But with more than 25 waterfalls across the park’s 759,620 acres, it can be hard to narrow down which ones to visit on your Yosemite tour. That’s why Incredible Adventures has rounded up the top 10 waterfalls in Yosemite National Park for you to tick off your list!

As intrepid outdoors folk, we love nothing more than getting back to nature. Our Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco takes you from the city to the great outdoors, including several of the park’s landmarks. Prepare for views of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, and more!

For more information about our Yosemite day tour, get in touch. Incredible Adventures has been offering travelers a safe and reliable way to connect with nature since 1993. As the Greenest Tour Company in San Francisco, we’ll show you North America with a minimal eco-footprint.

So, let’s take a look at the top 10 waterfalls of Yosemite National Park and help you plan your perfect visit.

1. Visit Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Yosemite National Park. It is located in the eastern part of the park, near Yosemite Village. Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America, with a total height of 2,425 feet (739 meters).

The waterfall is divided into three sections: the Upper Fall, the Middle Cascade, and the Lower Fall. You can hike to the top of the waterfall for incredible views, or take a more leisurely stroll to the base of the waterfall for a closer look at its full majesty.

2. Hike to Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite National Park

Bridalveil Fall is located in the western part of Yosemite Valley, just a short distance from Yosemite Village. The waterfall is 620 feet (189 meters) tall and is known for its delicate mist, which gives it a romantic, ethereal quality.

Take a short hike to the base of the waterfall, where you’ll feel the cool mist on your skin and enjoy the valley’s full expanse.

3. Enjoy the View at Vernal Fall, Yosemite National Park

Vernal Fall is located in the eastern part of Yosemite Valley, near the Happy Isles Trailhead. The waterfall is 317 feet (97 meters) tall and is known for its powerful flow and thundering sound.

Hike to the top of the waterfall via the Mist Trail, which offers vistas of the waterfall and the surrounding valley.

4. Explore the Bends of Nevada Fall, Yosemite National Park

Nevada Fall is located downstream from Vernal Fall, also on the Mist Trail. The waterfall is 594 feet (181 meters) tall and is known for its wide flow. You’ll find Nevada Fall below Liberty Cap, the granite dome at the west end of Little Yosemite Valley.

You’ll instantly recognize this waterfall’s ‘bent shape’, where the water falls freely for the first third of its length, roughly, to a steep slick-rock slope.

5. Experience the Lesser Known Illilouette Fall, Yosemite National Park

Illilouette Fall is located in the southern part of Yosemite Valley, near Glacier Point Road, just across from Vernal Fall. The waterfall is 370 feet (113 meters) tall and is known for its isolated location and serene beauty.

6. Welcome Spring at Ribbon Fall, Yosemite National Park

Ribbon Fall is located on the eastern side of El Capitan, one of Yosemite’s most iconic landmarks. The waterfall is one of the tallest in the park, with a height of 1,612 feet (491 meters) that’s spectacular in spring.

You’ll be able to see the waterfall from various viewpoints along Tioga Road or take a longer hike to the base of the waterfall for a closer look.

7. Snap the Scenery at Horsetail Fall, Yosemite National Park

Horsetail Fall is located in the western part of Yosemite Valley, near El Capitan. The waterfall is 1,000 feet (305 meters) tall and is known for its stunning orange-red glow, which occurs during a few days in February when the setting sun hits the waterfall just right.

8. Discover Yosemite Creek Falls’ Beauty, Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Creek Falls is located in the northeastern part of Yosemite Valley, near Tioga Road. The waterfall is 1,430 feet (436 meters) tall and is known for its rugged beauty and powerful flow.

If you visit during the full moons of April and May, you may experience a ‘moonbow’, where the light refracts in the spray at Lower Yosemite Fall’s base to dazzling effect.

9. Retreat to Lehamite Falls, Yosemite National Park

Lehamite Falls is often overlooked compared to its park siblings. Located in the northern part of Yosemite National Park, near Tuolumne Meadows, this cascading waterfall is 1,180 feet (360 meters) tall and is known for its remote location.

10. Take a Dip in Chilnualna Falls, Yosemite National Park

Chilnualna Falls is located in the southern part of Yosemite National Park, near Wawona. This series of waterfalls totals 690 feet (210 meters) in height and is known for its pools and cascading flow.

The Chilnualna Falls Trail runs parallel to Chilnualna Creek, where you can take a dip in the gentle pools. There’s another swimming hole south of the trailhead on the South Fork of the Merced River, which is always popular with locals.

That concludes our virtual tour of these epic waterfalls. Which ones will you visit on your tour of Yosemite? Whether you’re a keen hiker or prefer a leisurely walk, or a relaxing swim, there are plenty of waterfalls to choose from.

We take in several of these landmarks on our Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco, but if you’d like to find out more, just get in touch! We’re only an email away and can help curate the perfect nature excursion in Yosemite National Park. Until then, happy travels!

These are just a few of the best things to do in San Francisco; you can find more places to visit on our blog. Incredible Adventures offers fantastic San Francisco tours and experiences. We are currently offering a 15% discount on all of our Yosemite tours until the end of June. 

Feel free to call us at +1 )415) 642-7378 if you have any questions about our discounts or tours.

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Day 1 in Yosemite National Park: 

• Begin the day with one of the most famous vistas in the Valley, Tunnel View. 
• Make your way down into the valley and park in Curry Village, make sure you have enough water from one of the many refill stations, and head over to the Mist Trail. 
• Hike along the Merced River until you reach the top of Vernal Falls, be careful; it’s called the Mist Trail for a reason!
• Once you’re ready, head back down to Curry Village for lunch, there are many restaurants near Yosemite serving anything from grab-and-go wraps to pizza and burgers. 
• After lunch, it’s time to immerse yourself in the history and geology of Yosemite at the Visitors Center, the Yosemite Museum, and the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village. There is also a moderately sized store in the Village with a plethora of ingredients, souvenirs, books, and beverages where you can stock up and pick out a Yosemite souvenir.
• Follow the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail path and see the tallest waterfall in North America before eating dinner at the Mountain Lodge.
• End the first day of your Yosemite 2 day itinerary by watching the sunset and stargazing in the open valley.

Day 2 in Yosemite:

• Begin your second day bright and early with a hike to Upper Yosemite Falls; make sure to take snacks, water, and sunscreen! This hike is long and challenging but worth it for the view of the Valley from 2,000ft above.
• Once you’ve taken in the vistas, make your way down to the Merced River for a refreshing dip and treat yourself to dinner and drinks at the Ahwahnee Hotel. Cheers to a wonderful trip in Yosemite!

Incredible Adventures Yosemite Tours

All of our Yosemite 2 day itinerary attractions are included with our Incredible Adventures Yosemite Valley Tours. If you are already planning to stay in San Francisco, join the Yosemite Day Tour, and we will transport you to the park from the city. If you are staying closer to the park, we recommend the Best of Yosemite Valley Tour and if you’d like more free time, the Yosemite Valley Orientation Tour.

Save Big with Incredible Adventures!

We are currently offering discounts on all of our  Incredible Adventures tours when you book your trip in advance.

• Book 90 days prior to the departure date and SAVE 20% with the code EARLY90.
• Book 60 days prior to the departure date and SAVE 15% with the code EARLY60.
• Book 30 days prior to the departure date and SAVE 10% with the code EARLY30.

Feel free to call us at 415-642-7378 if you have any questions about our discounts or tours.

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1. Mist Trail to Vernal Falls

The Mist Trail is one of the most popular trails in Yosemite since it accesses two beautiful waterfalls. You will come across the first views of Vernal Falls at the footbridge, and further down the path, you will find granite stairs to access the top of the falls.

