Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco w Pickup

About this activity

See more of Yosemite in less time with early park entry. This year-round guided day trip from San Francisco covers the park’s top sights, including Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Tunnel View, and the iconic Giant Sequoias of Tuolumne Grove. Spend 5 full hours in the park taking in the best views and landmarks. If you want the most complete Yosemite experience in one day, this is your tour.

Itinerary

1. San Francisco · pass by

   Join us on this breathtaking tour of Yosemite National Park, whose towering granite peaks, cascading waterfalls and nature trails are perhaps the most stunning in the world. This award-winning tour spends the most time in Yosemite and includes a unique hike among ancient Giant Sequoias. Your tour begins with a convenient hotel pick up in Downtown San Francisco.

2. San Joaquin Valley · pass by

   Enjoy the scenic drive as your guide shares how a flash of gold in the American River sparked the California Gold Rush.

3. Oakdale · 30 min

   Stop for breakfast and grab a quick bite at a nearby supermarket or Starbucks.

4. Yosemite National Park · 300 min

   Enjoy a scenic drive into Yosemite National Park as you head toward a breathtaking viewpoint made famous by photographer Ansel Adams.

5. Tunnel View · 15 min

   Iconic vista point offering panoramic views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome.

6. Stop 6 · 15 min

   A short walk to the base of this 617-foot waterfall, known for the mist that blows in the wind.

7. Sentinel bridge · pass by

   Capture a perfect reflection of Half Dome in the Merced River as you drive over Sentinel Bridge.

8. Yosemite Valley · 120 min

   The heart of the park, where travelers have 2–2.5 hours of free time to grab lunch and explore. Take a walk to Lower Yosemite Falls, hike the Meadow Loop, or just relax and soak in the views at your own pace.

9. Yosemite Falls · 15 min

   During your free time in the valley, take a walk to Yosemite Falls—one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. Enjoy the views, take photos, and soak in the power and beauty of this natural wonder.

10. El Capitan · 15 min

    Hop back on the bus and head to El Capitan Meadow, where you’ll stop to discover the world’s largest granite monolith and the legendary climbers who brave its towering cliffs.

11. Valley View · 15 min

    As we are leaving Yosemite Valley, we will make our final stop at Valley View which serves up a panoramic landscape framing the Merced River, El Capitan and the imposing spires of Cathedral Rocks.

12. Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias · 75 min

    A 1-hour and 15-minute stop to hike among a grove of Giant Sequoias—some of the oldest and largest trees on Earth. Standing among these giants is a humbling and unforgettable experience. *When the Tuolumne Grove trail is snow-covered or unsafe (November-March), we always spend extra time in Yosemite Valley.

13. Groveland · pass by

    Enjoy a scenic drive through the historic town of Groveland, a charming Gold Rush-era village with rustic buildings and rich California heritage.

14. Oakdale · 40 min

    On the way back, we’ll stop for dinner at a plaza with fast food, a sandwich shop, a taqueria, Hawaiian BBQ, and a supermarket—something for everyone.

15. San Francisco · pass by

    Wrap up your adventure with a comfortable ride back and drop-off in San Francisco at your original pickup location.

16. Yosemite Valley · pass by

    Yosemite National Park

Meeting point and pickup

Pickup offered, or meet at the meeting point.

End point: Meet at the Mason Street entrance (Eastern entrance) at 5:50 am.

Good to know

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older will be charged an additional $100 park entry fee per person after completing their booking. This fee will be collected by the tour operator via a separate payment link. Note that holders of the “America the Beautiful Non-Resident Pass” do not pay the $100 fee; the $250 pass covers up to 4 people at the entrance.
• From November to March, when the trail is unsafe due to snow and ice, we replace the Sequoia hike with extra time in Yosemite Valley.
• The tour stops around 8:30am for breakfast, 1pm for lunch, and 6pm for dinner on the way back. Meals are not included.
• California law requires tour guests to bring a car safety seat for all children under 8 years and under 4' 9" (1.4 meters) in height
• Winter in Yosemite is much colder than San Francisco. Wear warm clothes and shoes with rubber soles and good traction.

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

• 5 star2,436
• 4 star575
• 3 star268
• 2 star184
• 1 star174

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