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.

The post Yosemite 2 Day Itinerary 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.

Grand Canyon Tours

We offer several tours of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas that are sure to be one of the most memorable parts of your vacation. Our Grand Canyon South Rim Tour will take you to some of the deepest and widest points of the canyon. Or walk amongst the clouds at the Skywalk during a Grand Canyon West Rim Tour. We even have helicopter tours that allow you to see the awe-inspiring views of the Grand Canyon from above.

Bryce & Zion Canyon Tours

Choose our Bryce Canyon Day Tour and marvel at this national park’s hoodoos and distinct geography. You can also select our Zion Canyon Day Tour and walk amongst colorful rock formations and waterfalls. We recommend joining us on our Bryce and Zion Canyon Day Tour so you can see both of these breathtaking parks in one day!

Death Valley Tour

Our Death Valley adventure is one of our favorite national park tours from Las Vegas. Death Valley’s hot and dry temperatures make the landscapes here unlike anywhere else in the world. The mountains, colorful canyons, volcanic craters, and salt pinnacles are genuinely something you have to see during our Death Valley Day Tour.

National Parks Three Day Tour

If you can’t decide which park to visit, join us for our Three Day National Park tour. This epic tour will take you to Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon on an unforgettable three-day adventure.

Las Vegas Helicopter Tour

For the perfect end to any day exploring a nearby national park, book our Las Vegas Nights Helicopter Tour. Flying over the city is an incredible way to see the glowing magic of Sin City. You will soar over the Las Vegas strip and iconic landmarks such as the Bellagio and Caesars Palace. 

Las Vegas Tours with Incredible Adventures

Regardless of why you are vacationing in Sin City, add one of our national parks tours from Las Vegas to your getaway. We offer a variety of tours that allow you to reconnect with nature and see some of the most iconic landscapes in the country. Browse all of our Las Vegas tours and join us for a guided adventure you won’t soon forget.

The post National Parks Tours from Las Vegas appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Why Choose Incredible Adventures?

Since Alcatraz Island is one of the most visited areas in San Francisco, there are many tour companies to choose from in the area. Incredible Adventures gives you the option to combine your Alcatraz tour with other exciting activities. Your tour can include a trip to places like wine country, Muir Woods, Silicon Valley, and even Yosemite. All of our tours provide transportation, your Alcatraz tour ticket, meals, and a knowledgeable guide. We are an excellent choice if you want to embark on the best Alcatraz tour while also seeing some of the most popular attractions around San Francisco.

What Can I Expect at Alcatraz?

Your Alcatraz tour will begin with a short ferry ride from San Francisco’s Embarcadero waterfront. The ferry ride provides beautiful views of the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge. The tour starts with a brief history of the island before you will enter the infamous prison. At this point, you will embark on a self-guided audio tour titled “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour.” The audio will recount stories from inmates and employees of the penitentiary. Hearing the voices of people who experienced the prison truly brings history to life. After the audio tour, feel free to explore the island further with a ranger-led tour before catching a ferry back to the city.

What Makes the Best Alcatraz Tour?

We offer several of the best Alcatraz tours that take you to several popular destinations near San Francisco. If you are visiting the city for the first time, we recommend our Two Day San Francisco City Tour + Alcatraz Island tour. And if you want to avoid the crowds at The Rock during the day, choose one of our Alcatraz night tours instead. Discover all of our tours of Alcatraz Island here and learn all about this historic site in San Francisco with Incredible Adventures.

The post The Best Alcatraz Tours with Incredible Adventures appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Day One at The Grand Canyon

The best part of our national parks tour is how much you get to see in a short period of time. The tour begins at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, where you will have a variety of activities available. Grand Canyon winter hiking is a must, but you can also see the magic from above when adding the Grand Canyon helicopter tour to your trip.

Day Two at Monument Valley & Lake Powell

Monument Valley is one of the most iconic landscapes in the country, with sandstone buttes and mesas that tower the landscape. Odds are you’ve seen Monument Valley in some of your favorite western movies or shows but seeing it in person is an entirely different experience. Monument Valley sits within the Navajo Nation Reservation. We have included a Navajo-guided jeep tour that is sure to be one of the most memorable aspects of our National Parks adventure.

Day Three at Zion National Park

The morning of day three begins at Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, picturesque locations perfect for stunning photos. Then you will make your way to Zion National Park for the finale of this epic winter tour. During the winter months, massive sandstone cliffs are transformed into a winter wonderland waiting to be explored. You can choose several routes for hiking, including the leisurely Pa’rus trail and the more strenuous hike to emerald pools. We will end the three-day expedition with a ranger talk at the Human History museum before heading back to Las Vegas.

See the Best of National Parks this Winter

Exploring National Parks during the winter is an excellent way to avoid summer crowds and see the iconic landscapes covered with glistening snow. Whether you want to experience Grand Canyon winter hiking or enchanting walks through Zion National Park, we have you covered! Book your National Parks Winter 3 Day Tour now and experience the natural beauty of the Southwest this winter.

The post Grand Canyon Winter Hiking: National Parks 3 Day Tour appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour

Ride the famous double-decker buses throughout San Francisco and learn all about this diverse city. Choose the classic day tour, and you will have unlimited hop-on-and-off privileges for 24 hours. This option includes narrated commentary about San Francisco culture, architecture, nature, and history, along with a free walking tour through Chinatown. The deluxe two-day tour provides even more ways to see the best highlights of the area. Discover all of the places the bus can take you here.

Segway Tour

Embark on a unique San Francisco city tour by segway and choose from one of our four route options depending on your interests. 

