Reservation Terms & Policy

Yosemite Private Tours — Terms, Conditions,
Cancellation & Refund Policy

Clear Policies. Transparent Booking. Peace of Mind.

We understand that planning a private Yosemite vacation is a significant investment of both time and money—and that travel plans can sometimes change unexpectedly.

Our Terms & Conditions are designed to make your reservation clear and straightforward. Before you book, you can review our cancellation, refund, payment, rescheduling, and tour policies so you know exactly what to expect.

Yosemite Private Tours, owned and operated by Golden Horizon Travel, Inc., has been serving travelers since 2004. With more than two decades of experience arranging private Yosemite experiences, our goal is to provide exceptional tours along with professional, responsive, and personal customer service from the moment you inquire until your journey is complete.

Guest Care

We Understand That Life Happens

Illness, family emergencies, flight disruptions, weather, and other unexpected circumstances can sometimes affect travel plans. While our published policies establish the terms that apply to every reservation, we understand that individual circumstances can be unique.

Whenever reasonably possible, we will work with our clients to explore alternatives such as rescheduling or modifying a reservation, subject to availability, supplier restrictions, and the applicable terms of the booking.

Even when a cancellation does not qualify for a refund under our published policy, we may, at our discretion, consider whether a reasonable alternative is available.

Our goal is to review each situation fairly while maintaining clear and consistent policies for all guests. Any special accommodation is discretionary and should not be interpreted as a guarantee that the same exception will apply to another reservation.

Our goal is simple: clear information, fair expectations, responsive service, and peace of mind before you make your reservation.

Guests at the Yosemite National Park entrance sign

A Real Example of Our Customer Service

Hey there, I'm Gary! My wife June and I booked a 3-day private tour package to Yosemite National Park with Yosemite Private Tours last year. Unfortunately, I faced a sudden medical issue that made it impossible for me to travel, and we had to cancel our private tour. I knew I did not qualify for a refund, but to my surprise, the company not only agreed to postpone my private tour but did so at no extra cost. They fully honored the rescheduled tour the following year in August, without charging us anything additional. We stayed at The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley. Trust me, these folks are consummate professionals who genuinely care about their customers. Highly recommended!

— Gary R., Chester, Pennsylvania

Refund and Cancellation Policy and Travel Insurance
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Online Reservation, Payment Methods, and Transactions Policy
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Tour Confirmation and Tour Voucher
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Responsibility and Tour Change Liability
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High-Risk Activities Waiver and Assumption of Risk
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Accessibility, Mobility & Wheelchair Transportation
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Website Disclaimer
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General Terms and Miscellaneous
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Standard Cancellation and Refund Policy

We understand that travel plans can sometimes change unexpectedly. To make your reservation as clear and transparent as possible, our standard cancellation policy is outlined below.

We encourage you to review these terms before booking so you can make your reservation with confidence and know exactly what to expect.

91%

Cancellation 16 business days or more before the tour date

A 91% refund will be issued. The remaining 9% covers mandatory transaction fees associated with the original payment and refund processing (4.5% per transaction). Weekends and U.S. holidays are excluded when calculating the 16-business-day notice period.
50%

Cancellation at least 8 business days before the tour date

A 50% refund will be issued. Weekends and U.S. holidays are excluded when calculating the 8-business-day notice period.
15%

Cancellation at least 6 business days before the tour date

A 15% refund will be issued. Weekends and U.S. holidays are excluded when calculating the 6-business-day notice period.
0%

Cancellation 5 business days or fewer before the tour date

No refund will be issued, including for no-shows. Weekends and U.S. holidays are excluded when calculating the 5-business-day notice period.

Our Commitment to Your Private Tour Reservation

Because we operate exclusively private tours, we reserve dedicated vehicles, professional guides, and other resources specifically for your group and your selected travel dates. Once your reservation is confirmed, we may also decline other bookings for those dates.

Even when a cancellation occurs, particularly at short notice, many of these costs cannot be recovered, including guide wages, vehicle commitments, operational expenses, and, when applicable, hotel accommodation.

We are a small, locally operated business, and advance reservations allow us to plan carefully and maintain the high level of personal service our guests expect.

If your plans change, please let us know as early as possible. We will always do our very best to help explore available options, including rescheduling when reasonably possible and subject to availability and the applicable terms of your reservation.

