Yosemite National Park camping tours from San Francisco in biodiesel vans

Yosemite Valley Tour

El Capitan/Half Dome

Bridalveil Fall

Yosemite Falls

Giant Sequioas

Yosemite Entrance Fee

Professional Driver/Guide

Six Fresh Meals (DBLDBL)

Camping Fees & Equipment*

Transport in Biodiesel Van

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 stop to purchase fresh food for our time in the park. Once we have all of our provisions we will cross the Central Valley and through gold country on our way into the mountains. Before reaching Yosemite, we hike down for a picnic amongst the giant sequoias - the largest living things on earth.

The hike through Famous for its rich the Giant Sequoias is pleasantly shaded and brings you right up close to these massive wooden monu-ments, 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 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 the tents and cook a delicious meal, ending the day with some 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 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 white-water 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), six meals (dinner the first day; 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 Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from May 25-October 15. 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). Every-body 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. After leaving the city, we stop at a supermarket and buy everything we need. 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.

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. 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.

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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.