2-Day Yosemite National Park Winter Tour from San Francisco

Immerse yourself in the beauty and solitude of Yosemite National Park in the winter for two days of crisp, fresh mountain air on this semi-guided tour. At night, sleep comfortably in the historic Yosemite Valley Lodge nestled in the heart of Yosemite Valley. Here you will witness a Yosemite that few tourists get to see: towering granite monoliths blanketed in snow and magnificent waterfalls frozen in time. This itinerary allows for both a guided portion and ample free time to explore on your own. During this time may choose to hike, go snowshoeing, ice skate, grab a hot drink by the fire, or take a guided tour of the valley floor. This winter voyage to Yosemite is the ultimate laid-back winter holiday and not to be missed.

Itinerary

Day 1: San Francisco to Yosemite

Pass By: San Francisco Bay, San Francisco, CA
Leave San Francisco behind and cross the Bay Bridge, offering amazing views of Alcatraz Island and Angel Island. Cruise through Oakland, the East Bay and on to Central Valley to stop for groceries (own expense). Travel through Gold Country and the Sierra Nevada Foothills

Stop At: Central Valley, California 96080, USA
Travel through California's Central Valley and see where most of California's almonds, figs, corn and more are grown. Here we will make a short stop so you can grab lunch for later and any local produce for hiking snacks. You can also pick up any other needed last-minute supplies for the days ahead.
Duration: 30 minutes

Pass By: Yosemite National Park, Yosemite National Park, California
Begin with a one and a half hour guided driving tour descending through Yosemite's glaciated valley with its famous waterfalls and rock formations, and stop to take pictures and see the views.

Stop At: Tunnel View, Wawona Road, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Make a photo stop at Tunnel View, one of the most famous in the park.
Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Yosemite Valley Lodge, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA
Stop for the afternoon at Yosemite Valley Lodge; right at the base of Yosemite Falls. Check in to the hotel, or just store your luggage at the front desk. With maps in hand, you'll get a chance to explore Yosemite's natural wonders on your own for the remainder of the day. Before exiting the vehicle, your guide will provide a choice of activities that may include: checking out the Visitor's Center and Ansel Adams Gallery, hiking some of the trails in the valley (snowshoes available for rent at Curry Village), taking the free shuttle around other parts of the valley, listening to fireside stories at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel and/or enjoying a ranger program provided by the park service.

Duration: 6 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight accommodations at Yosemite Valley Lodge or the Curry Village Heated Tent Cabins.

Day 2: Yosemite Valley Free Day and back to San Francisco

Stop At: Yosemite Valley, 9035 Village Dr, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389-9912
Wake at your leisure and enjoy the morning and early afternoon to explore as you please. Feel free to leave your luggage at the front desk while you soak up the rest of your time in this beautiful destination.
Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Yosemite Valley Lodge, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA
Grab a few last photos and make sure to meet your guide at 3:30pm for the journey back to San Francisco. You'll stop at the halfway point to grab a bite to eat.
Duration: 30 minutes

Pass By: San Francisco, San Francisco, California
Enjoy the skyline of San Francisco at night as we cross the Bay Bridge and return you to your lodging. You should be back at your hotel around 8-9pm.

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.