Yosemite-Mammoth Lakes-Rainbow Falls-Mono Lake Tours
Yosemite Mammoth Lakes Tour Highlights
- Altamont Pass & Diablo range road home to the US largest wind farm
- Central Valley, the fruit basket of the world
- CGold Country, Don Pedro Lake & Sierra Nevada
- Yosemite waterfalls and Giant Sequoias
- Yosemite hidden treasures where regular tours don’t go to picture
- Half Dome , El Capitan, Cathedral Rock, Merced River and more
- Visit the Giant Sequoia’s Grove or Glacier point scenic view and hidden water falls( 3 day tour)
- Beautiful lakes including Tenaya Lake & Tioga pass scenic highlands
- Tuolumne meadows, Tioga Pass, Tioga Lake•
- Tour the spectacular Mono Lake & June Lakes Loop
- Grant Lake, Silver Lake, Gull Lake & June Lake wonderful road
- Spectacular Mammoth Lakes discovery tour including Twin Lakes,
- Lake Mary ,vista Trail, Lake George, Horseshoe Lake & Lake Mamie
- Surreal & unique Devil Postpile N.Park & Rainbow falls(3 day tour)
- Visit California Sierra Nevada wonders and striking geology
- Learn about the largest and oldest trees on earth
- Learn about North America highest Peak and Lowest point
- Optional side tour to the Wild West unique & untouched ghost town
- Over night at Mammoth’s best mountain hotels & much more….
Yosemite Mammoth Lakes Tour Description
The Yosemite-Mammoth Lakes Tour is a unique and exclusive tour to Golden Horizon Travel. Join us to explore California’s unique and hidden treasures and natural wonders. No other tour companies run this tour. Did you know that the Yosemite Valley where all tour companies go is actually only 1% of the actual Yosemite National Park? Are you looking for a green adventure away from the crowded sights where commercial tours don’t go? Join us on a breathtaking green tour that will reveal the hidden treasures of both the Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada’s spectacular natural wonders including Mammoth Lakes.
Our Yosemite -Mammoth Lakes Tour will take you to The beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains Via Central Valley and the Gold Country. The Yosemite Mammoth Lakes incomparable Tour will amaze you as we begging winding our roads on highway 120 down to Merced River and Canyon, on the way to the Yosemite Valley. Spectacular side trip, hiking & walking discovery tours with photos stops are scheduled all along our way to both Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes. Join Golden Horizon travel’s team and tour the Yosemite Valley ,Yosemite falls and the Yosemite Giant Sequoias, travel through Yosemite scenic back roads and spectacular highlands passing along the Yosemite picturesque meadows and beautiful lakes including Tenaya Lake. Picture Tioga Pass scenic peaks and roads, travel to the unique and “surreal” Mono Lake, it’s a among the oldest lakes in the World, explore the unsurpassed and breathtaking June Lakes Loop tour, admire the spectacular and breathtaking Mammoth Lakes Loop and unique Geology, discover the unique geological formation of Devils Postpile, Hike through wild meadows to picture the unique beauty of Rainbow Falls, tour some of the most striking geological sites in the world including the most beautiful hot springs of California’s Sierra Nevada, visit the wild west most authentic untouched ghost towns. Learn about the World’s largest and oldest trees located in the Sierra Nevada. Expand Your Horizon To visit the Death Valley, the Lowest point in North America dominated by Mount Whitney, the US highest Peak out of Alaska. The paradise on earth does exist, it’s right here in the Sierras Nevada’s natural wonders and miracles! Are you a nature lover? Looking for a Green Tour with unique views and spectacular hiking trails? Join us on the Green and unsurpassed tour you will never forget (Please not that The Sequoias, Bodie Ghost town, D. Postpile. Rainbow Falls are optional on the two day tour. However, most of them are possible on the three and four day tour. You will overnight at one of most elegant hotels by one of Mammoth Lakes depending on your choice. Please book your tour a head of time during the peak season. Mammoth Lakes Tour is available June to October only due to its high elevation and subject to heavy snow.
