President's Day & Family Day | Long Weekend Getaways · Up to 20% off

In-Depth Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco

In-Depth Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco

Name: In-Depth Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco
Brand: Tours4fun
Price: 209 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (421 reviews)

4.8 (421 reviews)

Tour Code: 2856

From ~~$219.00~~

$209.00 ~~per person~~

Save $10.00

Best Price Guaranteed

Departure City

San Francisco

End City

San Francisco

Duration

15 hours

Language

English Live, French Audio, German Audio, Italian Audio, Japanese Audio, Korean Audio, Portuguese Audio, Spanish Audio, Chinese Audio

Tour Themes

Natural Landscapes

Guide Type

Guided Tour

Group Size

Standard Group Tour

Activity Level

Moderate

Highlights

• Skip the line. Enter Yosemite at the commercial tour group gate
• Early bird arrival increases access to popular viewing areas like Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan Meadow and Valley View
• The most time in Yosemite National Park - over 5 hours
• Unique Giant Sequoias hike in Tuolumne Grove (conditions permitting)
• 2 hours of free time to explore Yosemite Valley
• Fully guided by a Yosemite Park expert

Itinerary

* If officially implemented by the U.S. government, effective January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents aged 16 and over entering Yosemite National Park may be required to pay an additional USD 100 per person. This is a government-mandated fee, not included in the tour price, and not eligible for any discounts. This surcharge will be collected after booking and prior to departure to facilitate centralized payment of national park entry fees.
The fee may be paid either:
- Via a direct payment link sent via email and sms 2-3 days before the tour;
- On the bus, if preferred, using a non-cash payment.
Guests may alternatively purchase an America the Beautiful Pass at the park entrance for $250, which covers up to four people in one party.

Experience Yosemite One Day Tour from San Francisco
Join us on this breathtaking tour of Yosemite National Park, whose towering granite peaks, cascading waterfalls and nature trails are perhaps the most stunning in the world. This award-winning tour spends the most time in Yosemite and includes a unique hike among ancient Giant Sequoias.
Your guided tour begins with a convenient hotel pick up in San Francisco. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as your guide explains how glitter in the American River sparked the California gold rush; what geological forces made Yosemite's dramatic landscapes; and the role John Muir played in the formation of America's first protected wilderness.
Be Blown Away by Awe-Inspiring Valley Views
After entering Yosemite National Park, we'll make our way to a scene made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. Take a moment at Tunnel View. Capture yourself with El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point, and Cathedral Peak as your background.
Once you've had your fill of photographs from this perch overlooking the valley, the tour will arrange a memorable stop where you can get eye to eye with wispy Bridalveil Fall.
Have Your Own Yosemite Valley Adventure
After arriving to our stop in Yosemite Valley, you will have 2 hours for lunch and exploring on your own. The free time options include hiking to Yosemite Falls, meandering through Sentinel Meadow, checking out the Ansel Adams Gallery and more.
Take a Moment with More Iconic Monuments
Your Yosemite experience stops next at El Capitan Meadow to learn more about the world's largest granite monolith and its climbing culture. As we are leaving Yosemite Valley, we will make our final stop at Valley View which serves up a panoramic landscape framing the Merced River, El Capitan and the imposing spires of Cathedral Rocks.
Feel the Quiet Grandeur of Giant Sequoias
The highlight of our tour is still ahead of you as we head to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. In this beautiful grove, you'll have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the largest and oldest trees on earth.
Between November and March, when the trail is not safe due to snow and ice accumulation, we substitute the hike with additional time in Yosemite Valley.
By the end of the day, you'll have experienced some of the most incredible landscapes in the world and captured memories to last a lifetime. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Yosemite National Park with us.

