Yosemite National Park tours & vacations

The best time to visit Yosemite is in late spring or early fall, when the days are warm, wildflowers or fall foliage add a splash of color and the summer crowds have eased. Winter is also a great option, with snow-capped mountains, lightly dusted valleys and far fewer visitors.  

Spring (March to May): Expect mild afternoons with chilly mornings and evenings. In Yosemite Valley, average daytime temps can fluctuate between 50 to 70° F with nights dipping into freezing temps early in the season.  

Summer (June to August): Days are typically hot, sunny and dry, with average highs ranging from 80 to 90°F. Nights are cooler and brief afternoon thunderstorms roll through sometimes.  

Fall (September to October): Days are generally crisp and clear with highs around 60 to 70°F, but mornings and evenings become increasingly chilly.  

Winter (November to March): Expect cold, wet conditions, with average daytime temps averaging 40s to mid-50s and nights around or below freezing. Rain and snow are common in the valley, but higher elevations see consistent snowfall.  

Some of the animals that call Yosemite home are: 

• Black bears 
• Deer
• Bighorn sheep 
• Coyotes
• Bobcats
• Lizards
• Garter snakes
• Pygmy owls

Hiking is one of the best things to do in Yosemite! From easy, mostly flat walks like Lower Yosemite Falls and Cook’s Meadow Loop to challenging climbs like Half Dome and El Capitan. Everywhere you go in the park has incredible scenery, so even just a stroll is filled with granite cliff views, rivers and giant sequoia trees.  

Absolutely. The park offers a lot of easy trails with views of waterfalls, forests and mountains. If you’re wondering what hike best suits your ability, just ask your trip leader for their recommendations and they’ll steer you in the right direction.  

The scenic areas and national parks in the USA are difficult to reach without a car, as public transportation is not reliable and sometimes not available outside of major cities. Once you’re in the park, there are shuttle buses to get around, but having a car makes it easier to reach certain trailheads and explore areas outside of Yosemite Valley. If you travel with us, we’ll take care of the transportation stuff so you can just focus on the adventure and not how to get there.  

Yes, Yosemite charges a fee for visitors entering the park. For travelers on an Intrepid trip, vehicle entrance fees and required permits are covered, but international visitors will need to pay additional nonresident entrance fees. Your local leader will help you understand the fees that apply to your trip and help you choose the best-value option for your itinerary and group. 

For a trip to Yosemite, you should pack comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, hat and a reusable water bottle. If you visit in the colder months, you’ll need to pack warm layers. A daypack is great to carry all your stuff while you’re out exploring.  

We believe travel should be accessible to everyone. Although some destinations and itineraries may be more accessible than others, we'll do our best to accommodate your needs, make reasonable adjustments where possible or guide you toward the most suitable trips. Get in touch with our friendly adventure consultants to chat about your options.

Our Tailor-Made team can also help you plan a customised trip just for you.