Exceptions and Special Conditions

Peak Season Reservations

For multi-day tours scheduled during peak season—March through November and December 15 through January 15—a written cancellation notice must be emailed at least 29 business days before the tour date.

Weekends and U.S. federal holidays are not counted as business days.

For multi-day tours canceled within 28 business days of the scheduled departure date, all sales are final and non-refundable.

These additional terms are necessary because multi-day peak-season reservations require substantially more advance planning and financial commitments.

Holiday and Peak-Season Non-Refundable Bookings

For all day tours and multi-day (overnight) tour packages scheduled during peak season (March through November and December 15 through January 15) and major holiday periods:

A written cancellation request must be submitted at least 29 business days before the scheduled departure date.
Cancellations made within 28 business days of the scheduled departure date are final and non-refundable.
Peak-season and holiday reservations require significant advance planning, including securing hotel accommodations, allocating vehicles, scheduling professional tour guides, coordinating with parks and lodging providers, and arranging other travel services that may have limited availability.
Yosemite is a high-demand destination, and hotels, guides, vehicles, and other travel services may be reserved months—and sometimes up to a year—in advance. By confirming your reservation, we commit these resources specifically to your group and may decline other requests for the same dates.
Hotel accommodations and other peak-season or holiday reservations that are specifically identified as non-refundable are non-refundable once confirmed, regardless of when a cancellation occurs.
Even when a reservation falls outside the standard refund terms, we will always do our best to explore reasonable alternatives whenever possible, including a one-time rescheduling option at no additional charge, subject to availability, applicable supplier restrictions, and sufficient advance notice.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding. These policies allow us to plan responsibly, protect the resources reserved specifically for your group, and continue providing dependable, personalized service to all of our guests.

Note: The above Exceptions and Special Conditions override the standard cancellation and refund policy outlined in this section.

Specific Tours and Services

Certain tours and services involve third-party reservations, permits, tickets, transportation, or other advance commitments that may be non-refundable. The following services are non-refundable: tours involving air travel, hot air balloon rides, seaplane tours, safari experiences, horseback riding, Alcatraz tours, Bay cruises, Muir Woods permits and tickets, and train tours from April through October. We recommend reviewing the specific terms of your reservation carefully before making payment.

Tour Confirmation & “Tour Voucher” Terms

Most tours booked through our website are subject to the specific terms and conditions stated in your tour confirmation and/or confirmation voucher provided after booking.

Your confirmation documents may include additional terms and information specific to your tour, accommodations, activities, transportation, or other services included in your reservation. Certain services or customized arrangements may also be subject to their own terms, conditions, payment requirements, cancellation policies, or deadlines, depending on the service selected.

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Can I Receive a Refund for Personal or Medical Reasons?

We understand that unexpected circumstances can sometimes make it necessary to cancel a planned trip. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause and understand how disappointing it can be when illness, a medical situation, or another personal matter affects your travel plans.

Our cancellation and refund policies apply to all reservations, regardless of the reason for cancellation. Because many of the services and resources associated with your reservation are arranged and committed in advance, we are generally unable to make exceptions based on personal, medical, professional, flight-related, or other unexpected circumstances.

For this reason, we strongly encourage all travelers to carefully review our cancellation and refund policies before making a reservation and to consider purchasing travel insurance that may provide additional protection for circumstances beyond your control.

Why We Clearly Communicate Our Cancellation Policy

We make every effort to ensure that our customers have an opportunity to review our terms before committing to a reservation.

Our general booking, cancellation, and refund policies are:

Available on our website
Provided during the booking process
Shared by email when applicable
Included with your tour confirmation and/or confirmation voucher

These steps are intended to make our policies easy to access and ensure that you have a copy for your records.

If you have any questions or concerns about our cancellation policy, please contact us before making your reservation. We are always happy to clarify the terms and help you determine whether travel insurance may be appropriate for your trip.

Why We Do Not Provide Travel Insurance

Please note that, as a small, locally owned tour company, our services are different from those provided by licensed and regulated travel insurance companies.

Yosemite Private Tours, owned and operated by Golden Horizon Travel, Inc., is a local tour operator. Our business insurance is designed to cover our tour operations and related business activities; it does not provide travel insurance or coverage for customer trip cancellations, medical emergencies, flight disruptions, or other personal travel-related risks.

