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Explore the iconic granite cliffs of Yosemite Valley and walk among ancient, towering trees on these guided trips. Choose from multi-day adventures, private SUV excursions, or convenient day trips departing from San Francisco and San Jose.
Free Cancellation Experience Yosemite’s iconic waterfalls and giant sequoias on a small-group day trip from San Francisco.
Free Cancellation Beat the crowds with an early-entry tour from San Francisco, spending five hours among Yosemite’s peaks and sequoias.
Free Cancellation A direct day trip from San Jose to Yosemite’s granite peaks, waterfalls, and the giant sequoias of Tuolumne Grove.
Free Cancellation A guided day trip through Yosemite Valley including a 2.5-mile hike to the ancient Sequoias of Tuolumne Grove.
Free Cancellation A private day trip from San Francisco to Yosemite’s granite cliffs, Glacier Point, and ancient giant sequoia groves.
Free Cancellation A two-day Yosemite trip from San Francisco featuring the Giant Sequoias and ample free time to explore the valley.
Free Cancellation See Yosemite's highlights in a day, from Giant Sequoia groves to the panoramic views at Glacier Point and Tunnel View.
New Walk among giant sequoias and see Yosemite's famous landmarks on this full-day guided naturalist tour.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Yosemite — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Sierra Nevada with a guided tour of Yosemite National Park and its ancient giant sequoias. Whether you are gazing up at towering granite monoliths, feeling the mist of thundering waterfalls, or walking among the largest trees on Earth, these tours offer a seamless way to experience California's most dramatic natural landscapes without the hassle of driving.
Stand in awe at the base of North America's tallest waterfall, which plunges a massive 2,425 feet in three drops. If you visit during the peak flow of late spring, you will feel the heavy mist on your face as you walk the paved lower trail.
Take in the iconic panoramic vista that serves as the perfect introduction to Yosemite Valley. This breathtaking viewpoint perfectly frames the granite walls of El Capitan, the sweeping Bridalveil Fall, and the distant peak of Half Dome.
Hike through peaceful, shaded groves like Tuolumne or Mariposa to stand beneath ancient giants. Walking among these massive, centuries-old trees offers a humbling perspective on nature's scale and the park's biological diversity.
Look up at the sheer 3,000-foot granite face of the largest monolith in the United States from the valley floor. If you look closely from El Capitan Meadow, you might spot brave rock climbers slowly scaling the massive wall.
Available on select private tours or summer itineraries, high-altitude viewpoints like Glacier Point provide an expansive, bird's-eye view of Half Dome and the high country. It is a spectacular vantage point for understanding the park's glacial geology.
Planning a day trip to Yosemite requires a bit of preparation, especially regarding park fees, physical requirements, and seasonal weather changes. Here are the essential details to keep in mind before reserving your tour.
You can choose from small 15-passenger van day trips, fully private SUV excursions, or 2-day semi-guided options. Small group vans tend to move faster than large coaches, allowing for more frequent stops and less time spent boarding.
Most tours include the standard $35 vehicle entrance fee for US residents. However, non-US residents aged 16 and older must pay an additional $100 per person fee, which is usually collected separately by the tour operator via a payment link or at the gate.
While the valley floor is mostly flat, the hike to see the giant sequoias requires a moderate level of fitness. The trail involves steep inclines and is not recommended for individuals with severe back, heart, or knee problems.
If you book a tour between November and March, snow and ice often make the sequoia grove trails unsafe. Tour operators typically substitute this hike with extra sightseeing time down in the warmer Yosemite Valley.
California law mandates that children under 8 years old and under 4' 9" in height must be in a car safety seat. Tour operators do not provide these seats, so you must bring your own or you will be denied boarding without a refund.
Standard group day trips from San Francisco do not include meals, though they stop for breakfast, lunch, and dinner along the route. Private tours often include snacks, water, and sometimes a picnic lunch.
