What do I need to know about the Giant Sequoias hike?

The hike is only available when trail conditions are safe, usually April to October. The hike is a 2-mile round trip on a paved trail with a steep incline on the return. Individuals with respiratory issues or not used to strenuous exercise may skip the hike and wait in the outdoor seating area at the Tuolumne Grove stop.

What is the best time of year to visit Yosemite Valley?

Each season in Yosemite Valley offers its own advantages. Summer is the best chance for sunny and warm hikes, Fall offers peace and solitude at the popular attractions, Winter means a blanket of snow over all the rock monuments and Spring features the peak of the annual Yosemite Valley waterfall show.

Is a day enough time to see Yosemite?

Our incredible 1-day tour to Yosemite from San Francisco visits all the top attractions, like Tunnel View, El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and (conditions permitting) the Giant Sequoias. A longer, multi-day tour allows time to enjoy longer hikes, bike riding, swimming in the Merced River, the night’s brilliant stars and more. See our overnight options here

How can I travel around the park during my free time?

Walking is the best form of transportation in the Valley. We do not recommend public transportation or park shuttles during your free time since you cannot be certain about getting back to the tour vehicle on time. The most popular attractions are a short distance from the drop-off point near Yosemite Valley Lodge.

Can I use my annual pass for the United States National Parks to enter Yosemite for free?

Sorry, but no. The entrance fee we pay to Yosemite National Park is based on the vehicle and not on the individuals, and the entrance is located at a toll gate – not on foot. Therefore, the tour cost includes the admission fee.

Do you pick up outside of San Francisco?

Our 1-day Yosemite tour picks up in San Jose in the South Bay (make the reservation here) and Livermore in the East Bay. If you are staying near the San Francisco airport or another location away from the downtown area, we recommend using a ride-sharing service or public transportation to the Hilton Union Square hotel. Our pickup for that location is outside the Mason Street side entrance of the hotel.

Do you offer this tour in different languages?

Our Yosemite tour has live narration in English, but we offer complimentary recorded audio guides in 8 languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, and Portuguese. If an audio guide is required, please specify the language when booking.

What should I bring with me on tour?

The weather in the Sierra Mountains can be unpredictable and you will be spending 4-5 hours outdoors enjoying nature. We recommend that you dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes or hiking sandals (not flip flops). Bring along a light water-resistant jacket, camera or phone, 1-liter water bottle, hat and sunscreen, sturdy umbrella (if the forecast calls for rain), and some cash or a credit card for meals, snacks and souvenirs.

Are meals included? Can I buy or bring my own?

Meals are not included on this tour. We do make a stop about halfway to and from Yosemite, where you can buy food and beverages. There are a few restaurants and a food court in Yosemite Valley. They are usually crowded, so it’s a good idea to bring or purchase a picnic lunch prior to arriving in the park

What stops do we have for photographs?

Your Yosemite tour will make 5-6 stops for you to exit the vehicle and take some photographs although weather and traffic conditions may require your driver to alter the itinerary slightly. The usual stops are: Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, Valley Lodge, El Capitan Meadow, and Yosemite Valley View lookout.

What can I do during my free time in Yosemite Valley?

Nice and easy hikes through Cook’s Meadow or to Lower Yosemite Falls or the Swinging Bridge can all be done during your free time. On clear days, biking to Yosemite Village, Mirror Lake or the Ahwahnee Hotel are great choices. Finally, the Ancel Adams Gallery is a wonderful showcase of the artist’s work. We do not recommend taking the park shuttle since the timing of the return trip can be unpredictable.

Private One-Day Yosemite Tour from San Francisco

Highlights
Description
Itinerary
FAQs

Design your own tour to Yosemite’s Half Dome, waterfalls, and Giant Sequoia redwoods

This 1-day private, fully guided tour to Yosemite lets your group decide which awe-inspiring monuments to visit, the pace of the day and when to modify the plan.

Departure: A convenient location in the San Francisco Bay Area

Duration: 15 hours

Free Cancellation: With 7 days advance notice

Ages: All ages

Ticket: email and mobile accepted

Highlights

Over 5 hours in Yosemite National Park
Unique Giant Sequoias hike in Tuolumne Grove (conditions permitting)
Five more stops to explore Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan Meadow and Valley View
2 hours of free time to hike and explore Yosemite Valley
Fully guided by a Yosemite Park expert

What's Included

Customized pick-up location in the Bay Area
Park reservation and entry fee
Local expert guide (English)
Transportation by a luxury bus (6-35 seats)
Guide gratuity

What's Not Included

Meals
Beverages

Description

This is your chance to plan a private tour to Yosemite National Park, jam-packed with the towering granite monuments of Half Dome, Cathedral Peak, El Capitan, and other dramatic scenes formed eons ago. You will have the chance to see Bridalveil, Horsetail, and Yosemite Falls put on impressive water displays. Since it is private, take as long as you like to enjoy nature hikes in Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoia trees and on the Meadow Loop Trail to the Swinging Bridge.

Your tour can reflect the preferences of your group. Here is a typical private Yosemite experience.