Travel insurance is a separate and highly regulated industry that requires specific licensing and compliance. We are not authorized to provide or sell travel insurance.

For this reason, we strongly recommend that travelers consider purchasing travel insurance separately from a licensed provider, particularly for expensive, multi-day, or advance-planned trips. Depending on the policy purchased, coverage may be available for trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, flight disruptions, lost baggage, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Travel Insurance Providers

There are many travel insurance providers and policies available, with different levels of coverage, exclusions, eligibility requirements, and costs.

Some commonly known providers include:

Allianz Global Assistance, Travel Guard by AIG, USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services, Travel Insured International, World Nomads, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, IMG, AXA Assistance USA, Travelex Insurance Services, Seven Corners, and others.

These companies are provided for informational purposes only and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Yosemite Private Tours or Golden Horizon Travel, Inc. We do not guarantee the coverage, services, pricing, or suitability of any particular provider.

Before purchasing a policy, we recommend reviewing the policy carefully and confirming that it provides the type of protection you need for your particular trip.

You may also wish to consult your credit card company, travel agent, bank, or a licensed travel insurance provider regarding available travel protection options.

For general travel information and guidance, you may also consult the official U.S. government travel website.

Why Some Cancellations May Not Qualify for a Refund

Our cancellation and refund policy applies equally to all customers, regardless of the reason for cancellation, including medical, personal, business-related, weather-related, flight-related, or other unforeseen circumstances. Applying the same policy consistently helps us maintain fair and transparent treatment for everyone.
When you make a reservation, we commit our vehicles, professional tour guides, staff, and other resources specifically to your group and your selected dates. We may also decline other reservations in order to keep those dates available for you. These costs and commitments may remain even when a guest is unable to participate in the tour.
Because these arrangements are made in advance and many expenses cannot be recovered after a cancellation, we must apply our published cancellation and refund policy consistently. We sincerely appreciate your understanding. This policy allows us to plan responsibly, honor confirmed reservations, and continue providing the high-quality, personalized private tours our guests expect.

1. Methods of Payment and Accepted Credit Cards

We accept all major credit cards and a variety of convenient payment options, including:

Mastercard, Visa, Discover, American Express, Eurocard, Cartes Bancaires, UnionPay, and JCB
PayPal, wire transfers, and debit cards

2. Approved Transactions

When a transaction is processed through our website and approved by your bank or card issuer, it typically takes 7 to 10 business days for the funds to be transferred to our merchant bank account.
Once your transaction has been successfully approved, we will honor your tour reservation as scheduled, even if your tour is the following day, provided the requested date is available.

3. Voided and Refunded Transactions

When a transaction is voided or refunded, the authorized charge is canceled and the funds do not leave your bank account as a completed payment.
However, the transaction may continue to appear as “pending” on your bank or credit card statement for 7 to 10 business days, as the funds may be temporarily held by your bank or card issuer.
The release of these pending funds is controlled by your bank or card issuer. If the funds remain pending beyond the normal processing period, you may need to contact your bank directly.

Tip: Please allow sufficient time for your bank or credit card company to process the transaction before following up with us. The timing of pending, voided, and refunded transactions is controlled primarily by banks, credit card companies, and payment providers.

4. Common Questions About Voided Transactions

Many customers are not familiar with their bank's policies regarding online purchases and temporary payment authorizations.
A voided transaction may temporarily place a hold on funds for several business days, which can sometimes cause confusion. The transaction may appear on your statement even though the funds have not been permanently charged or transferred to us.
Voiding a transaction does not necessarily remove the pending authorization immediately. Banks and credit card companies may require 7 to 10 business days to release the funds.

5. Declined Transactions: Why Was My Reservation Declined?

A transaction may be declined for several reasons, including:

A mismatch between your banking information—such as the name on the card, card number, expiration date, CVV/security code, ZIP or postal code, or billing address—and the information entered during the booking process.
Your bank or credit card company may place additional security restrictions on online, out-of-state, international, or unusually large purchases as a fraud-prevention measure.
Insufficient funds, spending limits, or other restrictions imposed by your bank or card issuer.

Please note: Your tour reservation is not confirmed until the transaction has been successfully approved.

These security measures are established by banks and payment providers to help protect customers and prevent unauthorized transactions. We appreciate your understanding and patience if a transaction is declined.

