Yosemite Tour

The question is what is there not to do Yosemite? The attractions in the park range from looking at the tiniest of wildflowers to the enormity of 1/2 Dome. The following is only a tiny slice of what you might do in Yosemite.

Auto Tours

For those interested in staying in their vehicle, you may choose to go on an auto tour. The famous scenic drive is along the Tiaga Road. A 39 mile drive from Crane Flat to Tiaga Pass. It is generally open from May through November. For info on other scenic routes throughout the park you can check out the Yosemite Road guide.

Mariposa Grove of Big Trees

If it is Giant Sequoias you seek, then you can't pass up visiting the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees. It is the largest of the 3 Sequoia groves, containing over 600 trees. There is an open air tour every 20 minutes that stops frequently so you can get off and look at the trees for yourself. You may also visit the museum. Other tours offered here are Ranger-led 90 minute narrated walks, a Ranger walk and tram ride, or a Photo Walk that is a great introduction to photographing the trees. The estimated time is 2 hours.

1/2 Dome

The 1/2 Dome is an icon of Yosemite Valley. It is estimated to be 87 million years old. Half of the enormous dome is gone, believed to have fallen off when the giant glaciers receded. Best Photo Op: From Sentinel Bridge where 1/2 Dome is reflected in the river.

Glacier Point

If you make the 32 mile trip up from the Valley, you'll be looking over the Valley from a 3200 foot vantage point. From there you can peer into millions of year's geological history; you can see the entire shape of the valley and beyond. Glacier Point Hut is a place you can stay overnight. It has new viewing terraces, an outdoor amphitheatre, Ranger talks and campfire programs. Glacier Point also contains the trailheads for popular day hikes and the less traveled wilderness. There is a narrated bus tour 3 times daily from the Valley up to Glacier Point. You can choose to ride the bus back or hike back down.

El Capitan

This magnificent rock is located at the entrance to Yosemite. It is four times the size of the Rock of Gibraltar. It is made of silver and white granite and rises 3500 feet.

Le Conte Memorial

Built by the Sierra Club in 1903, the Le Conte Memorial is a national historic landmark. With changing displays and a library focusing on the natural and human history of Yosemite and the Sierras, as well as the conservation issues that are so important to the area, the memorial is a must on the list of things to see. Among the displays are highlights of John Muir, Joseph LeConte, Ansel Adams and the early history of the Sierra Club and the Park.

Ansel Adams Gallery

Ansel Adams is the best known artist associated with Yosemite. He took photos of the park and surrounding areas for over 60 years. The gallery is known for having the best gift shop in Yosemite as well. There are free photography walks with knowledgeable experts offered daily. Reservations are advised. (www.anseladams.com)

There are narrated bus tours that operate daily. These tours will take you to the major attractions in the Valley and seasonally outside of the Valley.

Other tours to check out:
Custom Group Tours: 559-253-5600
Giant Sequoias: 209-372-0299
Moonlight Tours: 209-372-1240
Yosemite Tours General Site: www.yosemitetours.com