Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias 2-Day Semi-Guided Tour

4.3 (37 reviews) 2 days Free cancellation

out of 5

37 reviews

4.3

El Capitan — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias 2-Day Semi-Guided Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Maximize your experience to the wild, natural beauty of Yosemite National Park with an overnight stay in the park. This is the only Yosemite Valley tour from San Francisco where you will experience the solitude of the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, the largest living things on the Earth. After getting your bearings on a guided tour to Yosemite, you’ll enjoy plenty of free time during your two days and a night to hike, bike and explore at your own pace. Capture incredible photos of Yosemite, Nevada and Bridalveil falls, then move on to the granite monuments of El Capitan, Half Dome and more. Guaranteed departures 365 days a year. Arrange your hotel separately, accomodations are NOT included in the tour.

Nature and Wildlife Tours Overnight Tours Multi-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Audio Guides Excellent Quality Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 2 days
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 41 people
People per booking: 1–10
Audio guide: German, Korean, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, French, Spanish
Guide: English
Operated by: Extranomical Tours

Ages: Children (0–11 years) · Adults (12–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: San Francisco pick-up from most hotels
Included: Transportation to Yosemite National Park
Included: Park Entry Fee for U.S. Residents
Included: Drop-off at Yosemite Lodge
Included: Free unique geo-based audio guides in 8 languages

Not included

Not included: Accommodations are not included in this package
Not included: Meals
Not included: Transportation from Yosemite Valley Lodge to your separately-booked accommodation
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Entrance fees: Additional National Park Entrance Fee (Non-U.S. Residents Only) USD 100.00 per person

Itinerary

Day 1 · San Francisco to Yosemite

Stop 1

Passing by

The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, known locally as the Bay Bridge, is a complex of bridges spanning San Francisco Bay in California. As part of Interstate 80 and the direct road between San Francisco and Oakland, it carries about 260,000 vehicles a day on its two decks.
Stop 2

Passing by

The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, known locally as the Bay Bridge, is a complex of bridges spanning San Francisco Bay in California. As part of Interstate 80 and the direct road between San Francisco and Oakland, it carries about 260,000 vehicles a day on its two decks.
Treasure Island

Passing by

Treasure Island is an artificial island in the San Francisco Bay and a neighborhood in the city and county of San Francisco. Built 1936–37 for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition, the island's World’s Fair site is a California Historical Landmark.
Sierra Nevada

Passing by

The Sierra Nevada is a mountain range in the Western United States, between the Central Valley of California and the Great Basin.
Big Oak Flat Road

Passing by

Traveling the historic Big Oak Flat Road from the western entrance of Yosemite National Park across to the Tioga Pass entrance on the east, provides drivers easy access to the stunning beauty of Yosemite’s high country landscapes.
Stop 6

Passing by

The Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park is located on CA Highway 120 roughly 24 miles (39 km) east of Groveland, CA. CA Highway 120 is the most direct route into Yosemite National Park from the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Northern California locations.
Yosemite Valley

12 hours Admission included

Yosemite Valley is a glacial valley in Yosemite National Park in the western Sierra Nevada mountains of Central California. The valley is about 7.5 miles long and approximately 3000–3500 feet deep, surrounded by high granite summits such as Half Dome and El Capitan, and densely forested with pines.
Tunnel View

15 min

Tunnel View is a scenic viewpoint on State Route 41 in Yosemite National Park. Visitors have seen and documented the iconic and expansive views of Yosemite Valley from the overlook since its opening in 1933.
Ansel Adams Gallery

Passing by

Gallery showcasing & selling photography by celebrated landscape artist Ansel Adams, among others.
Bridalveil Fall

Passing by

Bridalveil Fall is one of the most prominent waterfalls in the Yosemite Valley in California, Yosemite National Park.
El Capitan

Passing by

El Capitan, also known as El Cap, is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, located on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. The granite monolith is about 3,000 feet from base to summit along its tallest face, and is a popular objective for rock climbers.
Half Dome

Passing by

Half Dome is a granite dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. It is a well-known rock formation in the park, named for its distinct shape.
Horsetail Fire Fall

Passing by

Horsetail Fall, located in Yosemite National Park in California, is a seasonal waterfall that flows in the winter and early spring. The fall occurs on the east side of El Capitan. Around the second week of February, the setting sun hits Horsetail Fall at just the right angle to illuminate the upper reaches of the waterfall.

