Frequently Asked Questions
What time do your Yosemite One Day Tours begin?
6:00 a.m.
Why so early?
Yosemite is crowded, especially in summer. Therefore, we need an early departure to enjoy the sights properly. And even with an early departure, traffic may cause delays, so we always recommend staying longer, such as on our Yosemite Weekend Getaway.
Please contact us to determine your best option.
May we reserve a tour beginning in Yosemite?
Unfortunately no, as all of our private tours begin in San Francisco.
For experiences starting in Yosemite (such as for couples wishing to drive themselves to the park), please contact the Yosemite Conservancy for help.
Do you offer private tours from Yosemite’s surrounding communities such as Groveland, Mariposa or Oakhurst?
Yes, but only for groups of 15 or more on our Private Yosemite Offsites. All other private tours begin in San Francisco or from SFO.
What is the best airport for visiting Yosemite?
For commercial flights, we recommend flying into SFO, where most direct flights are available from around the world.
For private flights, your final airport is determined based on your schedule, aircraft choice, time of year, and more.
We do not recommend using Fresno International Airport for our Private Yosemite Tours.
What Yosemite hotels do you recommend?
We recommend staying in the Valley, which includes the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Valley Lodge and Curry Village, where, of course, you will pay for location. The next closest upscale hotels are Rush Creek Lodge toward San Francisco and Tenaya Lodge towards Los Angeles.
Do you reserve our hotel rooms for us?
Yes, for private groups of more than 15 guests, and for Private California Tours 6 days or longer, reserved on your behalf using your credit card on file.
What do we bring for Yosemite?
We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, a hat to protect yourself from the sun and sunblock (as needed). In winter, obviously dress warmly.
If you plan to dine at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, please note a dress code is required for dinner. Gentlemen are asked to wear long pants and a shirt with a collar, and ladies are asked to wear a dress, skirt or long pants with a blouse. Children over the age of four are asked to dress for the occasion as well. Breakfast, brunch and lunch are always casual.
In addition, please only bring items and luggage that are needed for your tour. Your larger bags can be safely stored with your hotel concierge in San Francisco. Our other requirements can be found on our Reservation Policy page.
When is the best time of year to visit Yosemite?
We recommend visiting in late April or early May, when the waterfalls are large and before the summer crowds arrive.
For our Private Half Dome Hike, we recommend visiting in September when the summer heat has diminished. For more questions, please contact us.
Are your tours private, only with us?
Yes. It will be your small group of 1–3 guests and our private guide only.
Do you allow children?
Yes — age 6 and up on all private tours, and age 16 and up on all Yosemite backcountry hikes (when a parent is also hiking).
Do you allow pets?
No.
Do you offer private tours in Sequoia National Park?
No. We currently only offer private tours in Yosemite, San Francisco, Napa Valley, and along the coastline between San Francisco and L.A.
Do you offer one-way private tours from San Francisco to L.A.?
Yes, although we do charge for empty car time for our private guides to safely return home.
Do you offer private tours for groups?
Yes, please contact our group tour partner, Casual Luxury Tours.
Do you offer commissions?
No. We publish our rates openly and honestly, with everyone paying the same, where direct communication with each guest is required before each reservation.
Discounts are only offered based on volume.
What’s your cancellation policy (4 guests or less) ?
If you cancel your tour…
- More than 31 days prior to departure: 90% refund not including third-party supplier cancellation fees (such as hotels, restaurants, etc.)
- Within 7-30 days prior to departure: 75% refund not including third-party supplier cancellation fees (such as hotels, restaurants, etc.)
- Within 2-7 days prior to departure: 50% refund not including third-party supplier cancellation fees (such as hotels, restaurants, etc.)
Canceling less than 48 hours of your tour date will result in full loss of tour funds.
What’s your cancellation policy (5 guests or more) ?
If you cancel your tour…
- More than 31 days prior to departure: 75% refund not including third-party supplier cancellation fees (such as hotels, restaurants, etc.)
- Within 7-30 days prior to departure: 50% refund not including third-party supplier cancellation fees (such as hotels, restaurants, etc.)
- Within 2-7 days prior to departure: 25% refund not including third-party supplier cancellation fees (such as hotels, restaurants, etc.)
Canceling less than 48 hours of your tour date will result in full loss of tour funds.
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