The majority of Yosemite tours offer a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Always double-check your specific ticket, as a few private operators have strict all-sales-final policies.
| Small Group Day Trip | Private Tour | 2-Day Semi-Guided Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 14-15 hours | 10-12 hours | 48 hours |
| Best for | Solo travelers and couples wanting a guided overview | Families and small groups wanting a customized pace | Travelers wanting extra time to hike and explore independently |
| Transportation | 15-passenger van with WiFi | Private SUV or Minivan | Coach bus to valley, then independent |
| Price from | $224 | $500 - $1,200 per group | $279 |
Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can enter and exit the park at any time.
However, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind:
Driving from San Francisco to Yosemite Valley takes about four hours (195 miles). If you are driving, it is highly recommended to arrive before 9 AM or after 5 PM to avoid severe traffic congestion at the entrance gates.
If you prefer public transit, you have a few options:
The best time to visit Yosemite depends heavily on what you want to see:
Yosemite is highly accommodating for visitors with limited mobility. The park features several wheelchair-accessible, paved trails, including the eastern portion of the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, Cook's Meadow Loop, and the trail to Bridalveil Fall.
The free Valleywide shuttle buses are fully accessible, equipped with wheelchair lifts and tie-down systems. If you need mobility equipment, manual wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for rent at the Yosemite Valley Lodge.
Yosemite Valley is well-equipped with visitor facilities, including restrooms, restaurants, and a medical clinic. To stay hydrated in the high-elevation air, you can refill reusable bottles at various filtered water stations throughout the park.
Food Storage: If you are driving yourself, you must use the provided metal bear-proof food lockers at night. Leaving food or scented items in vehicles overnight is illegal, as black bears can easily break car windows to get to it.
Because Yosemite is federal land, strict rules apply to protect the wildlife and environment:
Most tours include the standard $35 vehicle entrance fee for US residents. However, non-US residents aged 16 and older must pay an additional $100 per person fee, which is usually collected separately by the tour operator.
No, a vehicle reservation is not required to enter Yosemite National Park in 2026. You will only need to pay the standard entrance fee when you arrive at the gate.
Not necessarily. Between November and March, the trails to the sequoia groves are often covered in ice and snow, making them unsafe. Tour operators usually substitute the hike with extra time in Yosemite Valley.
Yes, but California law requires that children under 8 years old and under 4' 9" in height use a car safety seat. You must bring your own car seat, as tour operators do not provide them.
The hike to groves like Tuolumne requires a moderate level of physical fitness. It involves steep inclines on the way back up and is not recommended for people with severe back, heart, or knee problems.
Standard group day trips generally do not include meals, but they make scheduled stops for breakfast, lunch, and dinner where you can purchase food. Private tours, however, sometimes include a picnic lunch or snacks.
No, bear spray is strictly prohibited and illegal to carry within Yosemite National Park. You are required to manage bear encounters by practicing proper food storage instead.
No, launching, landing, or operating drones is completely prohibited on all lands and waters within Yosemite to protect the natural soundscape and wildlife.
You should dress in layers to prepare for sudden temperature changes and wear sturdy shoes with good traction. If visiting in the winter, temperatures are much colder than San Francisco, so heavy winter gear is essential.
The waterfalls are most impressive in late spring and early summer, typically during May and June. By August or September, many waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, can dry up completely.
