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Revenue managementDynamic pricingChannel managementOTA managementBooking.com managementListing optimizationVacation rental marketingTwo days, Amtrak train from Los Angeles to Fresno, overnight stay, and exploration of Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Falls, and Glacier Point.
This overnight trip starts with a train journey on Amtrak from Los Angeles to Fresno. You'll arrive in Fresno and spend the night before venturing into Yosemite National Park the next day. The itinerary includes notable sites such as Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, and Glacier Point, with the option for a 4-mile hike to enjoy the stunning views.
Perfect for those traveling between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this tour combines scenic train travel with the chance to explore one of America's top natural wonders. Be sure to provide the full name and date of birth for each traveler when booking, as this is required for the Amtrak portion.
Reviews
The most important thing to remember about this tour is that the experience varies significantly by season. My wife and I participated in the tour in April 2018, which meant that the road to Glacier Point was closed and the Mariposa Grove was undergoing maintenance. We received our Amtrak reservations and hotel details two weeks prior to our trip. Since there’s no train service between LA and Bakersfield, we traveled that leg by Amtrak bus. The schedule ensured we had just about 15 minutes to board the train, avoiding a long wait at the station. Our return train was delayed due to track issues, but Amtrak buses wait for passengers if their connections are late. We stayed at the Radisson in downtown, a very pleasant hotel. We found a wonderful brewery and Mediterranean restaurant called PK HoP just two blocks south on Van Ness to enjoy dinner. We were told to meet in the lobby at 7:00 AM, and our driver actually arrived 15 minutes early. He took us to Oakhurst, where we met our guide. Thanks to a cancellation, we ended up with a private tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and made several stops for amazing photo opportunities. We were misted by Bridalveil Fall, which was flowing heavily due to recent flooding, enjoyed views of El Capitan, and walked to the base of Yosemite Falls, spotting a herd of deer along the way. Lunch was provided in an insulated tote bag that we could take with us. Our guide also took beautiful pictures of my wife and me with Half Dome in the background. After an option to tour the Wawona Hotel, which we opted out of since we focused on the natural park, we were returned to the Fresno train station. This trip is undoubtedly the best option for viewing Yosemite from the LA area if you prefer not to camp or wait six months for lodge reservations. It is well worth the cost.
The Yosemite Tour was impressive. Our guide was both knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience enjoyable and accommodating. However, the stay at the Radisson the night before was unpleasant due to the rundown and dirty condition of the hotel.
The Yosemite segment was stunning. Mick provided excellent guidance, and Bonnie was an enjoyable driver who transported us to Mick. The train and bus parts were satisfactory, as we reached our destination, but some of the stations were not in the best shape.
The vehicle used for the tour was quite uncomfortable. The tour operator is charging me an additional $100 for being a single passenger, despite my hotel stating they have the same rate for one or three people. However, the Yosemite tour itself was beautiful, and the driver was knowledgeable.
Steve was extremely kind and very knowledgeable. He made for an excellent host. We enjoyed every moment of the tour and have already recommended it to our family and friends.
The park and the tour guide were great, and the SUV and lunch were satisfactory. However, the bus and train experience was terrible. It's not advisable to take this trip from LA.
Initially, the description of traveling from Los Angeles by train is somewhat misleading. You actually board an Amtrak bus to Bakersfield before switching to a train to Fresno, making for a total travel time of about 5 hours. A representative from Crossroads Tours picked us up from our hotel in the morning and drove us up the mountain to meet Yosemite guide Mick. Since we were the only ones on the tour, we enjoyed a private experience, which was fantastic. Mick is engaging and well-informed, and he ensured we saw all the must-see sights. By the end of the tour, we had learned a lot about the valley's history and had plenty of photo opportunities, so keep your phone charged. The owner of Crossroads made follow-up calls to confirm we received our e-tickets and answered any questions we had, which was a nice touch. Be prepared for an additional hotel stay in Fresno, as the tour concludes late, making it difficult to catch a train home the same night. Our return trip was smooth, although the train had some entertainment with a rowdy crowd, including an incident that required police involvement. Onboard, the café offers great craft beer and cocktails. I highly recommend this tour with Crossroads; while it might not be the cheapest option, the experience will leave you satisfied. Request Mick as your guide for the best experience.
If you're planning this trip, I recommend opting for a tour focused solely on Yosemite and ensuring minimal time is spent picking up and dropping off guests who are not nearby. We spent at least four hours just on pickups and drop-offs. During the tour, you get to see Half Dome, El Capitan, the falls, and some smaller giant sequoias. Our guide Mick was pleasant, knowledgeable, and passionate about his work, which was a highlight. A better approach would be to drive to Oakhurst, stay overnight, explore Yosemite for a full day, and return to Oakhurst for the night before heading back to LA. Otherwise, you'll have to take a bus from LA to Bakersfield, then a train to Fresno, stay overnight there, and still face an additional 80-minute drive to Yosemite. This was my second visit to Yosemite, and the effort to get there is definitely worthwhile.
Ron, our guide from Crossroad Tours, was exceptional. He was not only polite but also provided much more information than typical tour guides. I highly recommend him to others.
The tour itself was fantastic, guided by a knowledgeable and experienced leader who was well-acquainted with the area. However, I had an issue with the tour company, as they promised a refund for our Uber taxi fare. Despite several follow-ups, I received no response, which is quite disappointing. Be cautious if they assure you of a refund when booking.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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