Yosemite Valley Tour from Oakhurst: 4-Hour Guided Highlights

Catch sunrise light on Half Dome and Bridalveil Falls before the crowds arrive.

A 4-hour guided tour of Yosemite Valley departing at 6am from Oakhurst with hotel pickup and drop-off included. The route covers Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Bridge, El Capitan and the Merced River, plus Tunnel View and historic sites like Theodore Roosevelt's campsite. A local guide leads groups of up to 20 people. Bottled water and a sports bottle are provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Yosemite Valley highlights tour

• Depart from Oakhurst at 6am
• Visit Tunnel View
• See Bridalveil Falls
• View El Capitan
• Stop at Sentinel Bridge
• Explore Yosemite Falls
• Visit Merced River
• See Valley View
• Visit Fern Springs
• View President Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir's campsite
• Return to hotel

The experience

The tour leaves Oakhurst at 6am, which gets you into Yosemite Valley while light is still low and soft: the hour that photographers actually want. Your guide drives the group through Tunnel View first, then stops at Bridalveil Falls, where the water catches the morning sun, and moves through the valley floor to Sentinel Bridge, Yosemite Falls and El Capitan. You'll also see the Merced River, Valley View, Fern Springs and the historic campsites of Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir. The whole route is designed around what you can photograph and see clearly in that early window.

The group stays under 20 people, and hotel pickup means you don't drive yourself or navigate the park roads. Your guide handles the stops and the timing. Bottled water and a sports bottle come with the tour. Children from age 1 are welcome, though parents traveling with infants or young children need to bring car seats or booster seats as required by California law. The tour runs 4 hours, so you're back at your hotel by midday with the rest of the day ahead of you.

Weather and construction can close individual highlights without notice. Your guide will show alternative sites if that happens. Glacier Point is typically closed November through April. On select dates, a Glacier Point extension is available for an extra fee and would extend the tour to 8 hours. That's a choice you make at the time of travel. International visitors may owe a National Park entrance fee of $100 per person, collected when you arrive, not at booking.

What’s included

• Local guide in English.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Oakhurst.
• bottled water and a sports bottle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (12 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Child (1 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 25 pickup points.

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.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Crossroads Tours

Is this one for you?The 4-hour window means you capture the valley's highlights in the soft morning light and still have the afternoon free: ideal if you want the iconic views without committing a full day, or if you're combining this with other activities in the region.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 11 years).

What time does the tour leave Oakhurst and when do I get back to my hotel?

The tour departs at 6am from your hotel in Oakhurst and returns by midday, giving you the afternoon free.

What are the main stops on this Yosemite Valley tour?

The route includes Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, Sentinel Bridge, Yosemite Falls, the Merced River, Valley View, Fern Springs and the historic campsites of Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir.

Is hotel pickup included, and do I need to drive myself?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Oakhurst are included, so you don't drive or navigate the park yourself.

What happens if weather closes one of the waterfalls or viewpoints?

Your guide will show alternative sites in the valley if any highlight is closed due to weather or construction. Glacier Point is typically closed November through April.

Is the National Park entrance fee included in the tour price?

International visitors may owe a $100 National Park entrance fee per person, which is collected in Oakhurst at the time of travel, not at booking.