Important Notes

Your tour will not be confirmed until a new transaction is successfully approved by your bank or card issuer.
Some credit card companies may require cardholders to verify an online or out-of-area transaction before approving it.
You may receive an email, text message, or other notification from your bank or card issuer asking you to verify the transaction before attempting the payment again.

Tour Confirmation

If your transaction is successfully approved, you will first receive an automated payment confirmation from our merchant payment provider, which may include Authorize.Net, PayPal, or Stripe.

Your tour will then be confirmed by email, and you will receive your Tour Confirmation and Confirmation Voucher by email.

No additional reconfirmation is normally required. Once you have received your confirmation and voucher, simply arrive on time at the designated pickup location you selected, such as your hotel, home, or other agreed meeting place.

Your tour guide will meet and greet you at the designated pickup location, typically with a sign displaying your name.

Communication Before Your Tour

Please note that we do not normally call customers before their tour unless there is an emergency, cancellation, or another situation requiring immediate attention.

You may contact us by email at any time, and we will respond as promptly as possible. Email is our preferred method of communication because it allows us to maintain a clear record of your questions, special requests, and any arrangements related to your reservation.

We also offer live chat through our website. You are welcome to leave us a message, and our team will respond as soon as possible.

Communication With Your Tour Guide

We always do our best to provide you with your tour guide’s name and contact information a few days before your trip. Guides are assigned based on their weekly schedules and hours worked, helping us comply with applicable labor regulations while maintaining safe and reliable operations.

During tours, our guides are focused on driving safely and giving their full attention to you and your group, so they may not always be able to answer telephone calls.

If you need assistance, please feel free to contact our office using the information provided in your tour confirmation email or through our website’s live chat. We remain your primary point of contact from the day you book until the end of your tour. As a 100% local tour company, our team is always here to assist you and will respond as promptly as possible.

Thank you for your understanding and for allowing our guides to focus on providing you with a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable private tour experience.

Tour Confirmation and Pick-Up Time

Yosemite Private Tours will provide an email confirmation and/or tour voucher before your scheduled trip. Printing your confirmation is optional. By completing and approving your transaction through our website, you acknowledge and accept our Terms & Conditions, Reservation, Refund, and Cancellation Policy.

Your email confirmation or tour voucher confirms your private Yosemite tour and is valid only for the customer(s), tour date(s), and pick-up time(s) specified in the confirmation.

Tour vouchers are non-transferable to individuals who are not listed on the reservation and have no cash value. They cannot be redeemed after the specified tour date or time. Gift certificates are available separately by arrangement.

For certain tours, your email confirmation serves as the official confirmation in place of a separate tour voucher.

Reservations & Tour Availability

All tours and services are subject to availability. While we make every effort to accommodate your requested dates and services, availability can sometimes change, particularly during peak travel periods.

We strongly recommend booking several weeks or months in advance, especially during peak season (April through October) and major holidays.

Please note that approval of a credit card transaction does not by itself guarantee tour availability. If a requested tour or service is unavailable, we will promptly notify you and refund the applicable payment to the original payment method.

When we are fully booked, we may also work with our affiliated or sister companies, such as Alcatraz Tours, Inc., when appropriate, to help accommodate your requested travel dates.

Tour Vouchers & Reconfirmation

Once your tour has been confirmed, no additional reconfirmation is normally required. Your email confirmation or tour voucher serves as your official tour confirmation.

On the day of your tour, your professional guide-driver will meet you at your hotel lobby or designated pick-up location, typically holding a sign with your name. Our guides will also carry appropriate company identification.

If you have not received your tour confirmation or payment receipt, please contact our office through Live Chat or by telephone at +1 (209) 888-1141 or 1-800-210-3008, and we will be happy to assist you.

Non-Receipt of Confirmation

If a payment transaction is declined, the reservation is not confirmed, and our system may not generate a merchant receipt or tour voucher.

If this occurs, we kindly recommend submitting your reservation again using another payment method or credit card. Please ensure that the billing name, address, ZIP/postal code, and other billing information entered during checkout match the information associated with your card and bank account.

If you experience any difficulty completing your reservation, please contact us . Our team will be happy to assist you with the booking process.

