1-Day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour from San Francisco/San Jose
5.0
73 reviews
Had a fantastic action packed day...our guide/driver Gino was great... VERY knowledgeable and funny. The bus though was a beat up old banger...it rattled away all day, no toilet on board and no WiFi hook up or charging station.. It was a shame however it didn't take away from the beauty of Yosemite ?... I would recommend the tour BUT I WOULD TELL them about the awful bus Jenny from Ireland
Jenny, 2022-08-12
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US$219 ￥1482 €191 C$308 Rs.21089
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Child age: 0-11
Highlights
Experience an inspiring one-day tour to Yosemite National Park’s towering granite peaks, cascading waterfalls, and scenic nature trails—the true jewel of the national park system. Named the best Yosemite tour from San Francisco by the Travel and Hospitality Awards, this tour includes five hours in the park, expert guided commentary, and a unique hike to the Giant Sequoias. Year after year, this experience earns more 5-star guest reviews than any other Yosemite tour out of SF.
- Skip the line with an early bird arrival at Yosemite’s group tour gate
- Spend the most time in Yosemite National Park - 2 hours free time in the Valley
- Stops at Bridalveil Fall, Tunnel View, El Capitan Meadow, Valley View, and Yosemite Falls
- Hike to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias (weather permitting)
- Guaranteed daily departures
- $100 Non Res Fee Nonresident Fee Notice: 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 payment link or on the bus at the start of your tour. Note that “America the Beautiful Non-Resident Pass” holders do not pay the $100 fee, the $250 pass covers up to 4 people at the entrance.
Dates & Prices
Price in USD (per person)
Itinerary
(Conditions Permitting)*
- 05:20 AM to 10:30 AM
Convenient hotel pickup
Learn about Yosemite and California as you cross the Central Valley
Breakfast stop. Pick up snacks and lunch for the park
Enter Yosemite National Park
- 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Admire Yosemite Valley and Half Dome from Tunnel View
Relax and enjoy the view as you descend into Yosemite Valley
Feel the mist on your face at Bridalveil Fall
- 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Free time to explore Yosemite Valley
Enjoy our guided audio tour of Yosemite Valley
Photograph the Merced River from the Swinging Bridge
Hike to the platform at the base of Yosemite Falls
- 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Reboard the bus and head to El Capitan to spot some climbers
Take a group photo at Valley View vista point
Hike the Tuolumne Grove trail to Giant Sequoia redwoods (conditions permitting)
- 4:30 to 9:00 PM
Reflect on your day as you leave the Sierra Nevada Mountains
Stop for a dinner break
Watch as the sun sets into California’s golden hills
Conclude the tour at your pickup location
* 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.
Yosemite National Park, CA
Yosemite National Park in central California is best known for the amazing granite cliffs of the Yosemite Valley as well as the towering Yosemite Falls and Sequoias. Millions of people every year journey to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bridal Veil Falls
Located in the Yosemite Valley California's Yosemite National Park, Bridal Veil Falls are one of the park's most famous sites. Millions of people every year come to see the 617-foot-high waterfall, which flows year-round.
El Capitan
The largest granite monolith in the world, El Capitan is located across from Bridalveil Falls in Yosemite National Park. It juts up about 3,000 feet from the ground, and is a favorite of experienced rock climbers.
Half Dome
The Half Dome is one of the most recognizable formations in California's Yosemite National Park. It is known the world over as a challenging and rewarding hiking and mountain climbing location, attracting thousands of adventurers every year.
Tunnel View
One of Yosemite National Park's most popular outlooks, the Tunnel View near the Wawona Tunnel is often the first look at some of the famous formations visitors get. The site was renovated and re-dedicated in October of 2008.
Yosemite Falls
The Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park, California are the highest known waterfall in all of North America. The Falls are on one of the park's most famous attractions, especially in the spring when they have the most water.
Customize your multi-day Yosemite National Park tour from San Francisco with a stay at the charming Cedar Lodge. Enjoy free time to explore the park and it's wilderness, stunning granite cliffs, Giant Sequoias, and breathtaking waterfalls. This 5-star tour introduces you to both summer and winter activities in Yosemite, along with the history, geology, and wildlife that make Yosemite Valley the gem of U.S. National Parks.
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.
Departure & Return
- Please note the pickup service is NOT available from residential addresses. This tour pick up from most hotels in these areas: Union Square, Financial District, SOMA, Van Ness Ave, Nob Hill, and Civic Center.
- San Jose Pick up: 5:45am at Signia by Hilton San Jose - 170 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113. Pick-up is available Friday through Monday.
- The return time to San Francisco is about 8:30 - 9:30 PM. We will drop-off customers the same location we pick-up from. Traffic and other unforeseen issues can cause delays or changes in these time which are out of our control. You'd better not make flight/travel arrangements on the same day as your tour.
