California · National Park
Yosemite tours, or self-guided
Checked Oct 26, 2026 · Source: NPS + NOAA
The NPS lists 8 self-guided tours, 4 visitor centers and 5 guided-style activity tags for Yosemite (checked Oct 26, 2026). Commercial tour operators pay the NPS fee: $300 for entrance - non-commercial groups and $20 for commercial entrance - per person. 1 road or trail alert is active. Compare a real quote in the calculator.
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A guided price may or may not include the $35 vehicle entry fee, parking and meals. We print no operator prices because we have no live, licensed price feed. Enter a real quote and we prefill the park fee.
What commercial tours pay the NPS
| Vehicle size or group | NPS fee | Notes from NPS |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance - Non-commercial Groups | $300 | The per-person fee is $20 to a maximum of $300 per vehicle. People 15 years and younger are free. |
| Commercial Entrance - Per Person | $20 | The fee is $20 per person for any resident 16 years or older. For any nonresident the fee is $100 per person for anyone 16 years or older. This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. |
| Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus | $200 | This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. For any nonresident there is an additional fee of $100 per person for anyone 16 years or older. A commercial use authorization is required. |
| Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach | $300 | This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. For any nonresident there is an additional fee of $100 per person for anyone 16 years or older. A commercial use authorization is required. |
Source: nps.gov fees for Yosemite, checked Oct 26, 2026. This is the fee operators pay, not what you pay them.
Self-guided tours the NPS publishes
Yosemite Valley - Lower Yosemite Fall Self-Guided Tour
Lower Yosemite Fall is the final 320-foot (98-meter) drop of one of the world's tallest waterfalls, Yosemite Falls. Deafening in spring and early summer when the waterfall peaks in volume, you can Time: 30–60 min. 8 stops.
Yosemite Valley - Cook's Meadow Loop Self-Guided Tour
This walk is about three kinds of change. First, there is the inevitable, natural, gradual change throughout nature; this is the essence of the life of rocks, plants, and animals. Second, there is Time: 45–60 min. 10 stops.
Yosemite Valley - Architectural Tour - Yosemite Village and Northside
This tour highlights the architectural history and design characteristics of Yosemite Village and other nearby buildings by using the free shuttle bus and short walks. From the origins of National Time: 2–3 h. 11 stops.
Yosemite Valley - Architectural Tour - Southside and East Valley
This tour highlights the architectural history and design characteristics of Yosemite's East Valley, including Curry Village and other nearby buildings by using the free shuttle bus and short walks. Time: 2–3 h. 7 stops.
Yosemite Valley - Geology Tour
Welcome to Yosemite National Park. We invite you to take a virtual walk with Yosemite’s Park Geologist to learn about the exciting and dynamic natural forces that shape the magnificent landscape… Time: 45–60 min. 8 stops.
Wawona - Yosemite History Center Self-Guided Tour
The Yosemite History Center commemorates the efforts of people, the events they experienced, and the issues they faced during the establishment of Yosemite National Park. Walk along this self-guided Time: 30–60 min. 13 stops.
Mariposa Grove - Big Trees Loop Self-Guided Tour (Accessible)
Winding through an impressive forest with many giant sequoias, this trail offers numerous interpretive panels on the life and ecology of this unique place. This loop is relatively flat and is Time: 30–45 min. 12 stops.
Mariposa Grove - Grizzly Giant Self-Guided Tour (Accessible)
Winding through a forest with many giant sequoias, this trail features the Grizzly Giant (the largest sequoia tree in the park), the California Tunnel Tree, and offers interpretive panels on the life… Time: 30–45 min. 4 stops.
Source: NPS API tours, checked Oct 26, 2026. These cost nothing beyond entry.
Guided-style activities the NPS tags here
- Boating
- Guided Tours
- Horse Trekking
- Horseback Riding
- Junior Ranger Program
Source: NPS API activity tags, checked Oct 26, 2026. A tag means the activity exists, not that a company runs it daily.
Visitor centers
- Yosemite Valley Welcome Center (passport stamp): The Yosemite Valley Welcome Center is the destination for visitor information in Yosemite Valley. The welcome center has an information desk, informational exhibits, and
- Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's Studio (passport stamp): The Wawona Visitor Center has an information desk, wilderness permit desk, and Yosemite Conservancy bookstore. It includes an exhibit of Thomas Hill’s work, recreating a
- Big Oak Flat Information Station (passport stamp): The Big Oak Flat Information Station has an information desk, wilderness permit desk, and Yosemite Conservancy bookstore. In the winter, self-registration wilderness
- Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center (passport stamp): The Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center has an information desk, Yosemite Conservancy bookstore, and an exhibit area detailing the area's geology, plant and animal life, and…
Source: NPS API visitor centers, checked Oct 26, 2026.
Road and trail alerts that affect tours
Information No overnight parking on Tioga & Glacier Point Roads
Overnight parking is not allowed on Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road, including all parking lots reachable from these roads.
Source: NPS API alerts, checked Oct 26, 2026. Check the park page before you drive.
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