Yosemite Highlights Tour: Half Dome, Waterfalls & Sequoias

A full day of Yosemite's most famous granite cliffs, waterfalls and ancient groves, with lunch and photo stops built in.

A full-day small group tour of Yosemite National Park with pickup from Coarsegold, Bass Lake, Oakhurst or Fish Camp, led by an expert driver-guide who knows the park's seasonal access and weather shifts. You'll see Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (when the road is open), with frequent stops for photos and a walk to one or two waterfalls. Lunch, snacks and water are included. The guide adjusts the order of stops to give you the best experience possible given the day's conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Yosemite Valley4h · entry included
2. Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias1h · entry included

Explore Yosemite National Park highlights

• Travel through Yosemite by bus
• Stop for photos and short walks
• Visit Yosemite Valley viewpoints
• See Half Dome and El Capitan
• View Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls
• Explore Royal Arches and Turtleback Dome
• Stop at Three Brothers and Leaning Tower
• Visit Ribbon Fall and Cathedral Spires
• See Yosemite Chapel and Merced River
• Enjoy included picnic lunch
• Visit Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (if accessible)
• View Glacier Point and surrounding falls (if accessible)

The experience

What's the best way to see Yosemite's most famous viewpoints without driving yourself? A small group tour with pickup from the gateway towns (Coarsegold, Bass Lake, Oakhurst or Fish Camp) means you arrive at Tunnel View, Half Dome and El Capitan without navigating the park's winding roads or hunting for parking. The guide knows where the light hits each landmark and when the seasonal roads to Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove are passable, so the itinerary shifts based on what's actually open that day and what will give you the clearest views.

The bus itself becomes part of the experience: large picture windows frame the Merced River, Cathedral Spires and Turtleback Dome as you roll through the valley, and the guide talks through the geology, flora and history as the landscape changes. You'll stop for photos at multiple viewpoints and walk to one or two waterfalls: Bridalveil, Yosemite Falls, Vernal or Nevada Fall depending on the season and what the guide judges will be most rewarding that day. Mariposa Grove, where you stroll among the Giant Sequoias, is included when the road is open and shuttles are running.

Lunch (a choice of six sandwiches plus chips, fresh fruit and water) is eaten at a spot the guide chooses, so you don't lose time waiting in line at the valley's crowded cafes. The vehicles are air-conditioned, impeccably maintained and cleaned between tours. The full day runs nine hours from pickup to drop-off, and the guide adjusts stops and timing based on weather, road conditions and what's accessible that season.

What’s included

• Pickup from Coarsegold, Bass Lake, Oakhurst or Fish Camp.
• lunch with a choice of six sandwiches, chips, fresh fruit and water.
• air-conditioned vehicle with comfortable seats and large picture windows.
• expert English-speaking driver-guide.
• all national park fees and taxes.
• frequent photo stops and walks to waterfalls (seasonal).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayLast departure this season: 30 Nov

AgesAdult (16 to 61 years) · Senior (62 and older) · Child (3 to 15 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 27

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 22 pickup points.

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Discover Yosemite

Is this one for you?The tour runs nine hours with frequent stops but mostly from the bus, so it suits travelers who want to see Yosemite's most famous landmarks without driving themselves or planning which roads are open. The guide handles the route and timing based on the day's conditions and season.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 15 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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.

How many stops and viewpoints are included on this Yosemite tour?

The tour visits multiple stops across Yosemite Valley (Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, Royal Arches, Cathedral Spires, Tunnel View and others) plus Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias when the road is open. The exact order and which waterfalls you walk to depend on the season and what the guide judges will give you the best experience that day.

What's included in the lunch on this tour?

Lunch includes a choice of six sandwiches (Turkey & Provolone, Roast Beef & Cheddar, Ham & Swiss, Veggie, American Cheese, or PB&J), plus chips, fresh whole fruit, water and condiments on the side. It's eaten at a spot the guide selects, so you stay in the park without waiting in line at cafes.

Where do I get picked up for this Yosemite tour?

Pickup is available in Coarsegold, Bass Lake, Oakhurst or Fish Camp: all gateway towns near the park's western entrance. There is no pickup in Yosemite National Park itself, El Portal, Groveland, San Francisco, Fresno or Mammoth. Check your distance from one of the pickup towns before booking.

What happens if Glacier Point or Mariposa Grove are closed when I book?

Both Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove are seasonal and depend on road conditions. The guide adjusts the itinerary based on what's actually open and accessible that day, so you'll see the best combination of viewpoints and attractions available. The tour always includes Yosemite Valley's main landmarks: Half Dome, El Capitan, waterfalls and the valley floor itself.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not a strong hiker?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You'll have frequent photo stops and the option to walk to a waterfall or two, but the pace is set by the group and the guide, and you're never forced to hike beyond what feels comfortable. Most of the day is spent on the bus or at accessible viewpoints.

How long is the full-day tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs nine hours from pickup to drop-off. Exact start times depend on your pickup location. Confirm the time when you book based on which town you're picked up from.