Small Group Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley Tour
SMALL GROUP TOURS – We specialize in private and small group tours for some very good reasons. While other tour companies have large buses, the Crossroads Tours fleet of SUVs and vans offers a more nimble and comfortable experience for a small group, usually up to 8-12 guests.. Our smaller vehicles are able to stop and visit places the big buses can’t reach. Together we will access some of Yosemite’s most unique attractions and enjoy a fresh picnic lunch while savoring the park’s majestic views! Occasionally, if we are over booked in peak season, we may have to use a mini-bus that can accommodate up to 25 guests and still be able to go to Glacier Point. For larger families and corporate events we also have a 25 passenger mini-bus which we use for Private Tours.
OPTIONAL FOUR MILE TRAIL HIKE – If you’re looking for a small group tour AND a challenging hike (elevation difference of 3,200 ft.), we are the only touring company who offers the Four Mile Trail. After taking in the unparalleled view from Glacier Point you have the option of hiking down to the valley floor where we will meet you. Bring your hiking boots and trekking poles if you want to take the Four Mile Trail!
Fresno,Madera, Merced [Total tour time: 10-11 hours].
Yosemite Tour – $249/adult, $229/senior over 60, and $99/child under 12.
Includes Personal Guide, Picnic Lunch, Water, Park Fees, and Gratuities.
Minimum of 5 guests total required for tour in November – March. If less than 5 guests, then tour will be cancelled.
Oakhurst, Bass Lake, Coarsegold [Total Tour time: 8-9 hours].
Mariposa, Midpines [Total tour time: 7-8 hours].
El Portal [Total tour time: 6-7 hours].
Yosemite Tour – $189/adult, $169/senior over 60, and $99/child under 12.
Includes Personal Guide, Picnic Lunch, Water, Park Fees, and Gratuities.
Minimum of 5 guests total required for tour in November – March. If less than 5 guests, then tour will be cancelled.
Oakhurst to Yosemite Group Tour
Tenaya Lodge [Total tour time: 7-8 hours].
Yosemite Tour – $179/adult, $159/senior over 60, and $99/child under 12.
Includes Personal Guide, Picnic Lunch, Water, Park Fees, and Gratuities.
Minimum of 5 guests total required for tour in November – March. If less than 5 guests, then tour will be cancelled.
For Tenaya Lodge guests or Airbnb guests within walking distance of Tenaya Lodge.
Fish Camp to Yosemite Group Tour
Itinerary
Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley
We depart Fresno between 5:15am and 5:45am in summer, and between 7:00am and 8:00am in winter. As we leave Fresno the landscape changes from the Central Valley to the Sierra Foothills. We wind through the wine country of Madera and pass through Coarsegold and arrive in Oakhurst.
We depart Oakhurst at 6:45 in summer and between 8:00am and 9:00am in winter. From Oakhurst we have the option to go through Bass Lake/Fish Camp and enter the park via the South Gate (the Mountain View Drive), OR we may journey up Highway 49 through Mariposa/Midpines, traveling on what we call the River View Drive, which follows the Merced River all the way to Yosemite through the Arch Rock Entrance. It all depends on where our guests are today.
At Chinquapin we have the option of going into Yosemite Valley first or Glacier Point first. If there is heavy traffic due to the busy season, we prefer to visit Yosemite Valley first and then go to Glacier Point for our picnic lunch. If we go to Glacier Point first our lunch break is at Yosemite Falls.
As we climb up to Glacier Point we see several trailheads; McGurk Meadow, Ostrander Lake, Bridalveil Creek, and Dewey Point. We pass the Badger Pass ski area, Sentinel Dome, Taft Point trailhead, and Washburn Point.
We will stop at Glacier Point for 35-45 minutes. If you wish, this is where you would start the Four Mile Trail and the remaining guests will stay in the vehicle as we drive down to the valley.
Glacier Point is an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Nevada Fall, and the Yosemite High Country. This viewpoint is accessible only by smaller vehicles from approximately late May through October or November. Big buses not allowed! From the parking lot a short walk to the viewpoint will reward you with a view you will never forget. With binoculars, you may be able to spot hikers on top of Half Dome! Be sure to get a selfie and “make a Y for Yosemite!”
When we reach Yosemite Valley, we will go through a long rock tunnel and emerge at the Tunnel View, a dramatic reveal of the valley’s most prominent features; Cloud’s Rest, El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. This is where Ansel Adams captured his famous photo, “Clearing Winter Storm”. This is also the trailhead for Inspiration Point, which is located on the old stagecoach road into Yosemite. We will stop at the Tunnel View for 10-15 minutes before continuing on to closer views of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. Time permitting, we may walk to the base of Bridalveil Fall or keep going into Yosemite Valley to see Cathedral Rocks on our right and Yosemite Falls on our left. Other features you will see are Yosemite Chapel, Yosemite Lodge, and Sentinel Bridge, which sports a breathtaking view of Half Dome. Make sure you get a picture from this vantage point of Half Dome and its reflection in the Merced River. From Yosemite Lodge you will have the opportunity to walk to the base of Yosemite Falls, visit the souvenir shop, use the restrooms, and get some refreshing coffee or tea.
Leaving Yosemite Lodge, we will make another stop in front of the iconic El Capitan, Spanish for “The Captain”. El Capitan rises over 3,000 feet from the valley floor and is one of the largest granite monoliths in the world. Try to spot the intrepid rock climbers who come from all over the world to scale El Capitan’s sheer granite face. We have another stop at Valley View before we start heading back out of the park. Besides these main stops there may be other stops depending on the time we have and what the group prefers.
[Consider purchasing our exclusive Yosemite T-shirt! Only $14.99 Available when you book your tour online.]
Our guides are all local and going to Yosemite is their passion. Each one of them brings expertise as well as personal experiences, stories, and secret spots to share with you. They look forward to meeting you and will be delighted to share this very special part of the world.
Disclaimer: sometimes due to scheduling issues, the hiking portion may be changed to go in the uphill direction. The duration of the tour can vary due to weather, traffic, and how much fun we are having.
More about the Optional Four Mile Trail Hike:
The Four Mile Trail is actually about five miles from the trailhead at Glacier Point to our meet-up place at the Yosemite Valley Lodge. The elevation at Glacier Point is 7,200 ft. and Yosemite Valley is at 4,000 ft. This is a strenuous, challenging hike regardless of direction, up or down. You must be prepared with appropriate clothing, shoes, walking stick or trekking poles, water, and whatever else you may require.
Crossroads Tours does not offer a personal guide for this hike and by accepting to walk the Four Mile Trail, or any other trails, you are releasing Crossroads Tours from any liability.
The hike takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Crossroads Tours will allow you four hours maximum to reach the Yosemite Valley Lodge. Beyond four hours Crossroads may not be able to stand by and you may be required to obtain other transportation back. If Crossroads must wait for you the cost will be $95 per hour, which will be calculated after four hours.
[In 2016 President Obama and his family hiked this spectacular trail and only Crossroads Tours offers this option to you!]
Need a lift?
In need of transportation between San Francisco, Los Angeles, Fresno, Oakhurst, Fish Camp, Coarsegold, Madera, Mariposa, Yosemite Valley, and Tuolumne Meadows areas? We offer comfortable shuttle service to and from these areas, including deluxe limousine service. Check us out here.