Our Best of Yosemite Valley tour includes a hike on the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls.

2. Mist Trail to Nevada Falls

From the top of Vernal Falls, you can continue on the Mist Trail to reach Nevada Falls. The hike is approximately 1.5 miles of steep climbing to get to the picturesque 600-foot waterfall. The hike is known to be strenuous but worth it for the close-up views of Nevada Falls.

3. Half Dome via Mist Trail

If you are interested in hiking longer on the Mist Trail, you can continue from Nevada Fall to the iconic Half Dome. To reach Half Dome, you will have to ascend cables to the summit. This climb is incredibly challenging, so you must obtain a permit from the National Park Service before you go.

Even if you don’t want to hike to Half Dome, you can still witness incredible views of this landmark with the Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco and Best of Yosemite Valley.

4. Hike to Lower Yosemite Falls

The Lower Yosemite Fall Trails is an easy one-mile hike with picturesque views of North America’s largest waterfall. This paved trail will take you up close to the shortest section of the falls and includes views of the Upper Falls. Best seen in spring and early summer.

The Yosemite Valley Orientation Tour offers free time to explore the park, including the Lower Yosemite Falls trailhead.

5. Hike Mariposa Grove

Yosemite Valley is the most visited section of the park, but Mariposa Grove is definitely worth visiting! The grove is home to Yosemite’s most extensive collection of giant sequoia trees. There are four trails to explore, including the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail, which will take you to the park’s oldest and most impressive tree.

Choose our Mariposa Grove Giant Sequoias tour!

Save Big with Incredible Adventures!

Explore the top Yosemite hikes with knowledgeable guides at Incredible Adventures. We are currently offering discounts on all of our Yosemite tours when you book your trip in advance.

• Book 90 days prior to the departure date and SAVE 20% with the code EARLY90.
• Book 60 days prior to the departure date and SAVE 15% with the code EARLY60.
• Book 30 days prior to the departure date and SAVE 10% with the code EARLY30.

Feel free to call us at 415-642-7378 if you have any questions about our discounts or tours.

The post Top 5 Yosemite Hikes with Incredible Adventures appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Giant Sequoias & Alpine Lakes Tour

Our first Yosemite tour will take you outside the busy Yosemite valley to the less-visited high country. Hop on our eco-friendly transportation, and our expert guides will take you to several Yosemite highlights with a small tour group. Spend two hours walking among Giant Sequoias before driving to Olmstead Point for lunch. Afterward, you will hike up Pothole Dome, where you will experience views of meadows and jagged peaks. End the day with a swim at Tenaya Lake before heading back.

Best of Yosemite Valley Tour

Yosemite Valley is by far the most visited area of the park, and for a good reason. The incredible landscapes of the valley have inspired visitors for over a hundred years. You will stop for pictures at Tunnel View before arriving at Curry Village. The hike on Mist Trail is unforgettable, with views of cascading waterfalls and lunch beneath Yosemite Falls. After lunch, you will spend time in Yosemite Village, where you will see the historic Ahwahnee Hotel. The tour ends with a photo stop at El Captain Meadows.

Mariposa Grove Giant Sequoias

Visit the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite with our Mariposa Grove tour at Incredible Adventures. The forest is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias, some of which have stood here for thousands of years! You will see some of the most iconic trees at Mariposa, including the Grizzly Giant. This giant is the oldest tree in the grove and reaches over 200 feet into the sky. This route will also take you to the California Tunnel Tree; before you visit the Pioneer History Center at the end of the day.

The Best Yosemite Tours at Incredible Adventures

A tour with Incredible Adventures is the best way to see everything Yosemite has to offer. Our expert guides will tell you all about the geology and history of the park as you explore the varied landscapes. We can’t wait for a new year of Yosemite tours at Incredible Adventures!

The post New Best of Yosemite Tours for 2022! appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Experience the Beauty of Yosemite With a Guide

Our knowledgeable guides at Incredible Adventures are the best choice for touring Yosemite in the winter. Our tours are an excellent way to navigate the best of Yosemite in a short amount of time. Your tour includes snowshoe rentals, park entrance fees, transportation, and a freshly prepared lunch. 

What Will I See on the Tour?

The tour begins at Tunnel View, which offers one of the most iconic views of Yosemite. See the beauty of granite domes trapped in snow and frozen waterfalls in the distance. This location is an incredible photo opportunity before your snowshoeing adventure begins. 

You will then travel to another area of the park where you will snowshoe amongst Giant Sequoias. This hike is a three-mile round trip through Merced Grove until you reach a cluster of ancient Sequoias. At this point, we will stop for lunch amidst the giants before snowshoeing the way back. 

Book Your Snowshoeing Tour Today

Join us for an unforgettable day snowshoeing Yosemite National Park with our knowledgeable guides at Incredible Adventures. If you are interested in this tour, please keep in mind that it is very weather-dependent. We do our best to follow the itineraries, but severe weather conditions can close trails and affect travel. That being said, we love sharing the beauty of Yosemite year-round, and we can’t wait for you to join us on this beautiful winter tour.

The post Winter Adventure: Snowshoeing Yosemite and Giant Sequoias appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Camping Near San Francisco | Multi-Day Trips

Visit the high sierras on this three-day camping trip to Yosemite National Park. The Yosemite Escape Camping Tour with Incredible Adventures is the best way to see the sites of Yosemite with a local expert. Our tours include transportation from San Francisco, the Yosemite Park entrance fee, five meals, and camping equipment. Your guide will bring you to the park’s highlights, including El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Tunnel View, Giant Sequoias, High Country, and Yosemite Valley. Experience the awe-inspiring sites of Yosemite on this one-of-a-kind camping trip with Incredible Adventures. 

The Tahoe Escape Camping Tour is another three-day camping trip that departs from San Francisco. You will explore the eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range and spend time on Lake Tahoe: the largest alpine lake in the United States! Spend your days kayaking and hiking while taking in the splendor of mountain views. You will spend a day in Lake Tahoe, where you will be able to browse local shops and stop for dinner. The last day is spent kayaking, hiking, and exploring Emerald Bay State Park.

Overnight Trips | Hotel Lodging

If camping isn’t your favorite activity, we offer tours where you can stay at a hotel instead. Spend the day exploring National Parks and end the night in a comfortable hotel room. These are the tours we recommend to explore the area without actually camping: 

• Monterey and Big Sur Discovery Two-Day Hotel Tour
• Yosemite Overnight Lodging Tour
• Yosemite and Tahoe Sierras Four-Day Tour 
• Muir Woods and Wine Country Overnight Combo Tour

Guided Camping Tours with Incredible Adventures

Experience the awe-inspiring natural environment surrounding San Francisco on a camping trip with Incredible Adventures. Camping near San Francisco is made easy with our knowledgeable guides, included meals and camping equipment. And for those who want an outdoor adventure during the day and comfort at night, you can choose one of our tours with hotel lodging. Embark on a unique tour with Incredible Adventures and check out all the tours we offer in San Francisco.

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Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco

Set your alarm, because your tour will depart at 6:30 a.m. in the comfort of an eco-friendly mini-coach bus. Upon arrival, Yosemite is yours to explore! You’ll have a full day at your disposal where you can immerse yourself in our day-long tour with our professional guide or venture off on your own. During your Yosemite day trip, there are a few spots you can’t miss out on. 