Itinerary:
05:20 AM to 10:30 AM - Hotel Pickup, Head to Yosemite
Convenient hotel pickup
Breakfast stop. Pick up snacks and lunch for the park
Your guide prepares you for a day in Yosemite Park
10:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Admire Views of Yosemite Valley
Enter Yosemite National Park
Stop to photograph Tunnel View
Marvel at the beauty of Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome
12:30 PM to 2:30 PM - Explore the Valley On Your Own
Enjoy free time to explore Yosemite Valley
Explore the trail to the Lower Yosemite Falls
Have lunch (meal not included)
2:30 PM to 3:15 PM - Stops at El Capitan and Valley View
Stop at El Capitan Meadow to spot some climbers
Capture the Merced River among granite peaks at Valley View
3:15 PM to 5:00 PM - Hike to Giant Sequoia Redwoods
Make the scenic drive to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
Hike in the Grove of Giant Sequoias (conditions permitting)
5:00 PM to 9:30 PM - Return to San Francisco
Descend the Sierras as you return to San Francisco
Break for dinner
Enjoy the ride as we return to your pickup location

* Times listed are approximations. Traffic and unforeseen events can cause delays. Please do not make flight/travel arrangements on the same day as your tou.
* The Winter Tour typically runs from November to March but exact dates depend on ice and snow conditions.
* What to wear during winter months. Winter clothes, especially shoes or boots withrubber soles and treads are recommended for your Yosemite National Park andGiant Sequoias trip.

Visiting Attractions

Yosemite National Park

El Capitan

Half Dome

Meal

B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

Meeting & Transfer Info

Meeting Point

05:25 AM | San Francisco

Motel 6 2850 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109

05:30 AM | San Francisco

Zephyr Hotel 250 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Meet at Hotel Zephyr Hotel 250 Beach St.

05:30 AM | San Francisco

Avis Car Rental 500 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133

05:40 AM | San Francisco

Hilton Financial District 750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108

Meet at Hilton Financial District at 750 Kearny St.

05:50 AM | San Francisco

JW Marriott 515 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102

05:40 AM | San Francisco

The Jay, Autograph Collection 433 Clay St, San Francisco CA 94111

The Jay, Autograph Collection, Clay Street, San Francisco, CA, USA

05:40 AM | San Francisco

Fairmont San Francisco 950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108

Meet at Fairmont Hotel 950 Mason St.

05:50 AM | San Francisco

Hilton San Francisco Union Square 251 Mason St (meet on the Mason St side), San Francisco, CA 94102

Meet at the Eastern entrance at 251 Mason St.

05:20 AM | San Francisco

Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway 1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109

Meet at the corner of Pine and Van Ness

06:00 AM | San Francisco

The Mosser Hotel 54 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

06:40 AM | Livermore

7 Eleven Convenience Store 891 Airway Blvd, Livermore , CA 94551

What’s Included

Includes

Pick up at major San Francisco hotels
Park reservation and entry fee
Park expert guide (English)
Foreign optional language audios in 8 languages
Comfortable transportation with onboard WiFi

