Yosemite National Park Tour Highlights

• Visit & Hike Yosemite in a Day: Only 1-day tour from San Francisco that includes hike to Giant Sequoias (conditions permitting)
• Get More Time in the Park: This tour spends the most time in the Yosemite Park—over 5 hours
• Listen in Different Languages: Fully guided in English; audio guides in 8 languages for international guests
• See 4 Major Yosemite Sights: Stops to explore Inspiration Point, Yosemite Valley, El Capitan Meadow and Valley View
• Get More Photography Opportunities: Photograph Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome

Experience Yosemite in a Day from San Francisco

Your Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour begins with a convenient pickup in at your downtown hotel. Then we head east out of San Francisco to Yosemite, crossing through California’s fertile San Joaquin Valley before climbing into the rocky Sierra Nevada mountains. We also offer pickups for this tour from San Jose to Yosemite or Groveland to Yosemite. Relax as you learn the colorful gold rush history of the region. The tour pauses half-way to Yosemite to stretch your legs and grab refreshments.

Soon after finishing the trip to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco, you will experience the quiet solitude of the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. You will not doubt for a second that these Yosemite trees are the largest living creatures on the planet. No picture does them justice, but that should not keep you from trying!

In winter, when conditions on the Tuolumne Grove trail are snow-covered or unsafe, we substitute this experience with other attractions. See our Yosemite National Park Winter Tour from San Francisco.

Drive Down Yosemite Valley with a Stop at Inspiration Point

Your heart will be racing as we head down into Yosemite Valley and make the next stop at Inspiration Point, a view of the valley made famous by Ansel Adams and hundreds of artists since. Take a moment and then some selfies with El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point, Cathedral Peak and Bridalveil Fall as your backdrop.

Once we reach the floor of Yosemite Valley, you will have a couple of hours of free time to grab a quick picnic lunch. Then, check out the Ansel Adams Gallery or the Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center in Yosemite Village. Both are great spots to pick up some souvenirs and gifts for friends back home.

Marvel at Yosemite’s Wildlife, Foliage, and Views

Besides giant trees, Yosemite Valley is home to more than 400 types of species of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. In Spring, wildflowers blanket the valley floor. The Lower Yosemite Falls, Mist and Meadow Loop trailheads are all near to Yosemite Valley Lodge. Each is guaranteed to delight hikers of any age.

After re-boarding your tour vehicle, your day has more highlights. The tour makes a photo stop at El Capitan Meadow where you can get a straight-on view of the Yosemite icon, an impressive vantage point for Cathedral Rocks, and, if the season is right, Horsetail Fall which produces the famous “firefall” in late-February.

Your Yosemite experience ends on a high note at Valley View. This spot serves up a view along the banks of the

framed by El Capitan and the imposing spires of Cathedral Rocks. This is a great spot for your “saying goodbye” selfie.

Things to Know About This Yosemite National Park Tour:

During the winter months, warm, layered clothing is often needed. You will need sturdy, comfortable shoes or boots with rubber soles and treads for the best experiences on the park’s trails.

The Giant Sequoias hike on the Yosemite Giant Sequoia Tour is dependent on snow levels and trail conditions and may not be available from October to May.

The hike to the Tuolumne Grove of redwoods includes 400 feet (122 meters) of incline on the return and can be difficult. It should not be attempted by guests with respiratory or cardio conditions.

YOSEMITE DAY TOUR ITINERARY

06:30 AM to 10:30 AM: Pick up & Drive to Yosemite

• Convenient hotel pickup
• Breakfast stop. Pick up snacks and lunch for the park
• Your guide prepares you for a day in Yosemite Park

11:00 AM to 12:30 PM: Park Entry & Hike

• Enter Yosemite National Park
• Hike to 2,000-year-old Yosemite trees (conditions permitting) in the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias

12:30 PM to 1:30 PM: : Visit Inspiration Point to Marvel at Major Yosemite Sights

• Be inspired at Inspiration Point/Tunnel View
• Enjoy views of El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Dome and Cathedral Rocks
• Capture photographs of Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Falls

1:30 PM to 3:30 PM: Free Time in Yosemite Valley

• Two hours of free time in Yosemite Valley
• Explore the trail to the Lower Yosemite Falls
• Hike to the photogenic Swinging Bridge or Lower Yosemite Falls
• Grab a picnic lunch at Yosemite Lodge (meal not included)

3:30 PM to 4:30 PM: Stop at El Capitan Meadow

• Stretch your legs at El Capitan Meadow
• Take your last look at Valley View

4:30 PM to 9:00 PM: Departure, Break for Dinner, and Dropoff

• Descend the Sierras as you return from Yosemite to San Francisco
• Break for dinner and refreshments
• Enjoy the ride as we return to your pickup location

Times listed are approximations. Traffic and unforeseen events can cause delays.  Please do not make flight/travel arrangements on the same day as your tour.