• Vernal Falls – Get an up-close view of Vernal Falls either on a hike along a path that begins near the Happy Isles Nature Center or the Panorama Trail where you’ll wander through the mist of the towering waterfall. There’s nothing quite like the thundering created by the falling water.
• Mirror Lake – Take a walk to the local body of water when you head on out to Mirror Lake. Though the water levels vary depending on the season, the view of Mt. Watkins peering over the lake is not to be missed on your Yosemite day trip. 
• Indian Village of the Ahwahnee – Visitors get a close-up of Native American living on a trip to the Indian Village of the Ahwahnee. With exhibits like the Bark House, Miwok Cabin, Chief’s House, and the Ceremonial Roundhouse, you’ll get a real sense of the technology and living conditions the tribe members experienced.
• Merced River – Swim, fish, or simply take in the splendor of the historic Merced River. With a number of access points throughout the valley, getting your toes in the water shouldn’t be too difficult. This is an especially excellent destination on a hot summer Yosemite day trip!
• El Capitan – The iconic walls of El Capitan are imposing, climbing over 3,000 feet. Standing over twice as high as the Empire State Building, you may spot climbers traversing the granite rock as well as colorful dots charting their route. Remember to pack binoculars to get the best views! 

Yosemite in a Day: What an Incredible Adventure!

Though it might be difficult to see all that the Yosemite Valley has to offer in just a day, you’re in good hands with Incredible Adventures. Our Yosemite day trip offers swift transportation, knowledgeable guides, and freedom for all of our guests to choose their own adventures. So, if you have any extra time on your hands while you’re in the San Francisco area, give us a call at 1-800-777-8464 to find out how we can arrange a Yosemite Valley trip for you!

The post Plan an Action-Packed Yosemite Valley Day Trip appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Yosemite and Tahoe Sierras Tour with Incredible Adventures

With two-and-a-half tours between the Tahoe Sierras and Yosemite National Park, there’s plenty to see. Our brilliant guides know the area like the back of their hands and will make sure that you don’t miss out on a single thing during your four-day tour. As a four-day tour and plenty to see, we know you’ll be pretty tired by the time the sun goes down, which is why we have comfortable lodging accommodations every single night. Get ready for one of the most memorable adventures of your life on our Yosemite and Tahoe Sierras tour!

Get ready to explore Yosemite Valley and Yosemite High Country with your group and our guides—and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In Yosemite National Park, you’ll be blown away by the massive Sequoia trees and granite cliffs that surround you, and you’ll also meander past plenty of greenery, gorgeous wildflowers, and animals that call Yosemite their home. Visiting Yosemite National Park is an incredible experience that you won’t soon forget.

Along the way, we’ll make a stop at Mammoth Lakes, a quaint town located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. The town is a base for Devils Postpile National Monument, a formation of basalt columns, and Rainbow Falls. Next, we’ll bring you to Bodie Ghost Town, a deserted town that once was home to nearly 10,000 people. Small rustic homes are still standing, but surrounded by desert, making it a true ghost town. And, of course, we’ll make a stop at the beautiful Lake Tahoe.

Our four-day Yosemite and Tahoe Sierras tour costs $879, and it is well worth it, and that’s a promise! Book your tour with us online today.

Incredible Adventures

Our tour of Yosemite might just be the beginning of a very long relationship between you and us, Incredible Adventures. Once you not only experience the unique beauty of this area, but our excellent guidance and hospitality, you’ll be hooked! We explore destinations all over the country and have been bringing our new visitors and loyal visitors on some of the best vacations of their life. To learn more about Incredible Adventures, what we do, and where we visit, check us out online.

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We’ve noticed a few silver-linings for those who still crave exploration of this beautiful City by the Bay. For one, there’s little traffic, a lack of crowds and available parking. Three things which were previously non-existent on this densely packed peninsula before. Mix in favorable weather and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a short getaway or a special ‘staycation’.

So whether you’re a visitor or a local, we argue that this fall offers a perfect time to take to the streets of San Francisco. Sure, you still can’t hop on a cable car or enjoy the atmosphere of a historic Gold Rush era bar, but the pleasant weather and plethora of safe and socially-distanced activities should make up for it for the time being.

Explore new beaches

If you didn’t even know San Francisco had beaches (it happens!), it’s the ultimate time to find out. While summer can tend to be foggy and surprisingly chilly here, fall brings clear days and warm temperatures. Beach day in October? How could you not.

For the largest and most accessible beaches, you’ll probably head to Ocean Beach or Crissy Field. For a more picturesque experience, travel along the Land’s End Trail where you’ll find a handful of secluded coves and white sandy stretches to explore. Baker Beach itself has a nice view of the Golden Gate Bridge and a public parking lot, but others involve climbing down some steep stairs to reach the sand.

Our favorite beach of all takes a little more effort to enjoy. On the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge inside the Golden Gate National Recreation Area lies Kirby Cove, a spectacular coarse-sand beach with panoramic views of the bridge and San Francisco skyline. To get there, you must hike down a steep 1 mile trail unless you happen to snag yourself a day-use or camping permit. These typically sell out  far in advance online, but it never hurts to look. If you get lucky and can grab a permit, you can skip the hike and drive directly down to the parking lot at the beach.

Rent a GoCar

One of the most unique and COVID-friendly ways to explore San Francisco is from the seat of a GoCar. These tiny yellow vehicles fit two people and allow you to self-drive around the city by following the ‘GPS guided storytelling’. Want to go your own way? That’s fine too. Use the provided map or your smartphone to guide your day.

Rent a go car with Incredible Adventures for the entire day and cruise down Lombard Street, through the mansions of the rich and famous and along the breezy Embarcadero. Or just wander and see the city from a new perspective.

Photograph the city without the crowds

If you’ve always dreamed about taking that perfect bridge photo or snap the ‘Painted Ladies’ at golden hour, consider it the time to do so. Without all the cars and pedestrians, San Francisco is a photographer’s dream.

Created in reaction to COVID-19, San Francisco now has 12 new ‘slow streets‘ which are closed to all vehicles. It’s never been easier to wander through neighborhoods without having to worry about busy traffic and small sidewalks.

Hit the city trails

While the hills of San Francisco make fine mountains to climb themselves, our city also happens to have spectacular green spaces and well-maintained urban hiking paths. Take to the Land’s End Trail for expansive ocean views and rugged coastline below. Alternatively, take your dog and explore the bluff trails through coastal Fort Funston. Ready for an all day cross-city adventure? The Crosstown Trail connects San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods through a variety of urban trails and open spaces. Beginning at Candlestick Park in the southeastern part of the city and concluding at Land’s End, these 17 miles will bring you through the heart of the city and some of its most impressive views.

Grab your ‘travel pod’ and go wine tasting

Although the recent fires have been devastating for parts of wine country, that does not mean the whole area is closed. In fact, it’s a more important time than ever to support our favorite local wineries and businesses. Already struggling from COVID-19 shutdowns, nearby fires will also hurt business long after they have been put out. Air quality has improved drastically recently. To check for current conditions, visit Airnow.gov.

Ready to visit but need a DD? No problem. With the onset of the pandemic we expanded our private tours to offer services to “travel pods”, close family/friend groups that stick together to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Gather your pod, kick back and leave the driving to us.

For private groups, you have the option to follow one of our current wine country tour itineraries, or have us create something custom and personalized. The choice is up to you.

Rates start at $178/per person for a full day wine country tour with two included tasting flights. Contact us for more details & to arrange.

Take a walk in the woods

If serene nature is what your heart desires, no need to travel far. Just twenty minutes from San Francisco lies Muir Woods National Monument. Walk beneath towering coastal redwoods over the many meandering trails and boardwalks.