Our responsibility and liabilities cover various aspects:

Customer injuries, illnesses, loss or damage of personal property, or accidents.
Inability to perform tours or services due to vehicle breakdowns or vandalism.
Delays, inconvenience, itinerary changes, or cancellations due to force majeure or circumstances beyond our control, like weather, road conditions, or attraction closures.
The right to cancel, change, substitute drivers, vehicles, tours, itineraries, routes, rates, or scheduled visits due to various reasons, including lack of time, traffic, weather considerations, or circumstances beyond our control.
The right to remove any passenger causing disturbance or posing a threat to tour safety and enjoyment.
Client responsibilities regarding time management during tours and any personal expenses not included in the tour price.
Risks associated with physical activities during tours, such as hiking, walking, and other activities involving risks. Customers undertake these activities at their own risk, and we assume no liability for resulting injuries or health issues.
Modification of tour times or dates by clients is subject to review, approval, and possible additional fees.
Collaboration with sister companies to ensure tour availability.

Some tours and activities offered or arranged through Yosemite Private Tours may involve inherent risks, including but not limited to hiking, horseback riding, safari tours, whitewater rafting, skiing, tubing, snowboarding, hot air balloon rides, helicopter tours, seaplane flights, air transportation, and other outdoor or adventure activities.

By participating in any such activity, guests acknowledge that these activities may involve risks of injury, illness, death, property damage, changing weather conditions, uneven or hazardous terrain, water conditions, transportation-related incidents, and other risks inherent to the activity.

Participants voluntarily assume the risks associated with their participation and agree to follow all reasonable safety instructions provided by Yosemite Private Tours, its guides, activity providers, pilots, drivers, or other authorized personnel.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, participants agree to release and hold harmless Yosemite Private Tours, Golden Horizon Travel, Inc., and their respective owners, officers, managers, employees, guides, drivers, independent contractors, subcontractors, and authorized representatives from claims, losses, damages, or expenses arising from their voluntary participation in such activities, except to the extent caused by conduct for which a release is not permitted under applicable law.

We are committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for all of our guests. Because Yosemite Private Tours operates standard passenger vehicles rather than specialized wheelchair-accessible vehicles, we want to be transparent about our vehicle capabilities and mobility requirements before you make a reservation.

Wheelchair-Accessible Transportation

Yosemite Private Tours does not operate wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) equipped with ramps, lifts, or other systems designed to transport passengers while they remain seated in a wheelchair or mobility device.

Our vehicles are standard passenger vehicles intended for guests who are able to transfer into and out of the vehicle. Assistance from a traveling companion may be appropriate where needed. Depending on the vehicle and itinerary, guests may also need to navigate vehicle steps and walk short distances.

We may be able to transport a foldable wheelchair or mobility device when it can be safely and securely stored in the vehicle and sufficient storage space is available. Because vehicle storage capacity varies, please contact us in advance so we can confirm whether your particular mobility device can be accommodated.

Mobility & Accessibility Requirements

Our private Yosemite tours may involve entering and exiting the vehicle, navigating vehicle steps, walking short distances, and visiting locations where accessibility may be limited or where terrain and conditions can vary.

If you or anyone in your traveling party uses a wheelchair, walker, mobility device, or other accessibility equipment, or has mobility requirements that may affect transportation or participation in the tour, please let us know before making a reservation.

We are happy to discuss your needs in advance and provide information about the vehicle, available storage space, itinerary, and anticipated mobility requirements. This allows you to make an informed decision about whether our service is appropriate for you and your group.

If you require transportation in which you remain seated in your wheelchair, or require a vehicle equipped with a wheelchair ramp or lift, we recommend arranging transportation with a qualified provider that specializes in wheelchair-accessible transportation.

We sincerely regret that we are unable to provide this specialized transportation service. Our intention is not to limit anyone's opportunity to enjoy Yosemite, but to clearly explain our capabilities before booking so every guest can make arrangements that appropriately meet their individual needs.

Important Before Booking

If you or anyone in your traveling party has mobility limitations or specific accessibility requirements, please contact us before making a reservation.

We are always happy to discuss your requirements and answer questions about our vehicles and tour arrangements. Unless specifically confirmed by us in writing before booking, our standard vehicles should not be considered wheelchair-accessible vehicles and should not be assumed to accommodate a passenger while seated in a wheelchair.

