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Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

San Francisco, United States

From $199.00

Price varies by group size

Select Date and Travelers

Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
San Francisco Tours
All San Francisco Tours
Audio Guides
Kid-Friendly
Likely To Sell Out
Unique Experiences
  • 14 to 15 hours (approx.)
  • Hotel pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

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 hike
  • Stop at Tunnel View for a photo op of the Valley and 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

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 (for Private option ONLY)
  • Guide Gratuities (for Shared tour)
  • 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 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 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 Bay Bridge (Pass By)

Sierra Nevada (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Access to the Sequoia Grove can be difficult during winter months, generally October through April, 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
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Exact destinations & itinerary may differ due to weather, road conditions, and your guide's discretion.
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • For Private Tour option, size of vehicle will be dependent on size of your party
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 41 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
Andre_P
Great trip, great tour guy (Ben). I Highly recommend it. We were able to see amazing views. Nature is beautiful
Reviews
4.0
2,390 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 2,390 reviews
Not Yosemite
Erin_O, Mar 2023
This trip was cancelled due to the weather. The tour company offered an alternative trip to Muir Woods and Wineries- which was phenomenal! Kimmie, the tour guide, had great information and was clear on expectations. When the tour van started having issues as we were about to leave the last wine stop, she kept our safety to the forefront and arranged a replacement van and extra tasting while we waited.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
One thing we can't control is the snow in Sierra this time of year. But we are committed to keeping your vacation on track. Thanks for being flexible and good to hear you had a great time with Kimmy in the wine country.
Excellent experience
Shamit_B, Feb 2023
I and my younger brother were in SFO for business. We took this trip over the weekend as break from business. It was time well spent. The tour covered all the significant locations and the guide had good knowledge.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Great idea to fit in a Yosemite trip while on your business trip! Thanks for joining our tour. Travel safely home.
Memorable, phenomenal, great tour
Siobhan_W, Feb 2023
We had a great day at Yosemite. Our tour guide was Alberto and he was absolutely brilliant - he told us lots of facts and was super funny and kept us entertained the entire time. It was a long day but very much worth it - Alberto showed us many stops and the views were incredible. Would highly recommend!
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Thanks for the kind words about Alberto's tour. We will pass them along. Yosemite never disappoints!
Tour company dishonest
Josh, Feb 2023
My wife and I booked this excursion as part of an anniversary trip to San Francisco. I checked twice with the booking company, once a month out and then just 3 days beforehand, asking if we would be able to get to visit the Sequoia tree due to the wintry weather. Both times, I was assured that they would be going. On the day of our trip, the driver (Rob) apologized to us all and said there was too much snow & ice to get up there. He went out of his way to try and get us to see a lot of Yosemite, but the experience really left a bitter taste in our mouthes. We would have canceled and done something else that day had the company just been straight with us…but no, they didn’t want to lose money.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Dishonest? Anyone reading this will see in any Yosemite tour description on our website or on Viator, we advise guests that we do not go to the Sequoias when conditions are not safe, that is usually between October and March. Moreover, our call center has no record of your call to check on the itinerary for your tour day. Had you called, we would have let you know that the park was experiencing record snowfall, and hiking the trail in eight feet of snow and ice was not possible. Nevertheless, please contact our guest services office about our satisfaction guarantee. We promise to make things right!
Great trip, great tour...
Andre_P, Jan 2023
Great trip, great tour guy (Ben). I Highly recommend it. We were able to see amazing views. Nature is beautiful
Response from Host, Feb 2023
We agree! Nature in Yosemite is over the top. Glad to know your group had a chance to enjoy it with Ben. Thanks!
