Yosemite National Park is one of the most breathtaking places in the world, and Yosemite tours offer visitors an unforgettable way to experience its majestic beauty. To give you a unique perspective, we sat down with Philip Ireland, a passionate guide from Discover Yosemite who has been sharing the park’s wonders for years.
A Journey Through Words and Wilderness
Philip’s love for Yosemite is deeply rooted in a lifelong passion for storytelling. With a background that spans poetry, journalism, teaching and video production, he brings every tour to life with vivid, historically accurate stories. Having worked as a Yosemite tour guide for six years and with Discover Yosemite for the last three, he combines rich narratives with breathtaking visuals.
Falling in Love with Yosemite
Yosemite isn’t just a place of work for Philip — it’s a lifelong love affair. For more than 30 years, he has explored Yosemite’s diverse landscapes, from snowfields to towering waterfalls. Whether sliding down snow on his jacket or fishing in high alpine lakes, Yosemite has been a happy place where adventures and memories are made.
What Makes Yosemite Tours Special?
Each tour day is unique, with changing seasons, weather and light casting new moods on the landscape. Philip loves sharing the park with visitors from around the world and witnessing their awe. A favorite spot that never fails to take his breath away is the last curve on Glacier Point Road. From there, the iconic Half Dome, Tenaya Canyon, Little Yosemite Canyon and Nevada Fall create a panorama so stunning it leaves guests speechless.
Memorable Moments on the Road
One of Philip’s most cherished moments happened at Glacier Point when an 8-year-old guest smelled the bark of a Jeffrey pine and exclaimed it “smells like cookies.” These small, childlike moments of discovery remind him why Yosemite tours are so special.
Tips for First-Time Yosemite Visitors
If you’re planning your first Yosemite tour, Philip recommends bringing water, a jacket, curiosity and a wide-eyed sense of adventure. And, importantly, leave the Game Boys at home — Yosemite’s natural wonders are the ultimate entertainment!
Discover Yosemite Tours — Now Even More Accessible
Discover Yosemite recently expanded pickups at Yosemite Resorts properties: Yosemite View Lodge, Yosemite Cedar Lodge and Indian Flat Campground, all located along Highway 140, improving guest convenience and making it easier than ever to explore the park with expert guides like Philip who know Yosemite inside and out.
Book your Discover Yosemite tickets here: www.discoveryosemite.com