Providing this information in advance helps us avoid misunderstandings, make appropriate arrangements when possible, and ensure that you and your traveling party have a clear understanding of the transportation provided before your tour begins.

Third-Party Activity Providers

Certain activities, including but not limited to air tours, helicopter flights, seaplane flights, hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, rafting, skiing, snowboarding, and safari tours, may be operated by independent third-party companies or specialized providers.

These providers may require participants to complete their own waivers, releases, assumption-of-risk forms, or other participation agreements before taking part in an activity. Their terms and safety requirements may apply in addition to these Terms & Conditions.

Yosemite Private Tours may arrange or coordinate these services as part of your itinerary, but the third-party provider remains responsible for operating its particular activity in accordance with its own policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.

Participant Responsibility

Participants are responsible for considering their own abilities and comfort level before participating in any activity. If you have concerns about whether a particular activity is appropriate for you or a member of your group, we encourage you to discuss those concerns with the activity provider before participating.

Parents, guardians, and other responsible adults are responsible for ensuring that minors in their care are appropriately supervised and able to participate safely in the selected activities.

By acknowledging the “Terms and Conditions” box during the reservation process, each participant confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to these terms to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by the applicable laws of the State of California, except where applicable law provides otherwise.

Your safety and enjoyment are extremely important to us. We encourage every guest to participate responsibly, follow safety instructions, and choose activities that are appropriate for their individual abilities and circumstances.

Accessibility & Mobility Liability Disclaimer

Guests are responsible for determining whether they are physically able to safely enter and exit our standard passenger vehicles and participate in the activities and itinerary selected. Guests who require assistance with transfers, walking, mobility, or the use of a mobility device should travel with an appropriate companion who can provide such assistance when needed.

Yosemite Private Tours is not responsible for injuries, illness, loss, or damage arising from a guest's voluntary participation in activities or from mobility-related circumstances that are inherent to the transportation, itinerary, terrain, or activities, except to the extent that such responsibility cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under applicable law.

Guests are responsible for informing us before booking of any mobility or accessibility requirements that may affect transportation or participation. Providing this information in advance allows us to explain the capabilities and limitations of our vehicles and determine, when reasonably possible, whether appropriate arrangements can be made.

Nothing in this section is intended to exclude or limit any responsibility or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under applicable law.

Website Liability Disclaimer

All photos, videos, web content pages, designs, maps, and itineraries on our websites are copyrighted and solely owned by our business. Our logo and domain name are copyrighted, trademarked, and registered by the Secretary of State of California in Sacramento. While we strive for accuracy, some information, products, web content, and services on our websites may contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. We periodically update and correct these contents to ensure accuracy. We do not guarantee 100% accuracy and assume no liability for any misuse or misunderstanding of our website contents, tour information, or any other aspect related to the use of this website. We do not hold responsibility for inbound and/or outbound linking or endorsements from other websites.

Copyright Web Material and Lawsuit - DMCA and WIPO Laws

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) laws protect our copyright content and intellectual properties. The DMCA criminalizes and penalizes any violation and reproduction of copyright contents. This law limits the liability of online service providers like ours for copyright infringement by websites' users or owners.

Modifications of Terms and Conditions

Our business and its affiliated websites or contractors reserve the right to change any of these terms and conditions under which this website is offered. We hold the right to modify our web content, update our terms, and privacy policy at any time and at our discretion without prior notice.

Other Languages

Our tours are primarily conducted in English, unless another language is specifically stated on your tour confirmation or voucher.

We are happy to accommodate requests for other languages whenever possible. Additional fees may apply, and availability cannot always be guaranteed in advance, particularly during busy travel periods.

If you require a tour in a language other than English, please contact us before booking so we can check availability and any applicable additional fees.

If the requested language-specific tour, service, or travel package is unavailable, any applicable payment will be refunded.

Reservation & Confirmation

For security and privacy purposes, booking inquiries and reservation changes may be made by the customer or the cardholder who made the payment.

Cancellations and important reservation changes should be communicated by email so we can maintain an accurate record of your request and respond appropriately.

Our Live Chat and telephone support are available to assist with reservations, booking questions, and customer service.

Pick-Up Locations

Due to Yosemite National Park access and operating requirements, certain pick-up locations within the park may not be available. We will confirm your designated pick-up location when your reservation is made and provide any applicable instructions with your tour confirmation.