• Wharf & Waterfront: Visit this iconic San Francisco neighborhood where you can find some of the best dining, shopping, attractions, and museums in the city. 
• Golden Gate Park: See 1,000 acres of beautiful green space during an informative tour through Golden Gate Park. Expect to segway past notable museums and gorgeous gardens when you choose this route option.
• Night Tour: Explore San Francisco under the night sky as the cities lights reflect off the bay. We will explore North Beach, Little Italy, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf on this tour. 
• Advanced Hills: This tour is designed for those who already know how to operate a segway and want to see parts of the city unavailable on our other tours. 

Bike Tour and Rentals

Learn all about San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge on a bike tour with Incredible Adventures. This bike tour is the best way to get up close and personal with this iconic landmark. Afterward, you can continue to explore the city independently with our 24-hour bike rentals. Since there are over 63 miles of bike lanes and paths in the city, you can access most of the city by bike. We provide the bike; the rest is up to you!

Your San Francisco City Tour Guides

Incredible Adventures is your ideal San Francisco city tour guide to see everything from Golden Gate Park to Alcatraz Island. And if you want to see some spectacular nature views, then check out our Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco. We can’t wait to show you around!

The post San Francisco City Tours with Incredible Adventures appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Grand Canyon South Rim Tours

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the most visited area of the canyon. We have two tours of the South Rim where you can choose between the standard larger group or a smaller private tour. Both tours include a knowledgeable guide, transportation, the entrance fee to the park, lunch, and of course, incredible site seeing. The itineraries of the South Rim Tours include the following stops and highlights: 

• Hoover Dam
• Fortification Hill 
• Historic Route 66
• National Geographic Visitor Center
• South Rim Photo Stops
• Helicopter Tour (optional)

Read more information about the Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour and the Grand Canyon South Rim Small-Group Tour and decide what tour is suitable for you!

Grand Canyon West Rim Tours

Like the South Rim tours, the West Rim Tours are also available as regular and private tours. Join the professional guides at Incredible Adventures and take in breathtaking panoramic views and learn the canyon’s geology. You will also learn about the significance of the Grand Canyon from a member of the indigenous Hualapai tribe and visit the Hualapai Ranch. One of the newest attractions of the West Rim is the Skywalk, a glass bridge 4,000 feet above the canyon floor that can be added on at an additional cost. Some of the sights and activities you can expect on the tours include the following: 

• Hoover Dam
• Joshua Tree Forest
• Guano Point
• Eagle Point
• Hualapai Ranch
• Skywalk (optional)

You can find more detailed information on the Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour and the Grand Canyon West Rim Small-Group Tour by following the corresponding links. 

Incredible Grand Canyon Bus Tours From Las Vegas

Embark on a Grand Canyon bus tour from Las Vegas with Incredible Adventures. The natural grandeur of this geological wonder is something you must see for yourself. We offer dozens of other tours from Las Vegas, where you can explore the stunning nearby National Parks. So, if you have extra time in Sin City, we invite you to choose us for your next incredible adventure.

The post The Best Grand Canyon Bus Tours From Las Vegas appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Silicon Valley Tech Tour

Embark on the Silicon Valley Tech Tour with Incredible Adventures. The tour begins outside the Facebook headquarters, where you can snap a picture in front of the Thumbs Up Sign. Next, you will be able to explore Googleplex, an expansive campus for Google employees in Silicon Valley. One of our favorite highlights of Googleplex is the Android Statue Garden. The garden releases a new candy-inspired sculpture each time they develop a new operating system. 

The next stop is the Computer History Museum, where you will learn about the fascinating history of technology. The day ends at the Apple Visitor Center, where you can experience interactive stations of their newest technologies. We can’t tour the Apple campus, but you can explore it via virtual reality- it doesn’t get techier than that! 

Silicon Valley & Alcatraz Tours

Alcatraz Island is the number one attraction in San Francisco, so we offer multiple combination tours, including our Silicon Valley and Alcatraz Tour. This package is a two-day tour where you will visit Alcatraz on the first and Silicon Valley on the second day. The day starts with a ferry to the island and a brief history of “The Rock” upon your arrival. From here, you will be able to listen along an audio tour with interviews from former inmates. You can stay and explore the island for as long as you want since the ferry departs every 30 to 40 minutes. 

The next day is the tour of Silicon Valley, where you will see and do everything previously mentioned. Attractions include the Computer History Museum and free time at the Google Campus, Facebook Sign, and Apple Visitor’s Center. 

San Francisco Tours with Incredible Adventures

There’s so much to do in San Francisco; that’s why Incredible Adventures provides tours of all the best activities and attractions in the area. Whether you are looking to spend a day in wine country or want to explore the city on a bike, we have a tour for you! Browse all of our San Francisco attractions and tours here and start planning your California getaway today. 

The post Visit Iconic Tech Companies on a Silicon Valley Tour appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Wind Dancer

Though it is the shortest Grand Canyon helicopter tour offered, Wind Dancer has enough packed into its four hours to keep any adventurer satisfied. Before arriving at the Grand Canyon, our Maverick helicopter will fly you over Lake Mead, Lake Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, and the extinct volcano, Fortification Hill. Once you do arrive, the chopper will descend and land 3,500 feet into the Grand Canyon in Hualapai Indian Territory, where you’ll enjoy champagne, beverages, and a light snack where you’ll take in views of the mighty Colorado River below. 