Muir Woods National Monument requires a permit for parking, so be prepared before you visit.  Alternatively, skip the permit and join one of our Muir Woods & Sausalito Half Day Tours.  There’s no better way to spend a morning or afternoon then by exploring Muir Woods and also Sausalito. Make it into a whole day outing by taking the ferry from Sausalito to Pier 39 and walking along the Embarcadero to end your day.

Special offer through November 30! Use promo code ‘GOLOCAL‘ and get 15% off any Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour.

Cross Yosemite National Park off your bucket list

A staggering amount of Californians tell us they have never visited Yosemite. What a missed opportunity! But whether you are a Californian or not, right now is an optimal time to go. With pleasant autumn weather and little crowds, this is the Yosemite you want to experience. Don’t wait until high season arrives, or you might end up sitting in Yosemite Valley traffic.

There are many ways to explore the beauty of this park. If you plan to drive yourself, check out our favorite hotels on offer. Whether it’s a heated tent cabin or a comfy room inside Yosemite Valley, book as early as possible. With reduced hotel room capacity during the pandemic, they may quickly sell out. We also have tours that pickup in El Portal, right outside the park.

From San Francisco, there are many tours to choose from. Leave the winter driving to us and join one of our excursions. Relax and unwind on the drive then explore awe-inspiring Yosemite Valley at your leisure.

Tell us, which COVID-19 friendly activities or tours would you want to partake in this fall and winter?

The post Exploring San Francisco this 2021: COVID-friendly Activities & Tours appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Unfortunately, a visit to our National Parks isn’t always synonymous with the above. In the past decade, our parks have seen a surge in visitors resulting in traffic, crowded trails and a lack of wildlife. Just as the pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives, it will also change how we visit our parks.

As Yosemite National Park experts since 1993, you can trust Incredible Adventures for up-to-date information on visiting this paradise of the Sierra Nevadas. Whether you decide to come with us or visit on your own, protect this special place by remembering to ‘Leave No Trace‘ and by following all social-distancing guidelines throughout the parks.

WHAT TO EXPECT

With 83 days being mostly visitor-free, Yosemite National Park (and all U.S. parks) have had some room to breath. Alpine meadows are growing thick and wildlife has been free to emerge without the fear of humans. While you will need a day permit to visit this year (see below for permit details), you can be certain to have some room to breath yourself. For the time being, gone are the days of sitting in Yosemite Valley bottleneck traffic to enter or exit the park. This year, Yosemite will only be returning to a 50% capacity of last year’s numbers.

Even though visitor numbers will be well-below year’s past, there are still a few things to keep in mind. Yosemite National Park covers an unbelievable 1,169 square miles, with 94% of that being designated wilderness. While those are some huge numbers, most everyone that visits Yosemite visits the same contained area—Yosemite Valley. What’s more, Yosemite Valley barely makes up 1% of the entire National Park.

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, regardless of if you are visiting during a pandemic or not, make sure to visit multiple areas of the park. While Yosemite Valley is the most well known, there are numerous regions of the park which are just as beautiful but with less crowds.

What’s Open

Yosemite is currently engaging in a ‘phased reopening’. That being said, most of the park is open for visitors, minus some services. For the full and up-to-date list of what’s open and what’s not, be sure to check the Yosemite National Park Website.

As of June 11, 2020 the following areas and services are open:

• Trails: All trails are open as normal, with route modifications for the Mist Trail due to popularity.
• Campgrounds: Currently Upper Pines Campground is open at 50% capacity and Wawona Horse Camp (horse camping required) is open. All other campgrounds are yet to officially open. It is not recommended to show up to the park for an overnight stay without a reservation. Sleeping in cars is only allowed with a campground reservations.
• Hotels: Most hotels are open at a reduced capacity including Yosemite Valley Lodge and the Curry Village Tent Cabins.
• Services: Facilities and services are reduced throughout Yosemite National Park. In Yosemite Valley, the theater and Yosemite Museum are both closed. The Yosemite National Park shuttle will also not be operating.
• Roads: All roads (including Tioga Road) are now open as normal with the exception of Hetch Hetchy Road, which is only open from 8AM to 5PM.
• Sequoia Groves: There are multiple Sequoia groves around the park, all of which are currently open. Mariposa Grove can be reached by parking at the Mariposa Welcome Plaza, but once that is full you must walk the two-miles (each way) on the Washburn Trail or on Mariposa Grove Road to reach the trails of the grove itself.
• Gas: Gas is currently available in Wawona, El Portal, and Crane Flat.

It is invaluable to remember that the free park shuttle will NOT be operating this year. If you planned on a car-free visit to the park, see our recommendations below.

Wilderness Permits

Wilderness permits for overnight hikes to Half Dome and the backcountry are currently open. All wilderness permits and quotas still remain in effect. If you have a wilderness permit for anytime past June 5th, it will be honored and you will be contacted on how to receive the permit via email.

The Best Time to Visit

All seasons are unique and beautiful within Yosemite National Park. Typically, summer is hot, dry and full of crowds. If you’ve always avoided Yosemite during the summer, maybe this is your best chance to visit. If you have the flexibility, the fall typically offers warm and clear days, but more comfortable temperatures.

Don’t be hesitant about visiting Yosemite during shoulder or slow seasons. Whether it’s a foggy and cool morning or a snow-covered scene, Yosemite is a sight to behold.

How to Visit

Visiting Yosemite National Park this year will differ drastically than years past. Basically, there are three main ways to visit until further notice.

1. By private vehicle

To visit the park in your own vehicle, Yosemite National Park has implemented a day-use reservation system on recreation.gov.  Permits must be reserved prior to your visit, with 80% being available one month in advance and 20% being available 2 days in advance. You must make sure to enter the park on the first day of your permit or risk it being cancelled. Permits last for 7 days and cost $35 per car. You do not need to pay per person, only per vehicle.

Since the implementation of this permit system, reservations have been going quickly. It is highly recommended to be logged on at 7am Pacific Time one month prior to your visit to try and get a permit. Remember, permit numbers are based on 50% capacity of last year, so as tourism picks up there will not be enough permits to go around. Once in the park though, you’ll have the freedom to go wherever you like. Since the free park shuttle is not operating this year, it will be more difficult to reach areas outside of Yosemite Valley without a personal vehicle.

Don’t forget, it is highly discouraged to come to the park and plan to stay overnight without a reservation. For comfortable and conveniently located rooms, you can easily make your reservation with us. We often times have availability even though other sites are still sold out.

For comfortable rooms nearly at the base of Yosemite Falls, be sure to check out Yosemite Valley Lodge. If you’d rather feel closer to nature, look into the historic tent cabins in Curry Village. With heated or unheated rooms and multiple occupancy styles, this rustic option involves all the best parts of camping, without having to sacrifice comfort.

2. By public transportation

As stated above, the free National Park shuttle is not operating this year within the park. Fortunately, YARTS, the Yosemite public transit service, will still be in operation with some slight changes. The public transportation connecting Highways 108,120, 140, 41 and 395 to Yosemite Valley will offer a reduced capacity service, allowing 22 advance reservations with a maximum of 30 passengers per vehicle.

It is important to remember that while you can take YARTS into the Yosemite Valley, once you are there there will be no transportation available to visit other areas of the park. Make sure to visit https://www.yarts.com/ for more information.

3. By small-group tour

By far our favorite option, joining a tour allows you to easily visit all areas of the park while not needing to have obtained a day-use permit in advance. Yosemite Hospitality will not be operating their typical bus tours this year, but there are still a few other operators to choose from, including ourselves!

