Chukchansi Casino Hotel to Yosemite Tour

A casino-hotel night, then a full Yosemite day

We specialize in private and small-group tours — we prefer to keep our groups to around 8–12 guests. Compare that with companies that drive large buses. In smaller vehicles we can stop and visit more places and see the park up close, meeting visitors from around the world in a comfortable setting while we savor the majestic views over a picnic lunch.

This two-day package pairs a night at the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold with a full Yosemite tour day. On Day 1 you arrive at the hotel; we pick you up the next morning.

• Chukchansi Casino Hotel with Yosemite Tour — $279/adult, double occupancy; $249/senior over 60, double occupancy; $129/child under 12.
• $125/night for an additional Chukchansi hotel night. (Room-only rate is $149 per room.)

Our itinerary — Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley

On Day 2 we leave around 9 AM and drive through Coarsegold and Oakhurst — past the historical Talking Bear and the businesses in town that feature bears out front. From Oakhurst we either go via Bass Lake / Fish Camp and the South Gate — the Mountain View Drive — or around through Mariposa / Midpines on the River View Drive, California’s Scenic Highway along the Merced River into Yosemite Valley through the Arch Rock Entrance.

At Chinquapin we choose Yosemite Valley first or Glacier Point first depending on traffic and the season. From Chinquapin we climb to Glacier Point — passing McGurk Meadow, Ostrander Lake, Bridalveil Creek, Dewey Point, the Badger Pass ski area, Sentinel Dome, Taft Point, and Washburn Point — and stop 30–45 minutes at the overlook.

Glacier Point commands a view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, and the High Country. It’s accessible by smaller vehicles from roughly late May through October or November; big buses aren’t allowed, so we’re among the very few companies that can take you there.

When we reach Yosemite Valley we stop at Tunnel View for 10–15 minutes for the jaw-dropping view coming out of the Tunnel — Clouds Rest, El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Falls. We continue to El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls, then on past Cathedral Rocks, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite Chapel to Sentinel Bridge for the iconic Half Dome reflection in the Merced River, and to Yosemite Lodge for the base of Yosemite Falls, the souvenir shop, restrooms, and a coffee. We stop again in front of El Capitan — over 3,000 feet of granite, where we watch for climbers — and at Valley View before heading back.

Consider purchasing our exclusive Yosemite T-shirt — only $14.99, available when you book your tour online.

Optional Four Mile Trail hike

If you want hiking time, you can descend the Four Mile Trail at Glacier Point — about 5 miles to Yosemite Valley Lodge, with an elevation difference of about 3,200 feet (Glacier Point 7,200 ft, the Valley 4,000 ft). At the bottom you cross Swinging Bridge over the Merced, with a view of Yosemite Falls, and follow the trail to the Lodge where we meet you; a shuttle bus stop is also available. In 2016 President Obama and his family hiked this trail, and only Crossroads Tours offers this option.

This hike is strenuous — going downhill is very steep in places, and you must be prepared with appropriate clothing, shoes, a walking stick, water, and whatever else you need. It takes about 2–3 hours downhill. We allow up to 4 hours maximum to reach Yosemite Valley Lodge; beyond 4 hours we may not be able to stand by, and if we do wait the cost is $95/hour calculated after the fourth hour. Crossroads Tours is not offering a personal guided hike, and by hiking you release Crossroads Tours from liability.

Our guides

Our guides are all local, and going to Yosemite is their passion. Each one brings their own personal experiences, stories, and secret spots to share with you.

Disclaimer: due to scheduling, the hiking portion may instead go uphill, and the tour’s duration can vary with weather, traffic, and how much fun we’re having.