Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour

San Francisco, California

Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour

San Francisco, California

Duration: All Day

Overview

Experience an unforgettable 1-day Yosemite tour from San Francisco, promising awe-inspiring views of Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and enchanting Giant Sequoias. Get ready for a journey beyond expectations!

🏞️ Marvel at Yosemite's breathtaking landscapes

🌲 Hike through Tuolumne Grove for an up-close encounter with ancient Giant Sequoias

🕰️ Enjoy over 5 hours in Yosemite National Park

👨‍🏫 Benefit from a fully guided experience by a Yosemite Park expert

Availability

When do I choose a date?

After purchase, you can request your preferred dates and times by following the instructions in the email you receive. If it's a gift, the recipient will also get an email with booking instructions.

Year-Round,
Daily 5:50am

Full description

Departing daily from major hotels in the city, this tour promises to deliver an experience that will leave you speechless. With a duration of 15 hours, you'll have ample time to soak in the breathtaking sights and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Yosemite National Park.

Tour Highlights:

Skip-the-Line Entry: Enter Yosemite seamlessly through the commercial tour group gate, avoiding lines for a swift start to your adventure.
Early Bird Advantage: Maximize your time at popular spots like Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan Meadow, and Valley View with early access.
Extended Stay in Yosemite: Enjoy over 5 hours in Yosemite National Park, offering ample time to immerse yourself in its awe-inspiring landscapes.
Giant Sequoias Hike: Weather permitting, experience a unique hike among the ancient Giant Sequoias in Tuolumne Grove, a truly unforgettable encounter with nature.
Free Time in Yosemite Valley: Delve into Yosemite Valley during a 2-hour break for lunch and exploration. Options include hiking to Yosemite Falls, strolling through Sentinel Meadow, and visiting the Ansel Adams Gallery.
Expert Guided Tour: Be fully guided by a Yosemite Park expert, learning about the park's geological wonders, the California gold rush, and the significant role of John Muir.

Itinerary:

05:20 AM to 10:30 AM: Hotel Pickup, Head to Yosemite
10:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Admire Views of Yosemite Valley, including Tunnel View
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM: Explore the Valley On Your Own, lunch, and self-guided activities
2:00 PM to 2:45 PM: Stops at El Capitan and Valley View, guided insights into Yosemite's iconic monuments
2:45 PM to 4:30 PM: Hike to Giant Sequoia Redwoods, a unique encounter with these majestic trees
4:30 PM to 9:00 PM: Return to San Francisco, reflecting on a day filled with natural wonders and iconic landmarks.

Practical information

Any restrictions to participate?

Age: All age groups are welcome.
Physical limitations: For the hike to the Grand Sequoias, participants should be comfortable with a 2-mile round trip on a paved trail with a steep incline on the return. If you have respiratory issues or prefer not to engage in strenuous exercise, you can skip the hike and wait in the outdoor seating area at the Tuolumne Grove stop.
Experience level: All levels are welcome.

Who can you accommodate for?

Children: All participants must pay to participate, children included.
Individuals with disabilities: Please notify in advance if you are bringing a wheelchair so that the partner can make sure it can be safely stowed on the tour vehicle. Please note: the partner is unable to offer ADA vehicles with lifts.
Languages: The Yosemite tour features live narration in English, but complimentary recorded audio guides in 8 languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, and Portuguese will be available upon request. When booking, please specify the language if you require an audio guide.
Pets: Sorry, no pets allowed.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

Duration: 14 hours (full day tour)
What’s included:
- Fully guided tour to explore Yosemite Falls with visits to Tunnel View, El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and, if conditions permit, the Giant Sequoias
- Park reservation and entry fee
- Hotel Pickup
- Skip the line access at Yosemite
- Optional Giant Sequoias Hike (weather permitting)
- Meals or beverages and guide gratuity are NOT included
Who will be present: You will have a guide with you at all times; also, other guests may be joining (up to ~15 people)
Spectators: No spectators are allowed, everyone must have a ticket/reservations.
Photo/ video: You may take your own photos. During the tour, you will make 5-6 stops for photo opportunities. Although weather and traffic conditions may occasionally require itinerary adjustments, the usual stops include the Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, Valley View, El Capitan Meadow, and Yosemite Valley View lookout.

How to prepare?

Weather dependency: Rain or shine, the experience will be running.
Arrival: Plan to arrive 15 minutes in advance.
What to wear: It’s recommended to dress in layers as the weather in the Sierra Mountains can be unpredictable. Wear comfortable shoes or hiking sandals (not flip flops), and bring a light water-resistant jacket.
What to bring:
- Camera or phone
- 1-liter water bottle
- Sunscreen and/or a hat
- Sturdy umbrella (if rain is forecasted)
- Some cash or a credit card for meals, snacks, and souvenirs
Restrooms/ lockers/ changing rooms: Stops will be made for bathroom breaks.

Anything else I should know before going on this experience?

The hike to the Giant Sequoias is usually available from April to October, when trail conditions are safe.
Each season in Yosemite Valley has its own advantages. Summer offers sunny and warm hikes, while Fall provides peace and solitude at the popular attractions. Winter transforms the rock monuments into a snowy wonderland, and Spring showcases the peak of the annual Yosemite Valley waterfall show.
Walking is the best form of transportation within Yosemite Valley. It is not recommended to rely on public transportation or park shuttles during your free time, as there is no guarantee of returning to the tour vehicle on time. The most popular attractions are a short distance from the drop-off point near Yosemite Valley Lodge.
You cannot use your annual pass for United States National Parks. The entrance fee the partner pays to Yosemite National Park is based on the vehicle and not on individuals. Since the entrance is located at a toll gate and not accessible on foot, the tour cost already includes the admission fee.
The tour offers picks-up in San Jose (South Bay) and Livermore (East Bay) as well. If you are staying near the San Francisco airport or another location away from downtown, it is recommended that you use a ride-sharing service or public transportation to reach the Hilton Union Square hotel, where the pick-up point is located outside the Mason Street side entrance.

Returns, exchanges and cancellation

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 30 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 72 hours before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 72 hours in advance means losing the value of your experience.