This Green Tour involves lots of miles on windy beautiful scenic roads on high elevation up to 10000 feet high. Please consult your doctor if have motion sickness before coming on this tour.
If you do not have time to drive to the Yosemite and Mammoth Lake and looking for Green relaxing spectacular tour by San Francisco, you came to the right place! Check-out our new and exclusive Green Tour only 30 minutes north of San Francisco! Still need more inspiration ! check out Golden Horizon Travel daily Tours and our distinguished Travel Services.
Are you a nature lover and love hiking? We got some tips for Hikers in the Yosemite National Park and Mammoth Lakes: Please bring small overnight bag due to the limited luggage compartment. Bring as well hiking clothes & boots, Swimwear, sun Protection and bug spray (mostly in the Yosemite Valley) off course sunglasses and a Camera. A camera with a zoon is bonus to capture the wild life such bears and waterfalls. Also, warm Layers for cool evenings, raincoat for some summer showers(in the Highlands).
Drink lots of Water as you hike in the Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes.
Please advise us if you have any particular health conditions. We are not responsible for any injury or accident that may occur during the trip to the Yosemite –Mammoth Lakes or within the Yosemite National Park. You may read our terms and conditions for more information.
Yosemite – Mammoth Lakes two Day Tour Prices
By SUV: 
| Tour Prices: | Regular Price per person |
Save Online per person |
Online Price per person |
***Hotel ** Based on double occupancy & 2 or 3 star hotel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - 3 Guests | $839.00 | $40.00 | $799.00 | Included |
| 4 Guests | $751.00 | $52.00 | $699.00 | Included |
| 5-6 Guests | $651.00 | $52.00 | $599.00 | Included |
| 7 Guests | $618.00 | $89.00 | $529.00 | Included |
| For 100% privacy | $2724.00 | For 1 to 3 people $174.00 |
$2550.00 | Hotel not included |
| For 100% privacy | $3709.00 | For 4 to 5 people $210.00 |
$3499.00 | Hotel not included |
| For 100% privacy | $3953.00 | For 6 to 7 people $250.00 |
$3703.00 | Hotel not included |
- Three people minimum is required to run this tour or 100% privacy as Described above.
By Van: 
Price per person based on double occupancy for a 2 or 3 star hotel
| Tour Prices: | Regular Price per person |
Save Online per person |
Online Price per person |
***Hotel ** Based on double occupancy & 2 or 3 star hotel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - 5 Guests | $657.00 | $78.00 | $579.00 | Included |
| 6 - 9 Guests | $647.00 | $88.00 | $559.00 | Included |
| 10 -13 Guests | $639.00 | $100.00 | $539.00 | Included |
| For 100% privacy | $3587.00 | For 1 to 5 people $288.00 |
$3299.00 | Hotel not included |
| For 100% privacy | $5789.00 | For 6 to 9 people $890.00 |
$5399.00 | Hotel not included |
| For 100% privacy | $7466.00 | For 10 to 13 people $969.00 |
$7007.00 | Hotel not included |
- Six People minimum is required to run this tour or 100% privacy as described above.
By Bus:
For any group of 14 people or more and bus Charter tours, Please contact us or send us a
TRAVEL REQUEST
Hotels Rates Based Double Occupancy:
| Hotel Prices: | 2 stars | 3 stars | Deluxe Hotel | ***Hotel ** Based on double occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Based on double occupancy .Price per person & per night | $120 to $190 | $145-$238 | Travel Request Required | Included |
| Location | in the Yosemite or in Mammoth Lakes | in the Yosemite or in Mammoth Lakes | in the Yosemite or in Mammoth Lakes | 2 or 3 star hotel |
- All prices are Based on double occupancy. For special services and additional features such suites, room with view-Please send us a travel requestand we will provide you with a personalized quote. All reservations are subject to hotels´ availabilities- The sooner the better!
