2-Day Yosemite Tour from San Francisco: Giant Sequoias

Two days to hike among giant sequoias and stand beneath Yosemite's granite cliffs

A 2-day semi-guided tour from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park with an overnight stay in the valley, park entry included, and access to Tuolumne Grove: home to ancient giant sequoias. Day one covers the drive from San Francisco, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan and Half Dome. Day two includes a hike through Tuolumne Grove (weather and trail conditions permitting) before the return to San Francisco. You set the pace during free time to hike, bike and explore on your own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: San Francisco to Yosemite

• Cross San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge
• View Treasure Island
• Drive through Sierra Nevada mountains
• Enter Yosemite via Big Oak Flat Road
• Explore Yosemite Valley
• Visit Tunnel View viewpoint
• See Bridalveil Fall waterfall
• View El Capitan granite monolith
• View Half Dome granite dome
• Visit Ansel Adams Gallery
• Overnight stay in Yosemite (arranged separately)

Day 2: Yosemite to San Francisco

• Visit Half Dome area
• Explore Yosemite Valley Lodge area
• Visit Valley Visitor Center
• See Yosemite Falls waterfall
• Walk along Merced River
• Hike Lower Yosemite Falls trail
• View El Capitan granite monolith
• See Bridalveil Fall waterfall
• Visit Ansel Adams Gallery
• Stop at Tunnel View viewpoint
• Return to San Francisco

The experience

How much of Yosemite can you actually see in two days? This tour answers that by building in both guided stops and hours of free time. You leave San Francisco in the morning, cross the Bay Bridge and pass through the Sierra Nevada foothills before entering Yosemite at the Big Oak Flat entrance. The first day moves through the valley's signature viewpoints: Tunnel View frames the whole landscape at once, and you'll stand at the base of Bridalveil Fall and face the granite walls of El Capitan and Half Dome. A guide leads the initial orientation, then the rest of the day is yours to hike, bike or simply sit with the view. You stay overnight at Yosemite Lodge, positioned at the heart of the valley.

Day two takes you to Tuolumne Grove, a 2.5-mile round-trip hike through a grove of giant sequoias at higher elevation. The trail descends gently into the grove, where you can walk through the Tunnel Tree: a sequoia hollowed by fire centuries ago. This grove stays quieter than Mariposa Grove because fewer visitors make the drive. The hike depends on trail conditions. From October through May, snow and ice may close it, and if that happens, you spend the extra time exploring more of Yosemite Valley instead. After the grove or valley time, you head back to San Francisco, with stops for breakfast, lunch and dinner along the way (meals are your own cost).

A live English-speaking guide travels with the group and handles the driving. You'll have access to free audio guides in eight languages (Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Korean, Chinese and Japanese) to use during your free time. Hotel pickup covers most San Francisco hotels. If yours isn't listed, you'll meet at the Hilton Union Square. Park entry is included for U.S. residents. Non-U.S. residents pay an additional $100 per person at the start of the tour (unless you hold an America the Beautiful pass). Bring only what you can carry easily: oversized luggage incurs a $50 fee from the local operator.

What’s included

• San Francisco hotel pickup from most locations.
• transportation to and from Yosemite National Park.
• National Park entry fee for U.S. residents.
• drop-off at Yosemite Lodge.
• free audio guides in eight languages.

Information

Lasts 2d, runs every day at 05:20, from US$ 279 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:20

GroupUp to 41

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideSpanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese and Korean

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (under 12)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Extranomical Tours

Is this one for you?The hike to Tuolumne Grove requires moderate fitness and depends on trail conditions from October through May, so book this tour if you're comfortable with that uncertainty and want access to giant sequoias most visitors never reach. If you prefer guaranteed hiking or need a fixed itinerary, a different Yosemite tour may suit you better.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the hike like at Tuolumne Grove?

Tuolumne Grove is a moderate 2.5-mile round-trip hike that descends into a serene grove of about two dozen mature giant sequoias. You can walk through the Tunnel Tree, a sequoia hollowed by fire. The grove is less crowded than Mariposa Grove because it requires a longer drive to reach. However, from October through May, snow and ice may make the trail unsafe, and the decision to hike happens day by day based on conditions. If the trail is closed, you spend that time in Yosemite Valley instead.

How much free time do you get to explore on your own?

After the guided orientation on day one, you have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to hike, bike or explore Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Day two includes the Tuolumne Grove hike (or valley time if the trail is closed), and the rest of the day is unscheduled until the drive back to San Francisco begins.

What waterfalls and rock formations will you see?

You'll see Bridalveil Fall, one of Yosemite Valley's most prominent waterfalls, and Yosemite Falls, the park's highest waterfall at 2,425 feet total drop. From viewpoints and valley trails, you'll face the granite monoliths of El Capitan (3,000 feet from base to summit) and Half Dome at the valley's eastern end. Tunnel View gives you an expansive overview of the entire valley and its surrounding peaks.

Is hotel accommodation included in the tour price?

No, accommodations are not included. You arrange and pay for your own hotel in Yosemite Valley separately. The tour includes transportation from San Francisco and drop-off at Yosemite Lodge, where you can use facilities, but your overnight lodging is your responsibility.

What languages are the audio guides available in?

Free audio guides are included in eight languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Korean and Chinese. You specify your language preference at the time of booking under special requirements, and you can use the guides during your free time to learn about the sites you're exploring.