Full day · 10h
Small Group Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley Tour
Eight guests, one Sprinter, all park fees and lunch included.
From $179/adult ($99/child) from Tenaya Lodge. $189 from Oakhurst. $249 from Fresno / Clovis. Want the whole van for your party? See the Semi-Private Sprinter Van Tour.
A full-day small-group tour to Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point with pickup at Tenaya Lodge / Fish Camp, Oakhurst, or Fresno / Clovis. Optional Four Mile Trail hike for guests who want a strenuous walk down from Glacier Point.
What's included
- Picnic lunch
- Bottled water
- Park entrance fees
Not included
- Driver gratuity
- Park entry fee for non-U.S. residents — $100 per person, paid in cash to your guide
Pickup locations
- Tenaya Lodge
- Fish Camp
- Oakhurst
- Fresno
- Clovis
Itinerary
Where we'll be, and when.
- 01
Tunnel View
First stop coming into the Valley — 10–15 minutes for the jaw-dropping view of El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls, and Clouds Rest. Also the trailhead for Inspiration Point.
- 02
El Capitan
A short stop in front of El Capitan, Spanish for "The Captain" — over 3,000 feet of granite rising from the Valley floor. We watch for climbers on the face.
- 03
Glacier Point
30–45 minutes at the overlook. Commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, and the High Country. Accessible by smaller vehicles late May through October or November.
- 04
Optional Four Mile Trail
5-mile trail (~3,200 ft elevation change) from Glacier Point down to Yosemite Valley Lodge. Strenuous. Self-guided.
- 05
Yosemite Valley
Picnic lunch and Valley sights — Yosemite Falls, the meadows, the Merced. Order varies by traffic and season.
We specialize in private and small group tours
We prefer to keep our groups to around 8 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. You’ll meet visitors from around the world and share a single Sprinter for the day.
A minimum of 5 guests are needed to operate this tour.
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.
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, the hike direction may change.
As we climb up to Glacier Point, we pass 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 licensed to drive guests to Glacier Point.
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.
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. We watch for the rock climbers who come to scale the sheer granite face.
Optional Four Mile Trail hike
If you are looking for a small group tour AND want to do a strenuous hike (elevation difference of 3,200 feet), we are the only company offering a four mile hike. When we reach Glacier Point, you will start hiking down on the Four Mile Trail. When you get to the bottom you 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 around 7,200 feet.
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 and footwear.
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.
From the road
A few looks at this trip.
Questions we hear a lot
FAQ.
- How many guests do you take?
- We keep our small groups to less than 15 guests — compare that with other companies running 30+ on a coach. A minimum of 5 guests is needed to operate the tour.
- Is the Four Mile Trail hike guided?
- No. Crossroads Tours is not offering a personal guided hike — by accepting to hike on the Four Mile Trail you are releasing Crossroads Tours from any liability. This hike is strenuous and going downhill is very steep in places. Bring appropriate clothing and footwear.
- When is Glacier Point open?
- Late May through October or November, depending on the year and Park Service decisions. The road is closed in winter.
- Can I bring kids?
- Yes — we offer child discounts. The Four Mile Trail option is not suitable for young children.
- What's your cancellation policy?
- Please read the terms and conditions.
- I'm not a U.S. resident — is there an extra park fee?
- Yes. The national park charges non-U.S. residents a $100-per-person entry fee that is not included in any tour price. Please bring it in cash — your guide collects it at the start of the tour. Guests without the fee cannot enter the park, and the tour might be canceled without refund.