Self Guided Yosemite Walking Tour Explore with Expert Audio Guide
Active
45m - 1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Yosemite Valley at your own pace with a self-guided audio walking tour. This immersive experience combines professional narration with GPS guidance, allowing you to explore iconic sites like Yosemite Falls and the Ahwahnee Hotel without the constraints of a group. Uncover the history and ecology of this national treasure while enjoying breathtaking views and learning fascinating stories about its wildlife and landscape. Perfect for curious travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Yosemite's significance, this 45-50 minute, 2-mile walk offers a unique perspective that goes beyond the usual tourist experience.
- Self-paced audio tour with expert guidance at your fingertips
- Walk through Yosemite Valley, visiting iconic locations like Yosemite Falls
- Learn about John Muir's impact and Yosemite’s ecological importance
- Enjoy stunning views and insights into local wildlife behavior
Available options
Self Guided Yosemite Walking Tour Explore with Expert Audio Guide
What's included
Private Experience for Your Group One purchase covers everyone — no crowds, no strangers.
GPS-Enabled Navigation: Easy-to-follow route with GPS guidance.
Pause and Resume Feature: Control the pace of your tour with easy pausing..
Access to a 1-Hour Audio Tour: Comprehensive guided exploration.
Professional Voice Narration: High-quality storytelling by professional...
Written and Narrated by an NCIS Writer (Season 3 and 4)
GPS-Triggered Audio Playback Stories play automatically as you move — no buttons or screens required
Exclusive Insider Knowledge: Unique insights and stories.
Works on Your Smartphone No special equipment or rentals needed.
Used by thousands of travelers
Offline Tour Download: Access & explore without internet.
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Yosemite Falls is a three-part system, dropping more than 2,400 feet from rim to valley. In spring, snowmelt turns it into a roaring, mist-filled force you can hear before you see. By late summer, it can nearly vanish — the same cliff, a completely different experience.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
The trail will head though a forest on a gentle talus slope. Canyon live oak thrives here by wedging its roots into cracks, surviving where little else can. Mixed in are Douglas-fir and incense cedar — the same tree whose clean-cut wood ends up in pencils.
3
Amazing vista of the park and valley from this trail.
4
We'll walk through the Ahwahnee Meadow and learn about the crazy ideas that the National Park Service had of entertaining tourists in the past. Bears in the garbage as spectacle and intentionally firefalls every night.
5
Stop 5
We'll end up at the Ahwahnee Hotel - one of the most elegant and famous hotels in the world and a great place to grab a drink or a meal...or just rest.
What's not included
No transportation/pickup; it's a self-guided GPS tour.
No Physical Guide/Person Guide; It's a Self-guided GPS Tour
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
The tour begins on the sidewalk just in front of the Yosemite Lodge Reception Desk building.
Important notes
After booking, you’ll receive simple instructions to download the Wayfarer app. Once you arrive at the starting point, the tour begins automatically using GPS. As you move along the route, stories play hands-free at exactly the right locations. You can pause, replay, or explore stops at your own pace.
About Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including giant sequoias, granite cliffs, and waterfalls. It offers a unique blend of natural wonders and outdoor adventures, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
Top Attractions
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, with a total height of 2,425 feet (739 meters). It consists of three sections: Upper Yosemite Fall, Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall.
Nature
1-2 hours to explore
Free
Half Dome
Half Dome is one of Yosemite's most iconic landmarks. The granite dome rises 4,800 feet (1,463 meters) above the valley floor and offers a challenging hike and a thrilling rock climb.
Adventure
10-12 hours for the hike
Free (permit required for the cables route)
Glacier Point
Glacier Point offers one of the most breathtaking views in Yosemite, overlooking Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the high country. It's a popular spot for photography and sunset viewing.
Nature
1-2 hours to explore
Free
Mariposa Grove
Mariposa Grove is home to one of the largest concentrations of giant sequoias in the world. The grove features over 500 mature sequoias, including the famous Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.
Nature
2-3 hours to explore
Free
Tunnel View
Tunnel View is one of the most famous and photographed viewpoints in Yosemite. It offers a stunning panorama of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome.
Nature
15-30 minutes to explore
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Acorn Bread
A traditional Miwok dish made from acorns, a staple food of the indigenous people of Yosemite
Appetizer
Vegetarian, gluten-free
Elk Burger
A delicious and sustainable burger made from locally sourced elk meat, often served with local produce and artisanal cheeses
Main Course
Contains meat, gluten (if served with a bun)
Yosemite Granola
A homemade granola made with local honey, nuts, and dried fruits, often served with yogurt or milk
Breakfast
Vegetarian, can be made vegan
Popular Activities
Hiking
Rock climbing
Backpacking
Mountain biking
Skiing
Snowshoeing
Picnicking
Photography
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Yosemite for hiking, camping, and exploring the park's attractions. The weather is warm, and most facilities and roads are open.
10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F)
50°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English, Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Time Zone (PT, UTC-8)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but visitors should be aware of potential hazards and take necessary precautions
Yosemite National Park is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as wildlife encounters, extreme weather, and challenging terrain. By taking necessary precautions and following park guidelines, visitors can have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Important Precautions:
- • Stay on marked trails and follow park guidelines.
- • Carry plenty of water and snacks, especially when hiking.
- • Be aware of wildlife and store food properly to avoid encounters.
Getting there
By air
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport • 135 miles (217 km)
- San Francisco International Airport • 175 miles (282 km)
By train
Merced Station
By bus
Merced, San Francisco
Getting around
Public transport
The free shuttle service operates in Yosemite Valley, making it easy to explore the park's attractions without a car. The shuttle runs frequently and stops at major trailheads, campgrounds, and visitor centers.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Yosemite Valley
High Country
Wawona
Day trips
Mono Lake
40 miles (64 km) from Yosemite Valley • Half day to full day
Mono Lake is a unique and ancient saline lake located east of Yosemite, known for its striking tufa towers and diverse birdlife. It offers a unique contrast to the park's granite cliffs and waterfalls.
Hetch Hetchy Valley
35 miles (56 km) from Yosemite Valley • Full day
Hetch Hetchy Valley is a stunning and lesser-known area of Yosemite, offering a mix of waterfalls, granite cliffs, and alpine meadows. It's a great destination for hiking, photography, and nature enthusiasts.
Grove of the Ancient Giants
25 miles (40 km) from Yosemite Valley • Half day
The Grove of the Ancient Giants is a lesser-known sequoia grove located near Yosemite, offering a peaceful and less crowded alternative to Mariposa Grove. It's a great destination for hiking, photography, and nature enthusiasts.
Festivals
Yosemite Facelift • September
Yosemite Winter Wildlife Festival • February
Yosemite Valley 10-Mile Trail Run • May
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photography.
- Check road and trail conditions before visiting, as some areas may be closed or limited due to weather or maintenance.
- Bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers, as weather and temperatures can change quickly and unexpectedly.
- Consider hiring a local guide or joining a ranger-led program to gain a deeper understanding of the park's natural and cultural history.
- Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance, especially when hiking or exploring remote areas.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