- Pickup Service: Complimentary pick-up service is available from most hotels in downtown San Francisco or Fisherman's Wharf area. Please call local tour operator to re-confirm pick up time. Exact pick-up time will be provided upon reconfirmation 24 hours prior to the tour.
Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Additional Notes
- Please keep in mind that the tour duration may be too long for infants, but we leave this at your discretion.
- Luggage policy: Customers are allowed up to two items (ie. 1 Personal item (purses, small day packs, camera cases etc.)+ 1 standard bag (a maximum dimension of 22 X 14 X 9 in) ) to travel free of charge. These items must be within the size limitations. Each additional item above the allowance will incur a $50 excess luggage fee. If customers bring Oversize luggage, they MUST inform us at least 48 hours prior to your tour, since space is very limited.
- This tour has a 10 passenger minimum requirement. Tour will get confirmed until it reaches the requirement.
New Fee Policy for Foreign Visitors to Yosemite National Park
Policy Basis: This is an administrative policy change (Executive Order/Interior Department rule) by the U.S. Department of the Interior, effective January 1, 2026. It is considered a force majeure event or policy adjustment.
Key Regulations for Yosemite:
-
Foreign Visitor Surcharge: All non-U.S. residents aged 16 and above must pay an additional $100 per person fee on top of the standard park entrance fee.
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Annual Pass Option: Non-U.S. residents can purchase a $250 annual pass covering this surcharge at all affected parks, including Yosemite. The pass will also cover the nonresident fees for up to three additional adults in the pass holder's group.
Important Notes:
-
Government-issued photo ID may be required at entry to verify residency.
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All resulting costs are the traveler's responsibility.
-
Policies
Child fare only applies to children under 11 years old
Please note that under California laws, children under 8 years old must have car seats protection. Customers need to bring car seats by themselves. If not, tour operator will not allow children on bus.
Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a receipt of booking by email. All tours can be will be confirmed within 1-2 business day.
You will receive an confirmation email (e-ticket) after your order was received.
Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your
destination, are included on your Confirmation Email (e-ticket). When you
reserve your attractions and services you will be asked to print e-tickets to
present when you arrive at your destination. You must print the e-tickets and
take them along on your trip; they are your proof of purchase.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The purchase of any travel services represents your acceptance Terms & Conditions set out herein. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand these Terms & Conditions prior to booking.
The purchase of any travel services represents your acceptance Terms & Conditions set out herein. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand these Terms & Conditions prior to booking.
Booking changes
A fee may be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. Name changes or corrections may be treated as a cancellation and cancellation fees will apply. A change of tour date or tour itinerary may be treated as a cancellation, and normal cancellation fees will apply. Please be noted that we do not allow departure change 48 hours before departure.
A fee may be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. Name changes or corrections may be treated as a cancellation and cancellation fees will apply. A change of tour date or tour itinerary may be treated as a cancellation, and normal cancellation fees will apply. Please be noted that we do not allow departure change 48 hours before departure.
Cancellations and Cancellation Fees
Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed and pending bookings. Therefore, cancellation penalties and or fees will apply. Time of cancellation will be determined when notice is received and confirmed by our office. Notice of cancellation must be made directly to TakeTours by email or through web mail at Contact Us .
Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed and pending bookings. Therefore, cancellation penalties and or fees will apply. Time of cancellation will be determined when notice is received and confirmed by our office. Notice of cancellation must be made directly to TakeTours by email or through web mail at Contact Us .
Cancellation penalties per order for 1-day or half day tours
(Notification day and departure day are not counted)
2 days or more prior to departure - the greater of $35.
Within 2 days prior to departure - 100% of total purchase amount.
Day of departure or no show - 100% per person.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
Trips require a minimum number of participants to avoid cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel a schedule trip to fully refund affected customers although tour companies will make every efforts to maintain the normal operation.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
(Notification day and departure day are not counted)
2 days or more prior to departure - the greater of $35.
Within 2 days prior to departure - 100% of total purchase amount.
Day of departure or no show - 100% per person.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
Trips require a minimum number of participants to avoid cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel a schedule trip to fully refund affected customers although tour companies will make every efforts to maintain the normal operation.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
Itinerary Variations
We constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary - we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods duplicate departures may operate, and sometimes in reverse order in which case hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages.
We constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary - we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods duplicate departures may operate, and sometimes in reverse order in which case hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages.
Tour Cancellation:
We reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. If cancellation is made any time prior to departure* of the tour, TakeTours' only liability will be to refund to the passenger the amount it has received for the tour booking. We will try to re-book the same or similar tour.. Please note that we are not liable for any cancellation penalties incurred on any other travel arrangements including air tickets purchased separately from customers.
We are not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations.
We reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. If cancellation is made any time prior to departure* of the tour, TakeTours' only liability will be to refund to the passenger the amount it has received for the tour booking. We will try to re-book the same or similar tour.. Please note that we are not liable for any cancellation penalties incurred on any other travel arrangements including air tickets purchased separately from customers.
