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Park tours

Heading into the park Monday, June 9. We will staying in El Portal. Trying to decide if we should do the valley floor tour (2hr tram) that morning and then drive up to glacier point in our own car or do the glacier point tour (4hr tram). Wasn’t sure of best choice due to parking and possible crowd concerns.

Visiting Yosemite in early June is a great idea, but it’s also one of the busiest times of the year. Since you’ll be staying in El Portal, you’re close to the Valley entrance, but parking inside the park—especially mid-morning to mid-afternoon—can be challenging. Choosing between the Valley Floor Tour and the Glacier Point Tour depends on what experience you want and how comfortable you are with driving/parking.

Below is a detailed breakdown to help you pick the best option for your day.

What to expect on June 9 (Monday)

  • Even though it’s Monday, it’s still peak season and parking fills early.
  • The Valley between 9:30 AM and 2 PM is congested, especially near Yosemite Village, Yosemite Falls, and Curry Village.
  • Glacier Point Road parking can fill up between 10:30 AM and 3 PM.

Option 1: Valley Floor Tour (2-hour tram) + drive yourself to Glacier Point

This combination gives you flexibility and a more personal pace. It works very well if you arrive early.

  • Pros
    • The Valley Floor Tour gives a great overview early in your trip—first-timers love it.
    • You avoid the stress of driving around the Valley looking for parking at every viewpoint.
    • You can drive Glacier Point on your own schedule and stop at Washburn Point, Sentinel Dome/Taft Trailhead, and overlooks the tour doesn’t.
    • You can leave El Portal early (6:45–7:15 AM) and park without trouble near the and tour pickup area.
  • Cons
    • You will need to retrieve your car and drive Glacier Point around midday when more cars are arriving.
    • Parking at Glacier Point may require patience if you arrive after 11:30 AM.
    • Glacier Point Road is safe but winding—some people prefer not to drive it.

Best way to plan this option

  • Leave El Portal by 7:00 AM.
  • Park in Yosemite Valley Lodge or Yosemite Village before 8:00 AM.
  • Take the morning Valley Floor Tour (8:30 AM or 10 AM departure).
  • Have a quick lunch, then head up Glacier Point around 12:30–1:00 PM.
  • Return to the Valley around 4 PM before the evening rush.

Option 2: Take the 4-hour Glacier Point Tour (bus) + explore Valley on your own

This option removes the need to drive Glacier Point Road entirely. It is the easiest and least stressful choice for many visitors.

  • Pros
    • No parking worry at Glacier Point—bus drops you off right at the overlook.
    • You can enjoy the scenery instead of focusing on the narrow mountain road.
    • The commentary is good and helps you understand the geology and history.
    • You skip the mid-day parking crunch at Glacier Point.
  • Cons
    • It takes 4 hours, which is a big block of your day.
    • You don’t get to make extra stops along Glacier Point Road (Washburn Point, Sentinel Dome trailhead).
    • Less flexibility with your schedule—tour runs on fixed times.

Best way to plan this option

  • Arrive early in the Valley (before 8 AM) and park once for the day.
  • Take a Glacier Point Tour departing around mid-morning.
  • Return to the Valley and enjoy the rest of the day walking to Yosemite Falls, Cook’s Meadow, and the river.
  • No need to drive until you leave the park.

Which is better for YOU?

This depends on your priorities:

  • If you want maximum flexibility and don’t mind driving: choose Valley Floor Tour + drive to Glacier Point.
  • If you want zero stress and guaranteed parking: choose the Glacier Point Tour.
  • If parking worries you at all: Glacier Point Tour is the safer choice.

Most recommended option for June crowds

If you want the easiest day with the least stress, the Glacier Point Tour (4 hours) is the best choice. It avoids the mid-day Glacier Point parking crunch and lets you focus on the views, not the road. You can still spend the rest of the day enjoying the Valley on foot, which is the nicest way to experience it.

If you prefer the freedom of going at your own pace and can arrive early, the Valley Floor Tour + your own drive also works extremely well—just commit to an early start.

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