Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour from San Jose

About this activity

This is the only Yosemite group tour that departs from San Jose, making it a convenient option for Bay Area travelers. You'll explore iconic sights like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall, plus enjoy a peaceful walk among giant sequoias in Tuolumne Grove. With expert commentary and free time in Yosemite Valley, it’s a stress-free, all-in-one adventure.

Itinerary

1. San Jose · pass by

   Join us on an unforgettable tour of Yosemite National Park, home to towering granite cliffs, scenic waterfalls, and some of the world’s most beautiful nature trails. This award-winning tour gives you the most time in the park and includes a special walk among ancient Giant Sequoias. Your adventure starts with a convenient pickup in San Jose. Your tour begins with a convenient pick up in San Jose.

2. San Joaquin Valley · pass by

   Drive by scenic landscapes as your guide tells the story of how a glint of gold in the American River ignited the California Gold Rush.

3. Turlock · 30 min

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

4. Mariposa · pass by

   Head into the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains, passing through the historic town of Mariposa and 150-year-old mining communities. Discover the region’s rich Gold Rush history and learn how powerful geological forces shaped Yosemite’s breathtaking landscapes.

5. Yosemite National Park · pass by

   Enter Yosemite National Park through the Arch Rock entrance and head toward a stunning viewpoint made famous by photographer Ansel Adams.

6. Tunnel View · 15 min

   Take a moment at Tunnel View. Capture yourself with El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point, and Cathedral Peak as your background.

7. Bridalveil Fall · 10 min

   Stop at the base of Bridalveil Fall, where misty cascades and towering cliffs create one of Yosemite’s most breathtaking scenes.

8. Sentinel bridge · pass by

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

9. Yosemite Valley · 120 min

   Enjoy Your Own Yosemite Valley Adventure. Once we arrive in Yosemite Valley, you’ll have 2 hours to grab lunch and explore at your own pace.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Merced River · pass by

    As we leave the valley, take in the serene beauty of the river flowing beside you, glistening in the light and framed by towering cliffs.

14. Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias · 75 min

    Experience the Quiet Majesty of the Giant Sequoias In this serene grove, you’ll stand among some of the oldest and largest trees on Earth—an awe-inspiring encounter with nature’s giants.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. San Jose · pass by

    Wrap up your adventure with a comfortable ride back and drop-off in San Jose, where your unforgettable day in Yosemite comes to a close.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

End point: 5:45 AM – Pickup is outside the hotel's main entrance.

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 payment link or on the bus at the start of your tour. Note that “America the Beautiful Non-Resident Pass” holders 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.
• Free audio guides are available in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese. Please specify your preferred language under "Special Requirements" when booking.
• You will be picked up in San Jose by a shuttle and taken to a meeting point in the East Bay (livermore), where you’ll join your tour group.
• 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.
• 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.

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

• 5 star62
• 4 star13
• 3 star9
• 2 star6
• 1 star9

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