Benefits of joining our tours:

• No day-use permit needed. All of our tours include Yosemite National Park entry
• Leave the stressors of driving around a mountainous and expansive park to our professional drivers
• No need to deal with parking inside the park
• During this unpredictable time, our guides have expert knowledge of what’s currently going on around the park
• Leave lunch to us. Our Best of Yosemite and High Country Tour both include a fresh box lunch we source from outside the park
• Get tips on the best trails and how to visit the park like a pro, even under time constraints

We’ve implemented many health and safety protocols in response to COVID-19. See our Health & Safety page dedicated to the subject for all the ways we are keeping you safe.

Click above to see our four NEW Yosemite tours to help you expertly explore the park during COVID-19.

Are you planning on visiting Yosemite this 2020?

The post Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Yosemite National Park in 2020 appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

It’s important to stay informed and do your part to reduce risks to yourself and others especially when planning on traveling to San Francisco during COVID-19. Here are four ways to make the most of your visit to our beautiful city while protecting yourself and others.

Take precautions as recommended by the CDC and WHO

It doesn’t matter where you might be traveling, it’s important to take all the necessary precautions to keep yourself and others healthy. Currently, the CDC recommends:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to  others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

As you can see there are many simple ways to protect yourself and others from the spread of the virus during travel as advised by official health organizations. Please visit the below links for the most updated information:

• Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel by the CDC
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) travel advice by WHO

Stay home if you’re feeling unwell

It’s never been more important to remember to stay home if you are feeling unwell and/or exhibiting symptoms. Regardless of if you plan on sightseeing solo or joining one of our tours, we appreciate your cooperation in reducing the spread of any kind of virus. We are currently recommending the same for our guides and staff and will be continuing to provide clean and sanitized vehicles.

If you’re in San Francisco and are looking for a location to get a flu shot, visit SFCDCP for locations and fees.

Visit those attractions that would typically be too busy or crowded

With many large companies advocating their staff work from home and with many large conferences postponed, there is one silver-lining to visiting San Francisco over the coming weeks and months– it will be a lot less crowded. Typically, San Francisco is brimming with tourists and business travelers but now is the perfect time to take advantage of the fewer crowds. Get those picture-perfect photos of our streets without people in them, snag a seat on our historic street and cable cars or obtain that last-minute reservation at one of our many famous restaurants.

Don’t forget about tickets and tours either. While typically sold out far in advance, now may be the perfect time to get coveted Alcatraz tickets. Bundled with one of our tours, you’ll also be able to see the best of the Bay Area in a short amount of time. Additionally, this may be the perfect time to get some fresh air and visit our National Parks without the usual crowds. Muir Woods National Monument and Yosemite National Park are a dream come true in the slow season and some time in nature might just be what the psychiatrist ordered during these stressful times.

Look out for special deals and promotions

The travel industry is one of the many economic sectors being hit hard in light of COVID-19. Many conferences coming to San Francisco have been rescheduled and many flights from China have been paused. The lack of visitors not only means less crowds but also the opportunity to find great promotions or discounts on anything from flights to hotel rooms and even tours. Here at Incredible Adventures we are currently offering the following deals to help you get out and explore the beauty of Northern California:

• • 20% off all wine tours when booked before April 1st

Save 20% off your wine tour when you make your booking before April 1st. Travel anytime this year and use code WINE2020 at checkout. We will also waive the 6% booking fee when you call us directly to book! Discount applicable to the following:

• • • • Napa and Sonoma World Class Wine Tour
      • Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Country
      • Redwoods, Sonoma, and Napa Wine 2 Day Hotel Tour
        
      • Alcatraz Day Tour (Day 1) + Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour (Day 2)
      • Alcatraz Night Tour and Aquarium (Day 1) + Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour (Day 2)

• • 10% off all winter tours departing from San Francisco                       

Get 10% off when you book a tour departing from San Francisco before June 1st. Use code IAWINTERWONDERLAND at checkout. Call us to book and we will waive the service fees too.

Be sure to check our ‘Deals’ page for more.

We continue to welcome you to our city and wish you safe and healthy travels.

-From all of us here at Incredible Adventures

The post Tips for Traveling to San Francisco during COVID-19 appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

What is Firefall?

Firefall is a natural phenomenon that happens every late winter/early spring in Yosemite National Park. As the sun begins to set, Horsetail Falls becomes a thin ribbon of embered orange with hues of red, cascading to the valley floor. This mystical glow is a timely manner, only striking for 2 weeks in February, 10-15 minutes before the sun fully disappears behind towering rock faces. This year, the naturally occurring Firefall starts February 14, 2020.

The Firefall is a fickle phenomena as several variables must perfectly converge. There must be enough snow melt where Horsetail Falls is actually flowing, but this fall has a peak flow season of December through April, keeping chances quite high. Furthermore, the sky must be crystal clear at sunset. Even subtle clouds can block sun rays from making their way through to the falls. When nature harmoniously merges during this time, visitors are left with one of Yosemite’s breathtaking sights adding to the supernatural effect of the park.’

The History of Firefall in Yosemite

‘Last Light on Horsetail Falls‘ is the first known photograph to capture the Firefall in all its vivid glory. Taken in 1973 by Galen Rowell, a National Geographic photographer, the photograph made the annual event a bucket list view for aspiring photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. “The most interesting parts of the natural world are the edges, places where ocean meets land, meadow meets forest, timberline touches the heights,” stated Rowell, or in this case where sun meets water.

Although the name is reminiscent of the spectacle’s similarity to the golden blaze of summer bonfires, the naturally occurring Firefall inherited its name from a Yosemite tradition dating back to the nineteenth century.

A small inn, known as ‘The Mountain House’ was built at the top of Glacier Point in 1873. It served as a resting place for those traveling James McCauley’s toll trail from Yosemite Valley to the base of Sentinel Rock, a route now known as ‘The Four Mile Trail’ and one of the valley’s most popular hikes. The building of ‘The Mountain House’ and the addition of The Glacier Point Hotel in 1917 made the area more suitable for travelers, growing in popularity. As a form of summer entertainment, large bonfires were built during the evenings with red fir bark on the edge of Glacier Point. As flames gave way and the night continued to darken, piles of crimson embers were pushed over the edge, creating a steady flow of light.

To view a stream of fire tumbling down 3,000 feet became a sought-after event from Camp Curry (now Curry Village) down in the valley. Starting in 1872, the event became a ritual, occurring every evening at 9:00pm until it’s last descent in January 1968. After almost a century, the park service banned the firefall event due to its unnatural essence and severe damage among local meadows.

How to see Firefall this February

Despite the end of an era with the man-made firefall tradition, the history lives on each February as visitors flock to witness the grandeur of it’s natural replacement. Let us take you to see the Yosemite Firefall this winter! This year the Firefalls are scheduled to occur February 14th through 27th, and luckily we still have hotel rooms available within the Valley.

There are two ways to experience this must-see phenomenon: Take the trip at your own pace and book a hotel room or join one of our tours to receive both transportation, a guided tour of Yosemite Valley and a hotel room.

Here are more details on how to secure your spot:

1. Book a hotel room and self-drive to the park

It is recommended to stay in Yosemite Valley when viewing Firefall. With the additional visitors during this time period and a lack of parking, staying within Yosemite Valley is the most convenient option. These rooms book up fast online, but we still have a few rooms available at a few of our preferred accommodation options: Yosemite Valley Lodge and the Half Dome Village Tent Cabins (weekends only through winter).

Check our hotels page to see live availability for both of those hotels and to find out more information. Remember, book quickly for the 2020 event!