Can only be seen at certain time of year
Mist Trail

Passing by

The Mist Trail is one of the most popular short hikes in Yosemite National Park, California, USA. The steep hike follows the Merced River, starting at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley, past Vernal Fall and Emerald Pool, to Nevada Fall.
Stop 15

Passing by

Nevada Fall is a 594-foot high waterfall on the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, California. It is located below the granite dome, Liberty Cap, at the west end of Little Yosemite Valley.
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail

15 min

A quarter-mile (one way) hike to a spectacular mist-blown view from the base of 320-foot Lower Yosemite Falls. Lower Yosemite Falls Hike is a must visit for its accessibility and proximity to this massive waterfall and has spectacular views of both falls.
Merced River

15 min

The Merced River in the central part of the U.S. state of California, is 145 miles (233 km) long. Tenaya, Yosemite, Bridalveil and Pigeon Creeks join the Merced River in Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite Falls

one hour

Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in Yosemite National Park, dropping a total of 2,425 feet from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall
Valley Visitor Center

30 min

The Valley Visitor Center is located in Yosemite Valley and is the largest and most comprehensive in terms of displays, books, postcards and maps. The Valley Visitor Center is open year round and offers natural history displays, audiovisual programs and is staffed with individuals who are happy to answer all your questions.
Stop 20

Passing by

Yosemite Valley Lodge is a favorite choice for families and large groups. Its close proximity to Yosemite Falls makes it the perfect base camp for exploring Yosemite National Park.

No accommodation provided

Day 2 · Yosemite to San Francisco

Stop 1

Passing by

Beneath the grandeur of Glacier Point, Half Dome Village is known for the same warm, hospitable feeling that was instilled by its founders, David and Jennie Curry in 1899.
Stop 2

Passing by

Yosemite Valley Lodge is a favorite choice for families and large groups. Its close proximity to Yosemite Falls makes it the perfect base camp for exploring Yosemite National Park.
Valley Visitor Center

30 min

The Valley Visitor Center is located in Yosemite Valley and is the largest and most comprehensive in terms of displays, books, postcards and maps. The Valley Visitor Center is open year round and offers natural history displays, audiovisual programs and is staffed with individuals who are happy to answer all your questions.
Yosemite Falls

one hour

Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in Yosemite National Park, dropping a total of 2,425 feet from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall
Merced River

15 min

The Merced River in the central part of the U.S. state of California, is 145 miles (233 km) long. Tenaya, Yosemite, Bridalveil and Pigeon Creeks join the Merced River in Yosemite Valley.
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail

15 min

A quarter-mile (one way) hike to a spectacular mist-blown view from the base of 320-foot Lower Yosemite Falls. Lower Yosemite Falls Hike is a must visit for its accessibility and proximity to this massive waterfall and has spectacular views of both falls.
Half Dome

Passing by

Half Dome is a granite dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. It is a well-known rock formation in the park, named for its distinct shape.
El Capitan

Passing by

El Capitan, also known as El Cap, is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, located on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. The granite monolith is about 3,000 feet from base to summit along its tallest face, and is a popular objective for rock climbers.
Bridalveil Fall

Passing by

Bridalveil Fall is one of the most prominent waterfalls in the Yosemite Valley in California, Yosemite National Park.
Ansel Adams Gallery

Passing by

Gallery showcasing & selling photography by celebrated landscape artist Ansel Adams, among others.
Tunnel View

15 min

Tunnel View is a scenic viewpoint on State Route 41 in Yosemite National Park. Visitors have seen and documented the iconic and expansive views of Yosemite Valley from the overlook since its opening in 1933.
Yosemite Valley

12 hours Admission included

Yosemite Valley is a glacial valley in Yosemite National Park in the western Sierra Nevada mountains of Central California. The valley is about 7.5 miles long and approximately 3000–3500 feet deep, surrounded by high granite summits such as Half Dome and El Capitan, and densely forested with pines.
Stop 13

Passing by

The Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park is located on CA Highway 120 roughly 24 miles (39 km) east of Groveland, CA. CA Highway 120 is the most direct route into Yosemite National Park from the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Northern California locations.
Big Oak Flat Road

Passing by

Traveling the historic Big Oak Flat Road from the western entrance of Yosemite National Park across to the Tioga Pass entrance on the east, provides drivers easy access to the stunning beauty of Yosemite’s high country landscapes.
Sierra Nevada

Passing by

The Sierra Nevada is a mountain range in the Western United States, between the Central Valley of California and the Great Basin.
Treasure Island

Passing by

Treasure Island is an artificial island in the San Francisco Bay and a neighborhood in the city and county of San Francisco. Built 1936–37 for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition, the island's World’s Fair site is a California Historical Landmark.
Stop 17

