10 to 14 hours (Approx.)

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Overview

Embark on an incredible journey through the natural wonders of Yosemite National Park with Shaka Guide's audio-driving tour. As you drive through the park's majestic landscapes, the knowledgeable narrator will be your expert companion, sharing captivating stories and valuable information.

With Shaka Guide's Yosemite National Park tour, you have the freedom to explore Yosemite at your own pace. Pause for a hike to Yosemite Falls or stroll along the serene meadows. Capture stunning photos and create unforgettable memories amidst the park's breathtaking beauty.

Experience the splendor of Yosemite National Park with Shaka Guide, an immersive journey that combines the convenience of a guided tour with the freedom of self-exploration. Let the audio narration be your knowledgeable companion as you navigate through this iconic natural wonderland, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Description

Stop At: Tunnel View, Wawona Road, California 95389

Exit the mile-long Wawona Tunnel and park at this stunning scenic viewpoint of the entire Yosemite Valley. El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall frame the view to the left and right respectively, with Half Dome hanging out in the background. This is a popular stop, so don’t be surprised if you need to wait for a parking spot, but people don’t tend to linger long.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Bridalveil Falls, California

A paved, 0.5-mile trail is all it takes to reach the base of Bridalveil Fall. This 620-ft waterfall is one of the few in Yosemite not reliant on snowmelt, so it flows reliably year-round.

The trail is known to get wet, especially during the spring, so prepare to enter the splash zone and watch your step. If the parking lot by the trailhead is full, there’s additional parking along Southside Drive and additional trailheads that connect back to the main trail to the waterfall.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Cathedral Beach Picnic Area, Southside Drive, California 95389

A paved, 0.5-mile trail is all it takes to reach the base of Bridalveil Fall. This 620-ft waterfall is one of the few in Yosemite not reliant on snowmelt, so it flows reliably year-round.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Swinging Bridge Picnic Area Yosemite National Park CA, Southside Drive, Yosemite Valley, California 95389

Though the bridge doesn’t swing, the footbridge over the Merced River at this picnic area features a fabulous view of Yosemite Fall. Like Cathedral Beach, this is another good spot to enjoy the Merced River’s waters for a swim. Plenty of picnic tables also make this a scenic spot for a packed lunch.

Duration: 10 minutes

Pass By: Curry Village, Curry Village, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA

It’s a handy place to park the car. Here, you can hop on the free shuttle either to Yosemite Village or over to trailheads for the Mist and Mirror Lake trails.

While you’re here, you can grab a bite to eat at the Curry Village Dining Pavilion. You can even rent a bike at the kiosk by the parking lot and get around on two wheels for the next few hours.

Stop At: Yosemite Village, Off Northside Dr., California

If you wanted a long break from hiking or driving, you could spend hours in Yosemite Village. The Valley Visitor Center, Yosemite Museum, and Ansel Adams Gallery provide a mix of educational and cultural amenities on this largely outdoorsy tour. You can also do some grocery or souvenir shopping at the Village Store or grab a bite to eat at Degnan’s Deli.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ahwahnee Historic Building, 1 Ahwahnee Dr, California 95389

This is one of the grandest lodges in all the national parks, and you can enjoy some of its amenities without being a guest. Browse the gift shop, select a treat at the sweets shop, grab a drink at the bar, or just wander the public spaces like the airy Great Lounge.

Of course, the main attraction is the pricey but elegant Dining Room. Join for the breakfast buffet or get a bite to eat for lunch. Dinner requires reservations and a dress code that doesn’t include sweaty hiking clothes.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Lower Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA

It’s only an easy, paved, half mile hike to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, the tallest waterfall in North America. Walk the left side of the loop to get a full view of the falls as you approach. Reliant on rainfall and snowmelt, the waterfall largely dries up by mid-to-late summer.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Yosemite Falls Parking, California 95389, USA

You’ll likely park somewhere else and walk to Lower Yosemite Fall from there, but like Curry Village, this is a handy spot. The trailhead for Lower Yosemite Fall is about 10 minutes away, and on the way you’ll pass Yosemite Valley Lodge where you can grab a bite to eat in the Base Camp Eatery or a coffee at Starbucks.

There’s also a bike rental kiosk by the pool. This parking lot is also next to the trailhead for the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail. This strenuous 7.2-mile hike takes you to the top of Yosemite Fall, and on the way, Columbia Rock for a magnificent view of the valley.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: El Capitan Meadow, El Capitan Meadow, California

One of the most awe-inspiring spots in Yosemite is El Capitan Meadow, sandwiched between two granite monoliths: El Capitan and Cathedral Rock.

