Yosemite 3-Day Camping Tour
What’s it like to lead a 3-day camping trip in yosemite?
This is one of our most popular multi-day tours over the summer as a couple go out every week. It’s the best way for people to experience a lot of what Yosemite has to offer in a packed 3 days! Although there is a lot of flexibility in the itinerary of this tour here is what one may look like:
Day 1: San Francisco to Yosemite National Park
You’re packed. You went grocery shopping. Your coolers are full. Your trailer has all the equipment. Your vehicle is clean and safe and you’re ready. Time to pick up your campers!
You meet all your campers, load up and hit the road! You are all going to be spending the next couple days with each other so the sooner you start the ice breakers, the better! The drive to Yosemite is about 4.5 hours from the city so stopping at the halfway point, people can grab lunch for the day and any snack items they may want while camping. Before you know it you’ve reached Yosemite! First Stop: Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. Wander through this forest of wise trees in amazement of their sheer size as you lead your group on a guided hike.
After your time among the quiet giants, head down to the Valley and stop at some of the iconic photo points like Tunnel View, El Capitan Meadows, or Valley View. Give your passengers a little time to explore the Valley floor and get their bearings of the park.
As the evening sets in, head to the grounds and set up camp. The group will help pitch tents, set up a kitchen space, and get dinner started. As everyone eats around the campfire, go over tomorrow’s agenda with activities, locations, and necessary gear to bring for the day. Get a good night’s sleep for a full day ahead!
Day 2: Road Trip Day along Tioga Road (Yosemite High Country)!
The sun is rising and so are you! You’ve got the coffee brewing and breakfast is out! While everyone gets themselves ready, make sure your vehicle is safe and clean. Clean up the campground and head for the mountains! While traversing towards the Eastern Sierras you pull into the trailhead for your First Stop: May Lake. You and your group will embark on this morning hike bringing them to one of Yosemite’s stunning alpine lakes. Got a group of hardcore hikers? Continue on up to Mount Hoffman for some incredible 360° views of the park’s high country.
Load up and continue along Tioga Pass to Olmsted Point, a breathtaking lookout of Yosemite’s granite walls. Scramble along boulders and gaze upon the backside of Half Dome! With a pair of binoculars you may be able to spot hikers on the adventurous chain linked section of this permitted trail. Continue on to Tenaya Lake where your group can eat lunch, swim, and wander along this paradise of lodgepole pines.
After the break in afternoon sun, embark on the second hike for today: Lembert Dome. Your group will feel on top of the world after this hike, hearing their echos from the valley as they shout across the pass. Perhaps you make a quick stop at Dog Lake on the way down to see if swarms of dragonflies have come out to play.
End your day with dinner at the park’s eastern entrance. Your group will take in the sights of the setting sun behind Mono Lake and it’s limestone tufa towers. With everyone’s full stomachs and tired legs, load up the van and head west back to camp. Your group may nap however, sometimes their reward for staying awake is a bear spotting within the passing pines.
Day 3: Farewell Mountains, Back to the City!
Wake up in the mountains once more for your final day! It’s a group effort to break down camp, packing up tents and washing dishes. Today, you’ll head up to Glacier Point, a breathtaking overlook to Half Dome and the High Sierra. People can venture down to the valley by hiking the Four Mile Trail, or take an easier route with a journey to Sentinel Dome.
Down in the valley your group can go wherever they feel the call of the wild. Swim in the Merced River, bike around the Valley Loop Trail, or take a nap in Cook’s Meadow. This is an afternoon to take in those last minute moments of tranquility from the greatest valley on Earth.
Gather your group with snacks for the road and bid farewell to Yosemite! You’ll safely drive your group while they reminisce on their time in this natural wonderland and head for the city lights of San Francisco.