Yosemite National Park’s breathtaking landscapes and towering Giant Sequoias have long captivated visitors. This full-day tour from San Francisco offers the chance to experience these natural wonders firsthand. From iconic viewpoints to guided hikes, the itinerary promises a comprehensive exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time Yosemite traveler, this tour promises to leave you in awe of the park’s majesty.
Key Points
Key Points:
- A full-day tour from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park and the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, lasting approximately 14-15 hours.
- Stops at iconic landmarks like Tunnel View, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall, with opportunities for hiking and exploration in Yosemite Valley.
- Includes a 1.5-hour hike through the Tuolumne Grove to see towering Giant Sequoia trees, weather permitting.
- Offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and features an English-speaking guide with optional audio guides in multiple languages.
- Provides a well-paced itinerary with strategic breaks to maximize time at destinations, and recommends comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
Tour Overview
This full-day tour offers travelers the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of Yosemite National Park and the Giant Sequoias from San Francisco.
Priced from $209 per person, the tour lasts 14-15 hours with pickup from multiple locations in the city.
A 14-15 hour tour exploring Yosemite National Park and the Giant Sequoias from San Francisco, priced from $209 per person with pickup from multiple locations.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
The itinerary includes stops at iconic landmarks like Tunnel View, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall, as well as time for hiking, swimming, and sightseeing in Yosemite Valley.
The tour provides a live English-speaking guide and optional audio guides in 8 languages.
Looking for more options in Oakdale? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour’s itinerary highlights a mix of transportation and sightseeing.
Guests will take a 2-hour bus ride to Turlock for a 30-minute break before continuing on to Yosemite National Park. Upon arrival, they’ll have 2 hours to explore the valley, with optional photo stops at landmarks like Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall.
The return journey includes a dinner break in Oakdale. Weather permitting, the tour also features a 1.5-hour hike through the Tuolumne Grove to see the giant sequoia trees.
Throughout the day, guests can enjoy the live guide’s commentary or use the provided audio guide.
Travel Time Breakdown
How does the tour’s travel time break down?
The journey begins with a 2-hour drive from San Francisco to Turlock, where a 30-minute break is provided.
Next, the bus travels for 2 hours to reach Yosemite National Park.
After exploring the park, the return trip takes 2 hours, with a 40-minute dinner break in Oakdale.
In total, the tour spans 14 to 15 hours, allowing ample time to fully experience the natural wonders of Yosemite and the Giant Sequoias.
The transportation plan ensures a well-paced itinerary with strategic breaks to maximize the time spent at the iconic destinations.
Key Stops in Yosemite
Once the bus arrives at Yosemite National Park, the tour takes visitors to several iconic landmarks and scenic viewpoints.
The first stop is Tunnel View, offering a stunning panoramic vista of the valley’s granite cliffs and waterfalls. Next, the tour provides optional photo opportunities at Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall.
Guests then have 2 hours to explore Yosemite Valley, where they can hike, swim, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery. The tour may also visit El Capitan and Tuolumne Meadows, time permitting.
Finally, the group hikes for 1.5 hours through the Tuolumne Grove to see the towering Giant Sequoia trees.
More Great Tours NearbyGuided Tour and Audio Guide
What sets this Yosemite tour apart is its guided and audio experiences. A live English-speaking guide leads the tour, providing insightful commentary.
Guests can also access an optional GPS-triggered audio guide in 8 languages, enabling them to learn at their own pace without relying on WiFi. The audio guide offers a seamless, self-directed way to discover Yosemite’s iconic landmarks like Yosemite Falls and El Capitan.
Whether you prefer a guided experience or the flexibility of an audio tour, this Yosemite excursion caters to diverse learning styles and language preferences for a well-rounded exploration of the park.
Experiences and Activities
Yosemite National Park offers visitors a wealth of experiences and activities to enjoy the stunning natural landscapes.
From exploring the iconic Yosemite Valley to hiking among the majestic Giant Sequoias, the tour provides opportunities to connect with the park’s breathtaking wonders:
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Witness the awe-inspiring grandeur of landmarks like Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome.
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Set out on a guided hike through the Tuolumne Grove, surrounded by the ancient, towering Sequoia trees.
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Spend time freely exploring the valley, hiking, swimming, or simply taking in the serene beauty.
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Capture unforgettable memories with photo stops at scenic viewpoints like the Tunnel View.
Important Considerations
To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, there are a few important considerations for this Yosemite National Park tour. Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and pack weather-appropriate clothing. Oversize luggage is not allowed on the bus. California law requires car seats for children under 8 or under 4’9". Between November and March, the hike may be substituted with additional time in Yosemite Valley due to snow and ice.
| Consideration | Requirement |
| — | — |
| Footwear | Comfortable shoes |
| Clothing | Weather-appropriate |
| Luggage | No oversize items |
| Child Safety | Car seats for under 8/4’9" |
| Seasonal Hike | Potential substitution for snow/ice |
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the quality of the guides, who are described as knowledgeable and friendly.
The tour receives an impressive overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on over 1,400 reviews.
Key highlights include:
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Guide Quality: 4.6/5
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Transportation: 4.2/5
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Value for Money: 4.1/5
Travelers particularly appreciate the guides’ expertise and passion for sharing Yosemite’s natural wonders.
While the transportation earns solid ratings, some suggest room for bus quality improvements.
Ask Away
What Time Does the Tour Depart From San Francisco?
The tour departs from various pickup locations in San Francisco, including major hotels and landmarks. Pickup is included, and the exact departure time varies depending on the location but typically ranges from 6:30 AM to 7:15 AM.
Is There Any Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. It’s a set 14-15 hour tour that departs from San Francisco and covers Yosemite National Park and the Giant Sequoias. Customers have the flexibility to explore the sites at their own pace during the scheduled stops.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, there are also opportunities to purchase meals and snacks during the scheduled breaks. Bringing a packed lunch or snacks can help maximize the time spent exploring the sites.
Is It Possible to Visit the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias?
Yes, it’s possible to visit the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias as part of this tour. The itinerary includes 1.5 hours of hiking among the ancient trees, weather permitting.
Do the Tour Guides Provide Commentary During the Bus Rides?
Yes, the tour guides provide live commentary in English during the bus rides. They also offer optional audio guides in 8 languages that are GPS-triggered and don’t require WiFi.
Final Words
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Yosemite National Park and the majestic Giant Sequoias on this full-day tour from San Francisco. With an expert guide, experience iconic sights, take a scenic hike, and learn about the park’s natural wonders, all while benefiting from the convenience of roundtrip transportation and the flexibility of free cancellation. This 14-15 hour adventure offers an unforgettable opportunity to discover the stunning beauty of one of America’s most renowned national parks.
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