San Francisco

San Francisco: Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoia Day Tour

Badge of ExcellenceSan Francisco, USA
Likely to Sell Out

From $209.00

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

  • 14 hours
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

  • Full-day trip to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco
  • Choose to hike, explore the Valley Visitor Center, and more
  • Hear commentary from your guide about Yosemite's natural landmarks
  • Pickup and drop-off from select San Francisco hotels
Discover the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite National Park on this full-day tour 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 the granite cliffs of Half Dome and El Capitan, and the giant sequoias of Tuolumne Grove. Enjoy several hours to explore the park’s wonders on your own, hiking wherever interests you most.

What's Included

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

Meeting And Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Meeting point

  • Hilton San Francisco Union Square
    333 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA

    Meet at the Mason street entrance (Eastern entrance). Please check your email confirmation from Extranomical Tours or contact the provider to confirm your pick-up details and time

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

For Hilton Union Square - meet at the Mason street entrance (Eastern entrance). For other locations, please meet outside hotel main doors. If your hotel is not listed, please select Hilton Union Square or Hotel Zephyr Fisherman's Wharf or alternatively add your hotel and we will provide the closest pick-up location. You will be provided your exact pick-up location and time upon confirmation. Please always refer to the providers confirmation.

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 (selected hotels only), cruise across the 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 Tunnel View 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 some 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.

San Francisco (Pass By)

San Joaquin Valley (Pass By)

Sierra Nevada (Pass By)

Yosemite National Park (Pass By)

Tunnel View

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Bridalveil Fall

10 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Yosemite Valley

2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Yosemite Falls (Pass By)

Sentinel bridge (Pass By)

Ansel Adams Gallery (Pass By)

El Capitan

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Valley View

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Merced River (Pass By)

Cathedral Rocks and Spires (Pass By)

Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Big Oak Flat (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • Access to the Sequoia Grove can be difficult during winter months, generally October through May, and other activities may be substituted at the discretion of the guide
  • During winter months, temperatures in Yosemite can vary drastically to the ones in San Francisco. Therefore, it is recommend to wear winter clothes, especially shoes or boots with rubber soles and treads
  • The Giant Sequoias Grove is located at a higher elevation and the hike is dependent on trail conditions, especially from October through May. Ice and snow might make the trail unsafe to hike. The decision of whether it is safe to go on the hike will be made on a day by day basis. Therefore, a visit cannot be guaranteed. However, while the trail might be closed, guests get to spend more time in Yosemite Valley. There you can see all the other great sights Yosemite has to offer, including El Capitan, Inspiration Point, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and more.
  • As tour sizes vary, transportation is in a 13-passenger van or up to a 41-passenger tour bus
  • Tour makes stops at approximately 8:30am for breakfast, 1pm for lunch and on the trip back for dinner. Meals are not included
  • Audio links are available in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Korean, Chinese and Japanese. Specify language at time of booking under special requirements.
  • For hotel pickups, please select the Hilton Union Square if your hotel is not listed
  • 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. Any guest that does not provide their child's safety seat at the time of the tour and does not inform the tour operator may not be allowed to board the tour and will not be subject to refund.
  • Exact destinations & itinerary may differ due to weather, road conditions, and your guide's discretion.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
David_T
We have traveled the world and the Yosemite Meadow offered the most spectacular views and awe inspiring experience that we have had in nature to date. Our guide, Roman, is a true historian, geologist, naturalist, and caring comedian. You should book this tour for sure and make sure you ask for him.

