Yosemite by Train: Glacier Point & Yosemite Valley Tour from San Francisco
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days (overnight)
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers of average fitness for the driving/tour portions; additional good cardio and strong legs recommended for the optional 4–5 mile hike.
Overview
Swap a highway crawl for a scenic rail night and spend a full day inside Yosemite’s most dramatic viewpoints. This Amtrak-backed overnight tour bundles Glacier Point, Yosemite Valley highlights, and an optional strenuous hike into a two-day experience.
Yosemite by Train: Glacier Point & Yosemite Valley Tour from San Francisco
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The Amtrak rocks gently beneath you as the urban grid of San Francisco thins into farmland and then pine. Overnight on the train gives the day a slackened edge—you arrive in Fresno, transfer to a shuttle, and wake up with the mountains looming on the horizon. By midmorning the road crests; Glacier Point opens like a theater curtain, and the valley drops away beneath Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the vertical face of El Capitan.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book Amtrak early
Train seats fill, and your itinerary depends on specific arrival/departure times—reserve early and confirm pick-up details.
Expect early starts
Pickup from your Fresno hotel is before sunrise on day two; bring a headlamp if you plan to walk at first light.
Layer for elevation change
Temperatures drop quickly at Glacier Point—carry a windproof layer even in summer.
Prepare for the optional hike
The Four-Mile Trail is steep and technical in spots—sturdy boots, trekking poles, and 2–3 liters of water are recommended.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- American black bear
- Mule deer
History
Yosemite helped launch the American conservation movement—Abraham Lincoln’s 1864 Yosemite Grant set aside valley land for public use and inspired national park policy.
Conservation
Stay on trails, pack out waste, and never feed wildlife; heavy visitation stresses trails and sequoia groves, so follow park guidance to protect sensitive areas.
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Adventure Hotspots in Fresno
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction on steep, sometimes rocky trail sections and valley viewpoints.
Daypack with 2–3L water
Carry water, snacks, layers, and sunscreen for long viewpoint stops or hikes.
Insulating/windproof layer
Warmth for cold mornings and higher-elevation wind at Glacier Point.
spring specific
Camera with wide-angle lens
Capture expansive valley panoramas and towering waterfalls from overlook platforms.