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This day trip departs from San Francisco for a guided exploration of Yosemite National Park. By using 15-passenger vans rather than large coaches, the tour moves more efficiently, allowing for more frequent stops and less time spent boarding and unloading. You will visit the park's primary landmarks, including El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls, and the panoramic Tunnel View. The small group size ensures a more flexible pace while navigating these famous sites. Weather permitting, the tour includes a one-mile walk into a grove of giant sequoias. Please note that this specific portion of the trip involves a hike that is not recommended for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This guided day trip from San Francisco gets you into Yosemite National Park early, helping you stay ahead of the crowds. You will have five hours to explore the park’s highlights, including the granite faces of El Capitan, the drop of Yosemite Falls, and the classic vista at Tunnel View. By starting early, the tour covers more ground than a standard day trip, focusing on the most recognized landmarks in the valley. The itinerary also includes a visit to Tuolumne Grove, where you can walk among ancient Giant Sequoias. This tour operates year-round, adjusting for seasonal conditions to ensure you see the best of the park regardless of the month. Your guide handles the driving and park logistics, so you can spend your time viewing the landscape rather than navigating traffic or looking for parking.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
German, Korean, Portuguese, Japanese, English, Chinese (China), Italian, French, Spanish
This is the only group tour that departs directly from San Jose, providing a straightforward way for South Bay residents to reach Yosemite without heading into San Francisco first. The day begins with a guided drive into the park, where you will see the sheer granite walls of El Capitan and Half Dome along with the mist of Bridalveil Fall. Beyond the valley floor, the tour includes a stop at Tuolumne Grove for a walk among ancient giant sequoias. You will have several hours of free time in Yosemite Valley to explore the meadows, visit the visitor center, or find a quiet spot by the river. A guide stays with the group throughout the day to share the history and geology of the Sierra Nevada.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
German, Portuguese, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
This full-day guided tour covers the landmarks of Yosemite Valley and the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. Your guide will explain the park’s glacial geology, the history of its early inhabitants, and how Yosemite became the first protected land in the United States while you view the valley's granite formations and waterfalls. The itinerary includes a 2.5-mile (4 km) round-trip hike down to a grove of Giant Sequoias. This specific trail is often missed by standard day tours, offering a closer look at these massive, ancient trees. You will also have 1.5 hours of free time in Yosemite Valley to explore on your own. This time can be used to visit the Visitor Center, walk through the valley meadows, or find a quiet spot to view the cliffs before the return trip.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This private day trip departs from San Francisco in a spacious SUV or minivan, accommodating groups of up to five people. You will head east toward the Sierra Nevada to explore Yosemite National Park, focusing on the valley’s most famous landmarks and high-altitude views. The itinerary covers the park's diverse landscapes, including a stop at Glacier Point for a panoramic view of Half Dome and the High Sierra. You will also walk through groves of ancient Giant Sequoias and visit the valley floor to see the park's massive granite walls and seasonal waterfalls. Your guide handles the driving and logistics so you can focus on the scenery. Because the tour is private, the pace is flexible, ensuring you spend your time at the sites that interest you most rather than following a rigid bus schedule.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This two-day trip from San Francisco takes you directly into the heart of Yosemite National Park. It is the only tour from the city that includes a visit to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, home to some of the largest trees on the planet. Your journey begins with a guided orientation to help you get situated before you begin your independent exploration. Once in the valley, you have two full days and one night to hike, bike, or photograph the park's famous landmarks. You will see the massive granite faces of El Capitan and Half Dome, along with the rushing waters of Yosemite, Nevada, and Bridalveil falls. Because the schedule allows for significant free time, you can set your own pace for the duration of your stay. Tours depart every day of the year, regardless of the season. Please note that while transportation and guided portions are provided, you must book your own overnight accommodations separately, as they are not included in the tour price.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
German, Korean, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Start your day with a two-mile hike through a grove of Giant Sequoias, the largest trees on earth. After the hike, we head up to Glacier Point, which offers an expansive view of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls, as well as the distant Vernal and Nevada Falls. The afternoon is spent exploring Yosemite Valley. We’ll stop at Tunnel View for the park's most famous vista and visit the base of Bridalveil Falls. There is also time for more hiking or a swim in the valley before the day ends, making this a practical way to see the park's major landmarks in a single trip.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This full-day tour runs from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, led by a naturalist guide who explains the park's geology and history as you travel. You’ll spend the day visiting the famous landmarks of Yosemite Valley before heading to a grove of giant sequoias. The tour includes a 3-mile round-trip walk to see these massive trees up close, offering a perspective on the landscape that goes beyond the standard viewpoints. The trip is limited to nine people per group, making it a practical choice for families with children aged 8 and up. Your booking covers round-trip transportation, a lunch voucher, and snowshoe rentals if the trails are covered in snow during the winter months. You will see the park's most famous icons while also visiting quieter spots that guides use to escape the main valley traffic.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English