HOW TO BOOK MY TOUR?
You can book your tour online by visiting our reservation secure page and scroll down to “tour information” section. Choose your tour from the “select tour” drop down to select your preferred tour.
If you have a special request or a large group, please contact us
or send us a travel request so we will assist you with your reservation.
First Day
San Francisco - Yosemite - Mammoth Lakes
Yosemite Mammoth Lakes Two Day Tour Itinerary
7:00 AM - 9:00 AMDrive to Yosemite via Central Valley
The Yosemite tour departs from San Francisco on Highway 580 to Central Valley going through Livermore Valley and Altamont Pass windmills farm. Picture on our Yosemite Tour Altamont Pass nestled in the Diablo Mountain Range dominated by the imposing Mount Diablo, the highest peak in San Francisco Bay Area.The Yosemite tour highlights the importance of Altamont Pass wind farm as one of the earliest in the United States and the largest concentration of wind turbines in the world. As the Yosemite tour continues through central valley ,observe the sharp contrast between the geology of the flat Central Valley and that of the rugged hills.The Yosemite tour keeps heading east via Manteca city that lies at a crossroads of major highways and railroads. Manteca is where the famous American author, John Steinbeck worked one season at Spreckels Sugar processing.The Yosemite Tour continues on highway 120 going east.The Yosemite Tour offers great views of Central Valley,the largest agricultural valley in North America(2 hours from Yosemite N.Park)
9:00 AM - 9:30 AMAM Coffee Break in central Valley: "The Fruit Basket of the world."
The Yosemite tour continues through Central Valley, one of the largest and most productive agricultural regions in the world. It is commonly referred to as the "Fruit Basket of the World." The Yosemite tour continues on highway 120 through endless agricultural fields and ranchlands. The Yosemite Tour offers you now a coffee break at a local farmer's market place in Oakdale where fresh food and coffee shops are available. The cowboy town of Oakdale is located about 98 miles from the Yosemite Valley.It's the first town in the Western United States to host a professional outdoor Rodeo. It's the Gate to the Sierra Nevada on the way to the Yosemite Valley.Okadale hosts also a chocolate festival every year,just few miles away from the famous cheese factory.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AMSecond Half: Drive to Yosemite via the Sierra Nevada
The Yosemite tour continues on highway 120 through the Gold Country where gold nuggets were discovered back in 1848. The Yosemite tour drives you through the historical Chinese Camp,an old mining town.The Yosemite tours may offer you an optional photo stop at Don Pedro Lake located 75 Miles away from the Yosemite N.Park. It is a huge manmade lake nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills offering 160 miles of shoreline. Don Pedro Lake became a popular destination for vacations attracting over 400,000 visitors a year looking for water sports- house boating rental, fishing, swimming, water-skiing, jet skiing and windsurfing. As the Yosemite Tour passes Moccasin Powerhouse strategically located along the Hetch Hetchy pipelines, we start winding our scenic road up through the Sierra Nevada highlands heading east to the Yosemite. Enjoy the scenic views and picture the Historic Town of Groveland established by the famous gold seekers known as the Forty-Niners. Groveland is the gate to the Yosemite National Park and home to the historic Iron Door Saloon, probably the oldest in California ,established back in 1852.(45 mts from the Yosemite National Park )
10:30 AM - 12:00 PMThe Sierra Nevada Natural Wonders
The Yosemite tour continues through the Sierra Nevada that stretches over 400 miles from south to north constituting a natural frontier between Nevada and California. The Sierra Nevada is home to the world most amazing natural wonders including the Yosemite National Park and the Yosemite Giant Sequoias -the largest trees on Earth. Geologically, the Sierra Nevada is home to the US highest Peak out of Alaska - Mount Whitney (14,505 ft). We arrive to the Yosemite National Park via the western side of the Yosemite park known as Big Oak Flat entrance(32 Miles to the Yosemite Valley). The Yosemite Tour offers you now some breathtaking photos stops starting with the first tunnel photo stop located on Big Oak Flat Road. This Yosemite tour offers you now some spectacular photos stops overlooking the Yosemite Valley including Merced River and Canyon.More photos stops to come down in the Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Tunnel view and by the Yosemite Falls.