Skywalk Odyssey 

The Skywalk Odyssey tour makes all guests feel like a VIP. Enjoy a direct flight departing from the renowned Las Vegas Strip, where you will take in a bird’s eye view of the Grand Canyon, Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and the Las Vegas Strip itself. When you arrive at the West Rim, take full advantage of expedited admission to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon Skywalk that’s glass platform extends out more than 70 feet away from the edge of the rim and hangs 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. There’s no better way to conquer your fear of heights!

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours & More!

Experience the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon like never before with Incredible Adventures. Our unique Grand Canyon helicopter tours are varied enough to pique the interests of most Sin City visitors, and with perks including access to the Grand Canyon Skywalk and champagne, among other things, a ride in our state-of-the-art ECO-Star helicopters will foster memories to last a lifetime. If catching a birds-eye-view of the Grand Canyon is enough to get you aboard, give us a call at 1-800-777-8464 to reserve your spot today!

The post Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours and Other Aerial Adventures appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Delight in Myriad Southwest Tours from Las Vegas

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better spot to start your Southwest excursions than Las Vegas. Just think of all the nearby national parks, like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Zion and Bryce—all a few hours away! If you’re looking for other ways to reconnect with nature, there are myriad camping tour options available near Las Vegas as well. We offer an action-packed odyssey of a three-day national park camping tour that you’ll be talking about years after the fact.  

The wide variety of tours from Las Vegas keeps guests coming back for more. Aside from national parks, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the lowest point in the United States, Death Valley. Or, you could head east and take in the splendor of the scenic Mojave Desert on your way to the Hoover Dam. Embrace the stunning Southwest scenery on a Valley of Fire outing, and soak in the natural splendor surrounding Las Vegas on your next incredible adventure. 

A Beacon for Travelers

Las Vegas may not be for everyone, but when you realize how much more there is to offer beyond the shows, luxury stays, and games, it makes a pretty strong case. And if you want to arrange an unforgettable trip to view these wonders, you can’t do better than scheduling a tour with Incredible Adventures. Get more than you bargained for when you give us a call at 1-800-777-8464!

The post Explore the Best of the Southwest on a Las Vegas Tour appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Gaze upon Old Faithful

Possibly the most notorious of all Yellowstone National Park sights, Old Faithful was discovered in 1870 and is most well known for its frequent (and predictable) water eruptions that can soar up to 180 feet in the air! Luckily for you, it erupts about 20 times a day for a few minutes at a time, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to catch this spectacle live. 

Enjoy the Colors at Grand Prismatic Spring

Though Old Faithful garners much of the spotlight, the Grand Prismatic Spring provides the most well-known visual of all Yellowstone National Park attractions. Most notably, the hot spring’s stunning color makeup of orange, yellow, and green surrounding the deep blue waters offer a remarkable contrast. It is also the third-largest spring in the world and is deeper than a 10-story building! 

Take Millions of Photos at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Complete with three distinct and dynamic waterfalls, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is an explorers paradise. Spanning 24 miles, the canyon offers numerous hiking trails and lookout points that can take you all day to delve into. Still, if you’re short on time, we recommend heading to Artist Point, which offers an incredible view of the majestic Lower Falls Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. 

Geysers Galore at the Upper Geyser Basin

Even though Old Faithful resides in the Upper Geyser Basin, there is so much more to see. Unknown to many, the basin is home to the largest concentration of geysers in the world, including Castle Geyser, Daisy Geyser, and the tallest predictable geyser on the planet, Grand Geyser. Don’t forget to check out the eerily beautiful Morning Glory Pool on your way through the basin as well.  

Scratching the Surface of Yellowstone Tour Destinations

We’d be lying if we said that’s even close to everything Yellowstone National Park offers. The park itself expands over 3,000 square miles of nature, just waiting to be explored. And if you have any desire to see it to the fullest extent, consider booking a tour via Incredible Adventures. Our Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain Camping Tour is the perfect option for those wanting to spend a few days in the park and take in the sights and sounds at their own pace. If this interests you, give us a call at 1-800-777-8464 to reserve your spot on one of our tours!

The post Must-See Sights at Yellowstone National Park appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Go Camping on This Lake Tahoe Tour

For those comfortable with sleeping under the stars, the Tahoe Escape Camping Tour offers you the rawest experience of the three. This three-day trip makes a stop in Placerville before your Lake Tahoe arrival so that you can grab a lunch or get any last-minute goods. Afterward, you’ll arrive at the mountains and embark on a short hike before setting up your tent and enjoying a meal with your fellow campers around the campfire. Day two offers you the freedom to plan a full day of Lake Tahoe activities, including kayaking and hiking. When in doubt, ask your guide for advice, and they will recommend the best escapades that best suit your interests. On day three, you’ll have enough time to explore Emerald Bay and the Rubicon Trail before returning from your Lake Tahoe adventures. 

Tahoe Blue Views & Reno Craft Brews 

If you want a fun mix of both nature and nightlife, then you can’t go wrong on the Tahoe Blue Views & Reno Craft Brews 4-Day Tour! Day one consists of a short hike in the mountains before your hotel check-in. This is an excellent time to scout the area for Lake Tahoe activities that interest you. Day two is yours to spend as you please, whether that includes a peaceful morning kayak tour on the water, hiking the trails of picture-perfect Emerald Bay State Park, or shopping among the many stores in the area. Day three brings you to “The Biggest Little City in the World” (more prominently known as Reno), where you can arrange your own brewery crawl or explore the beautiful Midtown District complete with murals, vintage stores, and boho boutiques. Enjoy any Reno activities you didn’t have time for the next morning before heading back and concluding your Lake Tahoe overnight tour. 

