Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco
5
Experience majestic sequoias and iconic landscapes in one day.
Popular Choice
14 hours
Duration
Introduction
Trade the city for a day in the great outdoors on this small-group trip to Yosemite National Park. Leaving early from San Francisco, you’ll travel by comfortable van through California’s Central Valley to reach Yosemite. Once there, soak in the park’s famous sights like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, with time to explore Yosemite Valley on foot. You’ll also visit a quieter area of the park to walk among giant sequoia trees – the massive ancient redwoods – if conditions permit. It’s a long day but you’ll get to experience the majestic beauty of Yosemite and its towering trees, all in one adventure.
What To Expect
- After pickup from selected hotels in San Francisco, board a comfortable minibus for the drive to Yosemite National Park.
- Enter the national park and stop for a hike among Yosemite’s giant sequoias—ancient redwood trees whose trunks span up to 40 feet (12 meters) in diameter.
- Continue into Yosemite Valley, stopping at Tunnel View for a quintessential photo opportunity featuring Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and Half Dome.
- Enjoy a close-up look at the falls, then head to El Capitan, the world’s largest exposed granite monolith. Look for rock climbers ascending its sheer face, which rises thousands of feet above the valley floor.
- Visit Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, whose lower and upper cascades form North America’s tallest waterfall.
- During free time to explore on your own and purchase lunch (own expense), hike along numerous paths, snap more photos at the base of Yosemite Falls, or visit Yosemite Village.
- Conclude the day with a return drive to San Francisco, including a quick stop for food in the Central Valley before hotel drop-off.
Not To Be Missed
- Giant Sequoias: Encounter these majestic trees on your hike, located in the Mariposa Grove.
- Tunnel View: Capture stunning photographs of iconic landmarks, situated at the entrance to Yosemite Valley.
- El Capitan: Witness climbers on the world's largest granite monolith, visible from various points in the valley.
Not Recommended for
Individuals with mobility challenges may find the hiking portions difficult.
Timings
05:30
