4.3(3,521 reviews)

Yosemite Highlights & Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco

From$224

12 hours

Commentary: Audio / Guide · de, ko, pt, cmn, ja, en, it, fr, es

About this activity

Discover Yosemite's iconic landmarks and majestic giant sequoias on a guided day tour from San Francisco, including visits to El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall.

Highlights

Explore Yosemite Valley's iconic landmarks
Marvel at the towering Mariposa Grove Sequoias
Capture stunning views of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Sierra Nevada foothills
Experience the natural beauty of Yosemite in a single day

Full description

Beat the crowds with early park entry and experience more of Yosemite in less time. This year-round tour from San Francisco covers the park’s top highlights—from towering granite cliffs to roaring waterfalls and peaceful sequoia groves. Spend 5 full hours inside the park, visiting Yosemite Falls, Tunnel View, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Valley View. You’ll also enjoy a unique hike through the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias—home to the largest living trees on Earth. This tour includes free offline audio guides in multiple languages so you can explore with context — even without cell service. If you want to see more of Yosemite in a single day, this is the way to do it!

Included / Excluded

Hotel pickup and drop-off from most major San Francisco hotels
Comfortable transportation with onboard WiFi
Yosemite entrance fee and daily permit
Five hours inside Yosemite Park with early bird entry
Live local expert guide (English)
Free unique geo-based audio guides in 8 languages

Guide Gratuities
Food and drinks

Itinerary

1

Pass by: 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 tour begins with a convenient hotel pick up in Downtown San Francisco.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

2

Pass by: Enjoy the scenic drive as your guide shares how a flash of gold in the American River sparked the California Gold Rush.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

3

Stop for breakfast and grab a quick bite at a nearby supermarket or Starbucks.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

4

Pass by: Enjoy a scenic drive into Yosemite National Park as you head toward a breathtaking viewpoint made famous by photographer Ansel Adams.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

5

Iconic vista point offering panoramic views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

6

A short walk to the base of this 617-foot waterfall, known for the mist that blows in the wind.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

7

Pass by: Capture a perfect reflection of Half Dome in the Merced River as you drive over Sentinel Bridge.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

8

The heart of the park, where travelers have 2–2.5 hours of free time to grab lunch and explore. Take a walk to Lower Yosemite Falls, hike the Meadow Loop, or just relax and soak in the views at your own pace.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

9

During your free time in the valley, take a walk to Yosemite Falls—one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. Enjoy the views, take photos, and soak in the power and beauty of this natural wonder.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

10

Hop back on the bus and head to El Capitan Meadow, where you’ll stop to discover the world’s largest granite monolith and the legendary climbers who brave its towering cliffs.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

11

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.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

12

A 1-hour and 15-minute stop to hike among a grove of Giant Sequoias—some of the oldest and largest trees on Earth. Standing among these giants is a humbling and unforgettable experience. *When the Tuolumne Grove trail is snow-covered or unsafe (November-March), we always spend extra time in Yosemite Valley.

Duration: 1h 15mAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

13

Pass by: Enjoy a scenic drive through the historic town of Groveland, a charming Gold Rush-era village with rustic buildings and rich California heritage.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

14

On the way back, we’ll stop for dinner at a plaza with fast food, a sandwich shop, a taqueria, Hawaiian BBQ, and a supermarket—something for everyone.

Duration: 40 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

15

Pass by: Wrap up your adventure with a comfortable ride back and drop-off in San Francisco at your original pickup location.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

Tour duration is approximately 12 hours, including travel time.
Meals are not included; consider bringing snacks or purchasing food during stops.
This tour involves moderate walking; ensure you're comfortable with light physical activity.

Know before you go

Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for light hiking.
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

Good to know

Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older will be charged an additional $100 park entry fee per person after completing their booking. This fee will be collected by the tour operator via a separate payment link. Note that holders of the “America the Beautiful Non-Resident Pass” do not pay the $100 fee; the $250 pass covers up to 4 people at the entrance.
From November to March, when the trail is unsafe due to snow and ice, we replace the Sequoia hike with extra time in Yosemite Valley.
The tour stops around 8:30am for breakfast, 1pm for lunch, and 6pm for dinner on the way back. Meals are not included.
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
Winter in Yosemite is much colder than San Francisco. Wear warm clothes and shoes with rubber soles and good traction.

Traveler reviews

4.3

3,521 reviews

5

2,342

4

567

3

264

2

181

1

167

Amazing scenic tour with...

Amazing scenic tour with the wonderful Glenda, who really took care of us throughout the trip! We went from the snowy sequoia trail to some picture/viewpoint stops along the way to yosemite valley, to breathtaking views of the falls up close. Quite pricey but worth it for a once in a lifetime experience.

Tamara_FMay 30, 2026VIATOR

Great park!

Gino was a great driver and tour guide. Thanks for your jokes and great attitude, it was raining the whole day, however, we had fun.

Nataly_DMay 29, 2026VIATOR

A trip to remember

Yosemite is an amazing place to visit. Toby, the driver/ guide is very knowledgeable and efficient. The trip is highly recommended.

Susan_SMay 28, 2026VIATOR

Amazing views with interesting stories

Amazing day out, brought to life by our amazing guide, Andy Howse. He was so entertaining and informative. A beautiful setting, for interesting stories, well told.

Q9888GMchriscMay 28, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Fantastic tour with very...

Fantastic tour with very knowledgeable and organized guide Toby. Whole tour was planned carefully and gave us enough time for everything. And finally, Yosemite is a place everyone should see with their own eyes, none of photos or videos can make that feeling of fresh air, smell and grandiosity of this beautiful place

MARIAM_CMay 28, 2026VIATOR

Additional information

From November to March, when the trail is unsafe due to snow and ice, we replace the Sequoia hike with extra time in Yosemite Valley. Winter in Yosemite is much colder than San Francisco. Wear warm clothes and shoes with rubber soles and good traction. The tour stops around 8:30am for breakfast, 1pm for lunch, and 6pm for dinner on the way back. Meals are not included. 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