Winter Lake Tahoe Excursions

Explore and take advantage of all of the Lake Tahoe activities only available during winter with the Lake Tahoe Winter Adventure Tour (3 days). On day one, you’ll depart from San Francisco before heading through the Sierra foothills and into the famous Gold Rush Country. Once you check-in to the centrally located hotel, either enjoy a happy hour with the Apres Ski crowd or retreat early for a good night’s rest. Wake up energized on day two and make your way to the mountain where you can carve up the fresh powder skiing or snowboarding, snowshoe through the scenic trails, or test out your luck at the nearby casinos. Hit the mountain up again on the morning of day three before heading back in the afternoon.

Fun Lake Tahoe Activities for All Via Incredible Adventures

As you can see, we here at Incredible Adventures leave no stone unturned to create the best tours that feature an assortment of Lake Tahoe activities. Our varied tours are sure to pique the interest of travelers from all backgrounds, and if you’d like to be one of them, make sure to give us a call at 1-800-777-8464 to arrange your Lake Tahoe getaway!

The post Engage in Several Lake Tahoe Activities 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.

The post Embark on a Tour of Yosemite and the Tahoe Sierras appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Incredible Adventures: Hoover Dam Tours

On the Nevada-Arizona state line, you’ll find the magnificent Hoover Dam standing 726 feet high. This concrete arch-gravity dam harnesses the flow of the Colorado River and once-formed Lake Mead. This popular tourist attraction brings in about a million people per year, which is why we make sure we host only the very best tours. To learn more about our two favorite Hoover Dam tours, continue reading!

The Hoover Dam Tour

This tour of the Hoover Dam is a great option if you’re looking to spend an afternoon doing something adventurous. We’ll start by picking you up at your hotel in Las Vegas and continue  on to the VIP Hoover Dam Discovery Tour. We’ll also stop at the famous Las Vegas sign, as well as visit the generator room, visitor’s center, and observation deck at the Hoover Dam. The rate is $72 based on double occupancy, so you don’t have to break the bank to see some of the most famous attractions in the states!

The Black Canyon Hoover Dam Kayaking Tour

Float along the Colorado River below the Hoover Dam during this unique tour. You’ll launch right by the Hoover Dam and be able to admire it from below before heading over to the immaculate Emerald Cove Waterfalls. After seeing the picturesque waterfalls, kayak over to the Arizona hot springs and Black Canyon for a full day of amazing views. This tour costs $231 per person and is well worth it!

To view the multiple other tours that Incredible Adventures offers to the Hoover Dam, visit us online and book!

The post Experience Luxury Hoover Dam Tours with Incredible Adventures appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park: Incredible Adventures

There are so many different tour options of Bryce Canyon National Park through Incredible Adventures.  Whether you want to go with a large group or just you and your significant other, we have you covered! Continue reading to learn more about the amazing tours that Incredible Adventures has to offer of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah.

Bryce Canyon Day Tour

On this day tour, you’ll be able to explore all of Bryce Canyon and its beauty in the perfect amount of time. Explore and take photos of the Bryce Canyon hoodoos, Thor’s Hammer, Inspiration Point, and all sorts of rural Utah landscapes. For just $248, you can see one of the most beautiful areas in all of Utah with excellent guides!

Bryce & Zion Camping Tour from Las Vegas

Travel across state lines to get to Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. On this two-day tour, you’ll be able to completely immerse yourself in the natural beauty. From Las Vegas, spend a full day in Zion National Park and a full afternoon in Bryce Canyon National Park. The Virgin River, hoodoo Sandstone Spires, and Emerald Pools are an added bonus! Book this two-day camping tour for $310.

Bryce and Zion Canyon Day Tour

If one day is enough for you, but you want to see more than just Bryce Canyon National Park, then this day tour is perfect for you. See the beautiful Bryce Canyon hoodoos up close, as well as Zion Canyon and High Country, the Virgin River gorge, and picturesque rural Utah landscapes for just $269 per person.

These three tours of Bryce Canyon National Park are just a few of the many that are offered through Incredible Adventures. To view the rest of these tours, visit the Incredible Adventures website!

The post Visit the Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Our Las Vegas Tour: Starry Nights and City Lights

Vegas’s location, in the middle of the desert, means that there are beautiful landscapes all around the city, that aren’t far away. The Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Red Rocks, and the Bryce and Zion Canyons are just a few of the beautiful landscapes that you’ll have easy access to when you visit Las Vegas. Our nine-day Starry Nights and City Light Las Vegas tour will show you a few of the picturesque places surrounding the city.

Over a span of nine days, you’ll explore the western United States with a professional guide, and you’ll learn a lot along the way! You’ll visit Yosemite National Park, El Capitan, Tenaya Lake, Olmsted Point, Tioga Pass, Half Dome, Giant Sequoia Trees, and the Yosemite Valley. These gorgeous landscapes will take your breath away, and you’ll get some great photo-ops.

You’ll also be able to visit other beautiful places as well, like Death Valley National Park, Furnace Creek, Big Sur and the California Coastline, La La Land, and of course, Sin City itself. Enjoy hiking in the iconic California state and national parks, and camping as well. Or, stay in luxurious hotels each night if you’re not big into camping! In nine days, you’ll be able to say that you have visited some of the most iconic staples in the United States.

At a rate of $1,639 for double occupancy, you’ll have an absolute blast exploring the western United States with the people you love. You’ll remember this Las Vegas tour forever, through pictures and through the wonderful memories we know you’ll create.