12:00 PM - 12:30 PMYosemite Valley
The Yosemite Valley is deeply carved into the gently sloping western flank of the western part of the Sierra Nevada. The Yosemite Valley tour offers you unique views of the park -towering cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, and beautiful Alpine scenery. Marvel at the Yosemite natural wonders including waterfalls, granite polished domes and hanging rocks such El Capitan and Half Dome. We will take you on a smooth hike to marvel at Bridal Veil waterfall facing El Capitan. The Yosemite Valley tour will take you to the famous Tunnel View for a spectacular photo stop overlooking the Yosemite Valley. The tour offers you a photos stop by Sentinel Bridge overlooking the Merced River dominate by the imposing Half Dome- the most colossal and recognizable rock monument in the Sierra Nevada. Half Dome is the symbol of the Yosemite Valley.
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM Lunch Break by the Yosemite Falls: The highest Waterfalls in North America
The Yosemite tour stops now for lunch break at the Yosemite lodge restaurant and recreational area in the heart of the Yosemite Valley , at an idyllic spot located by Yosemite Falls. You can enjoy shopping at one of the Yosemite Valley gift shops and having an indoor lunch by the Yosemite Falls. You can also enjoy an outdoor picnic in the Yosemite Valley Floor and meadows dominated by Yosemite Falls. While enjoying your picnic, you can observe the Yosemite granitic tonality of the giant rocks that contrast with the Yosemite green flat Valley Floor. You are facing the Yosemite Royal Arches rocks where the Yosemite Falls emerge before dropping 2400 ft down in the Valley.The Yosemite Falls are three waterfalls in one: The Yosemite Upper Falls, the Yosemite Middle Falls, and the Yosemite Lower Falls. The Yosemite falls all in one drop a total of 2425-foot (739-m) down in the Yosemite Valley qualifying the Yosemite Falls to the world 6th highest waterfalls!
2:30 PMDepart to Mammoth Lakes with a stop scheduled at Tenaya Lake & Tioga Lake.
Tenaya Lake is located between the Yosemite Valley and Tioga Pass. Tenaya Lake is probably the most beautiful of all Yosemite's lakes. It's a mile long and bordered on three sides by spectacular granite peaks and domes, Jeffery pines, red and white fir trees among others confers and wild flowers.
Tenya Lake is locate on Tioga Road that takes us to Mammoth Lakes, The Lake offers
Gorgeous Scenery thanks to its high elevation (8,150 feet).Tenaya Lake was created by the Tenaya branch of the Tuolumne Glacier as it passed through Tenaya Canyon.The outflow of the lake is Tenaya Creek, which runs through Tenaya Canyon into Yosemite Valley. Tenaya Lake is named after the native American Chief Tenaya.
Tuolumne Meadows offer great view of Cathedral Range and the surrounding spectacular granite domes, less known and crowded than the Yosemite Valley and more accessible to rock climbers . The John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail run through Tuolumne Meadows. Many back country hiking and backpacking trail heads start in Tuolumne Meadows including the primary route to summit Mount Lyell, the highest peak in Yosemite National Park.
Tioga Pass is a mountain pass in the Sierra Nevada highlands considered as the main gate to the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada and to the Sate of Nevada. We dramatically lose more than 3,000 ft (914 m) by the time our road reaches U.S. Route 395.
"Tioga" means "where it forks" in the Native Mohawk tribal language. This section of California State Highway 120 is closed October through June due to its extreme elevation ((9,943 ft. / 3,031 m.) that subject to heavy snow.