Passing by

The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, known locally as the Bay Bridge, is a complex of bridges spanning San Francisco Bay in California. As part of Interstate 80 and the direct road between San Francisco and Oakland, it carries about 260,000 vehicles a day on its two decks.
Stop 18

Passing by

The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, known locally as the Bay Bridge, is a complex of bridges spanning San Francisco Bay in California. As part of Interstate 80 and the direct road between San Francisco and Oakland, it carries about 260,000 vehicles a day on its two decks.
Stop 19

1 h 15 min

Tuolumne Grove is a serene sequoia grove located in Yosemite National Park, California. It is home to about two dozen mature giant sequoias, including the famous Tunnel Tree, which visitors can walk through. The grove offers a peaceful, shaded 2.5-mile round-trip hike from the trailhead near Crane Flat, with a moderate descent into the grove. It’s a less crowded alternative to Yosemite's Mariposa Grove, providing a tranquil setting to experience these majestic ancient trees.

No accommodation provided

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet at the Mason Street entrance (Eastern entrance) at 5:50 am.

End point

Meet at the Mason Street entrance (Eastern entrance) at 5:50 am.

Pickup points

Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway by IHG
The Mosser
Hotel Fairmont San Francisco
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
The Jay, Autograph Collection
Motel 6 San Francisco, CA – Fisherman’s Wharf

Pick-up details and times are as follows:

5:20 AM – Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway (1500 Van Ness Ave).

5:25 AM – Motel 6 (2850 Van Ness Ave).

5:30 AM – Zephyr Hotel (250 Beach St), Avis Car Rental (500 Beach St).

5:40 AM – Hilton Financial District (750 Kearny St), Fairmont San Francisco (950 Mason St).

5:50 AM – Hilton San Francisco Union Square (251 Mason St), JW Marriott (515 Mason St).

6:00 AM – The Mosser Hotel (54 4th St).

6:40 AM – 7-Eleven Convenience Store, Livermore (891 Airway Blvd, Livermore).

Using your ticket

If your booking is less than 24hrs in advance please contact us immediately to re-confirm and schedule your pickup
Free pickup at most downtown San Francisco and Fisherman's Wharf hotels between 5:20am-6:00am.
It is recommended to check the weather forecast prior and dress appropriately, in summer it can be over 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit (32-38 degrees Celsius) and you may want to take swimming gear with you to cool down, in winter you may be in snow.
During the winter months - please wear winter clothes, especially shoes or boots with rubber soles and treads are recommended. We will always do what we can to make your trip enjoyable, but safety is "Job 1", so the route and itinerary may be changed due to snow depth, road conditions, construction projects and detours.
Access to the Sequoia Grove can be difficult during winter months, generally October through May, and other activities may be substituted at the discretion of the guide.
If you have a child under the age of 8 yrs or under the height of 4' 9", you MUST bring your own child safety seat to use on the tour. If the child is under 8 years and are 4' 9" (1.4 m) or taller they may use a safety belt in lieu of a car seat.
Booster seats may be rented from places such as www.babysaway.com (tour operator nor Viator is affiliated with this site)
On the return day, please contact us at 415-357-0700 to confirm the departure time. Usual time of departure is around 2:00pm.

•If foreign language audio is required: It is recommended to download files onto your device prior to the tour (as reception is not available in certain areas of the tour), please bring along your charged device and earbuds. You will receive the link details via email. If you do not receive prior to your tour, please contact us at: [email protected] or 415-357-0700

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.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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.
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.
The Giant Sequoias Grove is located at a higher elevation and the hike is dependent on trail conditions, especially from October through May. Ice and snow might make the trail unsafe to hike. The decision of whether it is safe to go on the hike will be made on a day by day basis. Therefore, a visit cannot be guaranteed. However, while the trail might be closed, guests get to spend more time in Yosemite Valley. There you can see all the other great sights Yosemite has to offer, including El Capitan, Inspiration Point, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and more.
Since there is limited to no storage within Yosemite, please make sure to only bring what you can easily carry with you. Oversized luggage will be subject to an additional $50 fee from the local operator.
Tour makes stops for breakfast, lunch, and on the trip back for dinner. Meals are not included.
For hotel pickups, please select the Hilton Union Square if your hotel is not listed.
Audio guides are available in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese. Specify language at time of booking under special requirements.
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. Any guest that does not provide their child's safety seat at the time of the tour and does not inform the tour operator in advance may not be allowed to board the tour and will not be subject to refund.
During winter months, temperatures in Yosemite can vary drastically to the ones in San Francisco. Therefore, it is recommend to wear winter clothes, especially shoes or boots with rubber soles and treads.