Yosemite National Park 3-Day camping tours from San Francisco in biodiesel vans

Explore Yosemite, America's favorite national park, on a camping trip that will take you off the beaten path to trails and sights unseen by most who venture here. On our Yosemite Escape Camping Tour you will enjoy 3 days and 2 nights of camping, hiking, and swimming in Yosemite National Park. Never camped before? No problem - we provide the gear and our guides ensure a fun-filled, friendly atmosphere.

Click Here for Detailed Itinerary of our Yosemite Escape Camping Tour.

Yosemite Valley Tour

El Capitan/Half Dome

Bridalveil Falls

Yosemite Falls

Giant Sequoias

Yosemite Entrance Fee

Professional Driver/Guide

Five Fresh Meals (BLDBL)

Camping Fees & Equipment*

Transport in Biodiesel Van

*A FEW THINGS OF NOTE:

5 Stars (Excellent)

My we had a great trip on the Yosemite Escape camping tour thanks to Pete! He knew all the right spots...the hikes were well chosen for scenery and for our group...the food was outstanding. Pete made the trip!

Sincerely--The Wombles of Wimbledon 06/11/2012

5 Stars (Excellent)

My wife and I had heaps of fun and most of the credit is Mitch’s.

Tell him he always has a place to stay if he visits Australia.

---Vikrham H. 09/17/2011

DAY 1

Three days of hiking and camping is the focus of our Yosemite Escape Camping Tour. In the morning of the first day, our guide will meet you downtown at the corner of Mason and O'Farrell Streets in front of the Hilton Hotel at 8:15 am. Once out of San Francisco, we cross the Central Valley and through gold country on our way into the mountains. Before reaching Yosemite Valley, we hike down for a picnic* amongst the giant sequoias - the largest living things on Earth.

(*Meals the first day are not included in the tour price. You will have an opportunity to get food en route to the park. Depending upon group interest/logistics you may visit any of the three Sequoia groves)

The hike through the giant sequoias is pleasantly shaded and brings you right up close to these massive wooden monuments, some of which are over one thousand years old and measure up to 30 ft. wide & 300 ft. tall. Continuing into the park on a 1 1/2-hour guided tour, we descend into Yosemite Valley, the most famous and photographed part of Yosemite (thanks to the work of Ansel Adams).

While in the Yosemite Valley, your guide will give you an orientation to the park as well as an explanation of the itinerary and options for the next two days. After some free time in Yosemite Valley, you will head for the campsite to set up camp, ending the day with drinks around the campfire as you decide what to do with your next two days in the park.

Day 2

Rising early, we prepare breakfast and lunch, clean up camp, and head off in the van for a fun day full of hiking, sightseeing, and exploring. Usually the second day is reserved for exploring Yosemite's High Country. A group hike to May Lake and Mount Hoffman is the highlight of this day (depending upon snowpack). May Lake is a picturesque example of a High Sierra lake. If you want more of a challenge, you can continue past May Lake to Mount Hoffman. Located at the geographic center of the park, Mount Hoffman is a non-technical hike that rewards you with a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain landscape. At the end of the day we head back to camp for dinner and time to unwind by the campfire.

Day 3

Day three is a free day, where the itinerary is based on the interests of the group. Normally we head back into Yosemite Valley, where you can choose one of a number of great hikes, rent a bike, or relax in the shade by the emerald green Merced River. After a full day in the park, we head back to San Francisco, arriving around 9pm.

In May, June and early July, you have the option of joining a whitewater rafting trip on the Merced River (depending on snowpack). This Class III-IV adventure can be added to your Yosemite Escape adventure for only $140-160.

What's Included

This adventure includes camping equipment (except a sleeping bag), five meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner the second day; breakfast and lunch the third day), all camping fees, park fees, taxes, transportation, and professional guide service. Trips depart Monday or Friday 5/28/12-10/12/12. Wednesday tours are available 6/13/12-9/19/12. Come enjoy the good times with Incredible Adventures.

Camping
Camping is easy, but cooperation is important. Don't worry if you've never camped before; many people haven't. We supply the camping and cooking equipment necessary for a trip of this nature, using quality tents, camping and cooking equipment (you will need a sleeping bag - see below). Everybody is expected to participate in the set-up and breakdown of camp, and our professional guides are there to ensure a positive camping experience. We camp at comfortable campsites that have hot showers and modern facilities. Swimming is available nearby.

Food
We provide the food, but not the chefs. You guys are the cooks, waiters, dishwashers, and of course the guests. The fare is all-you-can-eat and very tasty, and is a mixture of chicken, beef and vegetarian. Most people eat better with us than they do on the rest of their travels.

NOTE: Please advise us of any food allergies or special dietary needs you may have while booking the tour. All of the food shopping is done prior to the tour departure.

Transportation
We use comfortable 15-passenger vans with dual air conditioning and stereo sound. Our vans are fueled by biodiesel, a vegetable oil-based diesel fuel, to promote green business.

Meeting Location and Time
Our guide will meet the group at 8:15 am at the corner of Mason and O'Farrell Streets in front of the Hilton Hotel. There are many bus lines that run directly by or near this central location. The closest BART and MUNI stop is the Powell Street Station (2 blocks away).

Sleeping Bags
You will need a sleeping bag. If you don't have one, we will rent one to you for $20 for the two nights.

What to Bring
You will need sneakers or hiking boots, shorts, t-shirts, swimwear, sun protection, a water bottle, flashlight, and some warmer clothes in case there is a change in weather. From June through September the weather in Yosemite is hot and sunny with occasional afternoon showers. In May and October, days are warm with cooler nights. As in all mountain environments, weather can be unpredictable, so bringing a layer of warm clothing is always a good idea. All of our vans have large roof racks or trailers for your luggage and the camping equipment.

Click for Yosemite weather conditions

Click for Yosemite webcam images

Who Goes
Most of our travelers are young international backpackers. Our camping tours are fully guided, so no previous camping experience is necessary. Whether traveling on your own or with friends or family, Incredible Adventures is a great way to meet others, see sights, and really explore Yosemite.