4.30 PM Photos stop at Tioga Lake
TTioga Lake is a spectacular glacier-carved lake in the Inyo National Forest by Tioga Pass, the only gate to the Yosemite National Park from the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada! Tioga lake offers spectacular views, Although Tioga Lake is technically outside the borders of Yosemite, its considered as a part of the park because of the lush topography. The breathtaking view of Tioga Lake and surrounding natural landscape Contrast sharply with the unique geology of the Sierra Nevada desert located few miles further east on lower elevation where Mono Lake lies, on US 395 that takes us to Mammoth Lakes.
Tioga Lake area itself is a popular destination for nature lovers, photographers, hikers and campers who want to avoid the crowds in Yosemite Valley. Tioga Lake area is home to some wild animal including bears and flowers. You see a rich variety of conifers you don’t see in the Yosemite valley including fir and pine trees surrounding Tioga Lake.
The weather is unpredictable, and the length of the seasons varies from year to year. The best time to visit is defiantly July, August and September.
Next, we will arrive and overnight at one of the best Hotels in the Yosemite or in Mammoth Lakes area ,depending on your choice and reservation-The sooner the better!
6.30pm Arriving to your hotel & Check-in
After such exciting day, it’s time to check in at your hotel in Yosemite or Mammoth Lakes area depending on your choice and reservation-The sooner the better! You hotel is comfortable and provides all the amenities you expect. Enjoy a dinner within the Hotel , scroll down town for shopping or enjoy the sunset by the lakes.
Second Day
Mammoth Lakes-June Lakes-Mono Lake Full Day Tour
9 AM -12 PM Mammoth Lakes Scenic Loop Tour
After breakfast, a new adventure will take us today to sightseeing Mammoth Lakes, June Lakes and Mono Lake.
The Mammoth scenic loop is a beautiful short drive through a forest of Jeffrey Pines and fir trees. Along the way you will pass the Inyo Craters-One of the last notable volcanic events in the Mammoth-Mono area, occurring 550 to 600 years ago, resulted in Inyo Craters, just north of Mammoth off the Mammoth Scenic Loop. In this explosion, magma stayed well below the surface, heating rock and groundwater to a critical degree and causing a large, triple-barreled blast. Today, rainwater and snowmelt form small lakes at the bottom of two of these huge pits, one 200 feet deep and the other 100 feet deep. The third crater is on top of Deer Mountain, located 400 yards north of the middle crater. The turnoff for the Inyo Craters trailhead is located on the Scenic Loop Road. The water in the north crater offers a small oasis for wildlife. We may simply spend quality time on Mammoth Lakes scenic loop to visit some or all the following Lakes: Lake Mary The largest lake in the Basin is nearly a mile long, Twin Lakes, Lake Mamie.
Lake George, Horseshoe Lake this is the only lake where swimming is permitted.
We may add Mammoth Lakes Basin and the Consolidated Gold Mine on any three day tour.
12- 2 PM Lunch and then a new adventure to June Lakes Scenic Loop Tour
Our next adventure is a spectacular side trip off Highway 395 to a small paradise where a number of lakes laying in the middle of a gorgeous valley surrounded by picturesque mountains. A dramatic setting that would leave you with the impression of being watching a movie. You will be pleasantly surprised, please don’t forget your camera. We will first stop at Grant Lake to sightseeing and walk along its picturesque banks. It’s the largest of the four lakes we will be sightseeing. The 12,000-foot elevations of Mt Wood loom summit , rising above the lakes reflects into Grant Lake reminding us of the Yosemite Mirror Lake. Grant Lake is a popular destination for fishing and summer vacation where watercraft, sports such as waterskiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing can be enjoyed. Your visit to June Lake Loop will reveal its beauty and tranquility. 
Silver Lake is the next Lake on our June Lake Loop tour. Silver Lake is nestled between Grant Lake and June Lake at the base of Carson Peak, just below the confluence of Reversed Creek with Rush Creek. Silver Lake is also home to one of the Sierra's oldest fishing and vacation resorts.