Incredible Adventures

Incredible Adventures has been taking our guests on tours all over the country for over 30 years! We pride ourselves on giving the highest quality tours that are fun, educational, and enjoyable for everyone. Experience the beauty that creates the United States through camping, biking, hiking, and many other activities! We know that no matter what type of tour, or where you choose to go, we know that you’ll have an incredible time with Incredible Adventures.

The post Take a Tour of Las Vegas 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.

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”

The spread of the coronavirus around the world has left us in an unprecedented time for both business and health. Unfortunately no industry has been hit harder than the travel industry itself. As of Tuesday, April 7th, San Francisco went into a ‘shelter-in-place’ order, calling a stop to all non-essential travel.

While we believe experiencing the great outdoors is definitely an ‘essential’ experience, we stand with the local government and prioritize the health of our guides, staff and community first. Still, Incredible Adventures is a small, family-owned business. We are feeling the effects of this devastating event faster and heavier than possibly anticipated.

As of today, Friday March 20th, we are closing our doors temporarily to help curb the effects of this shutdown on our business. All of us can’t wait to get back to work; our fantastic sales team who fields our calls and coordinates our tours and bookings, our hard-working & enthusiastic guides who are the backbone of our business and our dedicated management team who work behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly.

We plan to be back in business April 7th doing the work we love- providing people with eco-friendly travel experiences and outdoor memories to last a lifetime.

Now more than ever the travel industry needs your help

It’s during challenging times like these that we are reminded of the importance of travel. Travel teaches us about the natural world, about each other and about ourselves. If you also believe in the value of travel and want to see eco-friendly, sustainable tourism continue throughout the Bay Area and beyond, we humbly ask for your support.

Booking a gift certificate with us will not only help get our wheels turning again, but will also allow you to travel with us at anytime in the future on any tour. Know exactly when you want to take a tour with us? No problem, all trips are currently open from late April throughout the rest of the year.

We can’t wait to take you on a tour and show you our favorite destinations soon.

BUY A GIFT CERTIFICATE ONLINE

Thank you for the support, stay healthy & stay home!

– Jessica & the Incredible Team

The post Help Support the Travel Industry during the COVID-19 Closure appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

People come from all over the world to view the ancient coastal redwoods of Muir Woods. Some of these giant trees are over 2,000 years old and stand at over 300 feet tall! However, with over 19 million people visiting the Golden Gate National Recreation Area per year, Muir Woods has become limited in its parking options and can often become crowded on certain days of the year.

On January 15, 2018, Muir Woods moved to a reservation system for those who wish to park and visit the woods. You will not be able to park your car in the lot without a valid permit for a specific date and time, and these permits often are reserved several weeks and even months in advance.

This could pose a problem for folks trying to get to Muir Woods last minute, or who don’t have their own transportation. Getting there from San Francisco can often get complicated, but luckily we have a few solutions for you!

#1 – Rent a car

This solves the problem of getting to Muir Woods – but doesn’t solve the problem with the permit, which you absolutely need or you won’t be allowed to park in the lot adjacent to the woods. Another option is parking at Mt. Tamalpais and walking to the woods, but with thousands of people visiting the area every day, many of those spots will be taken as well. If you do happen to find a spot on Mt. Tamalpais, wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to travel a long way down to the woods, then up the steep hill coming back.

#2 – Uber/Lyft TO the Woods… but not back!

Technically, you can still take Uber to Muir Woods – although this may change in the future. The only problem is getting back. There is no cell signal or wifi in the woods, and thus ordering a car via your phone to return to San Francisco isn’t possible. There IS a pay phone at the woods (those still exist?!) so you can always order a cab… but then you’re looking at an over $100 fare for the round trip.

#3 – Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge

While we highly recommend biking across the Golden Gate bridge during your stay in San Francisco, getting to Muir Woods via the winding roads of Mt. Tamalpais can be a struggle. While it is possible, we only recommend this option for those who have lots of previous biking experience, or are training for the Tour de France.

#4 – Take the Muir Woods Shuttle

This option works if you are going to the woods on a weekend between May – October. You can either bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Sausalito Ferry Terminal, or take the ferry to Sausalito from the ferry building on Embarcadero. If you are taking the ferry over from San Francisco, make sure you double check the schedule of departures, or be prepared to wait an hour or so for the next one.

#5 – Take a Tour to Muir Woods via Biofuelled Van

Incredible Adventures offers a few different types of tours that give you direct, no hassle access to get to Muir Woods. We pick up at several central hotel locations, and drive you in a small group (never more than 13 people to a van) across the Golden Gate Bridge for a photo opportunity, before heading to Muir Woods.

There’s a couple pros to this option:

• Takes the hassle out of coordinating transportation.
• Costs less than what you’d pay to rent a car and deal with the permitting situation.
• It is kinder to the air – our vans run on biofuels that cause less harm to the environment. We do our part to keep beautiful areas like Muir Woods healthy for generations to come.

Our Muir Woods and Sausalito tour only takes a half day, and gives you the opportunity to not only explore the woods, but also explore charming Sausalito before you head back to San Francisco (either via ferry, or going back on the van). If you also want to explore another iconic part of Northern California, we also offer a tour that takes you to Muir Woods and Sonoma Wine Country, in which we visit two award-winning, family-owned wineries. Tastings are included in the price of your tour!

In addition to our easy access to get to Muir Woods, we can also combine either experience with guaranteed tickets to the famous Alcatraz, for either our day or night tour.

The post How to Get to Muir Woods from San Francisco 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.

We sent out Mari Johnson, a California native, as a tourist in her own city. Whether you’re traveling from across the world or across the Bay, a day spent in Wine Country is always a treat!