Miscellaneous

Meals and tour guide drivers' gratuities are not included in the prices unless stated otherwise. We reserve the right to hire independent tour guide-drivers, subcontractors, or contractors for our tours. No refund will be issued for unused parts of tours or for no-shows.

Booking Tours

To book tours, please visit our secure reservation page or follow the provided steps on our website. We appreciate your trust and confidence in our services and assure you of a secure and reliable booking process.

General Terms and Provisions

Tour confirmation: The tour confirmation-voucher sent via email acts as the official confirmation of your tour. Please note that the merchant and automated receipt generated upon booking on our website does not guarantee your tour, even if the transaction is approved. Ensure that you have received your tour confirmation voucher for validation.
Currency: All transactions are in United States Dollars (USD). Please note that if a transaction is declined, we will not be informed of this by our Merchant account. It is your responsibility to ensure that your transaction is approved before you contact us. If approved, you will get an automated email from ( emailreceipts@authorize.net ) shortly after making the reservation on our website. Otherwise, please start over with a different credit card and ensure that you provide the correct bank and billing address information including your zip code (postal code).
Approved transactions do not guarantee your tour: All reservations are subject to availability. Popular tours like Alcatraz tickets require reservation at least 8 weeks in advance.
Guided Tours in Foreign Languages: All tours in foreign languages are subject to extra fees to cover tour guides or freelancers we may hire to provide your tour in the required language.
Gratuity: A 15% to 20% gratuity of the total purchase amount is customary in the USA. A flat amount near to the appropriate percentage is also common, depending on the situation.
Parks, Road, Monument, Attractions, and Site Closures: We are neither responsible nor liable for road and weather conditions. Further, State and National Park closures can occur at any time and without prior notice. No refund will be issued, regardless of the reason why the trip may not reach its destination. If you cancel or stop the tour for personal or medical reasons, there will be no refund or option for a change of tour dates.
Parks, Road, Monument, Attractions, and Site Laws and Regulations: Changes and updates to laws and regulations are frequent and can occur without notice to our business. While we do our best to stay informed, we are unable to guarantee visits to all locations and places mentioned on our website if they become inaccessible to the public due to such changes.
Disabilities and wheelchairs: We are sorry but our vehicles are not equipped for passengers with disabilities or wheelchairs. Thank you for understanding.
Smoking: Smoking is NOT allowed in our vehicles.
Pets: Pets are not allowed in our vehicles out of respect for those with allergies.
Minors: Minors are NOT allowed to visit Alcatraz Island on our tours, unless accompanied by an adult. This may also apply to other parks and sites we include in our tours.
Clothing: Please be prepared for cold weather and to walk on slippery paths and hiking trails. Wear comfortable, waterproof hiking shoes to walk on the snow in winter and spring. Our day tours are long and action-packed, which may not be appropriate for children and seniors. We recommend considering an overnight tour package.
Special terms and conditions: Many of our specific tours and services are governed by special terms and other conditions. These are stated on the tour confirmation you will receive from us by email.

For inquiries or clarifications regarding these policies, feel free to contact us directly. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we aim to ensure a delightful and hassle-free experience for all our customers.

Your Booking. Your Confidence. Our Commitment.

Thank You for Trusting Us

When you invest in a private Yosemite National Park experience, you deserve to know exactly what you are booking, what is included, and what to expect if your plans change.

At Yosemite Private Tours, we believe trust begins with transparency. That is why our booking terms, payment policies, and cancellation policies are clearly explained before you make your reservation — so you can book with confidence and without surprises.

Since 2004, we have built our reputation on private, personalized tours, professional service, and straightforward communication. We understand that a private tour can represent a significant investment in your vacation, and we take that responsibility seriously.

Our team is here to answer your questions, explain the details of your reservation, and make sure you understand our policies before you book. Once your reservation is confirmed, you are in good hands. You can rely on us to handle the arrangements and provide responsive, personal support throughout the planning process.

Our goal is to meet and exceed your expectations through thoughtful planning, professional service, clear communication, and personal attention from beginning to end.

Clear Terms. No Surprises. Personal Service.

Please take a moment to review the policies below. If anything is unclear, simply contact us. We are always happy to explain and make sure you feel comfortable with your reservation before you move forward.

Yosemite Private Tours — Terms, Conditions, Cancellation & Refund Policy