We are not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations.
Q & A (50)
Popular FAQs
This tour includes roundtrip transportation from San Francisco, guided commentary, and scheduled time inside Yosemite National Park and Sequoia areas. Park entry is included for U.S. residents, while non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older are subject to an additional park entry fee as noted on the page.
This is a full-day tour that usually lasts around 12–15 hours including travel time from San Francisco and back. You’ll spend several hours inside Yosemite and near the giant sequoias sightseeing and walking.
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off from most major San Francisco hotels is included, so you only need to be ready at your hotel on the departure day.
Yes, most guests including families and first-time visitors find this tour enjoyable, though it involves long travel and walking at scenic stops. Children and adults alike can appreciate the iconic natural scenery.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water and sun protection, and consider layers as mountain temperatures can vary. You may also bring snacks or purchase food during breaks.
Highlights typically include iconic Yosemite Valley views like El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls, and scenic overlooks such as Tunnel View. Guests often enjoy photo stops and short walks to key viewpoints.
Meals and drinks are generally not included, and guests should plan to bring snacks or purchase food during scheduled breaks. Some tours may make lunch stops.
Spring to early summer is often ideal due to fuller waterfalls and milder temperatures, while autumn offers colorful foliage; winter may limit access to some areas due to snow.
No matching FAQ found.
Customer Q & As
Ask a QuestionHi,
I would be arriving at 5:30 AM to SFO on 30th Nov to the bus station which is very near to the Fisherman's Wharf. Will it be possible to pick me up from Fisherman's Wharf itself? Also till what time will the pickup be provided to Fisherman's Wharf side customers?
Dear Mohini,
Thank you for your interest at TakeTours.
Unfortunately we do not have pickup available from Fisherman's Wharf itself. There is pickup available from the hotels in the Fisherman's Wharf area, you can go back on our website and there is a list from which you can see the different hotel pickups.
Best Regards,
DianaP
Hi,
I was considering to join this trip from the San Jose pickup point of Fairmont hotel. Could you please confirm the drop off point (as it is no explicitly mentioned on the website) and approximately at what time?
Thanks
Swati
Hi，Can you show us your tour code(next to the title)??Let us check for you. Thanksï¼
I would like to start trip from fairmont hotel san jose and return to somewhere san francisco downtown.
Can I bring my big travel bag to tour bus?
Because I need to change my hotel at tour day so I have to bring all my things.
What type of cloths do I need to prepare, my tour day is 17 MAY.
Thanks
Hello
Thank you for the question.
Customers are allowed up to two items (ie. 1 Personal item + 1 standard bag) to travel free of charge. These items must be within the size limitations. Each additional item above the allowance will incur a $25 excess luggage fee.Bags that weigh up to 50 lbs and have a maximum dimension of 62" (linear). Any Oversize luggage larger than the Standard Bag size is $50. If customers bring Oversize luggage, they MUST inform us at least 48 hours prior to your tour, since space is very limited. And please put comfortable clothing since the they will be a lot of walking. Thank you
Hello, me and my family will stay in Beresford Hotel 635 Sutter St. Could you pick us up at the hotel. We plan to take the tour in May 6, 2019. Can you estimate the weather at that time. Thanks a lot.
There would be pickup service in Beresford Hotel 635 Sutter St. As for the weather condition, you may see it online and decide if you want to change the departure date according to the weather forecast, thank you.
Hello. I live in San jose, CA. If you pick me up at San jose, will you drop me off at the same place where you picked me up? There is no information about return.
Thank you!
Dear customer,
Usually tour will drop off at same location.
Please send request to us after book this tour.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact with us.
Reviews (73)
Please post your review to earn 100 points and help other travelers make confident decisions.
Had a fantastic action packed day...our guide/driver Gino was great... VERY knowledgeable and funny.
The bus though was a beat up old banger...it rattled away all day, no toilet on board and no WiFi hook up or charging station.. It was a shame however it didn't take away from the beauty of Yosemite ?... I would recommend the tour BUT I WOULD TELL them about the awful bus
Jenny from Ireland
I recommend this tour!
This was an amazing one day trip to explore giant sequoias and Yosemite National Park! Highly recommend it!
I recommend this tour!
Denise was the best tour guide and driver ever. She was very knowledgeable and caring. She made sure to provide a lot of historical tidbits and local color. Before the trip ended, she even shared tips on places to go and restaurants not to miss. She also prioritized letting us make the most out of our Yosemite tour even if it meant she had to go home late.
I was super zonked after the tour and might have forgotten to give her gratuity to express my appreciation. I wish I hadn't! She deserves it!
I recommend this tour!
Excellent trip! Our guide, Deneen was very knowledgeable, professional, and entertaining. I highly recommend this tour.
I recommend this tour!
My guide tried to cover every point of attraction in spite of tourist rush in weekend. I recommend this tour.
I recommend this tour!
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