Check out the video from her day tour below:

This tour includes an educational tram ride around the Benziger Family Winery, tastings at Benziger and Imagery, lunch from Glen Ellen Market and property visits to 4-6 wineries.

The post Video Footage: An Incredible Day in Wine Country appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

See below to learn what’s going on, how it is affecting Incredible Adventures, and how you can help! 

Incredible Adventures’ owners, Jolie Ginsburg and Brian Deninger, have been part of the Biodiesel community since its roots in San Francisco.  This started in 2002 with our vision of having Incredible Adventures become the first fleet in the US  to power its vehicles entirely free of petroleum.  Our petroleum-free fleet helps protect our National Parks which we value so dearly and rely on for our families’ livelihood.

Over the years we have enjoyed many successes, but we have also endured many challenges, whether it be fueling our fleet or ensuring our community has access to a petroleum-free alternative.   Dogpatch Biofuels has always struggled and never been profitable. However, we have stayed the course and continue to advocate and provide a cleaner fuel to promote a cleaner planet.

We regret to inform you of our biggest challenge to date.  As of January 1, 2016, sale of Biodiesel blends above 20% is prohibited by the California Air Resource Board (CARB) regulations. Our variance from the State of California Department of Weights and Measures to sell blends above B20 does not override this new CARB regulation.

Interestingly enough, this prohibition comes on the heels of Incredible Adventures receiving a Cool California Business Award. The award is issued by CARB for California businesses who demonstrate the ability to reduce CO2 emissions and help California achieve it goals of reduced green house gases for a cleaner tomorrow.

We will continue to work with CARB on the possibility of obtaining an “Executive Order” to resume B99 sales in the near future.  In the interim, we are committed to fueling our community and our fleet on petroleum-free fuel.  To achieve our goal, we are changing the fuel sold at Dogpatch Biofuels to a blend we term RB20 (80% Renewable Diesel, 20% Biodiesel).

Much like Biodiesel, Renewable Diesel is derived from both the waste stream and plant oils.  Renewable diesel is a drop-in diesel alternative with no compatibility issues.  Its emissions profile is better than traditional diesel and is not controlled by big petroleum.  With RB20, we are able to have more competitive pricing when compared with petroleum diesel.  This is due to potential volume increases at the station as vehicle engine compatibility is a non-issue.  Over the last 4 years, renewable diesel pricing is more consistent with petrodiesel than biofuel has been.

According to the Air Resource Board and the EPA, the single biggest positive impact that alternative fuels can have on air quality is in the mid-heavy duty fleets.  Dogpatch Biofuels’ RB20 is compatible with all mid-heavy duty vehicles.  With this fuel change, we have an opportunity to reduce petroleum addiction and improve local air quality. So whether you have a connection with Google Bus or know a small construction company looking to lower their impact, please have them call our office (415) 642-7378 and ask for Brian Deninger.

We ask our community to stand with us.  Whether you are a retail customer, fleet customer, traveled with us, friend, family, employee, or motivated to create a cleaner planet, please share this newsletter.  Other positive actions could include writing your representatives, putting pressure on car manufacturers to support alternative fuels, and/or demanding better products that support local business and a cleaner future.

We urge you to contact the Air Resource Board to express any concerns.  General inquiries 800-242-4450 or email helpline@arb.ca.gov.

Brian Deninger and Jolie Ginsburg
Owners of Dogpatch Biofuels and Incredible Adventures

The post The Current State of Biofuels appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Could you imagine your day getting any better? Well just around lunchtime – it does!

Here are some ways you can spend your free time in historic Sonoma Town Square:

Grab a Bite to Eat
Lunchtime’s main focus should be the act of lunch. Especially considering the 3-4 tastings on your itinerary, you’ll want some food to soak up the alcohol. Nobody wants to be THAT passenger

A couple of our favorites in the square are Sunflower Caffe as a sit-down option, Sonoma Cheese Factory for a sandwich and cheese sample, or The Girl & The Fig.

Cheese Tastings
While not an official tasting, there are definitely samples to try before you buy. Grab a toothpick and go to town. Try the Jacks; try the cheddars; try em all! We have a feeling you’ll think they’re all grate.

Drink More Wine
Don’t let lunch get in the way of a good time. Keep the wine tastings going! It’s not everyday you’re in a premium wine-growing region. Choose between free pours or pay-to-play. Maybe multitask and order a bite to eat to accompany your glass. However you’re feeling,

Have A Beer
There is a tavern and Irish Pub to take a break from tasting grapes. Sonoma is becoming more recognized for their craft brews so you may want to pair lunch with what’s on tap.

Shop til You Drop
Or at least until you’re supposed to meet back up with your guide! Browse through boutiques full of high-fashion clothing and accessories. Maybe you’ll find the shoes to match that dress you’ve been waiting to wear. Or that dress to match your shoes. Maybe a the perfect golf-themed wine bottle holder for your uncle (no kidding). Skip the cheesy souvenirs (unless it is literally cheese…) and buy yourself something nice!

Learn Something
Sonoma Town Square has a lot of history to it. It’s the site of the Bear Flag Revolt – yes that cute little bear on our state flag – and home of California’s northernmost mission, Mission San Francisco de Solano. Explore the Barracks whose first inhabitants were Mexican soldiers back in 1835!

Chocolate Tastings
Tucked away in a little alley of shops is a delightful chocolate shop sure to appease your sweet tooth. No reservation necessary, you can waltz in and sample their truffle ganache flavor of the day and taste chocolates in varying cacao percentages. Try their world class truffles filled with ganaches made of fruit, honeys, peanut butter, and you guessed it – more wine!