2. Take in the sights as you journey to Yosemite on one of our tours!

Our Yosemite Winter Hotel Tour covers your transportation to and from Yosemite, letting you focus on the snow-capped mountains rather than the winding roads. Enjoy a full afternoon of roaming the valley, cross Firefall off your bucket list, and wake up to the morning light gushing over Half Dome.

Yosemite National Park in February is as good as winter gets!

Act fast before all rooms sell out. For more information, feel free to call us at (415) 642-7378

The post Witness Yosemite’s ‘Firefall’ this 2020 appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

“Of all the mountain ranges I have climbed, I like the Sierra Nevada the best.” – John Muir

If the mountain man himself, John Muir, could come to such a bold conclusion about the Sierras, you KNOW it must be true! The Sierra Nevada Mountain range is a naturalist’s definition of perfection.

Year after year, our 3-day Camping trip to Yosemite National Park has been our best seller. Yosemite’s High Country leaves passengers captivated: with more time to explore, we take groups beyond Yosemite’s crowded valley and into the less-traveled areas of the park. Our guides can skip the tourist traps on longer road trips and show off why we Californians love our state!

Interest has increased for new and unique experiences, so we started designing an itinerary that incorporated more of the Sierra Nevada mountain range’s diversity. in 2016, Incredible Adventures launched a 4-day road trip highlighting the best of the Sierras. On this trip, we spend one day and night each in Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Lakes, and South Lake Tahoe with fun, unique add-ons in between. With both hotel and camping accommodation options, travelers of all different spending budgets and comfort levels can join the fun!

Interested in spending four days in on the road with us? Here’s how Northern California’s ultimate mountain road trip plays out:

Denise’s Farmers Market

Before even hitting your first National Park, you’ll be introduced to California’s flourishing Agricultural region: cherries, strawberries, almonds, OH MY! California’s Central Valley provides more than half of the USA’s fruits, vegetables, and nuts: it’s the state’s single most productive agricultural region, and one of the most productive in the world!  Denise’s Farmers Market is one of our favorite spots on the way out. Sample and purchase fresh and dried produce – and every flavor of corn nuts! Our passengers love to stock up on snacks here and avoid the concession queues in the park. This rest stop that doubles up as a midway point to Yosemite for bathroom breaks and yummy treats, and will leave you happy, healthy, and with more time to explore when you get to the park!

Yosemite National Park

Your first stop along the Sierras will be America’s Favorite National Park. Everyone from John Muir to Teddy Roosevelt to Barack Obama and millions of visitors in between cannot help but be astonished by Yosemite’s beauty. Your guide will show off the Valley, High Country, and groves of Giant Sequoias. Then you’ll spend the night at the Yosemite Bug – a quaint Mountain Resort known for their comfortable rooms and hearty buffet!

Mammoth Lakes

Next, you’ll head North through the Sierras on your way to Mammoth Lakes. Located at almost 8,000 ft elevation, this town is known as a top ski destination in California. In the summer, mountain biking and hiking are popular in the area. The gondola ride up to Mammoth Mountain and a visit to Mammoth Brewing company are not to be missed!

Devil’s Postpile National Monument in Ansel Adams Wilderness

Talk about geographic phenomenon! The Devil’s Postpile is a dark cliff of columnar basalt formed from lava flow an estimated 10,000 years ago. This unique rock formation is located in between Mammoth Lakes and Lake Tahoe along the John Muir Trail.

Bodie Ghost Town

After discovering gold in nearby Mono Lake back in 1859, W. S. Bodie triggered a massive settlement to the Sierras just North of his find. However, all these new neighbors only had one thing in mind: once they mined through all of the gold, the party ended pretty abruptly. Then, around 1912, the population began declining. By 1915, newspapers were already officially labeling Bodie a proper “Ghost Town”.

Everyone seemingly just up and left. Cars, churches, saloons, have all been preserved and protected as National/State Historic Landmarks. It’s a really neat glimpse of a town stopped in time, and a great stop on your way to glorious South Lake Tahoe.

South Lake Tahoe

Lastly, we head to South Lake Tahoe. Located right on top of the state line between California and Nevada, South Lake is El Dorado County’s most populous city.  Tahoe is known for its snow activities in the winter, lake activities in the summer, and 24-casinos where you can win big year-round!

From the luxurious sunset walks along the lake to rugged hikes to flowing waterfalls with expansive views of the Emerald Bay, ending this 4-day road trip through the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in South Lake Tahoe is the perfect final act. In the morning, you’ll pack up and return to beautiful San Francisco, seeing the gorgeous views of the city from Treasure Island and the Bay Bridge.

Best of the Sierras Reviews – See what passengers have said about the tour:

“Tops on the “living it up” list should be the Yosemite and Tahoe Sierras Tour offered by Incredible Adventures, the only tour company that offers a round trip to Yosemite National Park, the mountain resort town of Mammoth Lakes and spectacular Lake Tahoe.” -Steve, 2016

“This was truly an incredible adventure. Leo took us to the most breathtaking spots! Our phrase after each first view was ‘Oh My Goodness – WOW’. I loved this trip as it was all about Nature. And Leo made it easy and fun to enjoy every day of it.” – sfran2017, 2017

“We saw the drop-dead gorgeous Yosemite and Lake Tahoe views, and also enjoyed great food stops along the way. The Bug is a charming stay! Highly recommend this tour!” -tripper4040, 2017

“We’ve just returned from the most awesome tour of Yosemite and Lake Tahoe with Leo from Incredible Adventures. The key to a great tour is a great guide! The itinerary was awesome but Leo bought it all to life with an incredible range of knowledge and experience. His familiarity with the best routes and photo opportunities put us at ease very early on.” -Dan, 2017

The post Best of the Sierras: Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes & Lake Tahoe appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Breakfast Camping Recipes (serves ~6 people)

Breakfast Burritos

(can be adjusted for any quantity of campers)

• Olive Oil
• Frozen Hashbrowns
• Your choice of meat (chorizo, breakfast sausage, ham, bacon, etc)
• 2 Eggs/person
• Taco Seasoning
• Salsa
• Sour Cream (or Yogurt as a substitute)
• Cheese
• Tortillas (flour or corn)

Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in large skillet. Add hashbrowns and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously.

Add in your meat of choice and continue to cook, stirring occasionally until both have browned (about 8-10 minutes). Note: if the meat is very greasy, you can cook it separately and drain it before adding it to the cooked hashbrowns.

Whisk eggs in separate bowl. Add taco seasoning. Pour eggs into skillet with hashbrowns and meat. Stir frequently until eggs are set.
Warm tortillas, and place desired amount of egg mixture onto each tortilla. Add Salsa, Sour Cream, Cheese as desired. Roll up and enjoy!

Lunch Camping Recipes

Chicken Gyro Wraps (serves ~6 people)

• Greek Yogurt
• Feta Cheese
• Cucumbers
• Garlic
• Lettuce
• Grape/Cherry tomatoes
• 2 Lemons
• Red Onion
• Parsley
• Pitas
• 2 lb boneless chicken breast or thigh (or 1 pre-cooked rotisserie chicken)
• Olive oil
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Salt & Pepper
• Dill

Tzatziki Sauce/Dressing

Dice or grate cucumbers (pour off any excess liquid). Add to yogurt. Add garlic, dill, and lemon juice.

Salad Toppings
Dice/quarter the tomatoes, dice the red onion, & chop parsley. Mix with the tzatziki dressing, and season with salt and pepper

Chicken (if raw)
Heat up a wok with a few tablespoons of olive oil. Sear the chicken for 7 minutes – add water, bring to a boil, flip chicken until cooked ~15 mins. Once cooked let cool enough to shred the chicken. Add the shredded chicken back to wok with more olive oil, oregano, rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with pita bread.

