melting snow and you'll see wildflowers everywhere in the meadows. Tioga Pass usually opens late May or early June which lets you get up to beautiful Tuolumne Meadows. Summer's the busiest time but it's perfect for hiking especially up to spots like Cathedral Lake which we feature on our Autocamp Summer Tour and you can join some great ranger programs. If you're looking to avoid crowds fall's your best bet plus you'll get those incredible autumn colors in Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. Winter turns everything into this magical snowy landscape and it's ideal if you want to try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing with way fewer people around.

• How do I get around the park once I'm there?

  Getting around Yosemite is actually pretty straightforward. There's a free shuttle in Yosemite Valley that runs all year and takes you to all the main spots like Yosemite Village Curry Village and popular trailheads. If you want to explore beyond the valley the YARTS bus connects you with towns like Mammoth Lakes and Merced. During summer you can drive the scenic Tioga Pass Road which has these amazing viewpoints along the way. You can bring your own car but just know parking gets tight especially in peak season so the shuttle's often your best bet. There's also 12 miles of bike paths if you want to explore on two wheels.

• What should I definitely not miss as a first-time visitor?

  You've got to experience Yosemite's iconic spots on your first visit. Make sure you hike to Yosemite Falls - it's North America's highest at 2425 feet and it's just incredible. The Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls is challenging but worth it you'll actually feel the spray hitting your face as you climb those granite steps. Take some time to stand beneath El Capitan it's massive and you might spot climbers up there. Drive or hike up to Glacier Point for these amazing views of Half Dome Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra. And don't skip Mariposa Grove where you'll find over 500 Giant Sequoias including the Grizzly Giant that's been standing there for 2700 years.

• Is it good for families and what can we do with kids?

  Your family will love Yosemite there's so much for kids to do here. You've got these really easy paved trails around Mirror Lake and Lower Yosemite Fall that work great for little legs. Kids get super excited about the Junior Ranger program where they can earn their own badge. Having a picnic by the Merced River is perfect for families and the Yosemite Museum and Indian Village help kids learn about the park's history in a fun way. If you want something more structured try a private tour like our Autocamp Summer Tour where you can customize everything to what works for your family whether that's swimming at Cathedral Lake or exploring North Dome at your own speed.

• What kinds of tours can I take and how do I pick the right one?

  We've got all sorts of tours at TourRadar to match what you're looking for. If you want a good overview go for a guided bus tour like our "California Coast & Las Vegas - 5 days" which includes that amazing Yosemite Falls hike. For something more intimate our "Yosemite & Tahoe Sierras - 4 Days" gets you hiking and swimming in mountain lakes - Lisa one of our travelers loved the small group size. If you're into photography we've got special tours that'll get you to those perfect photo spots when the lighting's just right. Want something totally customized? Our private tours let you plan exactly what you want to see with your own guide. Just think about what interests you most your fitness level how much you want to spend and whether you prefer traveling with a group or more independently.