Our guides spend a lot of time in Sonoma Town Square. They’re friends with the locals that work downtown and know all of the hidden gems. Be sure to ask your guide for advice if you’re not sure what to do! However you choose to spend your time – we’re sure you’ll enjoy your break on this Incredible Woods and Wine Combo Tour!

The post Lunchtime in Sonoma Town Square 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.

Check out their video interview here!

It was the middle of the night when our owner, Jolie Ginsburg, woke up with a harsh realization: Our petroleum tours to the natural gems surrounding San Francisco were harmful and unsustainable. She woke her partner, Brian Deninger, up and confessed her unwillingness to be complacent on the matter any longer.  From then on, they vowed to only use alternative fuels whenever possible.

And we did! Today, our growing fleet sets the standard for sustainability by running on 99.9% biofuel!

Click here to learn why IA chooses eco-friendly biofuel alternative fuel!

The post Biodiesel: By All Means appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

You know the bottle we’re talking about. The expensive one you bought on vacation in Napa 5 years ago. The one you got as an anniversary present, or from your boss for a job well done, or that you bought for a “special occasion” that never really manifested. Yeah, THAT bottle. The one gathering dust in your cabinet.

Maybe it feels like the time isn’t right, or that you haven’t reached your goal yet, or that it’s just too “special” to open. Maybe your friends aren’t wine connoisseurs and you think you shouldn’t “waste” it. While those excuses may be legitimate for you, you may be missing out on the chance to celebrate and re-live the experiences that got you the wine in the first place.

THIS WEEKEND ONLY: save BIG on a wine tour!
Promotion ends soon.

It’s time to live a little: National Open That Bottle Night is coming up on February 28th (this Saturday). This is an opportunity to come together with friends, get creative with a special meal, and finally breathe life into that aging beverage; making new memories and savoring the old ones. Open That Bottle Night was invented by Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brechter of the Wall Street Journal’s weekly wine “Tastings” column (see their article about OTBN here, and learn some tips to ensure success). They believe that “wine is more than the liquid in the bottle. It’s about history, geography, relationships and all of the things that are really important in life”.

Regardless of the age, price, or varietal, open a bottle of wine this Saturday and relive the memories that make it special.

…And hey, you’ll need some new memories, so come along with us on a Muir Woods and Sonoma Tour, a Napa & Sonoma Wine Education Tour, or even our Napa & Sonoma Overnight Hotel Tour and get a couple new bottles, bring them home, and stick them in the back of the cupboard for a special occasion*. There’s another Open That Bottle Night coming along on February 27, 2016, after all.

THIS WEEKEND ONLY: save BIG on a wine tour!
Promotion ends soon.

*Here at Incredible Adventures, we believe strongly that Wednesdays are special occasions (#WineWednesday). Also any day when traffic is bad, or there’s nothing but reruns. Also all other days. YOU make it special! OPEN THAT BOTTLE!

The post Open That Bottle! 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!

The post FAQ: Winter in Yosemite appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

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!

The post Winter with IA appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

Tomorrow, over a hundred world leaders in many fields (including President Barack Obama) are gathering for a Climate Summit at the UN headquarters in New York to begin work on a global agreement to address climate change. The Climate Summit’s website says “The Climate Summit will be about action and solutions that are focused on accelerating progress in areas that can significantly contribute to reducing emissions and strengthening resilience – such as agriculture, cities, energy, financing, forests, pollutants, resilience and transportation.”

“By promoting climate action, it aims to show that leaders across sectors and at all levels are taking action, thus expanding the reach of what is possible today, in 2015, and beyond.”

To kick things off, more than 300,000 people showed up in New York for the People’s Climate March over the weekend, making it the largest climate-focused march in history. This march filled 4 miles of streets around Columbus Circle and Central Park West and got a LOT of news coverage. Among the crowd were politicians, policymakers, and famous environmentalists – including Leonardo DiCaprio. Leo was recently named a “Messenger of Peace on Climate Change” by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, joining the likes of Edward Norton, Michael Douglas, Charlize Theron, and Jane Goodall (to name a few influential folks that also hold the MOP title). Leonardo will be speaking at the summit tomorrow as well.

Things are starting to change. In the news this week, it was reported that the Rockefeller family is divesting of their shares in fossil fuels, and have pledged to invest in cleaner alternatives. According to the New York Times, “their actions…could help spur international debate, while the shift of investment funds to energy alternatives could lead to solutions to the carbon puzzle.” (read the full article).

At Incredible Adventures, we use biofuel fuel made from locally-sourced, 100% recycled waste vegetable oil to run our fleet of mini-coaches. We think protecting the environment from global warming and traveling the world shouldn’t be conflicting goals, and are dedicated to finding ways to travel responsibly. To see so many people taking to the streets (and putting their money where their mouth is) to bring awareness to these environmental issues is encouraging and inspiring!

The post People Don’t Care About Climate Change? Think Again. appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

A new study called “In Vino Veritas” was presented on September 2, 2014 at the ESC Congress by Prof Milos Taborsky of the Czech Republic. This study showed that though wine DOES protect against cardiovascular disease, it only works if you exercise. The theory of heart-healthy wine consumption has been kicking around since the ’90s, but this is the “first randomised trial comparing the effects of red and white wine on markers of atherosclerosis in people at mild to moderate risk of CVD”, said Taborsky. “We found that moderate wine drinking was only protective in people who exercised”. 