Dinner Camping Recipes

Pesto Chicken Pasta (serves ~6 people)

• Box of pasta
• 1lb Boneless chicken breast or thigh (can be skipped, for a vegetarian camping recipe option)
• 1 jar/2c Pesto
• 1 jar/1c Sundried tomatoes (cut the sun-dried tomatoes in half or in strips if they’re big, drain the oil off & reserve)
• ½c pine nuts
• Parmesan cheese

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Cook the chicken in a few tablespoons of the reserved oil from the sundried tomatoes. Toast the pine nuts in a small pan on low while chicken is cooking; make sure to watch them, though – they can burn quickly! Cook pasta according to packaging. Combine additional ingredients and serve with salad.

Vegan Camping Recipes

Vegan Coconut Sweet Potato Soup (serves ~6 people)

• 2-3 cans Veggie Broth (~6-8 cups) OR ¼ jar of veggie bullion + water
• 1-2 cups of uncooked rice
• 3-4 cloves of Garlic (minced)
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 Serrano Chili (if you like spice)
• 2 cans of Coconut milk
• 2-3 Sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 Small Bag/Bunch of Kale, washed and cut into small pieces.
• Turmeric powder
• Ginger powder
• Sriracha
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Lime wedges (optional)

Prepare rice as directed on package, set aside.

Bring the veggie broth to a boil, and add in coconut milk. Bring this back to a simmer. Add in onion, sweet potato, chili, garlic and spice to taste. Cook for 15 mins until sweet potatoes are soft. Add kale and let cook for 5 more minutes to let soften.

Serve over rice, add sriracha if desired. Garnish with cilantro/lime.

Couscous Salad

• Box of Israeli couscous (big grains) about 2 servings per box – double check servings per box
• 3 Tbs olive oil (plus more for “dressing”)
• 3-4 cloves garlic
• 1/2 yellow onion
• 1/2 lb Green Beans
• 1/2 Red, yellow, or green bell pepper
• 1/2 bunch radishes (4-5)
• 1/2 can corn off the cob
• Cilantro or basil

Cook couscous according to box. Saute garlic and onions in olive oil. Add diced veggies and cook to al dente. Mix al dente veggies and couscous together. Add corn, radish and cilantro/basil raw, add more olive oil if needed for moisture.

Dessert Camping Recipes

Banana Boats (1 per camper)

• Aluminum foil
• Bananas
• Chocolate/Nutella/Peanut Butter
• Cinnamon
• Marshmallows, Chopped nuts, etc.

Slice a slit in the inside curve of a banana lengthwise while the peel is still on, making a “boat”. Place this in a large square of aluminum foil (this will need to wrap all around the banana, so maybe 20″ square. Stuff your banana with chocolate, Nutella and/or peanut butter or sprinkle with cinnamon. Add anything else you want! Wrap the foil tightly and toss your parcel directly into the fire/coals for a few minutes. Carefully remove, check to see that contents inside are melted to your preference, and enjoy!

Smores (duh)

• Graham Crackers
• Marshmallows
• Chocolate Bar of choice (Hersheys and Reeses are our favorites!)

Put a stick through your marshmallow, long enough that the marshmallow can be roasted without endangering your arm. Be careful to use a stick that isn’t chemically treated (lumber) or secretly poison oak. Trust us.

Prepare graham cracker by first breaking it into two pieces. Cover one of those halves with chocolate. Make sure it’s nearby and ready to receive your melted marshmallow BEFORE you start roasting.

Roast your marshmallow over the fire till golden all around (it’s an art, and a personal preference). Then, squish the toasted marshmallow on top of chocolate graham cracker with its plain counterpart. Allow your masterpiece to rest a few minutes so heated marshmallow can melt the chocolate a bit, then devour. Repeat as desired.

Enjoy!

These camping recipes may require a stove, propane tank, pots, pans, dishes and other kitchen tools, though some can be accomplished with nothing more than a roll of aluminum foil! No worries, though – all of these tools are included on our 3-day Camping Escape Tour in Yosemite National Park!

…And when all else fails, there’s always PB&J.

The post Camping Recipes for Your Next Camping Escape appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Camping Video

There are parts of the park that many people never see because of time and transportation limitations. It’s said that more than 80% of visitors only see about 7% of Yosemite National Park, which is 1,169 square miles of wilderness. On this adventure, you’ll go beyond Yosemite’s Valley floor. This is your chance to explore more! Our small-group tours have unique access to Yosemite’s High Country and the Giant Sequoias. We’ve also opened up more tours this year with five departures a week from May to October.

We provide the camping equipment, and offer sleeping bags for a small rental fee. We’ll also include five fresh meals for your crew. Experience what it’s like to Camp like a Californian as we roast s’mores around the campfire, hike to astounding vistas, and sleep under the stars.

One could easily spend months, or maybe even YEARS, in Yosemite and find a new hike or vantage point almost every day. As you can see in this camping video, there is so much to see and do! If you don’t have time in your vacation to San Francisco for a 3-day camping trip, we also offer one and two-day trips to the park that will still leave you in awe.

However much time you spend out there, be sure to FIND YOURSELF in Yosemite National Park this Summer!

The post Camping Video: Find Yourself in Yosemite National Park appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

They say 80% visitors to Yosemite National Park only end up seeing about 7% of it – the Valley.

The park is enormous and hard to sum up in a couple of hours. Heck, it’s hard to see a good portion of it in a couple of days. But for first timers to the park, and especially for first-time campers, this is the best kickstart to understanding the area.

On top of spending time in the Valley, this tour includes a visit to the Giant Sequoias and a day spent in High Country! We supply all of the camping equipment, and offer sleeping bags for a small rental fee, so even adventurers traveling light can join us. Five fresh meals are also provided and we’ll spend time camping like Californians around the campfire.

Have no fear, there is also running water at our campsite. So, while we may not be completely ‘roughing it, you can guarantee you’ll have everything you need on this Incredible Adventure.

Thanks TravelMag.com for the mention!

time you’re traveling, be sure to give their site a peek. They have travel tips for destinations all across the globe.

The Best Yosemite Tours from San Francisco

The post Best Tour to Yosemite from SF by TravelMag.com appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

One great thing about traveling with Incredible Adventures is that we’ll be continuing our tours to the park daily throughout the season. Our vehicles are small enough and our guides are trained to apply chains to our tires if road restrictions are enforced. Travelers can avoid the stress of driving in uncharted territories by hitching a ride in our small group biofueled mini-coaches!

Once you make it to The Valley, there’s still a lot to see and do. We have single day options, but our if you have the time, we’d recommend our Overnight Hotel Stay-and Play option to experience it all! Here are our favorite Winter activities to check out on our 1 and 2-day tours to the park:

Hike to Lower Yosemite Falls

An easy 30-minute loop trail. While the falls themselves may be dry until rain or snow return, there are still plenty of educational exhibits or places to stop in awe over the nature that surrounds you!

Hike around Mirror Lake

The trail around Mirror lake is open year round and provides a unique perspective to some of the park’s most photographed icons. This hour trail made the list of our favorite Winter Activities for its base views of Half Dome.

Yosemite Museum

Too cold outside? Venture into the museum formerly known as Ansel Adam’s Gallery, to learn about the cultural history of Yosemite’s native Miwok and Paiute people from 1850-present. Demonstrations of basket-weaving, beadwork, and traditional games are presented.

