Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Trip

Overview

Discover the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada on this full-day trip to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco. Travel aboard a comfortable van through historic Gold Rush towns to reach the park, where you’ll be amazed by supersized natural wonders like Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs of Half Dome and El Capitan. Take a hike among ancient sequoia trees, and enjoy several hours to explore the park’s wonders on your own.

• Full-day trip to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco
• Drive through gold rush towns to the scenic Sierra Nevada
• Discover the Tuolumne Grove on a 1-hour hike
• Stop at Inspiration Point for a photo op of Half Dome
• Choose from a range of activities at Yosemite, including walking or exploring the Valley Visitor Center
• Hear commentary from a guide about Yosemite's natural landmarks such as El Capitan
• Pickup and drop-off from select San Francisco hotels

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

While in San Francisco, don't miss a day trip to explore Yosemite. Visit in the late spring or summer to ensure you also get to see the magnificent Tuolumne Grove if road and trail conditions allow.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• Expert guide and commentary
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (most hotels in downtown San Francisco/Fisherman's Wharf area, but do not pick up outside SF city limits)
• Yosemite National Park entrance fee
• Free Wifi on vehicle

Exclusions

• Gratuities (optional)
• Child safety seat for children under 8 years old or 4' 9" (1.4 meters) required
• Food and drinks, unless specified

Departure & Return

Departure Point

Tour departs from Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, South of Market, Financial District, Chinatown hotels. *For hotel pickups, please select and meet at Hilton Union Square (Mason Street side) if your hotel is not listed

Departs

Daily

Departure Time

Between 6am-7am (exact pickup time will be advised at reconfirmation)

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

What To Expect

One of the most-visited parks in the United States, Yosemite National Park is famed for its wild beauty and massive natural attractions. After morning pickup at your San Francisco hotel (do not pick up at all SF hotels), cruise across the new San Francisco Bay Bridge and through historic Gold Rush towns as the urban bustle gives way to the rugged landscape of the Sierra Nevada. When you arrive at the park, stretch your legs at Tuolumne Grove with a hike among some of the oldest and largest trees in the world (weather permitting). Crane your neck to see the top of the giant sequoia trees, including a tunneled-out tree large enough to drive a car through. Continue on to Inspiration Point for an unbeatable view of Yosemite’s photogenic valley framed by the giant granite formations of Half Dome and El Capitan. Look for expert rock climbers trying to scale the world-class cliffs and, in springtime, watch the thundering cascade of Yosemite Falls. Enjoy 1–1.5 hours of free time to explore the park on your own. Rent a bike and cruise along the flat paths of Yosemite Valley (not included), hike to a nearby waterfall or visit the Ansel Adams Gallery to see some of the most famous images of the park ever captured on film. Lunch options include a picnic on the Merced River or a casual meal at the Yosemite Lodge (own expense). Reconnect with your guide at the appointed time, and relax on the scenic drive back to San Francisco.

Please note: The weather in Yosemite is highly variable and includes rain and snow in winter and high temperatures in summer. The itinerary may be adapted to make the most of Yosemite during different seasons and times of the year. The giant sequoias are best visited between May and October. During the rest of the year, snow and ice conditions may prevent access to roads and trails, and other activities may be substituted.