Experience Yosemite in a Day from San Francisco

The tour begins with a convenient pickup in the San Francisco Bay Area. 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 passing through the entry gate to Yosemite, we’ll make a stop at Tunnel View, made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. Take a moment. Then, capture your group with El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point, and Cathedral Peak as your background. From there, it’s a short trip to 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, your group has 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, we always spend extra time in Yosemite Valley.

By the end of the day, your group will 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.

Want to make changes to the itinerary described here? Just ask. Our private tours department is here to help with your private tour every step of the way. Requests may alter the quoted price. Reach us at: (415) 357-0700 or charters@extranomical.com.

Itinerary

Expand All

06:00 AM to 10:30 AM Hotel Pickup, Head to Yosemite
- Convenient pickup anywhere in the Bay Area
- 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 Admire Views of Yosemite Valley
- Enter Yosemite National Park
- Stop to ogle and photograph Tunnel View
- Marvel at the beauty of Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome
12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Explore the Valley On Your Own
- Enjoy free time to explore Yosemite Valley
- Explore the trail to the Lower Yosemite Falls
- Have lunch (meal not included)
2:30 PM to 3:30 PM Stops at El Capitan and Valley View
- Stop at El Capitan Meadow to spot some climbers
- Capture the Merced River among granite peaks at Valley View
3:30 PM to 5:30 PM Hike to Giant Sequoia Redwoods
- Make the scenic drive to the Tuolumne Grove of redwoods
- Hike the nature trail to the Giant Sequoias (conditions permitting)
5:30 PM to 9:30 PM Return to San Francisco
- Descend the Sierras as you return to the Bay Area
- Break for dinner
- Enjoy the ride as we return to your pickup location

Times listed are approximations. Traffic and unforeseen events can cause delays. Please do not make flight/travel arrangements on the same day as your tour

Book With Confidence

Award-Winning Tours & Customer Service

2000+ 5-star Reviews

460,000+ Happy Guests Since 2002

FAQs

Expand All

How long is the tour?

This is a full-day experience, typically lasting around 14–15 hours. Pickup is early in the morning and drop-off is in the evening, depending on traffic and your customized itinerary.
What’s included in the private tour?

Your tour includes door-to-door transportation, a private vehicle and driver-guide, guide gratuity, water, park entrance fees, and plenty of time to explore Yosemite’s highlights such as Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome.

Snacks and meals are not included unless otherwise arranged.
Do we have a say in the itinerary?

Yes! One of the best parts of a private tour is flexibility. You can let us know if you’d like to focus on photography, short hikes, scenic stops, or a more relaxed pace. We’ll work with you to create the ideal day.
Can we see the Giant Sequoias on this tour?

Yes—if you’d like to include a visit to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, just let us know in advance. Please note it involves a moderate 2.5-mile roundtrip hike, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
What type of vehicle is used?

We use comfortable, air-conditioned vans or a luxury bus (up to 35 passengers), depending on your group size. All vehicles are clean, well-maintained, and ideal for long-distance travel.
What should we bring?
We recommend bringing:
- Layers (weather can change throughout the day)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Snacks (we provide water)
- Camera or smartphone for photos
Do you offer this tour in different languages?

Our Yosemite tour has live narration in English, but we offer complimentary recorded audio guides in 8 languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, and Portuguese. If an audio guide is required, please specify the language when booking.
Do you offer hotel pickup in San Francisco?

Yes, we offer complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off from most hotels in San Francisco. If you’re staying outside the city, we’ll coordinate the best meeting point for you.
Are meals included? Can I buy or bring my own?

Meals are not included on this tour. We do make a stop about halfway to and from Yosemite, where you can buy food and beverages. There are a few restaurants and a food court in Yosemite Valley. They are usually crowded, so it’s a good idea to bring or purchase a picnic lunch prior to arriving in the park
What is your cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 7 days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made within 7 days of the trip are non-refundable; however, we can offer you a tour credit for future travel with us.
Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?

Absolutely! This tour is great for families, couples, and multi-generational groups. Since it’s private, we can adjust the pace and stops based on your group’s preferences and needs.

Private One-Day Yosemite Tour from San Francisco

Design your own tour to Yosemite’s Half Dome, waterfalls, and Giant Sequoia redwoods

Highlights

What's Included

What's Not Included

Description

Experience Yosemite in a Day from San Francisco

Be Blown Away by Awe-Inspiring Valley Views

Have Your Own Yosemite Valley Adventure

Take a Moment with More Iconic Monuments

Feel the Quiet Grandeur of Giant Sequoias

Itinerary

Book With Confidence

Award-Winning Tours & Customer Service

2000+ 5-star Reviews

460,000+ Happy Guests Since 2002

FAQs

How long is the tour?

What’s included in the private tour?

Do we have a say in the itinerary?

Can we see the Giant Sequoias on this tour?

What type of vehicle is used?

What should we bring?

Do you offer this tour in different languages?

Do you offer hotel pickup in San Francisco?

Are meals included? Can I buy or bring my own?

What is your cancellation policy?

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?

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