2-Day Yosemite National Park Winter Tour From San Francisco

Exploring the wintry wonders of Yosemite National Park is a captivating prospect for nature enthusiasts seeking a respite from the city. This 2-day guided tour from San Francisco promises an immersive experience, transporting visitors to the park’s awe-inspiring landscapes blanketed in snow. From iconic landmarks like Half Dome to thrilling winter activities like snowshoeing, the itinerary offers a well-rounded adventure. Comfortable accommodations and eco-friendly transportation further enhance the journey, ensuring a sustainable and rejuvenating getaway. While the tour’s highlights are undoubtedly enticing, there’s more to discover about this remarkable winter escape.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best National Park Tours In San Francisco.

Key Points

• A 2-day guided experience exploring the winter landscapes of Yosemite National Park, including iconic landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.
• Departure from San Francisco with a narrated coach tour of Yosemite Valley, providing an opportunity to experience the park’s serene winter atmosphere.
• Offers winter activities such as snowshoeing and ice skating, along with accommodations at Yosemite Valley Lodge or Curry Village Heated Tent Cabins.
• Includes eco-friendly transportation via biodiesel vans, minimizing environmental impact while ensuring comfortable transfers to the park.
• Allows ample time for leisure activities, including visiting the Ansel Adams Gallery and discovering Yosemite’s hidden gems.

Tour Overview

The Yosemite National Park Winter Tour typically provides a comprehensive 2-day guided experience, allowing visitors to explore the park’s stunning wintertime landscapes and attractions.

The tour departs from San Francisco and includes a narrated coach tour of Yosemite Valley, highlighting iconic sights like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. Guests can also enjoy winter activities such as snowshoeing and ice skating.

Overnight accommodations are provided at Yosemite Valley Lodge or Curry Village Heated Tent Cabins, ensuring a cozy and immersive experience.

The eco-friendly transport in a biofueled mini-coach adds to the tour’s sustainability. With an overall rating of 4.0 from 8 reviews, this winter tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Yosemite’s natural wonders during the off-peak season.

Itinerary Details

This Yosemite National Park Winter Tour typically spans a 2-day itinerary, with the first day focused on transportation and initial sightseeing in the park.

Departing from San Francisco, travelers will stop at the bay and central valley before arriving at Yosemite and exploring the famous Tunnel View overlook. The rest of the day is spent at Yosemite Valley Lodge or the cozy heated tent cabins in Curry Village.

On the second day, guests have a full free day to enjoy Yosemite at their leisure, including:

• Visiting the iconic Yosemite Falls

• Exploring the Ansel Adams Gallery

• Going on a leisurely snowshoe walk

• Ice skating on the outdoor rink

• Taking in the stunning winter scenery

Yosemite Valley Highlights

Yosemite Valley boasts a stack of iconic natural wonders that captivate visitors year-round, from the majestic granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome to the thundering cascades of Yosemite Falls.

On this winter tour, travelers will have the opportunity to marvel at these breathtaking sights, including the famous Tunnel View, which offers a panoramic vista of the valley’s dramatic landscape.

Whether exploring the Ansel Adams Gallery or simply taking in the serene winter atmosphere, visitors are sure to be enchanted by Yosemite’s natural beauty.

With ample time to wander and discover the park’s hidden gems, this tour provides an unforgettable wintertime experience in one of America’s most iconic national treasures.

Winter Activities

Beyond the iconic sights, this Yosemite winter tour offers visitors a chance to actively engage with the park’s snowy landscapes.

Travelers can strap on snowshoes and explore Yosemite’s serene trails, gliding across pristine white expanses and seeing the park’s tranquil winter beauty.

Plus, the tour includes an opportunity to lace up skates and take a spin on the ice rink, allowing guests to experience the park’s winter recreation in an authentic and immersive way.

The winter activities on this tour include:

• Snowshoeing through the park’s serene trails

• Ice skating on the Yosemite Valley Lodge rink

• Admiring the dramatic winter scenery of Yosemite Falls

• Visiting the Ansel Adams Gallery to appreciate the park’s beauty

• Enjoying the cozy ambiance of the Yosemite Valley Lodge or Curry Village Heated Tent Cabins.

