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Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco
San Francisco, US
97% of travellers recommend this
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Duration 14 hours
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Small group of 15 passengers
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Hotel pickup and drop-off
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National Park fees included
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Guided in English
Explore Yosemite and Giant Sequoias on a small group day trip from San Francisco, featuring iconic sights and a scenic hike.
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Featured Reviews
Viator
Aug 24
Overall it was a great tour, and I saw amazing views and locales. Communication pre-trip was good w a text the day before confirming pick-up time and location. I was picked up right on time (5:45am) and loved that it was hotel pick-up. Dropped back off right around 8pm, a little earlier than I had anticipated, so that was nice. Bathroom and food stops were well spaced and ample, so although it was a long drive, it wasn't horrible. Steven was very friendly and informative, especially with giving tips on getting the best photos and quick directions on how to get to different spots on our free time. We made 6 different stops in Yosemite and none felt rushed. Most stops were 15 mins or so except our free time our lunch (1 hr 45) to explore the area and trails around the lodge and at the trail to see the Giant Sequoias (about 1hr 20, I think).
The reason for 4 stars instead of 5: Although it was a new van, I found the seats very uncomfortable (I am tall and have neck & back problems). Because half our tour group was a group themselves and especially because I was a solo traveler picked up last before the large group, I was sat in the very back in the corner, the three seat row. I can't speak for the rest of the bus and I am fairly certain it's because I was in the very back, but it was SO bumpy. I actually hit my head a time or two and I forced myself to fall asleep so I didn't get motion sick. My arm rest was broken and there was a gap between the window and seat (on my left) so I couldn't even comfortably lean against the window. The seat hurt my back and I couldn't get comfortable. And the seats in front of you recline back which takes away half your space, but the back row seats don't recline, so I was left with even less space. I understand that this wasn't Steven's fault or even the tour companies, but I found the transportation very uncomfortable and wouldn't do another trip with more than a 45 min long drive in that van sitting where I did. Also, while Steven showed us two documentaries about climbers that were very interesting and entertaining and told us some information (as listed in the first paragraph), I would have liked a little more info about the area (ie. it's history; how it became a national park; fun facts; why some things got their names, etc). We got some good info about El Capitan and its geology (which I really enjoyed), but not much else. Now, I know I am a person who likes a little more info than the average person, but I just didn't feel like I learned a lot. When I go on tours, I like to learn as well as see new places and things.
Side note & tip (unrelated to tour or Steven): The trek down to see the sequoias (the last stop, a trail that starts with a "T") is not simply a walk. Although it's a paved path, it is quite steep, about a 1 mile down and 1 mile up, and both going down and up is difficult and painful. Going down my legs and feet burned and coming up my lungs burned. And honestly, the giant sequoias were disappointing and underwhelming. I think I saw two: Big Red and then the hollowed out one. A difficult 2 mile hike was not worth what I saw, and the rest of the forest wasn't even that pretty. A lot of the trees looked burned out, dead or thinning. I understand that that is the nature of a forest, but I had been at Muir Woods the day before and that was AMAZING!-- so it paled in comparison. In my opinion, skip the 2 mile trek to see the sequoia, just not worth it. (Totally recommend Muir Woods and the redwoods).
Overall though, I enjoyed it and would recommend the tour to anyone wanting to see some of the "most famous" and beautiful sites in Yosemite.
Viator
Aug 24
Brian was an excellent tour guide. His experience was evident as he took our group to the most memorable portions of the park during our day tour. He had videos of the park available to view while we were driving.
Viator
Aug 24
Yosemite is a pretty cool place to visit, this tour covered all the main photo spots, with ample time for photos. Our tour guide Viktor made the experience memorable, and went out of his way to make sure everyone had a great experience
Viator
Aug 24
The tour was made even more amazing by the knowledge and competence of our driver and tour guide, Trevor. We cannot speak highly enough of the effort he made to make our day so memorable, not only in Yosemite but the welfare of his passengers throughout the whole journey. What we had thought would be a very long day turned out to simply fly by. We learned so much and enjoyed ourselves immensely.
Brian and Faye. Australia.
Viator
Aug 24
We had a wonderful time on this tour with our guide Viktor. The day was filled with wonderful experiences, both in the park and on the way to the park. I am glad we chose to do the tour instead of going on our own because we were able to see a lot and learn even more. I would definitely recommend.
Included
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National park fees -
Hotel/port pickup and drop-off (from select hotels in san francisco)
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Local taxes
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All activities
Excluded
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Gratuities -
Food and drinks
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No pick-up/drop-off from residential addresses or hotels outside of san francisco
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Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco
Explore Yosemite and Giant Sequoias on a small group day trip from San Francisco, featuring iconic sights and a scenic hike.
Highlights
- Guided tour to Yosemite's highlights
- See the giant sequoias up close
- Breathtaking views from Tunnel View
- Capture stunning photos of Bridalveil Falls
- Explore and experience Yosemite Valley
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
Hotel pickup time in the following zones:
Fisherman's Wharf/Lombard Street Corridor: 5:15 am - 5:30 am
Union Square/SOMA: 5:15 am - 5:30 am
What to expect
1
San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge
Drive across bridge on the way to Yosemite
2
Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
See some of the biggest trees on the planet.
90 minutes
Admission Included
3
Tunnel View
Drive to one of the most beautiful views of the Yosemite valley from above
30 minutes
Admission Included
4
Bridalveil Fall
Walk to the falls for photos
30 minutes
Admission Included
5
Yosemite Valley
Spend free time experiencing the valley
120 minutes
Admission Included
6
Half Dome
Stop for photos
20 minutes
Admission Included
7
Yosemite Falls
Walk to the 4th tallest waterfalls in the world
60 minutes
Admission Included
8
El Capitan
Stop to look for climbers on the granite wall
30 minutes
Admission Included
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller -
Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Specialized infant seats are available
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Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Children must be accompanied by an adult
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Car seat required for children 8 years old and under; not provided
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The trip is accessible for most of the tour. However, at the end of the day, we go on a hike to see the giant sequoias. This is NOT advised for people with back, heart or knee problems. It is also not wheelchair accessible. Unfortunately, this is only way to see the sequoias.
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There is a possibility that the Giant Sequoia hike will not be available due to winter weather conditions.
Provided by Best Bay Area Tours Llc
What our experts say
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Try to catch the sunset at Tunnel View. -
Bring snacks; food stops are limited.
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Dress in layers; weather can change quickly.
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Don't forget your camera for stunning views!
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Check weather conditions for the sequoia hike.
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