Yosemite Nights: 90-Minute Stargazing and Stories Tour

Overview

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!

Itinerary

1. Yosemite Valley

   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.

   · 1 h 30 min

How to use your ticket

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.

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• 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.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

This activity can be canceled in case of bad weather.

Reviews

Product code: 5518012P1

Activity offered by Yosemite Alpine Quest via Viator.