Yosemite Valley Visitor Center

Strike a pose with John Muir! View the exhibit hall where you can learn how Yosemite’s spectacular landscape was formed, how people have interacted with it through the centuries, how wildlife adapts and survives, and how your national park continues to evolve.

Pro Tip: There’s a free 23-minute film that will provide a stunning overview of Yosemite’s splendor

Ansel Adams Gallery

One of the first people to capture Yosemite’s essence was Ansel Adams. Check out his gallery of photos that inspired a nation to head West and recognize the park’s significance!

Majestic Yosemite Hotel

Formerly known as the famous Ahwahnee Hotel, here’s a chance to step back to an earlier era of history as you explore the National Historic Landmark erected in 1927. The hotel provides a cozy atmosphere in which to relax and enjoy a warm drink!

View Half Dome at Sunset

Towering more than 4,000ft above the Eastern end of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome is in a prime location for some pristine sunsets!

Fireside Storytelling campfire at the Majestic Yosemite Hotel

Totally family friendly

Starry Night Skies Over Yosemite

Discover the stories of the night sky. Advanced Registration required at any tour & activity desk once you’re in the park.

Ice Skating

Half Dome Village Ice Rink is open and weather permitting, it costs $9.75/adult, $9/child. Skate Rentals are an additional $4.

Rent Snow Shoes

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a pair at Half Dome Village!

Other Evening Presentations are weather permitting. Have a look at the Park’s website for the most up-to-date winter activities information: http://www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/evening-programs/

The post 11 Winter Activities in Yosemite National Park appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

In 1882, Yellowstone was signed into law as protected land. As some years went by, other monuments and natural/historic areas were recognized, but the management of these properties was assigned to multiple agencies from the War Department to the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture.

In 1915, to help streamline operations, Teddy Roosevelt established the National Park Service; a federal organization whose mission was to protect and manage the 35 national parks and monuments acknowledged at the time.

In celebration of this milestone and to kickoff their centennial year, NPS is offering free admission to more than 400 parks across the US on August 25 – including Muir Woods National Monument and Yosemite National Park (two of our favorites!).

The post Happy 99th, National Park Service! appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

A) Incredible Adventures travels to Yosemite EVERY DAY. Many tour companies around here shut down their Yosemite operations during the snowy winter months, but we’re one of the few that stay operational year ’round! With the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years’ Day (the only 3 days we don’t operate tours), we run our Yosemite Day Tours daily, year ’round, and our Yosemite Winter Stay & Play Hotel Tours daily throughout the winter season! Our Yosemite Hotel Tours run 3 times a week in the summertime, as do our Yosemite Escape 3-Day Camping Tours.

Q2) What about all the snow and road closures in Yosemite in the winter?

A2) Yosemite is located up in the Sierra Nevada mountains, so it gets quite a bit of snow in the winter time. For us coastal-California types, this is super exciting (we’re not very used to snow down here at sea-level)! Still, it can make transportation through the mountain passes a little more complicated, so we are always well-prepared for any kind of weather. All of our vehicles are small-format (no more than 15 passengers), which makes it easier for us to get around. Every mini-coach in our fleet is prepared with snow chains, and our guides are rigorously trained to know when and how to use them safely. In the winter months, we check the road conditions several times a day, making sure that our routes to and from Yosemite are the safest and clearest available (to assure the safety and comfort of our guests, and also to maximize the amount of time you get to explore the park)!

Q3) Are there differences in the tour in the wintertime?

A3)There are  a lot of areas of Yosemite that aren’t accessible in the wintertime, and you’d be pretty miserable in the cold if you COULD get there. So, we try to format our tours to make sure you’re getting the best options for you within the season that you’re traveling! The links below will take you to our summer and winter itineraries for both our day and overnight tours:

SUMMER:

Yosemite Day Tour
Yosemite Experience 2-Day Hotel Tour
Yosemite Escape 3-Day Camping Tour

WINTER:

Yosemite Day Tour
Yosemite Stay & Play 2-Day Winter Hotel Tour

If you have any concerns or questions, you can ALWAYS contact us and we’ll help you with anything you need to fully enjoy your time in Yosemite!

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Our 

href=”https://incadventures.com/tour/yosemite-winter-day-tour/”>Yosemite 1-Day , Muir Woods and Wine, and Napa & Sonoma Wine Education tours run every day during the winter, providing a great get-away for guests who don’t have a lot of time (but would like to get a glimpse of California’s beautiful countryside). For travelers with a little more time to explore, we offer two-day tour packages (hotel stay included) of both Yosemite and Wine Country through the winter. These tours are a great way for passengers to take in everything California has to offer.

This is an excellent time of year to see Wine Country, and there’s no better way than to get a hotel right next to beautiful Sonoma Square and spend a couple of days! With our Napa, Sonoma, and Muir Woods 2-Day Hotel Tour, you can do just that! This time of year the tasting rooms are less crowded, everyone is starting to get into the holiday cheer, and new wines are being pulled out for special holiday sales (yay)!

In addition to folding up the tents from our last camping trip of the season, we’ve also completed all of our summer hotel tours to Yosemite National Park. The roads to Glacier Point and the Giant Sequoias will be closed soon, and the trails are beginning to be snowed in. Now we move to our winter itinerary, which focuses on the beautiful solitude of Yosemite Valley in the snow, as well as offering our more active guests an option for some skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating, and fun on the slopes! This trip includes a stay in a cozy hotel INSIDE Yosemite Valley, where you’ll be immersed in the winter beauty throughout your stay. Our Yosemite Stay & Play Winter Hotel Tour is an awesome way to experience Yosemite Park.

As the busier summer months fall away, the shoulder season is the optimal time to finally go on that wine country tour you’ve been meaning to arrange with us. Or catch a glimpse of Yosemite, made no less beautiful by the winter months. Bundle up and come away with us on an Incredible Winter Adventure!

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A. Incredible Adventures uses a petroleum-free biofuel fuel. This this isn’t yet common in the industry and isn’t directly influenced by gas prices, but we’re still at the effect of market prices for our fuel, and sometimes even subject to limited supply. The surcharge is designed to adjust for fluctuating fuel/operation prices during the tour season. Generally the surcharge is about $10 per-tour and is limited to the tours with the longest drive-times (our Yosemite Tours). If your tour has an additional fuel surcharge, it will be clearly stated on the website or in the brochure.

We believe that protecting the environment from harmful emissions (and not being reliant on oil) is worth the additional cost of using an alternative fuel, and worth the extra work we do to maintain biofuel as a viable alternative in our industry. Our hope is that we can always be clear with our guests about these sorts of additions so there are no surprises, and make sure our clients know exactly what they’re getting, and what they’re paying for it.

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Within two years of his first experience of this area, Galen had built himself a log cabin which became known as “Clark’s Station”. Here he provided visitors (including John Muir, when he first traveled to Yosemite) with food, shelter, and education about the area. He and John became friends; Muir later stating that Clark was “the best mountaineer” he’d ever met.

On June 30th, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant (which celebrated its 150th anniversary this year!), designating Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove as a grant “inalienable for all time” to the state of California “for public use, resort and recreation” – not for settlement. A guardian was chosen to oversee the board of commissioners, and that guardian was Galen Clark. He maintained this position for the next 24 years.

It is said Galen used to hike through the park barefoot, and was quoted as saying that shoes are “cruel and silly instruments of torture, at once uncivilized, unhuman and unnecessary.”

To see the beautiful Giant Sequoias and Yosemite Valley that inspired Galen Clark, join us on our Yosemite Experience 2-Day Hotel Tours or our Yosemite Escape 3- Day Camping Tour. Shoes are optional, but strongly advised – sorry Galen!

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