San Francisco: Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias Hike
San Francisco
Experience the incredible scenery of Yosemite National Park and the Giant Sequoia Hike on a tour from San Francisco. Spend hours exploring the Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the giant sequoia trees.
Yosemite National Park Day Tour from San Francisco
This full-day tour departs from San Francisco, suitable for visitors wanting early access to Yosemite National Park and expert-guided sightseeing.
Highlights
- Spend over 5 hours inside Yosemite National Park with early-bird arrival
- Hike among giant sequoias at Tuolumne Grove (weather permitting)
- Enjoy 2 hours of free time to explore Yosemite Valley independently
- See Tunnel View, Valley View, and the towering cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome
- Free GPS audio guide available in 8 languages, triggered automatically at landmarks
Description
The tour begins with pickup from 11 locations across San Francisco, followed by a scenic drive through California’s Central Valley and former Gold Rush towns. Arrival at Yosemite is timed to reach Tunnel View and Yosemite Valley early, when crowds are minimal and photo conditions are optimal.
Your expert guide provides insights and stories about the region throughout the journey, enhancing your experience. Inside Yosemite, you have approximately five hours to visit iconic sights including Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and El Capitan, with several photo stops at prime viewpoints.
You will have two hours of free time in Yosemite Valley to explore at your own pace — options include walking the Swinging Bridge, viewing the Merced River, taking a short hike near Yosemite Falls, and having lunch (not included).
Additional stops include El Capitan and Valley View Overlook for more photographic opportunities. At Tuolumne Grove, enjoy a 1.6-mile hike among giant sequoias estimated to be up to 2,000 years old. Note that this trail may close November–March due to snow and ice; during this period, extra time is provided in Yosemite Valley instead.
This tour is operated by a San Francisco company with 24 years of experience. It features an early park arrival, expert guides, and a free GPS-triggered audio guide in Italian, Japanese, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Chinese, and Korean. Many guests rebook with their preferred guide.
Booking in advance is recommended as spots fill quickly.
Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from most major San Francisco hotels
- Early-bird arrival at Yosemite National Park
- Comfortable 35-seat bus with Wi-Fi
- Live expert guide in English
- Free geo-based audio guides in 8 languages
- Park entry fee for U.S. residents
Excludes
- Food and drinks (stops provided for meal purchases)
- National Park Service (NPS) non-resident fee for guests 16 and older
- Tips
Important Information
- Non-U.S. residents 16 and older pay a $100 park entry fee, collected post-booking via payment link. Holders of the America the Beautiful Non-Resident Pass (cost $250, covers up to 4 people) are exempt.
- Between November and March, the sequoia hike may close due to snow and ice; additional Yosemite Valley time is provided instead.
- Pickup times in San Francisco are between 5:20 AM and 6:00 AM.
- California law requires a car seat for children under 8 years or shorter than 4'9” (1.4 m). Please bring an approved car seat if applicable.
- Do not schedule flights or other travel on the same day as the tour to avoid conflicts.
Cancellation Policy
You may cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, book early and bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and snacks or water. Arrive on time for your scheduled pickup to ensure a smooth start.
