Yosemite Valley Day Tour: Half Dome, Waterfalls, Mono Lake

Half Dome, El Capitan, waterfalls and alpine meadows in one 14-hour sweep

A 14-hour guided tour from Lake Tahoe into Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra, led by a professional guide and including park entry, buffet lunch, morning snacks, and beer and wine. You'll see Half Dome, El Capitan, Tunnel View and Mono Lake, and walk to either Yosemite Falls or Bridalveil Falls depending on the season and weather. Pickup is included. Non-U.S. residents may pay an additional park entrance fee at the destination.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each8 stops

1. Bridalveil Fall30m
2. El Capitan30m
3. Tuolumne Meadowspassing by
4. Tioga Passpassing by
5. Yosemite ValleyEntry included4h
6. Tunnel View20m
7. Mono Lakepassing by
8. Half Dome15m

Yosemite National Park day tour

• Depart from South Lake Tahoe
• Scenic stop at Mono Lake
• Enter Yosemite via Tioga Pass
• Scenic stop in the high country
• Visit Tuolumne Meadows (pass by)
• Scenic stop at Tunnel View
• Scenic stop at the Dome
• Photo stop at Half Dome
• Scenic stop at El Capitan
• Scenic stop at Bridalveil Fall
• Walk to Yosemite Falls or Bridalveil Falls
• Picnic lunch and drinks in Yosemite Valley
• Final stop in Yosemite Valley
• Return to South Lake Tahoe

The experience

The tour departs Lake Tahoe and climbs into Yosemite National Park through Tioga Pass, entering the high country before descending into Yosemite Valley. Your guide narrates the landscape as you pass through Tuolumne Meadows and stop at Tunnel View, where Half Dome and El Capitan come into frame across the valley floor. The route takes in Mono Lake, a terminal alpine lake just outside the park boundary, and multiple scenic overlooks in the high country before settling into the valley itself.

The day centers on a walk to either Yosemite Falls or Bridalveil Falls, which one depends on the time of year and weather conditions. Buffet lunch, morning snacks, beer and wine are included, so you're eating and drinking as part of the itinerary rather than hunting for a cafe. The guide handles the narration and the route. You handle the walking and the stops. At 14 hours, this is a full day that leaves little room for anything else.

Pickup from your Lake Tahoe location is included in the price. Non-U.S. residents should know that an additional park entrance fee of USD 100 per person may apply and is collected at the destination, not at booking. The tour operates year-round, though the specific waterfall walk shifts with conditions. Ask when you book if you have a preference.

What’s included

• Pickup from Lake Tahoe.
• professional guide narrating the route.
• Yosemite National Park entry fees.
• buffet lunch.
• morning snacks.
• beer and wine.
• a guided walk to either Yosemite Falls or Bridalveil Falls depending on conditions.
• fuel surcharge.

Information

Lasts 14h, from US$ 270 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 2 Jun 20272 departing soon ›

GroupUp to 23

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (1 to 15 years)

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

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Discover Lake Tahoe Tours

Is this one for you?Book this 14-hour tour when you want a guide narrating the landscape and route decisions for you, plus meals included so you're not breaking to find food.

Traveler reviews

4.89★★★★★★★★★★

207 verified traveler reviews

5 ★197

4 ★5

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★4

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 15 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls on this tour?

The tour visits whichever waterfall is accessible on the day you go, depending on season and weather. Both are scenic walks in Yosemite Valley. The guide decides which one based on conditions at the time.

Does the 14-hour tour include time to explore Yosemite Valley on my own?

The itinerary includes multiple stops in and around the valley (Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, Tunnel View and the waterfall walk), but this is a guided tour with a set route, not free time to wander the valley independently.

Is the buffet lunch included, or do I need to bring my own food?

Buffet lunch is included, along with morning snacks, beer and wine. You don't need to pack a meal.

Will I see Half Dome and Mono Lake on the same day?

Yes. Half Dome is a photo stop in Yosemite Valley, and Mono Lake is a scenic stop just outside the park boundary on the route. Both are part of the day's itinerary.

What should I wear for a 14-hour day in Yosemite?

Dress in smart casual: the operator recommends not overdressing because it's warmer in Yosemite Valley than at higher elevations. Bring layers for the elevation changes and comfortable walking shoes for the waterfall walk.