Yosemite & Giant Sequoias Day Trip

From$239
12 hours
San Francisco, USA

About this activity

Experience Yosemite's iconic landmarks and towering Giant Sequoias on a guided day trip from San Francisco, including visits to El Capitan and Mariposa Grove.

Highlights

  • Explore Yosemite's iconic landmarks
  • Marvel at towering Giant Sequoias
  • Guided insights into park's history
  • Breathtaking views of El Capitan
  • Visit the serene Mariposa Grove

Full description

Join us for an unforgettable day trip from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park, where you'll witness the majestic beauty of El Capitan and the towering Giant Sequoias. Our expert guides will lead you through the park's most iconic landmarks, sharing fascinating insights into its history and ecology. Stroll through the serene Mariposa Grove, home to some of the world's oldest and largest trees. This adventure offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and educational enrichment, making it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

Included / Excluded

  • Round-trip transportation from San Francisco
  • Guided tour of Yosemite National Park
  • Visit to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Pass by: Drive across bridge on the way to Yosemite

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Pass by: California's agricultural heartland, visible during the long drive to the Sierra foothills.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Drive to one of the most beautiful views of the Yosemite valley from above

Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
4

Pass by: The tour follows this scenic river canyon as it enters the national park.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

Spend free time experiencing the valley

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
6

Stop for photos

Duration: 20 minAdmission: YES
7

Walk to the 4th tallest waterfalls in the world

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
8

Stop to look for climbers on the granite wall

Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
9

See some of the biggest trees on the planet.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES
10

Walk to the falls for photos

Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES

Important information

Know before you book

  • This tour involves moderate walking; ensure you're comfortable with this level of activity.
  • Meals and beverages are not included; consider bringing your own or purchasing along the way.
  • The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for varied terrain.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
  • Pack a light jacket, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Stroller Accessible
  • Service Animals Allowed
  • Easy Public Transport
  • Infant Seats Available

Good to know

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Car seat required for children 8 years old and under; not provided
  • Please Note: National Park fees may apply for international visitors. If applicable, this fee is collected in-destination and not at the time of booking.

Traveler reviews

4.9
3,999 reviews
5
3,750
4
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3
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25

Great tour!

This tour was awesome and our tour guide, Derek, was the best. He was very engaging and very knowledgeable and helpful. He was also great at taking pictures. The tour was long but worth it.

Manuel_RJul 5, 2026VIATOR

Out of the World Experience

The tour was the highlight of our trip to SF! Calder from Best Bay was an excellent guide who ensured that we were prepared for the day and kept us engaged with facts and trivia throughout the ride. The Yosemite park is a visit that cannot be expressed in words - the expanse and magnanimity of the rocky cliffs that engulf the valley make you experience the history of the glacial movements and transport you to a world away from your regular life. There was a lot of walking and a decent hike to see the sequoia trees, so we recommend good walking shoes, a refillable water bottle and a sun hat with sunscreen for people with skin prone to sunburn. The time spent in the Yosemite Valley towards the end of the tour was magical - exploring the trails and the Merced River beaches was so relaxing. We also spotted some climbers in action on El Capitan, which led to an incredible documentary we watched on our drive back to the city. The size of the van was also ideal, allowing for a more personalized trip experience and helping us make new friends as we clicked each other's pictures in front of the iconic views.

StutigargJul 5, 2026TRIPADVISOR

The driver was very fast....

The driver was very fast. Food stops were disappointing. Lastly, we were not informed that the hike was going to be strenuous.

Alison_MJul 4, 2026VIATOR

Very well organised tour....

Very well organised tour. Good communication, knowledgeable driver guide and comfortable transport all enhanced the experience. We had perfect weather- 25C and sunny - no queues to enter the park and minimal traffic in the park. Although it is a long day, it didn’t feel it. Thoroughly recommend to anyone with a single day to spare in SF.

Gillian_RJul 4, 2026VIATOR

The Best Way to See Yosemite – Thank You, Sharon!

​If you are thinking about booking a small group tour to Yosemite, do it—and make sure you get Sharon as your guide! ​The small group dynamic was perfect because it allowed us to move efficiently, get off the beaten path. Sharon was fantastic. Her passion for Yosemite’s history, geology, and wildlife was contagious, and she knew exactly how to pace the day so we saw the iconic sights without feeling rushed. She went above and beyond to make sure we all had an amazing time. 10/10 experience!

Harsha_KJul 4, 2026VIATOR

Additional information

Children must be accompanied by an adult Car seat required for children 8 years old and under; not provided