Squint to find rock climbers ascending the 3,000-ft granite wall of El Capitan. Sunrise and sunset are especially good times to sit in the middle of the valley and allow yourself to become dumbstruck by nature’s craftsmanship.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Yosemite Valley View, Northside Dr, Wawona, CA 95389, USA

This small pull-off on the side of Northside Drive offers a similar view of Yosemite Valley as the Tunnel View scenic overlook, but from a lower vantage point along the banks of the Merced River. Again, El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall frame the gorgeous panorama.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Southside Drive, Southside Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA, USA

Heading into Yosemite Valley from the north takes you to this pull-off as Southside Drive crosses the valley to reach Wawona Road. The pull-off is a good teaser look at El Capitan, as well as an important historical spot. It was here that President Theodore Roosevelt and conservationist John Muir camped and discussed the future of Yosemite.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Wawona Tunnel, Wawona Rd, California 95389, USA

Can’t get enough granite? Stop at this pull-off for a look at the mouth of Yosemite Valley, with tall, granite cliffs leading toward famous landmarks like El Capitan.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Yosemite Valley Vista Point, Mariposa County, CA 95389, USA

Stop at this small-pull off for a preview of Yosemite Valley, with Half Dome poking its head out far off.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Mariposa Grove, Mariposa Grove, California 93623, USA

Take a free shuttle from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Center to Yosemite’s largest and most impressive grove of sequoia trees. Hiking trails range from easy, short and paved to long and strenuous, so you decide how long you’d like to be here. We recommend at least going as far as the Grizzly Giant, one of the largest sequoia trees in the world.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Wawona Hotel, National Historic Landmark, 8308 Wawona Rd, Wawona, California 95389

Wawona is a Victorian-era resort that predates the park itself and wasn’t added until the early 20th century. Here you’ll find the Yosemite History Center, with relocated pioneer buildings from around the park interpreting Yosemite’s history. You’ll also find the Wawona Hotel, still looking as Victorian as ever. The hotel’s dining room is a solid choice for lunch or dinner.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Taft Point Trailhead, TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, CA 95389, USA

There are two trails to two terrific vantage points over Yosemite Valley from this trailhead. You can take them both out and back, or do them both in a loop. Taft Point is an easy to moderate, 2.2-mile hike to a stunning look at Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan and Yosemite Fall.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Washburn Point, Glacier Point Road, California

The view at this scenic overlook is a teaser for what’s coming ahead at Glacier Point. Half Dome is the main focal point, with Nevada and Vernal Falls below. Beyond, the Sierra Nevada Mountains stretch for miles.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Glacier Point, Glacier Point, California, USA

A brief walk from the parking lot takes you to one of the most astounding views in the United States, or even perhaps the world. Standing at Glacier Point puts you over 3,000 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley. Wonder at Yosemite Fall, Half Dome, and its fellow granite mountains of the Sierra Nevada from this amazing scenic overlook.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Tuolumne Grove, Tuolumne Grove, California 95321, USA

It’s a 2.5-mile hike round-trip to a small grove of 25 sequoia trees. Smaller and quieter than the more impressive Mariposa Grove in the south end of the park, this grove sits at the bottom of a hill and is accessed by hiking down a disused road.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Olmsted Point, Tioga Road, California 95389

Another sweeping look at the Sierra Nevada, the view from Olmsted Point is an unusual angle of Yosemite Valley, with the other side of Half Dome clearly visible. There’s plenty of open granite to walk around and explore different angles. To the left is a good view of Tenaya Lake.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Tenaya Lake Picnic Area, TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, CA 95389, USA

We think this is the best view around crystal-clear Tenaya Lake. Stand on the granite lakeshore and enjoy the alpine view. If you decide to hike the easy Tenaya Lake Trail, which can be done as a loop or as an out and back, expect to spend another hour or two.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Pothole Dome, California

An hour at most is all it takes to get a stunning look of Tuolumne Meadows and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. This granite dome on the edge of the open meadow isn’t terribly tall or steep, so it only takes a few minutes to reach the top for the panoramic view.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, Tioga Pass Rd, TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, CA 95389, USA

Grab what information you need and learn about Tuolumne Meadows, one of the largest subalpine meadows in the Sierra Nevada, at Yosemite’s second largest visitor center. There’s a trailhead to tiny Soda Springs by the building. If you take this easy, flat, 1.6-mile round trip hike through the meadow, expect to spend another hour here.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Lembert Dome Trail, Lembert Dome Trl, California, USA

There are two hikes to choose from at this trailhead. One 1.8-mile hike ascends Lembert Dome, another fabulous look at Tuolumne Meadows and the surrounding granite domes of the Sierra Nevada. The other is a lengthy hike through Lyell Canyon, but we recommend just going about 30 minutes in for a scenic “twin bridges” area around Tuolumne River.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Carlon Falls Trail, Evergreen Road, Groveland, California 95321

This 3-mile out-and-back trip is a mostly easy hike, minus an uphill climb to get to the falls themselves at the very end. The falls are small by Yosemite standards but you may enjoy playing in the pool at the base of the waterfall. Bonus: this trail in the woods is very shaded!

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: O'Shaughnessy Dam, O'Shaughnessy Dam, Groveland, CA 95321, USA

Stand atop the over 400-ft tall O’Shaughnessy Dam and behold the Hetch Hetchy valley, a second Yosemite Valley to some, but with a deep reservoir of clean water. The highlight here is hiking the 5-mile trail to Wapama Falls, and getting to stand at the base of this impressive waterfall that’s over 1,000-ft tall. The spray from the falls is sublime relief from the California sun.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Stanislaus National Forest Sign, Groveland, CA 95321, USA

Quick photo-opp time! There’s a large Yosemite National Park sign just before you reach the Big Oak Flat Entrance Gate. Hop out of the car and grab a pic for grandma.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Big Oak Flat Information Center, 6107 Big Oak Flat Rd, California 95389

Located within the park just after the Big Oak Flat Entrance Gate, this small visitor center features some restrooms (probably much-needed at this juncture of a long drive) as well as a small bookstore. Park rangers are on hand to answer questions.

Duration: 10 minutes