Amazing!!!
Danielle_S, Jan 2023
Amazing experience from start to finish!!! Our guide was great! He was kind, knowledgeable and made the trip even better! I highly recommend taking this tour! You won’t regret it! Thank you for making our honeymoon even better than expected! Danielle & Craig
Response from Host, Jan 2023
We are so happy we could play a little part in getting your new union off to a great start! Congrats and come back on your anniversary.
An experience to remember!
Eliana_A, Jan 2023
Gino was our tour guide and did an excellent job in picking us up on time, providing history on SF throughout our trip, driving responsibly, and giving us the appropriate time to take pictures at every stop. For us who were Spanish speakers, I had to request to be given the link in order to listen to the pre-recording. However, it would've been better if this link was given to us via email instead of having me look and request for it. All else was great!
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Thanks for taking the time to review your Yosemite tour. Gino does such a nice job on this trip. We've taken your suggestion and added an email link to the foreign language audio that is separate from the tour confirmation voucher. All the best.
Recommended tour
ThucLinh_T, Jan 2023
A wonderful trip to enjoy nature to the most. Rob, the tour guide, is funny, helpful and knowledgable. Hope the weather was better though
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Yosemite is a jewel. Rob enjoyed having you on his tour. Thanks for taking the time for this nice review.
Loved Yosemite, the so called “tour”… not so much
Jackie_K, Dec 2022
Yosemite was beautiful and was able to get in a nice hike. We didnt get to see the sequoias due to weather and road closures. This excursion is made more like an uber drive and the tour guide we had was uncomfortably pressuring tips and how $30-$40 tip is expected per traveler. The way he approached tipping made me and others very uncomfortable and off putting. I am never shy to tip but was pushed to do the opposite with our guide Ben. Very disappointing
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Sorry about the giant sequoia hike but that (as we indicated in the description) is only available when it is clear of snow and safe and rarely between November and March. We apologise and have spoken with you guide about his tip "request" . As we say in our materials, in the US a tip is appreciated for good service but customary is about 10% of the tour price, excluding accommodations.
Ben was an excellent tour...
Destiny_H, Dec 2022
Ben was an excellent tour guide full of stories and cared about our experience. He knew all the great photo locations.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
It's so nice to hear that you had a great time on Ben's tour. Enjoy those photo memories!
You can't miss it!
Rodrigo_P, Dec 2022
Yosemite has its magic itself, but the tour was really comfortable and chill. Rob , the tour guide it's an excellent person, kind and respectful. He give us a great experience with the route he recommended us to have a greater view.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Rob really enjoyed having your group on his Yosemite tour. Thanks for the kind recommendation.
Yosemite National Park Tour
Roy_M, Dec 2022
A disappointing start as I had two pick up times. Once the bus turned up Rob, the bus driver and guide, apologized for being late and proceeded to buy everyone donuts. From then the tour went well, Rob was telling us about everything not only Yosemite but the history and stories of towns we passed through. His knowledge of the areas and Yosemite was fantastic, and I would recommend this tour to everyone.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
First, we apologize about the confusing pickup times. We tried notifying you the day before the tour but you were traveling. Glad we got things straightened out and you enjoyed your Yosemite tour with Rob. Thanks for taking the time to review your tour.
Great adventure
Carrie_C, Dec 2022
My husband and I loved this trip to Yosemite, however, we were disappointed that we did not get to see the Sequoias that is one of the main reasons we paid for this particular tour. Did not find out we weren’t going to see them until we were already departing the park.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Sorry to hear you were disappointed. As it says on all of our tour descriptions, we only make the Tuolumne Grove hike available on day when it is safe. Generally, this means that the trail is covered in ice and snow from December to March. Please join us in the spring or summer when you can enjoy some of the largest and oldest trees in the world!
Yosemite
Joanne_K, Nov 2022
Most amazing trip of my life The guide was knowledgeable and gave us a great overview of the history We made several stops on the way for lunch and restrooms The stops in Yosemite were amazing and he knew all the best places to take photos and see the view He even brought binoculars! I highly recommend the tour you won’t be disappointed!
