Park tours

Question

Heading into the park Monday, June 9. We will staying in El Portal. Trying to decide if we should do the valley floor tour (2hr tram) that morning and then drive up to glacier point in our own car or do the glacier point tour (4hr tram). Wasn’t sure of best choice due to parking and possible crowd concerns.

Answer

Heading into Yosemite on June 9 sounds like a great plan! The park is beautiful and June is a fantastic time to visit. I can understand your concern about crowds and parking, especially with the popularity of Glacier Point and the Valley Floor. Here's some insight to help you decide between the two options:

Option 1: Valley Floor Tour + Self-Drive to Glacier Point

Valley Floor Tour: The Valley Floor Tour is a 2-hour tram ride that covers major landmarks in Yosemite Valley, including Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and the Merced River. It’s a great way to get an overview of the valley and its history without having to worry about parking in busy areas. The tour also provides insightful commentary, which can help you appreciate the park's geology and wildlife.
Self-Drive to Glacier Point: After the Valley Floor Tour, driving up to Glacier Point on your own gives you the flexibility to stop along the way and enjoy scenic views. Glacier Point offers one of the most spectacular views of Yosemite, including Half Dome, the high Sierra peaks, and Yosemite Valley itself. The road to Glacier Point opens around late spring, but it can get crowded, especially in June, so expect some traffic along the way.
Pros: This option allows for more flexibility and freedom. You can spend as much time as you like at Glacier Point, stop at scenic viewpoints, and explore at your own pace. The Valley Floor Tour is great for an overview without the need to drive around looking for parking. Plus, it leaves the afternoon open for further exploration in the park or relaxation.
Cons: Parking can be difficult to find at Glacier Point, especially as you get closer to mid-morning. There are some designated parking areas, but they can fill up quickly, particularly on busy days. It’s best to arrive early or be prepared to wait for a spot.

Option 2: Glacier Point Tour (4-Hour Tram)

Glacier Point Tour: This 4-hour tour takes you from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point, offering a guided experience with narration about the park's natural history, geology, and wildlife. The tour includes a stop at Glacier Point, where you can take in the views, and is a great option if you'd prefer a more relaxed experience without the hassle of driving or parking yourself.
Pros: The 4-hour tram tour includes transport directly to Glacier Point, so you don’t have to worry about the long drive or parking. It’s a great way to get a comprehensive guided experience and avoid the hassle of navigating the roads and looking for parking. You’ll have more time to enjoy the sights and less stress about crowds.
Cons: It is a longer tour, which means it will take up more of your day, leaving less time for other activities in the park. You’ll also be on a set schedule, so there’s less flexibility to explore or linger at specific viewpoints. Additionally, it’s likely to be a more popular tour, which could mean a busier experience.

Things to Consider:

Crowd Concerns: Glacier Point can get very crowded, especially during the summer months. The tram tour might help you avoid some of the parking challenges, as the buses are often prioritized for parking at the top. However, if you’re self-driving, you may encounter wait times for parking at Glacier Point.
Flexibility: The Valley Floor Tour + self-drive option gives you more flexibility to adjust your plans depending on how much time you spend at each stop, whereas the Glacier Point Tour is more rigid in terms of timing.
Rest of the Day: With the Valley Floor Tour, you have more flexibility for the rest of the day. After Glacier Point, you could head back down and explore other areas of the park like Mariposa Grove or Tuolumne Meadows, depending on how much time you have left. The 4-hour Glacier Point Tour will take up more time, limiting your options afterward.

Recommendation: If you're looking for more flexibility, a faster-paced experience, and a chance to explore the park on your own, I’d recommend the Valley Floor Tour followed by self-driving to Glacier Point. This gives you more time to explore at your own pace and less time spent on a set schedule. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, guided experience with less driving and parking worries, the Glacier Point Tour is a great option, especially if you're okay with dedicating more time to the experience.

Ultimately, both options offer fantastic opportunities to experience the beauty of Yosemite, so it really comes down to whether you prefer a more flexible self-guided experience or a guided tour with less driving and parking concerns.

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