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. Without an early departure we cannot enjoy the sights properly. Even with an early departure, traffic may cause delays. The earlier we depart, the less traffic we encounter. Otherwise, your Yosemite One-Day Tour may entail bumper-to-bumper traffic for the entire day.
Do you recommend a Yosemite One Day Tour?
Yes and no. Taking in the wonder that is Yosemite deserves more time. Please consider booking more than one day, like on a Beginner’s Yosemite Hiking Tour.
What Yosemite hotels do you recommend?
We recommend that you reserve your accommodations in the Valley, which includes the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Lodge and Curry Village, where, of course, you will pay for location. The next closest upscale hotels are Rush Creek Lodge near Groveland, and Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite’s South entrance and the Mariposa Grove.
Do you reserve our hotel for us?
We reserve hotel rooms upon request, with a minimum of one year in advance notice.
Is our tour private, with only us?
Yes, all of our tours are private. It will be you (your group) and our private tour guide only.
What do we bring for Yosemite?
We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, a hat to protect yourself from the sun and sun block (if needed). In winter, obviously dress warmly.
If you plan to dine at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel (which we highly recommend), please know 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.
Please bring items and luggage which are only 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.
How far do we hike on our Beginner’s Yosemite Hiking Tours?
Our Beginner’s Yosemite Hiking Tours are customized to you and can range from 5 to 20 miles in distance for up to four guests. A minimum of two nights stay is required; 3-4 nights is recommended.
What is included on your hiking tours?
Everything. We supply your rucksack, your ultralight tent and sleeping set-up, backcountry cuisine and expert Yosemite guide, along with a luxury, private ride from your front door in San Francisco to Yosemite and back. All you need is your clothes, sturdy shoes, physical fitness and an eagerness to see Yosemite’s backcountry, away from the crowds.
Do you offer tours of other national parks in addition to Yosemite?
No. For custom tour requests with a private tour guide beyond Yosemite, please contact our partner tour companies New Group Guides or Orange Sky Adventures.
Do you offer private San Francisco tours?
Yes, with a local’s love and knowledge. We want you to feel comfortable in our home. Please see our example private San Francisco tour itinerary.
Do you offer other private tours?
Yes; however, we are small and family-owned and cannot do everything. Please contact us with your special request.
Do you operate group tours?
Yes, our guides are available for private groups. Please contact us or our partner tour company New Group Guides to submit your request.
I want to reserve a tour immediately.
Great! Please give us a call or send us an email. When space is available, we will contact you. Otherwise, please be patient and we’ll answer your request in the order it was received.
What’s your cancellation policy?
25% of your Yosemite tour fee is required to hold your reservation and is non-refundable 7 days prior to your tour. If you cancel less than 3 days before your tour then the remainder of your tour balance is charged. Please see our Reservation Policy and Terms and Condition pages for more information.
Do you tour Napa Valley and Sonoma?
For Napa Valley & Sonoma wine tours, please contact our friends & partner tour company, Bin 415 Private Tours.