Basically, a bunch of folks had to drink wine (Pinot Noir or Chardonnay-Pinot) for a year FOR SCIENCE. Sounds like a great job. Corks were collected to prevent cheating (who would cheat by NOT drinking wine?), and the participants tracked both their consumption and exercise, and maintained their regular diets. Their cholesterol levels were tested after a year.

Ultimately, it was found that wine alone isn’t a magic heart-protector, but that when paired with moderate exercise (defined as “at least twice a week”), good things happened. HDL (“good cholesterol“, which protects your heart) levels increased in this subgroup, and LDL (“bad cholesterol”) and total cholesterol levels decreased overall.

You can read a detailed description of the In Vino Veritas study and Taborsky’s findings here.

Soooooo…basically, you should probably go for a walk, and then have some wine. If you need some help with that, check out our Muir Woods and Wine Tour, our Napa & Sonoma Wine Education Tour, or our Woods & Wine Overnight tour. We’re not saying it’ll help your heart, but it sure won’t hurt to try!

The post I Heart Wine: Drinking for Health appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

A) Incredible Adventures picks up at nearly every hotel in the city proper: hotels in SOMA, Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, the Financial District, the Embarcadero, and Lombard Street are all within our pickup radius! That said, we cannot pick you up (or drop you off) at the San Francisco Airport, or at any of the nearby airport hotels. Here’s why:

It’s a little-known fact that the San Francisco Airport (SFO) isn’t actually located in San Francisco proper! Because of our city’s unique geography (we’re bordered on 3 sides by water), there’s not a lot of space for things like airports, so it got placed approximately 13 miles to the south. San Francisco has mastered this complication fairly well, with several public transportation options (and many cabs and airport shuttles) to make sure folks visiting our fair city can get here.

Because of this additional space and the long haul to the city, many “Airport Hotels” have popped up in the South San Francisco, Burlingame, and Millbrae areas. These hotels are often less expensive than hotels in the center of the city, and are ideal for business travelers and people who are arriving or departing very early (or very late) from SFO.

Still, this 13 miles from the city can be quite a long way, especially in high-traffic commute hours. This means an added 20+ minutes each direction to get to these hotels, which cuts into the precious time we have to take our guests to see the amazing views of Yosemite Valley (or worse, it cuts into your wine tasting time)! Also, commercial vehicles like Incredible Adventures’ mini-coaches are required to have special permits before they’re allowed onto airport property. Because of this, we do not have pickups available from SFO or the surrounding area.

Q2) So…How can I meet your tour, then?

A2) You have several great options:

– Some airport hotels have a shuttle into the city, or to the airport (where you can catch BART easily). Check with your concierge or the front desk; they will be able to assist you in making the best choice of transportation.

– If you’re staying at an airport hotel with a car, we can suggest a local hotel in the city proper that has very reasonable flat-rate all-day parking. Contact us and we’ll give you directions.

– You can take a cab or Uber, but make sure you check the price before you go. It can sometimes be very pricey, so unless you have a large group and are splitting the fare, be careful!

– Our public transportation systems are very reliable and are a great way to get around. We often suggest taking BART into the city and meeting us right by the Powell St station at a central hotel meeting point (usually the Wyndham Parc 55, which is right next to the station), or taking CalTrain in to the San Francisco Station at 4th and Townsend. We know navigating a new city can be tricky; feel free to give us a call and our staff will be happy to help you figure out the right transportation for you!

The post FAQ: Pickups from SFO / San Francisco Airport appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

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.

The post FAQ: Biodiesel Fuel Surcharge on Yosemite Tours appeared first on Incredible Adventures.

You’ve seen it in the news, in advertisements, on the television, and in your local stores. With the mainstream media *finally* recognizing the devastating effects of global warming and conscious consumers demanding change, being green is “cool” these days and everyone’s jumping on-board.

Corporate “greenwashing” is rampant. You may see the words  “Sustainable”, “Eco-Conscious”, “Good for the Environment”, “Smart Choice”, or “Responsible”, but….how do you know what that means? How do you quantify “green”?

1. Know Where You Stand. If you don’t know enough about the issue, how can you make an informed decision? Knowledge is power, and knowing the details can help you choose the businesses and causes you support. Learn where your boundaries are, and know enough to stand up for them when they’re challenged. Here are some Biodiesel Basics to get you started.

2. Do Your Research. Just because a company says they’re doing something to combat climate change doesn’t mean they’re doing it, or that they’re doing it the way you think they are. Go to the source (if you can) and find out what actual steps they’re taking. Look up reviews and articles to see what people are saying, and ask questions directly if you can’t find the anwers online. Here’s a great resource for finding more local San Francisco Green Businesses while you’re visiting!

3. Beware of Greenwashing. There’s lots of ways to look responsible without having to actually BE responsible (usually by paying someone to do it for you). In our industry, the most common form of this is buying Carbon Credits in order to “offset” transportation emissions (read: exhaust from their vehicles). The thing is, pollution is pollution, so even if you’re planting trees or buying credits from a company that’s decreasing its emissions “on your behalf”, that stuff is still going into the air. It shouldn’t be about someone doing less damage, so you can do more damage and “it’ll balance out”. We ALL need to be doing our part. Incredible Adventures’ Biodiesel Tours are carbon-neutral right out of the tailpipe (no carbon credits needed here)!

4. Walk the Talk. If you want to use these words, be prepared to show you know what they mean. You can learn more about Incredible Adventures’ sustainability efforts here: What Does it Mean to be Green?

The post Let’s Talk About Greenwashing appeared first on Incredible Adventures.