Trip Report Guided Tour June 2025

Question

I'm back from my Road Scholar trip, first time to Yosemite. My objectives were to see the natural beauty, and to take lots of photos. I'm no hiker so was not able to get to many of the places discussed in various forums. Also our schedule did not allow for playing around with photography like lighting, filters, sunsets, etc. But wow we saw just about everything possible with a group.

They put us up at the Yosemite Valley Lodge which was a stellar location albeit not a stellar hotel. But I'd read reviews and brought a fly swatter, Clorox wipes, and screen repair tape. In the end I was barely in the room except to sleep. Considering how many hours we spent on buses, I can't imagine staying outside the park. We had to eat two meals outside the park because apparently Yosemite wouldn't provide small group plated meals.

First day we went to Mariposa Grove, then outside the park for lunch at Tenaya Lodge. Cars were backed up to Fish Camp waiting to get in. By the time we finished lunch, the wait was only about 20 minutes. On our return, our group leader took us over to the base of Yosemite Falls. I was in Willow at the Lodge so it was literally across the street. That night I was apparently the only person to have a mediocre meal in the Mountain Room. Very disappointing.

Second day we took the park bus trip to Glacier Point because private buses aren't allowed up there. I thought it was very cool that we dropped off some hikers near the top, presumably a guided trip. When we got back, I walked over to Yosemite Village to mail some postcards at the historic post office and check out the Ansel Adams gallery. Then I went over to the dining shopping section and what a zoo it was, quite unpleasant. Took the shuttle back to the lodge to catch my 3:00 reservation on the tram tour on the Green Dragon. It was so great to be totally in the open after seeing everything from bus windows the last couple of days. Highly recommended if you can't get out hiking or biking. That evening I had reservations for the Conservancy Night Sky program. It was run by Paul, who was also our guide for the Road Scholar tour so that was fun. Very interesting to see the stars come out, plus we saw the headlamps of night climbers on Yosemite Falls.

Third day we picked up Paul at Crane Flat and went on to Olmsted Point, where he set up a telescope to see the hikers on the cables on Half Dome. I am able to see them in my zoomed photos, yay! Then on to Lake Tenaya where we had a picnic lunch on the beach. So beautiful. Then on to Tuolumne Meadows. We left the park for dinner at Evergreen Lodge and finally back to the valley. If only we'd left Evergreen 15 minutes sooner we would have seen more than a glimpse of the evening glow on Half Dome and one other peak. Alas.

Overall I'm very glad to have taken this tour (husband stayed behind to watch NBA games and such). We've traveled tons and I am very prepared to do the planning, but for me at this stage of my life age 73) it was the right way to go to this kind of destination.

Answer

Thank you for sharing your detailed trip report from Yosemite! It sounds like you had an incredible experience, even with the limitations of a guided tour and your preference not to hike extensively.

Staying at Yosemite Valley Lodge was a great choice for convenience, especially given how much time you spent exploring the valley and taking bus tours. While the hotel itself may not be luxurious, being close to iconic landmarks like Yosemite Falls and having easy access to shuttles and the park’s main attractions clearly made your days much more efficient.

Your itinerary covered a wide range of highlights:

Mariposa Grove: Seeing the giant sequoias first-hand is a must, and even though your visit included a bus trip, it allowed you to experience these ancient trees comfortably.
Yosemite Falls: Staying in the Willow area gave you easy access for photos, which is great since the waterfall is one of the park’s most photogenic spots.
Glacier Point: Riding the park bus to Glacier Point was a smart way to see the panoramic views without a strenuous hike. Dropping off hikers at the top also gave you an interesting perspective on different ways to experience the park.
Yosemite Village & Ansel Adams Gallery: A nice break from buses and tours, allowing for postal and photography-related activities.
Green Dragon Tram Tour: Being in the open for photography was a highlight, particularly for capturing the park’s scenery without obstruction from bus windows.
Night Sky Program: Observing stars and the climbers on Yosemite Falls added a memorable, unique experience to your trip.
Tuolumne Meadows and Lake Tenaya: A scenic part of your tour that offered picnic opportunities and expansive views, ideal for photography and relaxation.

Dining outside the park seemed necessary due to small-group limitations within the park. While it may have been a minor inconvenience, it allowed you to enjoy meals in a more relaxed setting. Your notes on timing, such as missing the evening glow on Half Dome, highlight how small adjustments in schedule can make a big difference for photography.

Overall, this trip demonstrates the value of guided tours for travelers who prefer not to plan every detail or handle strenuous hikes. The combination of knowledgeable guides, well-planned transportation, and curated experiences allowed you to see most of Yosemite’s iconic sights, enjoy photography, and participate in special activities like the night sky program.

Key takeaways for others considering a similar trip:

Staying inside the park, even in modest accommodations, greatly improves access and convenience.
Guided tours are excellent for first-time visitors who want to maximize sightseeing with minimal hiking.
Planning meals may require flexibility, especially for small groups in park lodges.
Special programs like night sky observation add unique experiences beyond standard sightseeing.
Photography opportunities abound from buses, trams, and viewpoints, even without extensive hiking.

In summary, your experience highlights that Yosemite can be thoroughly enjoyed through guided tours, particularly for travelers who prioritize seeing key landmarks and capturing stunning photographs without the need for long hikes. The combination of convenience, expert guidance, and curated experiences made this first visit highly rewarding.

Trip Report Guided Tour June 2025

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