
Discover, Learn & Explore
*A tour reservation does not include a park entrance reservation, you will need to ensure you also obtain a Horsetail Fall entrance reservation for the date of your bus tour. Further information can be found at www.nps.gov
Yosemite Hospitality provides a variety of educational programs throughout the year about the park's natural and cultural heritage. All tours and activities are led by our local Yosemite expert guides certified by the National Association for Interpretation.
To find activities that work with your schedule, consult the Yosemite Guide, or see our listings below.
This 90-minute walking tour will take you on a nighttime exploration of some of Yosemite's natural areas. While on the tour you can expect to learn about sensory adaptations in humans and animals and the significance of protecting our dark skies.
While this is not a stargazing tour, you can expect to be dazzled by the stars over Yosemite on clear nights. The animals in Yosemite are not paid employees, so we can’t guarantee they’ll make an appearance.
*Personal flashlights/headlamps are required on this program. In winter, traction devices may be required. Due to variable conditions, this program may not be suitable for young children.
Where | Meets at the Yosemite Valley Lodge Amphitheater |
Departure |
Departure time varies by season. Please see the booking page to confirm the time. |
When |
Fall/Winter Spring/Summer |
Duration | 1.5 Hours Walking |
Reservations | Click the Plan Your Trip Now dropdown menu or Check Rates box (mobile devices) to book tickets online or call 888.413.8869 |
Cost | $20 |
Participants | Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. |
What to Bring |
Personal flashlights are required. In winter traction devices are highly advised and may be required depending on conditions. Temperatures are well below freezing at night in winter. We advise you to wear appropriate layered clothing including, a waterproof outer layer, hats, gloves, and waterproof shoes. For safety reasons, guests arriving unprepared for the conditions may be asked to leave the program. |
Accessibility | We can accommodate various special needs with advance notice. The program is wheelchair accessible. Please inform us of any needs before the program by emailing us at yh-interp@aramark.com |
Cancellation Policy | A 24-hour cancellation notice is required to receive a full refund. Canceling within 24 hours of tour departure will forfeit full value. Programs canceled by Yosemite Hospitality will receive a full refund. |
Join a Yosemite Hospitality Guide for an unforgettable night of stargazing in Cook’s Meadow!
Please note: This program meets at shuttle stop #6. Parking is available at Yosemite Valley Lodge.
Where |
Meets at Shuttle Stop #6 for Lower Yosemite Falls |
Departure |
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
When |
December 01, 2024 - March 18, 2025 |
Duration |
One hour covering approximately 1/2 mile of walking. |
Reservations |
Pre-registration is required. Please see the Check Rates or Plan Your Trip Now drop-down menus for availability. |
Cost |
$20 per person for adults and children. Children 2 and under are free. |
Participants |
There is no parking available at the meeting location. The closest parking may be found at Yosemite Valley Lodge which is a ten-minute walk to the meeting location. Please see your confirmation for more details. |
What to Bring |
For safety reasons, personal flashlights or smartphones with a flashlight function are required. Temperatures are well below freezing at night in winter. We advise you to wear appropriate layered clothing including, a waterproof outer layer, hats, gloves, and waterproof shoes. Traction devices for shoes are highly advised and may be required depending on conditions. Guests arriving unprepared for the conditions may be asked to leave the program. |
Accessibility | We can accommodate various special needs with advance notice. The program is wheelchair-accessible. If possible, please inform us of any needs before the program by contacting yh-interp@aramark.com. |
Cancellation Policy | Cancellation Policy The schedule is subject to change. Cancellations may occur for various reasons without prior notice. |
Join a Yosemite Naturalist for a cosmic exploration of Yosemite’s Dark Skies from iconic Glacier Point!
Please Note: transportation to and from Glacier Point is not provided. Please allow yourself a minimum of 1.5 hours to travel to Glacier Point from Yosemite Valley.
Where |
Meets at the Glacier Point Amphitheater |
Time |
9:00 pm-10:00 pm |
When |
June-September (When Glacier Point is accessible) |
Duration |
1 Hour, Seated |
Reservations |
Click the Plan Your Trip Now dropdown menu or Check Rates box (mobile devices) to book tickets online or call 888.413.8869 |
Cost |
$20 per person |
Participants |
Space is limited to 50 participants. Pre-registration is required. |
What to Bring |
Personal flashlights are required for safety. Glacier Point has no outside illumination and can be very dark on some nights. Please bring warm layers or blankets. Glacier Point is at 7,214 feet above sea level and temperatures can approach freezing at night. |
Accessibility |
This program is wheelchair accessible. |
Cancellation Policy |
A 24-hour cancellation notice is required to receive a full refund. Canceling within 24 hours the of tour will forfeit full value. Programs canceled by Yosemite Hospitality will receive a full refund. Programs may be canceled by Yosemite Hospitality for weather or other hazards. |
Join a Yosemite Hospitality Guide for a free historic walking tour of the Ahwahnee Hotel!
Please note: Parking at the Ahwahnee Hotel is valet only and requires a parking fee. If you are not staying at the Ahwahnee, consider using the shuttle for: Stop #3
Where |
The Ahwahnee Hotel Back Lawn
|
Departure |
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm |
When |
Daily |
Duration | One hour covering approximately 1/4 mile of walking |
Reservations | No reservations are needed for this complimentary tour however space is limited to the first 20 participants. |
Cost | Free! |
Participants |
To ensure the best experience, this tour has a limited capacity of 20 participants per day. This tour specifically covers the history, architecture, and art of the Ahwahnee Hotel. The content may not be engaging for small children. |
What to Bring |
You will be standing and walking for the duration. The tour covers the exterior and interior of the hotel so please consider wearing layers of clothing for colder weather. |
Accessibility | We can accommodate various special needs with advance notice. The program is wheelchair accessible. Please inform us of any needs before the program by emailing us at yh-interp@aramark.com |
Cancellation Policy | Cancellation Policy The schedule is subject to change. Cancellations may occur for various reasons without prior notice. |
Learn about Yosemite’s natural history and ecosystems with a Yosemite Naturalist!
Please see the Yosemite Guide for current offerings:
https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/guide.htm
Where | Yosemite Valley Lodge Amphitheater |
Departure |
11:00 am - 12:00 pm September 25, 2024 - November 26, 2024 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm November 27, 2024 - January 28, 2025 |
When | Daily |
Duration | One hour covering approximately one mile of walking |
Reservations | No reservations are needed for this complimentary tour. If you have questions, please contact yh-interp@aramark.com. |
Cost | Free! |
Participants | Space is limited to 25 participants. |
What to Bring |
Please dress for the weather including comfortable footwear. Temperatures can be high in the summer, and you will be outside for the duration of the program, so be sure to bring sun protection, water, and snacks. |
Accessibility | We can accommodate various special needs with advance notice. If possible, please inform us of any needs before the program by contacting yh-interp@aramark.com. |
Cancellation Policy | The schedule is subject to change. Cancellations may occur for various reasons without prior notice. |
We offer options for private tours throughout the year depending on availability and group size.
For more information, please email YH-Interp@aramark.com.