Yosemite Nights: 90-Minute Stargazing and Stories Tour
Description
Begin your stargazing adventure by meeting your guide, then sit back and watch as the valley transforms. Thousands of stars appearing, constellations sharpening into view, and, during the right time of year, the hazy band of the Milky Way stretching overhead. Listen as your guide shares captivating stories of our human connection to the night sky. Learn why Venus and Jupiter shine brighter than any star in the sky. Use your hands to measure the stars the way Polynesian navigators did. Use binoculars to get a closer look, then dive even deeper with live telescope viewing! Hear fascinating stories about the history and structure of the universe and how we have found meaning, purpose, and joy within it. And don't forget to keep an eye out for satellites and shooting stars overhead!
Tour Options
Itinerary
On a clear, moonless night in Yosemite Valley, the sky turns on in a way most people have never seen before. You’ll see far more stars than you’re used to in the city, with big constellations like Orion and the Big Dipper standing out clearly, and in the right season a hazy band of the Milky Way stretching across the sky. The granite walls of El Capitan and Half Dome become dark silhouettes framing the stars, while bright planets, the Pleiades, and even the faint Andromeda Galaxy appear with a little guidance and a laser pointer. You’ll likely catch a few shooting stars or satellites drifting by, all while the valley itself quiets down: cool air dropping off the cliffs, the river in the background, and the feeling that almost everyone else has gone to bed and left this version of Yosemite just for you.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please Note: National Park fees may apply for international visitors. If applicable, this fee is collected in-destination and not at the time of booking.
Reviews(17)
Our whole experience with Zeke was amazing! He took us to the best spot to stargaze and we were able to see everything including the Milky Way! He told awesome stories, served hot coco, used a cool lazer pointer, and a telescope so that everyone had a wonderful time and could see everything. I cant say enough good things about this trip....its a must see!!!!!
Hey Heather, It was such a pleasure hosting you and your family for the week. You guys were a blast and I hope to see you next time you're in Yosemite!
Very interesting night tour - was very clear night, great for star gazing and learning about starts and planets
Hey Anna, it was so great having you and glad you were able to join us :)
Had an amazing experience on this guided star-gazing trip. Zeke was very friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. He made sure we all had a great time, serving us up with some interesting scientific facts, cultural stories, and some delicious hot chocolate. The meetup spot is also very convenient, in the Sentinal Bridge parking area, right next to the vast open space right in the middle of the valley. Views were awesome, even though we had a half moon, stars were still very clearly visible in the sky, and were mesmerizing behind the backdrop of Yosemite’s mountain peaks and Yosemite Falls. Definitely a worthwhile experience, good value for money.
Hey Auon, It was such a pleasure!! Definitely let me know if you end up getting that telescope!
We had a wonderful night of star gazing last night!! Zeke was knowledgeable, engaging and we enjoyed learning about the night sky. He took time to answer questions, point out different constellations and even sent us telescopic pictures of the night sky. He had chairs, blankets and even hot chocolate!! 😊 I’m would highly recommend this tour!!
Hey Bonnie, It was an absolute pleasure having you. Thank you so much for joining us and hope the rest of your time in Yosemite was amazing!
Zeke was fantastic! He was incredibly knowledeable and answered all of the questions our children had. The sky was beautiful and moon-less so the stars were really bright. He made hot chocolate for everyone that wanted it. The telescope that he brought was really neat too and we were able to see a galaxy. Worth it!
It was so great having you, thank you so much for coming!!
Our tour guide Zeke was awesome! Great views of the stars.
Hey Erica, It was so great having you and your family. Thanks for all your great questions, and hope you had a great trip home! All the best, Zeke
Great way to finished our day touring and exploring the park. The breathtaking scenery now highlighted at night.
We were so glad to have you :)
This was such a neat experience for the end of a long first day in Yosemite. We were offered chairs, or blankets to sit on, and hot cocoa. Our guide was friendly, accommodating, great with children, and a good storyteller. Our guide took an image of two galaxies colliding, located in a constellation some of their stories were centered upon and sent them to us to keep. I definitely recommend this to anyone, whether you’re going to Yosemite as a family, traveling solo, or with friends.
Hey Miyuki, Thank you for the kind words and it was so great having you!
Zeke was a wealth of information of the night sky to galactic portions. Not only over Yosemite but worldwide. Watching the sky grow dark in the meadow with the waterfall dimming in the foreground was perfect. Our small group was fully engaged and help add to the knowledge that Zeke shared. It was a perfect way to end our already amazing visit to Yosemite. Thank you Zeke
Hey Gloria, It was so great having you and Moses! You were both a pleasure to talk to. I will definitely have to check out Zeke's coffee as soon as I get a chance ;) Safe travels home!
This was an incredibly intimate experience and worth the price. Zeke is a great storyteller, conversationalist, and we really enjoyed the laser he used to point out the stars and constellations. His assistant, Lexi, was also very charming and sweet. One major highlight was how accommodating he was with my now fiancé. He filmed the proposal in front of the beautiful Yosemite Valley waterfalls! We’ll never forget this.
Hey Abi, It was such a pleasure having you, and we all felt honored that you shared your special night with us. Safe travels, and hope to see you next time you come to Yosemite!
