El Portal to Glacier Point and Yosemite

Small group tours from El Portal

We specialize in private and small group tours. We prefer to keep our groups to around 8–12 guests. Compare that with other companies who drive large buses. In smaller vehicles we are able to stop and visit more places and see the park up close. Meet visitors from around the world in a comfortable setting, and while savoring the majestic views of Yosemite we enjoy a delicious picnic lunch together.

A minimum of 5 guests are needed to operate this tour.

El Portal to Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley Tour — $149/adult and $99/child under 12.

Our itinerary — Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley

We have the option to go into Yosemite Valley first or Glacier Point first. If there is heavy traffic from the peak season or it is a weekend, we prefer to visit Yosemite Valley first, then go to Glacier Point for our picnic lunch. If we go to Glacier Point first, our lunch break is at Yosemite Falls, and if we go to Yosemite Valley first, our lunch break is at Glacier Point.

From Chinquapin, we turn to climb up to Glacier Point where we will stop for 30–45 minutes. At this point if you are going to hike on the 4 Mile Trail, you will start here and the rest of the guests will stay in the vehicle as we drive down to Yosemite Valley. Note: depending on our schedule and conditions, we may opt to visit Glacier Point after Yosemite Valley.

As we climb up to Glacier Point, we see several trailheads: McGurk Meadow, Ostrander Lake, Bridalveil Creek, Dewey Point. We pass the Badger Pass ski area, Sentinel Dome, Taft Point trailhead, and Washburn Point.

Glacier Point is an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, and the Yosemite High Country. This viewpoint is accessible by smaller vehicles from approximately late May through October or November. We are among the very few companies that can visit Glacier Point, as we keep our group sizes small and travel in smaller vehicles. Big buses are not allowed here. The short walk to Glacier Point rewards you with a breathtaking view of both Yosemite Valley and the Yosemite High Country, part of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

Making the Yosemite Y at Tunnel View

When we reach Yosemite Valley, we stop at Tunnel View to see the jaw-dropping view of the Valley as we come out of the Tunnel. We stop here for 10–15 minutes and point out Clouds Rest, El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Falls. This is also the trailhead for Inspiration Point, located on the old stagecoach road into Yosemite Valley.

Shortly after, we continue driving to visit El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls for 10 minutes. Time permitting we may walk to the base of the waterfalls or continue our journey to see Cathedral Rocks on our right and Yosemite Falls on our left, with Yosemite Chapel on the right. We stop at Sentinel Bridge to see a breathtaking view of Half Dome and take the iconic picture of Half Dome with its reflection in the Merced River. We continue to Yosemite Lodge, where you’ll have time to walk to the base of Yosemite Falls, visit the souvenir shop, use restrooms, and get a cup of coffee if you wish.

When we leave here we stop in front of 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. Hopefully we’ll spot the rock climbers who come to scale the sheer granite face. We have another stop at Valley View before we start heading back. Besides these main stops there may be others 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.

Optional Four Mile Trail hike

At Glacier Point, guests who are looking for hiking time have the option to hike down the Four Mile Trail, which ends on Southside Drive, where they can cross Swinging Bridge and follow the trail to meet us at Yosemite Valley Lodge.

The Four Mile Trail is about 5 miles from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley Lodge. Most of the time we offer the option of hiking down from Glacier Point to the Valley, but sometimes due to scheduling we may offer the option to hike up to Glacier Point from the Valley. The elevation at Glacier Point is 7,200 ft and the Yosemite Valley is at 4,000 ft. In 2016 President Obama and his family hiked this spectacular trail, and only Crossroads Tours offers this option to you.

Crossroads Tours is not offering a personal guided hike, and by accepting to hike on the Four Mile Trail or any other trails you are releasing Crossroads Tours from any liability. This hike is strenuous and going downhill is very steep at some places — be prepared with appropriate clothing, shoes, walking stick, water, and whatever else you may require. It takes about 2–3 hours hiking downhill. Crossroads Tours will allow you 4 hours maximum to reach the Yosemite Valley Lodge. Beyond 4 hours Crossroads may not be able to stand by for you, and you may have to find other transportation back. If Crossroads has to wait for you, the cost is $95 an hour, calculated after 4 hours.

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. They are delighted to meet you and wish to show you why this area of the world is a very special place.

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.