Reviews

4.5
2,801 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 2,801 reviews
Amazing trip. Our tour...
silvie_S, Mar 2024
Amazing trip. Our tour guide Gino showed us the best spots and told us lots of interesting things. We didn’t get to see the Giant sequoias so that was very upsetting but other than that the tour was planned good
Lacy tour guide
Viktor_A, Mar 2024
Good views in the valley but with quite a lot of tourists as expected. The trail to the giant sequoias would have been easily hiked with tennis shoes on the very compacted snow, but the tour guide said it was not worth the time. In conclusion, do not expect to see any giant sequoias unless it’s summer.
Mother/Daughter trip
Linda_W, Mar 2024
The tunnel view was wonderful!! Hiking through Yosemite on a nice day. Disappointed that we didn’t get to see the Sequoias. It was closed due to the weather.
Amazing experience
Tushar_K, Mar 2024
What an amazing experience! Well informed and helpful team to lead you through the trip! Highly recommended!
Not too Impressed
Tamika_B, Mar 2024
The driver got to our stop 20 minutes late. The bus charger didn’t work on my side which I was not happy about because that was a very long trip to not have access to charge my phone. Also the bus not having a restroom was definitely a negative. I didn’t care for the breakfast stop option at a grocery store. Although on the way back that stop had many dinner choices. The views at Yosemite were beautiful, but I would much rather have gone when hiking The Giant Sequoias was an option. I hate we didn’t get to do that.
Great experience!!!
Michael_G, Mar 2024
We enjoyed every minute of our trip. Our driver and tour guide Gino was very friendly and kept us entertained the whole time with information about what we saw. Seeing El Capitan was the highlight for me as I always wanted to witness its beauty after I saw it in Ansel Adams' photographs. If want to experience Yosemite, then this tour is for you. We highly recommend it. Thank you Gino!!!
Great time!
Margaret_T, Mar 2024
Gorgeous views and entertaining tour guide! Would definitely recommend as it was an easy and comfortable way to add this bucket list item to our San Francisco itinerary
Thoroughly recommend! Highlight of our time in San Francisco!
Sean_F, Mar 2024
Had an absolutely amazing time on the trip! We were initially worried because of the snowstorms that had been through, and still because of this couldn't see the Sequoias... however, the trip was so beautiful that it was still well worth going. Our tour guide, David, was sensational - kept us laughing and cheering throughout, and filled our time with stories of the areas that brought the trip to life.
Amazing park
Dean_L, Mar 2024
Amazing place. Regardless of the 4 hour drive, there is always something to look out the window. We stopped half way for lunch and toilet breaks. David, our guide and driver was very cool, knowledgeable and a very good driver, he took us to the best spots in the park. Thank you David for a great day out!
Wonderful visit
Stacie_R, Mar 2024
Had a great visit to Yosemite Nat’l Park and our tour guide Gino was great as he knows all the “hot” spots for fantastic photo ops to create those lasting memories. Also included were two stops coming and going for food and restroom breaks. If you’re in Frisco don’t hesitate to get to Yosemite (weather permitting) and let someone else do the driving while you sit back, relax, and take in the scenery!
Must see!
Osob_S, Mar 2024
Loved the tour and David was a great guide! Unfortunately due to weather, wasn’t able to see everything but had a great time nonetheless. 100% would recommend!
A total swizz
Tom_C, Mar 2024
This tour was a total con - I do not recommend it. It really wasn’t clear what our money was spent on - there was no tour guide, the driver doubled up as the guide and his knowledge was patchy and often inchoate. The tour does not include the sequoias - so the title is misleading and I will be seeking appropriate compensation as a result. The guide placed pressure on us to purchase food from Safeway - it wasn’t clear if he was on some sort of kickback but there was adequate food (including a Starbucks) at Yosemite so I was glad to have ignored this suggestion.
Having the time to...
AtinnaNicole_F, Feb 2024
Having the time to explore the park freely. Yosemite is so magical and i’d hope to visit it again in Spring or Summer
Response from Host, Feb 2024
It's nice to learn that you enjoyed Yosemite in Winter and agree about it being magical. If you'd like more time in the park, we recommend a 2-day overnight tour which gives you lots of free time to explore. See ya soon!
El Capitan stuns
Patti_G, Feb 2024
I was totally bowled over by the majesty of El Capitan. photos can't capture that. Park is absolutely gorgeous in winter.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
You're right...photographs and words to not do El Cap justice. We're glad you got to see it!
Great day
Jeff_J, Feb 2024
This was a long tour but so worth it. Rob made sure we stopped at all the beautiful spots. The only downside was the bus didn't have a bathroom in it. Rob did stop wherever anyone's needed to go. They stop at a grocery store 2 hours into the tour to get something to eat for the trip. They also stop on the way back at a town with a lot of fast food restaurants that you can walk to. I would recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thanks for your recommendation! It means a lot to us. We will pass on your kind words about Rob. Take care.
Magnificent Trip
Paehwan_S, Feb 2024
My family spent a safe and magnificent day trip to Yosemite with driving and guidance of David, even though we missed a designated spot of Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. Yosemite Park showed its amazing and magical views in the sunny day. It was quite exhausted that the bus turned around the all way of San Francisco over 30 minutes in the return without dropping off numbers of passengers in the downtown. Thank you.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thanks for the nice words about David. He loves showing off Yosemite and was glad your group joined. the Giant Sequoia trail usually opens in April...perhaps you can join us again then.
Disappointed
Rinelda_H, Feb 2024
El Captain and the falls. Our driver Gino was very good and took an alternative route going back which was very scenic. I was disappointed that we did not visit the Grand sequoias as It was promised when I purchased the tour. It should be disclosed at the time of purchase that it is closed during the winter months . This is False advertisement and should be grounds for a partial refund.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
We are sorry to hear you were disappointed. Every description we publish emphasizes that the trail to the Sequoias is closed when winter ice and snow make the trail unsafe. We'd love it if you would contact us and let us know where you booked the tour so we can correct the statement. Ask for a manager at (415) 357-0700.
Andy was awesome! Tour was phenomenal!
michellembeard84, Feb 2024
Our tour guide Andy was phenomenal! He was knowledgeable about Yosemite and other facts about California sites/history. It was a long tour but had ample stops and rest breaks. We had a full three hours in the park. So worth it. It's a must see. It was our first time on this tour. The park is breathtaking and deserves more than a few hours. I'd definitely come back and possibly stay at the lodge on site. Awesome day! Thanks, Andy!
Response from Host, Feb 2024
First time or um-teenth time, Yosemite is delightful. We're so glad you enjoyed your tour with Andy and will pass along your kind words. Come again soon!
Heavenly place
Priyanka_T, Feb 2024
Yosemite is very beautiful place that everyone should go at least once. The snow capped mountains were a joy to watch. Totally worth it. Our tour guide alberto was awesome. He was very knowledgeable about the areas and was super funny.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
We hope you will treasure those pics of snow-clad Half Dome and El Capitan for many years! Let's tour again soon.
Rob was a fantastic tour...
Lou_R, Jan 2024
Rob was a fantastic tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and funny. Kept us entertained the whole way. Thank you Rob for making our tour so enjoyable.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thanks for singing Rob's praises...he does such a nice tour and appreciates the feedback. Hope you are having a nice return trip home. Take care.
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