Gull Lake is our next stop on our June Lake loop tour. 
Gull Lake is the smallest of June Lakes. Gull Lake is a favorite of many fishermen thanks to its good-sized trout. A healthy population of crayfish and a few small Sacramento perch reside in the lake as well.
Next is June Lake .It’s the most photographed of these lakes. June Lake lies in the middle of the valley surrounded by some picturesque mountains often covered by snow. June lake is approximately one mile long and a half mile wide, and is served by two spectacular marinas where fishing boats rental is available. June Lake can also be ideal for sailing and sail boarding.
Observe the sharp contrast between the multi color landscape layers between the pure bleu color of the lake and the imposing white and golden colors of the surrounding peaks.
02-3:30 PMMono Lake Tour
Located in California's spectacular Eastern Sierra Nevada, Mono Lake is an oasis in the dry Great Basin and known for its millions of migratory birds population. Mono Lake is in a geologically active area. The most striking aspect that amazes the visitors when arriving to Mono Lake is the unusual formation of its spooky Tufas (thick, rock-like calcium carbonate deposit that forms by chemical precipitation from bodies of water with a high dissolved calcium content)
Join us on a discovery walking tour off the road to admire probably the oldest lake on earth!
After hike to the Mono Lake, 
you will have free time to explore the gift shop where a unique museum will relate to you the history of this mysterious Mono Lake basin.
After the tour, the tour guide may offer you an optional side trip to a hot spring ,depending on time.
The Eastern Sierra Nevada is famous for its hot springs. One of the most famous is Hot Creek located 25 miles south of Mono Lake, near Mammoth Lakes.
3:30-4 PM An optional side trip to a hot spring or to Bodie Ghost Town
The tour Guide may offer you an optional side trip to a hot spring or to Bodie Ghost Town ,depending on time and weather conditions. The Eastern Sierra Nevada is famous for its hot springs. One of the most famous is Hot Creek is located 25 miles south of Mono Lake, near Mammoth Lakes. 
Hot Creek flows through the Long Valley Caldera in a volcanically active region of east-central California. This stretch of the creek, looking upstream to the southwest, has long been a popular recreational area thanks to the warm waters from its thermal springs. Capture the beautiful blue pools and impressive boiling fountains along Hot Creek in east-central California that provide enjoyment to visitors. The springs and geysers in the stream bed and along its banks change location, temperature, and flow rates frequently and unpredictably.
The hot springs and geysers of Hot Creek are visible signs of dynamic geologic processes in this volcanic region, where underground heat drives thermal spring activity. The waters are very unique as the hot water bubbles up from the bottom of the creek, where the waters are heated by magma three miles below the surface. The first bathing area is at the bottom of the trail that leads down from the parking lot. This trail continues onto the second bathing area, that is less popular but every bit as good as the first area. Hot Creek is very popular, and many international visitors come to bathe.
3:30 PMDeparture to San Francisco Via the Yosemite
If time permits, an optional and challenging hiking tour may be offered to visit the one of the Yosemite Giant Sequoias’ groves may be possible on our three day tour. There are 75 groves of giant sequoias the western slope of the Sierra Nevada. Only three groves are located in the Yosemite National Park: the Mariposa Grove, the Tuolumne Grove and the Merced Grove. Learn more about the Giant Sequoia species- Sequoiadendron.(add it below please)
7:45 PM - 8:30 PMBack to San Francisco: "The City"
Arrival to San Francisco where we will drop you off at your hotel located in downtown or Fisherman's Wharf. "All's Well That Ends Well!" It is time to say goodbye to your new friends you made on the Yosemite tow day Tour. Thank you for choosing Golden Horizon Travel. We appreciate and value your business. Please recommend us to your friends and get up to 12% off on your next trip with us.
We highly recommend our Private 4x4 SUV tour, the best way to explore Yosemite scenic back roads and highlands.