Excludes

Meals or beverages
Guide gratuity
Yosemite Non-Resident Surcharge

Special Notes

Guests may bring luggage, but they need to notify us 72 hours in advance so we can assign an appropriate vehicle. Allowance: Up to 2 free items per guest (1 personal item + 1 overnight bag). Max overnight bag size: 24" x 16" x 10" (60cm x 40cm x 25cm). Additional items: $25 each. Oversized bags: $50 each.
Audio Service: We offer complimentary audio tours now. You need to let us know which language you would like to request. Please leave us a message when you make reservation. we will send the link for the audio guide you need. In the link there is a step by step process on how to download it. You need to download Voicemap and use the code of the language you want to use (which we will provide). Please bring your earphones/headphones, and smart phone (fully charged with the downloaded app)
Please arrive at the pick-up location 10-15 minutes prior to the requested pick-up time.
As a courtesy to fellow passengers, it's important to be on time. If clients are late or miss a scheduled pick-up time for the tour, please contact our office IMMEDIATELY. An alternative pick-up location may be arranged at the customer's expense, subject to availability. Any guest who misses their tour entirely will forfeit their seat on the tour. No refunds will be issued.
Child Seat Policy:
Per California Law, we require that all children occupy a seat (no lap child) and that tour guests bring a car safety seat for all children under 8 years old. Children under the age of 8 who are 4'9' or taller may be secured by a safety belt and don't need a child safety seat. Emergency Child seats may be available upon request. Based on availability.
We will assess a cleaning fee of up to $100 for any passenger who permanently stains or renders this vehicle temporarily unfit for passengers due to spillage of any substance such that the vehicle must be taken out of service and cleaned.
We will always do what we can to make your trip enjoyable, but safety is our first priority so the route and the itinerary may be changed due to snow depth, road conditions, construction projects and detours. The giant sequoias hike on the Yosemite tour is dependent on snow levels and trail conditions from October to April.
We reserve the right to apply at a time of its choosing a surcharge to cover increased fuel prices in the marketplace. We will notify you with prior warning prior to implementing any changes.
We'll not be liable or responsible for any loss or damage due to delays or failure to perform due to causes beyond its reasonable control including, but not limited to: labor strikes, epidemics, war, riots, floods, fire, sabotage, park closures, government shutdowns, adverse traffic, weather conditions, other unpredictable conditions or acts of God. We reserve the right to modify tour plans and to collect full payment for alternative tours due to any of the circumstances above.
Tours require a minimum number of participants to avoid cancellation. If the minimum is not met, we reserve the right to cancel or deliver the tour through another operator.
We operate fully insured DMV/PUC/TCP-licensed vehicles of various sizes. We reserve the right to determine vehicle selection based on safety and load factors. We reserve the right to use other operators and/or subcontractors to operate any advertised tour. We reserve the right to change pick-up locations and times for any tour.
We employ driver-guides who are properly certified and licensed under the laws, rules and regulations of any authority having jurisdiction. All driver-guides are routinely drug tested and qualified in accordance with stipulations of the DMV and Public Utilities Commission, TCP-40453.

The time we mentioned in the itinerary is for reference only. Please refer to your guide on tour for the actual arrangement. The visiting order and duration might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement: If you have traveled to or transited through yellow fever-endemic regions including East African countries (excluding Tanzania) or South American countries, either before or after your trip, you may be required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This requirement can apply not only for joining tours but also for certain flights or entry into specific countries. For more details, please refer to the official site: : Yellow Fever Risk Areas - Fit for Travel

