Yosemite Valley Stay & Play Winter Tour

Highlights / General details

Immerse yourself in the beauty and solitude of Yosemite National Park in the winter season and run away with us for two days of crisp, fresh mountain air. Here you will witness a Yosemite that few tourists get to see: towering granite monoliths blanketed in snow and magnificent waterfalls frozen in time. At night, sleep warm and comfortably in the Yosemite Valley Lodge, nestled in the heart of Yosemite Valley.

During your free time, you’ll have the flexibility to craft your own experience: choose to hike some of the valley trails, join a ranger program, go snowshoeing, ice skate, or take a guided tour of the valley floor while surrounded by some of Yosemite’s most prominent landmarks. In the evening, kick back with a warm drink, arrange a twilight or night hike, or hear stories told fireside at the Majestic Yosemite (formerly Ahwahnee) Hotel. The choice is entirely up to you!

Only the explorer who visits Yosemite National Park in the winter months will truly understand the exquisite silence and majestic views that endeared travelers like John Muir, Ansel Adams, and Theodore Roosevelt to this astounding landscape. With fewer visitors and more solitude, this winter voyage to Yosemite is not to be missed.

Inclusion

Complimentary pick-up/drop-off from your San Francisco hotel; Yosemite Park entrance fee; Overnight accommodations (Yosemite Valley Lodge).

Exclusion

Meals (stops will be made to purchase food at appropriate times during the day); Ice skating, skiing, etc.; Guide gratuity.

Hours of operation

Available daily during November-March, pick-up from 6:00am-7:00am. No tour departures on January 1, November 21-23, December 23-25 & 30-31.

Duration

2 days - approximately 39 hours door-to-door. Drive to Yosemite is approximately 3.5 hours each way.

Location

Hotel pick-up is from 4 central San Francisco locations: Sheraton FW, Le

Meridien, Marriott Union Square, and Holiday Inn Civic Center.

Itinerary

Day 1:

6:00am-7:00am - Pick up.

7:00am-10:30am - Take the Bay Bridge to Oakland and the East Bay, then on to the Central Valley. After a 15-minute rest at a deli or local fruit stand to pick up some provisions for your day, hop back in the vehicle and travel through the Gold Country into the mountains.

Approx. 11:00am - Arrive at Yosemite National Park.

11:00am-12:30pm - 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. From these higher elevations, you can see El Capitan, Half Dome, and many of the frozen waterfalls all at once!

12:30pm - (end of day) 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.

Maps and guides 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:

- getting some lunch or dinner at any of the wonderful restaurants in the area (dining guides available upon request).

- spending time at the main visitor's center or the Ansel Adams Gallery.

- hiking some of the trails from the valley (snowshoes are available for rent at Half Dome Village if you’re feeling adventurous).

- taking a guided tour of the valley.

- ice skating at the Half Dome Village ice rink.

- listening to fireside storytelling at the Majestic (formerly Ahwahnee) Hotel.

- taking a twilight or night hike with an experienced Yosemite guide.

Day 2:

7:00am (or whenever you choose to start your day) Enjoy breakfast at Yosemite Lodge (included in your stay - just present them with your ticket!), and then head back out for another day of exploring. Check your bag at the desk, and pick it up when you’re ready to head home!

8:00am-3:30pm Hang out in Yosemite and do as you please; just be ready to meet your group back at Yosemite Lodge at 3:30pm for the journey back home.

3:30pm-9:00pm Head back West through the mountains, orchards, and fields towards the city. Enjoy the skyline of San Francisco at night as we cross the Bay Bridge and return you to your lodging.

Additional Information

Please bring a small overnight bag (something that can fit under the seat); Hiking boots or durable sneakers (preferably gortex or waterproof); Warm layers (long underwear & wool fleece suggested); Waterproof jacket/pants for winter conditions; Gloves, wool socks and a hat (75% of your body heat is lost through your hands, head, and feet); Water Bottle & Sun protection.

Policies

Cancellation: 15 days prior 50% penalty, 1 day prior 100% penalty. No show 100% penalty.

Weather permitting. Some activities are not accessible in extreme weather or due to road closures. Every attempt will be made to find comparable activities if these options are not available during your trip.

Tours may be cancelled or modified due to lack of participation, vehicle breakdowns, weather conditions or road conditions.

Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**