Accommodation Options

Travelers on the Yosemite National Park Winter Tour can choose between two types of overnight accommodations: the Yosemite Valley Lodge or the Curry Village Heated Tent Cabins.

The Yosemite Valley Lodge offers modern rooms and amenities, providing a comfortable stay in the heart of the park.

In contrast, the Curry Village Heated Tent Cabins offer a more rustic, yet cozy, experience with the convenience of heating to keep guests warm on chilly winter nights.

Both options provide easy access to the park’s winter attractions, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the Yosemite experience.

Regardless of the choice, visitors can look forward to a memorable overnight stay during their two-day Yosemite adventure.

Eco-Friendly Transport

The tour operator utilizes eco-friendly biodiesel vans to transport guests, minimizing the tour’s environmental impact while ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey.

These biofueled mini-coaches adhere to the latest green transportation standards, reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Travelers can sit back, relax, and take in the breathtaking scenery as they’re whisked away to the wintry wonderland of Yosemite National Park.

Some key benefits of the eco-friendly transport include:

• Reduced environmental footprint

• Comfortable and spacious seating

• Knowledgeable and friendly drivers

• Efficient and reliable transportation

• Seamless transfers to and from the park

Inclusions and Exclusions

This 2-day Yosemite National Park winter tour from San Francisco includes a guided coach tour of the Yosemite Valley, along with overnight accommodations at either the Yosemite Valley Lodge or the Curry Village Heated Tent Cabins.

The tour also provides eco-friendly transport in a biofueled mini-coach and covers the Yosemite park entrance fee.

However, meals and drinks aren’t included, and travelers will need to pay for their own gratuities.

Guests are limited to one small overnight bag per person, and a minimum of 5 passengers is required for the tour to depart.

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 14 days in advance.

Booking Information

When booking this tour, travelers can expect to receive confirmation within 48 hours of making their reservation.

A minimum of 5 passengers is required for the tour to depart, with a maximum of 13 travelers per group.

Plus, guests are limited to bringing one small overnight bag per person, measuring approximately 13.5’x12’x11′.

Free cancellation is available up to 14 days in advance.

The booking information for this Yosemite National Park winter tour includes:

• Confirmation received within 48 hours of booking

• Minimum of 5 passengers required for tour departure

• Maximum of 13 travelers per tour

• One small overnight bag allowed per person (~13.5’x12’x11′)

• Free cancellation up to 14 days in advance

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Footwear Is Recommended for the Tour?

The tour description does not specify recommended footwear. However, for a winter visit to Yosemite, warm and waterproof boots or shoes with good traction would be advisable to navigate snowy and icy conditions comfortably and safely.

Can the Tour Accommodate Vegetarian or Vegan Dietary Requirements?

The tour can accommodate vegetarian and vegan dietary requirements. Travelers should notify the tour operator of any dietary needs when booking, and the tour provider will work to ensure appropriate meal options are available during the trip.

Is There Any Free Time to Explore Yosemite on Our Own?

Yes, the tour provides free time on the second day for travelers to explore Yosemite Valley on their own. The itinerary includes 6 hours of free time to visit sights like Yosemite Falls and the Ansel Adams Gallery.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 14 days in advance. This allows travelers flexibility in their plans and the ability to receive a full refund if they need to cancel their trip.

Can We Bring Our Own Equipment for Winter Activities?

The tour package does not provide winter activity equipment, but travelers are welcome to bring their own. Participants should check with the tour operator about any size or weight restrictions for personal gear.

Recap

This 2-day Yosemite winter tour from San Francisco offers a chance to experience the park’s stunning beauty under a blanket of snow.

Visitors can explore iconic landmarks, enjoy winter activities like snowshoeing, and stay in comfortable accommodations while traveling sustainably.

Whether it’s admiring the towering granite cliffs or gliding across an ice rink, this tour provides an unforgettable escape into Yosemite’s serene, winter wonderland.