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Adventure Collective Journal

Yosemite 3-Day Private Luxury Adventure: Waterfalls, Sequoias & Tuolumne Meadows

Yosemite 3-Day Private Luxury Adventure: Waterfalls, Sequoias & Tuolumne Meadows

A private, 3-day luxury tour that moves beyond Yosemite’s postcard stops to deliver waterfall viewpoints, Glacier Point panoramas, sequoia groves and high-country meadows—complete with hotel stays, entrance fees, and guided pickup from San Francisco.

Yosemite National Park, California
3 days
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Start early to beat crowds

Begin valley explorations at first light when parking and viewpoints are quieter and waterfalls are most photogenic.

Tioga Road is seasonal

If you want Tuolumne Meadows and Hetch Hetchy, plan this trip from late May to October—Tioga Road often closes in winter.

Follow bear safety rules

Store food in provided lockers, use hotel or vehicle storage, and never leave food or scented items unattended to avoid bear encounters.

Prepare for altitude swings

Expect 2,000–4,000 feet elevation change; pack layers and be mindful of hydration and pacing at higher elevations.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Lembert Dome viewpoint at Tuolumne Meadows for fewer crowds and panoramic lines of granite
  • The north side of Hetch Hetchy for quieter trails and views of O'Shaughnessy Dam

Wildlife

  • Black bear
  • Mule deer

Conservation Note

The park relies on visitor fees and strict food-storage rules to protect wildlife—practice leave-no-trace and use designated lockers where available.

This landscape was home to the Ahwahneechee people for generations; Yosemite became a national park in 1890 after conservation advocacy by figures like John Muir.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Sunrise, Golden hour (late afternoon), Overcast for waterfall detail
Key viewpoints:
  • Tunnel View for the classic valley panorama
  • Glacier Point for high-elevation sweep of Half Dome
  • Tuolumne Meadows near Lembert Dome for alpine compositions
Subjects to capture:Waterfalls and river reflections, Granite domes and cliff faces, Meadows with wildlife

What to Bring

Sturdy hiking shoesEssential

Good traction and ankle support for granite slabs, meadow paths, and switchbacks.

Layered clothingEssential

Temperatures vary dramatically between valley mornings and high-country afternoons.

2–3L hydration systemEssential

Hydration prevents altitude fatigue and keeps energy steady during walks.

Daypack with rain shellEssential

Carry water, snacks, camera and a lightweight waterproof layer for unpredictable mountain weather.

Common Questions

Is transportation from San Francisco included?

Yes—private pickup and drop-off in San Francisco or designated regional hotels is included in the package.

When is the best time to visit for full access to Tioga Road?

Late May through October is the typical window when Tioga Road and many high-country trailheads are open.

Are park entrance fees covered?

Entrance fees are included up to the listed amount; verify any additional fees for special permits or activities with the operator.

How strenuous are the hikes?

The itinerary can be customized; valley walks are easy to moderate, while summit-oriented hikes like Yosemite Falls are strenuous with significant elevation gain.

Will I see wildlife?

Yes—black bears, mule deer and a variety of birds are common; maintain distance and follow food storage rules to minimize impact.

What is the cancellation policy?

This tour is sold as all sales final; the supplier notes no refunds for cancellations and reserves the right to cancel for bad weather.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

3 days

Location

Yosemite National Park, California

Difficulty

moderate

Fitness Level

Moderate—able to undertake several miles of walking with short steep sections and adapt to higher elevations

Free cancellation available

Ready to Explore Yosemite National Park?

Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.

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