Yosemite Audio Tour: Discover Majestic Waterfalls

Embark on a self-guided audio tour of Yosemite National Park and discover its majestic peaks, towering waterfalls, and lush wilderness. Explore at your own pace and uncover the surprising history behind this incredible park.

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Yosemite Valley Vista Point - Welcome to Yosemite Valley Vista Point! Prepare to be awestruck by the spectacular views of one of the most iconic national parks in the United States. As you stand here, you’ll be surrounded by towering granite cliffs, lush meadows, and pristine waterfalls. As we take in the breathtaking scenery, we’ll explore the history of Yosemite and how it became a symbol of the conservation movement. We’ll also learn about the Native American tribes who have called this land home for thousands of years and their ongoing fight for recognition and sovereignty. This vista point offers not only a stunning view but also an opportunity to reflect on the complex history of this land and its people.

Note: This 40+mile-long tour covers the essentials of Yosemite in 5-6 hours.

  • Elephant Rock - As we continue driving, a stunning natural formation that gets its name from the way it resembles an elephant walking off into the distance. As you stand here, you’ll be mesmerized by the unique shape of the rock and the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The rock has been shaped by centuries of natural erosion, and it serves as a reminder of the power of nature to create and transform the world around us. While many people come to Elephant Rock simply to marvel at its beauty, others see it as a symbol of the resilience and strength that we all possess.
  • Mount Conness - Our drive takes us over a majestic craggy mountain standing taller than anything else in the surrounding landscape. As you stand here, you’ll be struck by the sheer scale and grandeur of this natural wonder.
  • Cathedral Peak - As we drive, we’ll pass the Cathedral Peak – the most recognizable and beloved peaks in Yosemite National Park. Its distinctive spires and towering summit have captured the imaginations of climbers, hikers, and nature lovers for generations.
  • Tenaya Lake - Our drive passes Tenaya Lake, a glacially-carved alpine lake located in the heart of Yosemite National Park. Surrounded by majestic granite peaks, pristine forests, and vibrant meadows, Tenaya Lake is a true natural wonder.
  • Three Brothers - Our drive passes Three Brothers, a trio of iconic peaks located in Yosemite Valley, towering over the surrounding landscape at a height of over 3,000 feet. Composed of granite and carved by glaciers, these majestic peaks have become a symbol of the natural beauty and power of Yosemite National Park.
  • Sentinel Rock - As we explore Yosemite National Park, we will have the opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of Sentinel Rock. This iconic granite peak rises over 3,000 feet above the valley floor, and has become a symbol of the park’s natural grandeur and power. We will learn about the fascinating geological history of Sentinel Rock, and how it was formed through a process of glacial erosion over millions of years. We will also discover the rich cultural significance of Sentinel Rock to the indigenous people who have lived in this area for thousands of years.
  • Yosemite Falls - We will have the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Yosemite Falls. This iconic waterfall is one of the tallest in the world, with a total height of over 2,400 feet. We will learn about the fascinating geological history of Yosemite Falls, and how it was formed through a combination of glacial activity and the erosive power of water.
  • Devil’s Elbow - We will have the opportunity to witness the rugged beauty and natural wonder of Devil’s Elbow. This iconic rock formation is located in the heart of the park and has become a symbol of the area’s wild and untamed spirit. We will learn about the fascinating geological history of Devil’s Elbow, and how it was formed through a combination of volcanic activity and erosion.
  • Mirror Lake Trail - As we explore Yosemite National Park, we will have the opportunity to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Mirror Lake Trail. This picturesque trail winds through lush forests and tranquil meadows, leading us to the crystal-clear waters of Mirror Lake. We will learn about the fascinating geological history of Mirror Lake, and how it was formed through a process of glacial activity and erosion.
  • Cathedral Beach Picnic Area - Cathedral Beach is situated along the Merced River and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding granite cliffs and Yosemite Valley. Visitors can swim, fish, or simply relax and take in the stunning scenery. The beach also serves as a starting point for a popular rafting trip down the Merced River.
  • Merced River - The Merced River is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities such as fishing, swimming, hiking, and rafting. The river flows through Yosemite National Park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding granite cliffs, waterfalls, and forests.
  • Half Dome - Half Dome is a massive granite dome that rises over 4,700 feet above Yosemite Valley. It’s a popular destination for hikers, who can take the challenging Half Dome Trail to reach the summit and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is a strenuous 14-16 mile round trip with an elevation gain of over 4,800 feet, and requires a permit for the final ascent up the cables.
  • Yosemite Village - Yosemite Village is the main hub of activity in Yosemite National Park, and offers a variety of activities and amenities for visitors
What's Included
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
  • Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
  • Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
What's Not Included
  • Foods & Drinks
Additional Information

