Yosemite 2-Day Tour from San Francisco with No Overnight Accommodation

FAQs

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• How long is the Yosemite 2-day tour?

  The guided portions are 6-7 hours on your departure day and 5-6 hours on your return day. Between these days, you have unguided free time to explore at your own pace.

• Why choose an overnight Yosemite tour vs. a day trip?

  It takes at least 4 hours to drive from San Francisco to Yosemite, so staying in Yosemite overnight gives you more time to enjoy the park. On a one-day tour from San Francisco to Yosemite, you’ll spend 8+ hours driving and only 6-8 hours in the park. An overnight trip allows you to see the highlights and enjoy:

  • Early morning wildlife spotting and fewer crowds
  • Time for longer hikes like Mist Trail or Mirror Lake
  • Sunset and sunrise photography opportunities
  • Evening ranger programs and stargazing
  • No rushed schedule – explore at your own pace

  Our expert guides handle all the driving, provide inside knowledge about the best photo spots and hidden gems, and take care of park entrance reservations, so you can relax and focus on the experience instead of navigation and logistics.

  When you factor in gas, parking fees ($35/day), overnight accommodation, and driving, our guided tour often costs less than going independently.

• Can you drop me off at my hotel in Yosemite?

  Our tour route only comes near the Yosemite Valley Lodge, so you’ll be responsible for arranging transportation to other accommodations and rejoining the tour on your return day. Learn about Yosemite Valley public transportation options here.

• What overnight accommodation options work best for this tour?

  Yosemite Valley Lodge is the most convenient option for our tour. For other lodges like Ahwahnee Hotel or Curry Village, you’ll need to use the free park shuttle system.

  Towns like Mariposa, Groveland, and El Portal offer excellent alternatives when park lodging is full. These are about 30-45 minutes from Yosemite Valley and often have better availability and pricing.

• Can you camp in Yosemite National Park?

  Yes, you can camp overnight in Yosemite National Park. Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines campgrounds offer first-come, first-served sites (typically available in early mornings). Backpacking camping is also available with permits.

  Housekeeping Camp offers tent cabins with basic amenities – a great middle ground between camping and hotel stays.

  For detailed transportation within the park and accommodation booking tips, check out our Overnighter’s Guide to Yosemite and YARTS information page. Our staff will also provide specific meeting instructions in your confirmation email.

• What activities do you recommend during my free time?

  There are many things to do in Yosemite National Park! Some fun options are a nature hike to Lower Yosemite Falls or the Sentinel Bridge; a bike ride to the Ahwahnee Hotel or Mirror Lake; taking the Yosemite Valley Shuttle to Curry Village; or swimming in the Merced River. For more ideas, ask your guide or check out our blog.

• When is the best time to visit Yosemite?

  Yosemite is open-year round, and the best time to visit Yosemite depends on what you want to do there. Visiting Yosemite in spring is the best time to see the waterfalls, while summer is best for hiking and fall is great for photography. Visiting Yosemite in winter can be challenging, since some of the roads and trails will be closed, but it’s a great time of year for cross-country skiing.

• Where and at what time will I meet the tour on the return date?

  Meet the tour vehicle for your return to San Francisco at the same location where you were dropped off — Stop 7 near the Yosemite Valley Lodge. Your confirmation email will let you know the exact time, and our staff will try contacting you on the return day to confirm the arrangements.

• Are meals included on the tour? Can I buy or bring my own?

  Meals aren’t included on the Yosemite 2-day tour, and you’re responsible for your own meals while staying in Yosemite. Gourmet dining is available at the Ahwahnee Hotel (reservations required) and more casual fare can be found at the Yosemite Valley Lodge and at Degnan’s Kitchen in Yosemite Village. You may bring your own snacks or meals into the park as long as they are secured in bear-proof containers.

• What do I need to know about the Giant Sequoias hike?

  The hike to the Giant Sequoias in Yosemite is only available when trail conditions are safe, usually April to October. The hike is a 2-mile round trail with a steep incline on the return. We allocate approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the experience.

  Individuals with respiratory issues or unused to strenuous exercise may skip the hike and wait in the seating area at Tuolumne Grove trailhead.

• What is YARTS?

  YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) is a public transit bus service operating in Yosemite Valley along Highway 140 and Highway 120, with service along Highway 41 from May to September. One-way tickets cost $8-12, and you can bring backpacks, though larger bags go in under-seat compartments.

  Contact YARTS at +1 877-989-2787 for current schedules.

• What are the transportation options to reach Yosemite?

  The best way to get to Yosemite from San Francisco is to drive, take a public bus and/or train, or take a tour. While there’s no direct train from San Francisco to Yosemite, you can take Amtrak to Merced, then transfer to YARTS buses. This takes 6-8 hours total and requires multiple transfers with luggage.

  Driving to Yosemite from San Francisco is at least a 4-hour drive along winding roads with potential traffic and weather delays. There’s an entrance fee of $35 per vehicle, and during peak season, you’ll need advance entrance reservations.

  Our Yosemite 2-day tour includes all necessary park entrance fees and reservations, eliminating the stress of trying to secure entry during busy periods. You’ll enjoy:

  • Direct pickup from your San Francisco hotel
  • No transfers or schedule coordination needed
  • Expert guide provides commentary during the scenic drive
  • Includes park entrance reservations (required during peak season)
  • Comfortable, climate-controlled coaches with restrooms stops

• Are there restrooms on the bus?

  There are no restrooms on the bus, but we plan brief rest stops approximately every two hours. Most stops include options for snacks and a chance to stretch. If you ever need an extra stop, just let us know, and we’ll be happy to accommodate!

• How to visit Yosemite for cheap?

  You can visit Yosemite National Park for cheap by choosing budget accommodation, bringing your own snacks and meals, using the free park shuttle system, and visiting outside of peak season. Our group tours also offer significant savings compared to independent travel, especially when you factor in all costs.

  Independent travel typically costs $200-300 per person (gas, parking, accommodation), while our tour starts at $269 and eliminates transportation stress and planning time.

• What time does Yosemite parking fill up?

  During peak season (June-August), Yosemite Valley parking typically fills by 9-10 AM on weekends and 10 AM-12 PM on weekdays. Half Dome Village and Curry Village lots fill up first. During the shoulder season (April-May, September-October), parking is usually available until 11 AM-1 PM, with weekends filling faster.

  In winter (November-March), parking is generally available throughout the day, though some lots may be closed due to snow.