3-Day Yosemite In-depth Camping Tour from San Francisco [Max 13 Small Group]

What you'll experience

Highlights

3 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Yosemite Valley

   In the morning of the first day, our guide will meet you downtown at the corner of Mason and O'Farrell Streets in front of the Hilton Hotel at 8:15 am. Once out of San Francisco, we cross the Central Valley and through gold country on our way into the mountains. Before reaching Yosemite Valley, we hike down for a picnic* among the giant sequoias – the largest living things on Earth.
   The hike through the giant sequoias is pleasantly shaded and brings you right up close to these massive wooden monuments, some of which are over one thousand years old and measure up to 30 ft. wide & 300 ft. tall. Continuing into the park on a 1 1/2-hour guided tour, we descend into Yosemite Valley, the most famous and photographed part of Yosemite (thanks to the work of Ansel Adams). While in the Yosemite Valley, your guide will give you an orientation to the park as well as an explanation of the itinerary and options for the next two days. After some free time in Yosemite Valley, you will head for the campsite to set up camp, ending the day with an included camp dinner and a campfire as you decide what to do with your next two days in the park.

   

   Yosemite Valley

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Camping
2. 2

   Day 2 — Yosemite’s High Country

   Rising early, we prepare an included breakfast and lunch, clean up camp, and head off in the van for a fun day full of hiking, sightseeing, and exploring. Usually, the second day is reserved for exploring Yosemite's High Country. A group hike to May Lake and Mount Hoffman is the highlight of this day (depending upon snowpack). May Lake is a picturesque example of a High Sierra lake. If you want more of a challenge, you can continue past May Lake to Mount Hoffman. Located at the geographic center of the park, Mount Hoffman is a non-technical hike that rewards you with a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain landscape. At the end of the day, we head back to camp to unwind by the campfire.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Camping
3. 3

   Day 3 — Group Interest & Free Time

   Day three is a free day, where the itinerary is based on the interests of the group. Normally we head back into Yosemite Valley, where you can choose one of a number of great hikes, rent a bike, or relax in the shade by the emerald green Merced River. After a full day in the park, we head back to San Francisco, arriving around 9pm. Breakfast and lunch is included.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Special notes

• Final tour details will be subject to the confirmation letter.
• From June through September, the weather in Yosemite is hot and sunny, with occasional afternoon showers. In May and October, days are warm with cooler nights. As in all mountain environments, weather can be unpredictable, so bringing a layer of warm clothing is always a good idea. All of our vans have large roof racks or trailers for your luggage and the camping equipment.
• Camping arrangements are 2 people per tent. Depending on available space, single travelers may stay in a tent with another person of the same gender. Tents are spacious and designed to sleep 4 people.
• Camping is easy, but cooperation is important. Don't worry if you've never camped before; many people haven't. We supply the camping and cooking equipment necessary for a trip of this nature, using quality tents, camping and cooking equipment (you will need a sleeping bag – see below). Everybody is expected to participate in the set-up and breakdown of camp, and our professional guides are there to ensure a positive camping experience. We camp at comfortable campsites that have hot showers and modern facilities. Swimming is available nearby.
• We provide the food, but not the chefs. You guys are the cooks, waiters, dishwashers, and of course the guests. The fare is all-you-can-eat and very tasty, and is a mixture of chicken, beef and vegetarian. Most people eat better with us than they do on the rest of their travels.
• We suggest you bring the following items
  * Sleeping bags available to rent (additional fee for $20 please contact Incredible Adventures on 1 800 777 8464 to order this service at least 7 days prior to your tour)
  * Small overnight bag (that can fit under seat), Camera & Charger, Sneakers or hiking boots
  * Hiking clothes (shorts & T-shirt), Swimwear & Towel, Sun protection & bug spray, Flashlight, Water bottle
  * Warm layers (evenings can be cooler), Raincoat/jacket (summer rain showers are brief)

Pricing notes (children, single supplement)

* Price based on shared tent basis.
* Maximum camping capacity is two people including adult and child in each tent.
* The same rates apply to children and adults.
* Prices are based on shared room/tent basis. Single occupancy is not offered for camping option (Single travelers will be paired with another traveler of the same gender).
* Starting January 1, 2026, visitors who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will have two options for entry into affected parks:
1. The New Non-Resident "America the Beautiful" Pass:
Cost: $250 USD.
Coverage: This pass covers entrance fees for the pass holder and up to 3 additional adults (ages 16+) traveling together, whether in a private vehicle or as part of a commercial tour.
Passengers can pre-purchase passes at (https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm#changes-in-2026). Passengers without pre-purchased passes may be required to purchase passes upon entry to any parks national parks where non-resident fees are required.
2. Individual Non-Resident Entry Fee:
Cost: $100 USD per adult (ages 16+).
Application: This is a per-person fee that applies to each affected park visited. For passengers on a Commercial Ground Tour without a pass, this $100 fee is required in addition to standard commercial entrance fees.

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