Explore one of America’s most incredible national parks without the hassle of a tour group! Witness towering waterfalls and majestic mountain peaks which capture the height of America’s beauty. Hike through the lush wilderness, picnic by pristine lakes, and stand atop breathtaking overlooks. Plus, dive into the surprising, unlikely history behind this immense park. There’s simply no place on earth like Yosemite.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
  • Minimum Mobile OS Requirement: iOS 14 or later / Android 9 (Pie) or later. It is compatible with iPad models that have a GPS chip.
Location
R386+F7V
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.2
(26 Ratings)
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Michael
Aug 5, 2024
The most zen like experience of my life. It really makes you reflect on how small we humans really are in space and time. - Our tour guide, Annette, was great! She was very effable! Also very knowledgeable about Yosemite. She also let us know about other tour options. Yosemite is awesome! The beauty of the mountains and trees was breathtaking! The mountains are surreal! The tour is definitely worth going on.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
431hellej
Jul 22, 2024
Easy and good guide - Great experience with the guide. Easy to install and use. You can use it as a preparation for the trip. The lecturer was a little annoying to listen to in the long run, but then we just turned down. Very enlightening.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cindynobles
Jun 20, 2024
Wonderful trip - This was the first time I ever did a driving tour. I loved how the tour knew exactly where we were and gave good information, even when we detoured and got back on track.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gretchen_c
Jun 20, 2024
Definitely worth it!! - After figuring out that needed to download Action Tour Guide App to actually use, it was extremely beneficial!! Had four different routes to use. We came in from south entrance and left one day from hwy 140 route. Was able to use without cell service which was extremely helpful!!
Review provided by Viator
Susanjv3128ai
Jun 3, 2024
Great buy for Yosemite! - This app was perfect for driving with our older family members who could not hike or walk easily. It was great narrated with a pleasant voice to listen too! We so enjoyed it, we bought another one for the following day! A great purchase!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trail13169139737
Apr 9, 2024
Re-routed - This is a great way to learn more about what you are seeing. We ran into a problem when we got there and a rock slide closed 120 at the Vista point at Half Dome. We were still able to do the 2 hour detour and it picked up where we went in. I suggest you download more than 1 entrance in case you are rerouted. There is zero service to be had during our trip. Worked great and will try again another day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nrduk
Aug 18, 2024
Good drive from 120 - Very good overall and told us a lot of information that otherwise would have been missed. The app did crash twice during the experience but after reloading it carried on based on our location The map is not in CarPlay wich is a pain, however the audio and pictures come onto CarPlay
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bas0921
Jul 30, 2024
Self Paced Guided Tour - Mostly worked.. few glitches with the GOS and mis directions and actually started outside of the park. We were already inside so skipped a few of the spots. It’s a LONG wait to get in, so be sure to check the starting point if you are already inside. Information is good but seemed to miss a few things Wawona Hotel and Glacier Point (the drive up). For the price, this is a good value and MUCH better than some Valley Bus tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cristina_c
Mar 12, 2024
A Great Way to Experience Yosemite - This self-guided audio tour was one of the best ways to experience Yosemite. PROs: • We were in the comfort and warmth of our own vehicle • We could stop at our leisure and take in the views without feeling rushed • We could very easily go back in the audio and listen to the commentary again if we didn't hear what was said • When we got back on the road, the tour automatically picked up where we left off — They knew exactly where we were based on GPS - even though we were offline (there's no signal in the park.) CONs: • Once we reached the starting point address and pulled over, it was a little unclear what road to get on to begin the tour. The map wasn't showing up on my phone, so we ended up starting on the wrong road. But we went back to the starting point and looked at the printed map the Ranger gave us at the entrance and figured out what road we needed to get on. • There were a few times when the audio did not play when we drove through the numbered "checkpoint"...so I had to hit "play" manually on the audio. But it eventually picked up and started doing it automatically again. • The only thing I would add would be a better way to match our location on the tour to the printed map provided by the park ranger. Perhaps if they called out what the name of the roads were in the audio so we could figure out where we were more easily. OVERALL, it was a fantastic way to see the park. Highly recommend!!!
Review provided by Viator
Christopher
Aug 4, 2024
Steep Learning Curve - We entered the park at Tioga Falls and we're told by the gate attendant there is "almost no place for dogs" in the park. She suggested Yosemite Valley 90 minutes away. Closer to the hotel, with no fee and no reservation required, dogs were allowed throughout Mammoth trails everywhere. As casual tourists we had a much better time in and around Mammoth with all the beautiful lakes and waterfalls.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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