Expert: Steve Summers - 3/26/2004

Question
I live in Saint Paul, Minnesota and am planning a trip to Yosemite in May. I would be traveling by myself and I would prefer not to drive if possible, I am uncomfortable on steep winding mountain roads. I would like to fly into Fresno and take a bus from there, but Yarts and Via Adventures only travel to towns east or west of the park. Do you know of a bus from the Fresno Airport? Or I could take Amtrack or Greyhound to Merced, but that would be a three day trip each way. That is too long. Do you have any suggestions? I wish there were some kind of tour package between Saint Paul and Yosemite, but I have not been able to find one.

Answer
Hi Jeffery,

It's tough to get from FAT to Yosemite Valley if you are not driving. The easiest way I found is this: From Fresno Air Terminal, take FAX (Fresno Area Xpress)bus 26 and transfer to bus 22. This will take you to the Amtrak Terminal in downtown. From there, you can take Amtrak to Merced where you can catch YARTS, or just take an Amtrak bus into the valley.

I did find some Yosemite tours out of San Francisco. There is everything from one day to a week. Here is the link: http://www.bitours.com/bi_group.asp?group=Yosemite&area=&activity=Sightseeing

Have fun,

Steve