Design your own San Francisco tour to Yosemite’s Half Dome, waterfalls, and Giant Sequoias

This 1-day private, fully-guided tour to Yosemite lets you 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 San Francisco 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’ll have the chance to see Bridalveil, Horsetail, and Yosemite Falls put on impressive water displays.

Since the tour is private, it can reflect the preferences of your group. You can take as long as you like enjoying nature hikes in the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoia trees and on the Meadow Loop Trail to the Swinging Bridge.

Here is a typical private Yosemite experience:

Experience Yosemite in a Day from San Francisco

Your 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 entrance 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 in Yosemite Valley, you’ll have two hours for lunch and to explore on your own. Your 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 continues at El Capitan Meadow to learn more about the world’s largest granite monolith and its climbing culture. As we leave Yosemite Valley, we’ll 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

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  • 06:00 AM to 10:30 AM Hotel Pickup, Head to Yosemite

  • 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM Admire Views of Yosemite Valley

  • 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Explore the Valley On Your Own

  • 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM Stops at El Capitan and Valley View

  • 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM Hike to Giant Sequoias

  • 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM Return to San Francisco

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.

 

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FAQs

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  • Is one day enough to see Yosemite?

  • 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 on the private tour?

  • What should we bring on a day trip to Yosemite?

  • 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?