Show All

Should I go to Yosemite or Sequoia first, and are they close to each other?
Great question! The Giant Sequoias and Yosemite are definitely close to each other about 2 hours apart by car which makes them perfect for a combined day tour. Our expertly designed itinerary visits them in the optimal order to avoid crowds and maximize your experience. The Giant Sequoia hike is only available when trail conditions are safe, usually April to October. The hike is a 2-mile round trip on a paved trail with a steep incline on the return. Since Yosemite and the Sequoias are in the same Sierra Nevada region, we can seamlessly visit both locations without the long drives between completely separate destinations. Individuals with respiratory issues or not used to strenuous exercise may skip the hike and wait in the outdoor seating area at the Tuolumne Grove stop.
What is the best time of year to visit Yosemite Valley, and when should you avoid going?
Each season in Yosemite Valley offers its own advantages. Summer is the best chance for sunny and warm hikes, Fall offers peace and solitude at the popular attractions, Winter means a blanket of snow over all the rock monuments and Spring features the peak of the annual Yosemite Valley waterfall show. However, if you're wondering when not to go to Yosemite, be aware that holiday weekends can be extremely crowded, winter weather can close roads to the Giant Sequoias, and mid-summer heat can make hiking less comfortable. We recommend booking weekday tours when possible for smaller crowds and better photo opportunities.
Can you do Yosemite and Sequoia in one day?
Absolutely! Our incredible 1-day tour combines both Yosemite Valley and Giant Sequoias, visiting all the top attractions like Tunnel View, El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and (conditions permitting) the ancient Giant Sequoias in Tuolumne Grove. While many people wonder how many days you need for Yosemite and Sequoia National Park, our optimized itinerary proves you can experience the highlights of both in a single, action-packed day. A longer, multi-day tour allows time to enjoy longer hikes, bike riding, swimming in the Merced River, the night's brilliant stars and more.
What is the cheapest way to visit Yosemite from San Francisco, and can I use my annual pass?
While you might think the cheapest way would be driving yourself and using an annual pass, the reality is different. Unfortunately, you can't use your individual annual pass on our tour because the entrance fee we pay to Yosemite National Park is based on the vehicle and not on individuals, and the entrance is located at a toll gate – not on foot. However, when you factor in gas (8+ hours of driving), parking fees, potential overnight accommodation, and the stress of navigating mountain roads, our guided tours often cost less than going independently. Plus, you get expert commentary, skip-the-line access, and can relax while we handle all the driving. Therefore, the tour cost includes the admission fee and represents excellent value for a hassle-free experience.
How far are the sequoia trees from San Francisco, and do you pick up outside the city?
The Giant Sequoias are about 4-5 hours drive from San Francisco, which is why we handle all the transportation for you. Many people ask if you can take a train from San Francisco to Yosemite, but there's no direct train service that's exactly why our comfortable bus tours are the perfect solution. Our 1-day Yosemite tour picks up in San Jose in the South Bay (make the reservation here), and Livermore in the East Bay. The drive to Yosemite National Park takes approximately 4+ hours each way, which we've factored into our 15-hour tour duration. If you are staying near the San Francisco airport or another location away from the downtown area, we recommend using a ride-sharing service or public transportation to the Hilton Union Square hotel.
Do you offer this tour in different languages?
Our Yosemite tour has live narration in English, but we offer complimentary recorded audio guides in 8 languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, and Portuguese. If an audio guide is required, please specify the language when booking.
What should I bring with me on tour?
The weather in the Sierra Mountains can be unpredictable and you will be spending 4-5 hours outdoors enjoying nature. We recommend that you dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes or hiking sandals (not flip flops). Bring along a light water-resistant jacket, camera or phone, 1-liter water bottle, hat and sunscreen, sturdy umbrella (if the forecast calls for rain), and some cash or a credit card for meals, snacks and souvenirs.
Are meals included? Can I buy or bring my own?
Meals are not included on this tour. We do make a stop about halfway to and from Yosemite, where you can buy food and beverages. There are a few restaurants and a food court in Yosemite Valley. They are usually crowded, so it's a good idea to bring or purchase a picnic lunch prior to arriving in the park.
What stops do we have for photographs?
Your Yosemite tour will make 5-6 stops for you to exit the vehicle and take some photographs although weather and traffic conditions may require your driver to alter the itinerary slightly. The usual stops are: Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Valley View, El Capitan Meadow, and Yosemite Valley View lookout.
What can I do during my free time in Yosemite Valley?
Nice and easy hikes through Cook's Meadow or to Lower Yosemite Falls or the Swinging Bridge can all be done during your free time. On clear days, biking to Yosemite Village, Mirror Lake or the Ahwahnee Hotel are great choices. Finally, the Ancel Adams Gallery is a wonderful showcase of the artist's work. We do not recommend taking the park shuttle since the timing of the return trip can be unpredictable.
Are there restrooms on the bus?
There are no restrooms on the bus, but we plan brief stops approximately every 2 hours to keep you comfortable and refreshed. Most stops include options for snacks and a chance to stretch. If you ever need an extra stop, just let us know, and we'll be happy to accommodate!
Where should I stay when visiting Yosemite and Sequoia?
The beauty of our day tour is that it eliminates the need for accommodation entirely. You can sleep in your own bed in San Francisco! However, if you're looking to extend your trip, we offer several overnight tour options including stays at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, Cedar Lodge, or the unique Bug Lodge experience. For those who prefer the adventure of camping, we also offer tent cabin stays. These overnight options let you experience Yosemite's incredible night sky and early morning tranquility that day-trippers miss.