Private Yosemite Valley Tour with Riverside Cookout Dinner

Afternoon among Yosemite's landmarks, then dinner grilled tableside on the riverbank

A private seven-hour tour of Yosemite Valley's iconic sites, followed by an organic dinner prepared and served on the bank of the Merced River. The afternoon includes sightseeing and walking among the valley landmarks, a swim in mountain water, and a meal that begins with fresh fruit and salad, moves through a locally sourced grilled steak with seasonal vegetables, and closes with pie. Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, park entry, and a Klean Kanteen water bottle are included. The guide speaks English and leads the group throughout.

The experience

Seven hours gives you the afternoon to move through Yosemite Valley's landmarks at an unhurried pace, then settle into dinner as the light changes. The guide handles the route and the timing, so you walk where the valley's most recognizable sites stand without arranging the logistics yourself. Between the sightseeing and the meal, you swim in the Merced River: the guide sets the table and fires up the grill while you're in the water.

Dinner arrives in stages. Fresh fruit, green salad and sourdough bread come first, then a locally sourced ribeye with two grilled seasonal vegetables. Sparkling lemonade and iced tea flow throughout, and the meal closes with a selection of summer pies. The operator notes that vegetarian options and other food preferences are available on request. Everything (transport, the guide, park entry, the water bottle) is included in one price. National park fees for international visitors are collected in-destination if they apply.

The tour runs as a private booking, so the group is yours alone. The vehicle provides transport to and from designated meeting points, and all areas you'll visit are wheelchair accessible. The experience suits all fitness levels, and infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller.

What’s included

• Private guide in English.
• pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points.
• transport by private vehicle.
• National Park entry and reservation.
• dinner with organic locally sourced steak, grilled seasonal vegetables, fresh fruit, salad, sourdough bread, sparkling lemonade, iced tea and summer pie selection.
• Klean Kanteen water bottle.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (under 13)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 28 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Echo Adventure Cooperative, Inc

Is this one for you?The seven-hour commitment leaves room for an early morning hike or a late dinner in the valley, but rules out a full second destination in the same day. Book this if you want to spend the afternoon and early evening in one place, moving at a relaxed pace and ending with a memorable meal rather than rushing to fit multiple sites into the hours.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (under 13).

What are the iconic landmarks you see during the Yosemite Valley sightseeing portion?

The tour moves among Yosemite Valley's iconic landmarks, though the specific sites visited are not detailed in the itinerary. Your guide will lead you through the valley's most recognizable locations before you settle in for dinner on the Merced River bank.

Can I request a vegetarian meal for the cookout dinner?

Vegetarian options and other food preferences are available upon request. When you book, you can note your dietary needs and the operator will accommodate them for the grilled dinner.

What time does the seven-hour tour start, and when will I be dropped off?

The specific departure time is not listed in the tour details. Contact the operator to confirm the start time and pickup location that works for your schedule, and they'll arrange drop-off at a designated meeting point when the tour ends.

Is the Merced River swim included, or do I need to bring my own gear?

Swimming in the Merced River is part of the tour experience. Bring a swimsuit and towel. The guide will have the dinner prepared and ready when you emerge from the water.

Does the price include the national park entrance fee?

National Park Reservation and Entrance Fees are included in the tour price for US residents. International visitors may owe an additional fee collected in-destination at the time of the tour, not at booking.