Yosemite National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour
4.6 / 5 · 10 traveler reviews
Drive through Yosemite’s stunning landscapes at your own pace. Watch waterfalls explode over cliffs, walk under giant sequoia trees, and gaze up at tall granite giants like El Capitan and Half Dome—all while stories guide you along the way. You can start on any highway that leads into the park. Stop at Tunnel View for sweeping valley views, stretch your legs at Bridalveil Fall or wander among giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove. Walk under trees at Cathedral Beach or stand in the spray at Swinging Bridge. You can even explore Yosemite Village, see the historic Ahwahnee lodge, or hike short paths like Sentinel Dome. The tour uses offline GPS navigation so internet won’t slow you down. It offers tips, turn-by-turn directions, and stays on your device forever. This tour has over 30 stops and 160 audio stories. Download it, drive the roads, and discover Yosemite’s magic your way—mile by beautiful mile.
Your experience
Stop 1
Exit the mile-long Wawona Tunnel and park at this stunning scenic viewpoint of the entire Yosemite Valley. El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall frame the view to the left and right respectively, with Half Dome hanging out in the background. This is a popular stop, so don’t be surprised if you need to wait for a parking spot, but people don’t tend to linger long.
Stop 2
A paved, 0.5-mile trail is all it takes to reach the base of Bridalveil Fall. This 620-ft waterfall is one of the few in Yosemite not reliant on snowmelt, so it flows reliably year-round. The trail is known to get wet, especially during the spring, so prepare to enter the splash zone and watch your step. If the parking lot by the trailhead is full, there’s additional parking along Southside Drive and additional trailheads that connect back to the main trail to the waterfall.
Stop 3
A paved, 0.5-mile trail is all it takes to reach the base of Bridalveil Fall. This 620-ft waterfall is one of the few in Yosemite not reliant on snowmelt, so it flows reliably year-round. The trail is known to get wet, especially during the spring, so prepare to enter the splash zone and watch your step. If the parking lot by the trailhead is full, there’s additional parking along Southside Drive and additional trailheads that connect back to the main trail to the waterfall.
Stop 4
Though the bridge doesn’t swing, the footbridge over the Merced River at this picnic area features a fabulous view of Yosemite Fall. Like Cathedral Beach, this is another good spot to enjoy the Merced River’s waters for a swim. Plenty of picnic tables also make this a scenic spot for a packed lunch.
Stop 5
It’s a handy place to park the car. Here, you can hop on the free shuttle either to Yosemite Village or over to trailheads for the Mist and Mirror Lake trails. While you’re here, you can grab a bite to eat at the Curry Village Dining Pavilion. You can even rent a bike at the kiosk by the parking lot and get around on two wheels for the next few hours.
Stop 6
If you wanted a long break from hiking or driving, you could spend hours in Yosemite Village. The Valley Visitor Center, Yosemite Museum, and Ansel Adams Gallery provide a mix of educational and cultural amenities on this largely outdoorsy tour. You can also do some grocery or souvenir shopping at the Village Store or grab a bite to eat at Degnan’s Deli.
Stop 7
This is one of the grandest lodges in all the national parks, and you can enjoy some of its amenities without being a guest. Browse the gift shop, select a treat at the sweets shop, grab a drink at the bar, or just wander the public spaces like the airy Great Lounge. Of course, the main attraction is the pricey but elegant Dining Room. Join for the breakfast buffet or get a bite to eat for lunch. Dinner requires reservations and a dress code that doesn’t include sweaty hiking clothes.
Stop 8
It’s only an easy, paved, half mile hike to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, the tallest waterfall in North America. Walk the left side of the loop to get a full view of the falls as you approach. Reliant on rainfall and snowmelt, the waterfall largely dries up by mid-to-late summer.
Stop 9
You’ll likely park somewhere else and walk to Lower Yosemite Fall from there, but like Curry Village, this is a handy spot. The trailhead for Lower Yosemite Fall is about 10 minutes away, and on the way you’ll pass Yosemite Valley Lodge where you can grab a bite to eat in the Base Camp Eatery or a coffee at Starbucks. There’s also a bike rental kiosk by the pool. This parking lot is also next to the trailhead for the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail. This strenuous 7.2-mile hike takes you to the top of Yosemite Fall, and on the way, Columbia Rock for a magnificent view of the valley.
Stop 10
One of the most awe-inspiring spots in Yosemite is El Capitan Meadow, sandwiched between two granite monoliths: El Capitan and Cathedral Rock. Squint to find rock climbers ascending the 3,000-ft granite wall of El Capitan. Sunrise and sunset are especially good times to sit in the middle of the valley and allow yourself to become dumbstruck by nature’s craftsmanship.
Stop 11
This small pull-off on the side of Northside Drive offers a similar view of Yosemite Valley as the Tunnel View scenic overlook, but from a lower vantage point along the banks of the Merced River. Again, El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall frame the gorgeous panorama.
Stop 12
Heading into Yosemite Valley from the north takes you to this pull-off as Southside Drive crosses the valley to reach Wawona Road. The pull-off is a good teaser look at El Capitan, as well as an important historical spot. It was here that President Theodore Roosevelt and conservationist John Muir camped and discussed the future of Yosemite.
What’s included
- Tours NEVER expire
- Freedom to explore at your own pace
- Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
- Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
- Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
- Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
Not included
- Optional meals and refreshments
- Private Transportation
- Entrance fees
Meeting and pickup
To drive to Groveland from Los Angeles, take I-5 North to CA-99 North, then switch to CA-120 East at Manteca. Follow CA-120 through Oakdale and Big Oak Flat to reach Groveland. The drive takes about 6–7 hours.
Before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Optional Starting Points: • CA-41 from Oakhurst • CA-140 from Mariposa • Tioga Pass from Lee Vining
- Yosemite National Park today announced it will no longer use a timed reservation system in 2026. The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of traffic patterns, parking availability and visitor use during the 2025 season.
- Please Note: National Park fees may apply for international visitors. If applicable, this fee is collected in-destination and not at the time of booking.
- Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
- Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
- The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
- Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
- Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
- Too large to cover in one day — plan a full day per segment; several days for the full tour
- Two gas stations in the park (Wawona and Crane Flat) — cheaper to fill up outside the park
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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