3-Day Yosemite Tour: Tunnel View, Waterfalls & Glacier Point

Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, stand at Glacier Point's overlook, and sleep beside the river or in a hotel room

A 3-day guided tour of Yosemite National Park departing from Los Angeles and Orange County, with groups of 6–14 travelers. You'll hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, visit Tunnel View and Glacier Point, explore Mariposa Grove's giant sequoias, and choose between camping beside the river or a nearby hotel room for both nights. The tour includes transportation, park entry, five meals, guided activities, and evening campfires with s'mores. Guides speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic. Children from age 6 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Journey to Yosemite & First Iconic Views

• Stroll among giant sequoias at Mariposa Grove
• View Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View
• Walk to Bridalveil Fall viewing area
• Settle into campsite or hotel
• Relax by the river
• Group dinner and campfire with s'mores

Day 2: Waterfalls, Iconic Hikes & Valley Exploration

• Explore Happy Isles and learn about wildlife
• Hike Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
• Lunch with view at Vernal Fall
• Visit Glacier Point viewpoint

Day 3: Yosemite Valley & Scenic Return

• Leisurely explore Yosemite Valley
• Optional bicycle rental for valley paths
• Group lunch
• Scenic drive back to Orange County and Los Angeles

The experience

The drive from Los Angeles and Orange County takes you straight into Yosemite's most recognizable views. Day one ends at Tunnel View, where El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all appear in a single frame: the kind of vista that stops conversation. You'll walk the short trail to Bridalveil Fall itself, a 620-foot drop that sends mist into the air depending on the season, then settle into your chosen lodging: either a tent beside the river or a hotel room one minute away. Everyone gathers for dinner and s'mores around the campfire.

Day two is the physical heart of the trip. You start at Happy Isles, where your guide walks you through Yosemite's wildlife and the glacial geology that carved the valley, then tackle the Mist Trail alongside the Merced River. The trail climbs toward Vernal Fall, growing louder and wetter as you approach. You'll eat lunch at the base with the waterfall roaring above. Afterward, you drive up to Glacier Point, a high overlook that shows you the entire landscape from above: the same valley you just hiked through, now spread out beneath you at a scale that makes the morning's exertion feel small.

Day three moves at a slower pace. The morning is yours to walk Yosemite Valley on your own, rent a bicycle if you want one, or sit by the Merced River. Lunch happens before the drive back to Los Angeles and Orange County, giving you time to talk through the three days with the other travelers before heading home.

What’s included

• Transportation from Los Angeles and Orange County, Yosemite National Park entrance fees, two breakfasts and two lunches plus one hot dinner, guided hikes and activities led by a live guide, campfire s'mores on the first evening, and camping equipment if you choose the camping option.
• the hotel option includes a room in nearby accommodations instead.

Options for this experience

2 options

Three-day Yosemite tour departing from Los Angeles and Orange CountyGuide in 4 languages · 06:00

Hotel room included in the Comfort PackageGuide in 4 languages · 06:00The Comfort Package covers a hotel room with two beds. The price shown is per person and covers one bed.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 84 years) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 13

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Rafiki Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the camping option if you want to sleep beside the river and wake up inside the park. Pick the hotel if you prefer a private room and a short drive to the activities. Either way, the small group size, just 6 to 14 travelers, keeps the pace manageable and the experience personal.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

10 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What's the difference between the camping and hotel options on this tour?

Both options include the same guided activities, meals, and evening gatherings. The camping package puts you in a tent beside the river. The hotel package is a room in nearby accommodations one minute away. You choose which one at checkout.

How difficult is the Mist Trail hike on day two?

The Mist Trail follows the Merced River as it climbs toward Vernal Fall, with towering granite cliffs and lush forest around you. The guide describes it as an iconic hike with a well-deserved break and lunch at the base of the waterfall. Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

What meals are included over the three days?

The tour includes two breakfasts, two lunches, and one hot dinner, plus s'mores around the campfire on the first evening. You'll eat lunch at Vernal Fall on day two with the waterfall as your view.

Does the tour operate on fixed dates, or can I book a private departure?

Public departures run on set dates throughout July, August, September, and October. Private departures are available upon request. Contact the operator directly to arrange one.