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Thanks for your kind words; we will pass them on to Rob. We appreciate the recommendation and hope you will return to San Francisco soon!
Amazing tour
Athanasia_K, Nov 2022
The driver was very friendly and knowledgeable. The landscapes are stunning. I have amazing photos from this tour
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Thanks for your recommendation. We will let Roman know you had a great time. Travel safely home.
Lovely Scenery
Inas_A, Nov 2022
The driver was friendly and not a xenophobe. He recommended great places around San Francisco. I enjoyed it. My only enhancement is to make sure you inform future tourists especially those not used to cold weather to bring warm clothing and also to offer water on the bus. Also many tourists are in San fransisco for conferences and summits, extending your pick up service to a bigger radius of hotels that reside there is essential.
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Thanks for joining us on our Yosemite tour! Thanks for the suggestion and we suggest that all of our guests read the FAQs on our website so they are prepared with the proper footwear and clothing for a winter trip to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Let us know the next time you are in San Francisco.
Drive Yourself Instead
Elizabeth_O, Nov 2022
The effort made was appreciated but I would suggest driving if you want to truly visit Yosemite. The bus was large, thus the group was large. This was my second tour with Extranomical Tours and both buses left something to be desired. They smelled funny, had stains here and there, and were crowded. The trip to and from the park totaled to about 4 hours each way. Leaving you with minimal time at the park. Our guide made a 2 stops. One at Safeway and one for a bathroom break. The Safeway one was appreciated as we could get snacks, water, etc. The bathroom break was in a little town close to Yosemite that didn’t have much to look at. Our driver made a few stops entering Yosemite to allow us to take pictures of things he found we might be interested in and then dropped us off near the visitor center. We had about 2 hours to explore. Which is def not something we enjoyed. We were provided maps by our driver but ultimately the time you paid for was for the drive. On the way back to San Francisco,we stopped at a gas station that had a Burger King, Pop Eyes, Taco Bell, and a few other places. You had 40 minutes to eat, use the bathroom and get back on the bus. At this point, everyone was ready to go “home”. I definitely suggest renting a car for something like a visit to Yosemite. The tour aaa mediocre, long, and expensive. 2 people visiting can def rent a car and have a better experience. The description here makes it out to seem more than it is. Do not recommend.
Response from Host, Nov 2022
We are sorry to hear that the tour did not live up to your expectations. We strife for 100% guest satisfaction and when we fall short we appreciate the feedback. Please contact our guest services office at 415 357 0700 about our guarantee. I will correct one thing in your review, you tour spent 4 1/2 hours in Yosemite according to our monitoring. Take care travel safely home.
The national park is beautiful. The tour.. average at best
Roni_G, Nov 2022
Meal stops = supermarket and truck stop. Uncomfortable bus (too warm and crowded), USB charging spots don't work Driver's accent was difficult to understand
Response from Host, Nov 2022
We are sorry to hear you were disappoint in the trip up to and back from Yosemite but hope you enjoyed your time in the park with fresh snow on the peaks. We appreciate the feedback and have fixed the USB charger at your seat. Please contact our Guest Services office at 415 357 0700 about our satisfaction guarantee.
Amazing experience!!
Grant_D, Nov 2022
Rob was a great guide! It was a long day but packed with lots if sights and information! Could not ask for more 🥰
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Yosemite never disappoints. We are glad to hear you enjoyed the day with Rob and will pass along your review. Thanks!
Unforgettable Tour: Magical destination and an incredible guide. It’s the perfect combo!
Tracie_S, Nov 2022
First, Yosemite is amazing! It’s such a beautiful place that it is hard to ruin the experience. Second, Gino was such a great driver and guide. I am afraid of heights and read so many reviews from travelers who had horrifying experiences. Not only was Gino just amusing, I felt incredibly safe with him behind the wheel which is a big deal. He also just seemed to care about his passengers. I took another tour the very next day and definitely felt like my driver would leave people who were not on time without regret. The difference was night and day. .
Response from Host, Nov 2022
You are right about Gino...he cares a lot about his guests and their experiences in Yosemite. It is such a wonderful place any time of year. Please tour with us again soon!
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