ABOUT YOSEMITE
When it comes to cliffs and trees, Yosemite National Park truly is the Land of the Giants. Some notables that you’ll see during your one-day experience include El Capitan, standing at just over 3,600 (1,100 meters) feet from base to summit, it stands as tall as three Empire State Buildings stacked on top of each other! You’ll also have a chance to see the tallest waterfall in North America in Yosemite Falls; Bridalveil Falls; and, of course, the jewel of the Sierras, the Giant Sequoias standing silent sentry, watching over the park as they have for thousands of years. Nature has never looked so good!
Experience a Day in Yosemite from San Francisco
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 San Francisco. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as your guide explains how glitter in the American River sparked the California gold rush; what geological forces made Yosemite’s dramatic landscapes; and the role John Muir played in the formation of America’s first protected wilderness.
Be Blown Away by Awe-Inspiring Valley Views
After entering Yosemite National Park, we’ll make our way to a scene made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. Take a moment at Tunnel View. Capture yourself with El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point, and Cathedral Peak as your background.
Once you’ve had your fill of photographs from this perch overlooking the valley, the tour will arrange a memorable stop where you can get eye to eye with wispy Bridalveil Fall.
Have Your Own Yosemite Valley Adventure
After arriving to our stop in Yosemite Valley, you will have 2 hours for lunch and exploring on your own. The free time options include hiking to Yosemite Falls, meandering through Sentinel Meadow, checking out the Ansel Adams Gallery and more.
Take a Moment with More Iconic Monuments
Your Yosemite experience stops next at El Capitan Meadow to learn more about the world’s largest granite monolith and its climbing culture. 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.
Feel the Quiet Grandeur of Giant Sequoias
The highlight of our tour is still ahead of you as we head to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. In this beautiful grove, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the largest and oldest trees on earth.
When the Tuolumne Grove trail is snow-covered or unsafe (November-March), we always spend extra time in Yosemite Valley.
By the end of the day, you’ll have experienced some of the most incredible landscapes in the world and captured memories to last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Yosemite National Park with us.
DURATION
Approximately 15 hours
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Hike to Giant Sequoias (Conditions permitting)
- Stunning views
- Free time to explore Yosemite Valley
- Local expert
- Foreign language audios (8 languages)
- Daily departures
- Convenient pickup at many San Francisco hotels
- WiFi on board the bus
- Park entry fee included at checkout
NOT INCLUDED
- Meals or beverages
- Guide gratuity
Itinerary
05:20 AM to 10:30 AM
Convenient hotel pickup
Breakfast stop. Pick up snacks and lunch for the park
Your guide prepares you for a day in Yosemite Park
10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- Enter Yosemite National Park
*Stop to photograph Tunnel View
- Marvel at the beauty of Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Enjoy free time to explore Yosemite Valley
Explore the trail to the Lower Yosemite Falls
Have lunch (meal not included)
2:00 PM to 2:45 PM
Stop at El Capitan Meadow to spot some climbers
Capture the Merced River among granite peaks at Valley View
2:45 PM to 4:30 PM
- Make the scenic drive to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
- Hike in the Grove of Giant Sequoias (conditions permitting)
4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Descend the Sierras as you return to San Francisco
Break for dinner
Enjoy the ride as we return to your pickup location
** Times listed are approximates only. Traffic and other unforeseen issues can cause delays or changes in these times which are out of our control. Please do not make flight/travel arrangements on the same day as your tour.