Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias 2-Day Semi-Guided Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 days
Mobile ticket
Maximize your experience to the wild, natural beauty of Yosemite National Park with an overnight stay in the park. This is the only Yosemite Valley tour from San Francisco where you will experience the solitude of the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, the largest living things on the Earth. After getting your bearings on a guided tour to Yosemite, you’ll enjoy plenty of free time during your two days and a night to hike, bike and explore at your own pace. Capture incredible photos of Yosemite, Nevada and Bridalveil falls, then move on to the granite monuments of El Capitan, Half Dome and more. Guaranteed departures 365 days a year. Arrange your hotel separately, accomodations are NOT included in the tour.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older will be charged an additional $100 park entry fee per person after completing their booking. This fee will be collected by the tour operator via a payment link or on the bus at the start of your tour. Note that “America the Beautiful Non-Resident Pass” holders do not pay the $100 fee, the $250 pass covers up to 4 people at the entrance.
Between November and March, when the trail is not safe due to snow and ice accumulation, we substitute the hike with additional time in Yosemite Valley.
The Giant Sequoias Grove is located at a higher elevation and the hike is dependent on trail conditions, especially from October through May. Ice and snow might make the trail unsafe to hike. The decision of whether it is safe to go on the hike will be made on a day by day basis. Therefore, a visit cannot be guaranteed. However, while the trail might be closed, guests get to spend more time in Yosemite Valley. There you can see all the other great sights Yosemite has to offer, including El Capitan, Inspiration Point, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and more.
Since there is limited to no storage within Yosemite, please make sure to only bring what you can easily carry with you. Oversized luggage will be subject to an additional $50 fee from the local operator.
Tour makes stops for breakfast, lunch, and on the trip back for dinner. Meals are not included.
For hotel pickups, please select the Hilton Union Square if your hotel is not listed.
Audio guides are available in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese. Specify language at time of booking under special requirements.
California law requires tour guests to bring a car safety seat for all children under 8 years and under 4' 9" (1.4 meters) in height. Any guest that does not provide their child's safety seat at the time of the tour and does not inform the tour operator in advance may not be allowed to board the tour and will not be subject to refund.
During winter months, temperatures in Yosemite can vary drastically to the ones in San Francisco. Therefore, it is recommend to wear winter clothes, especially shoes or boots with rubber soles and treads.
What To Expect
San Francisco to Yosemite
Accommodations
No accommodation provided
The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, known locally as the Bay Bridge, is a complex of bridges spanning San Francisco Bay in California. As part of Interstate 80 and the direct road between San Francisco and Oakland, it carries about 260,000 vehicles a day on its two decks.
The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, known locally as the Bay Bridge, is a complex of bridges spanning San Francisco Bay in California. As part of Interstate 80 and the direct road between San Francisco and Oakland, it carries about 260,000 vehicles a day on its two decks.
Treasure Island
Treasure Island is an artificial island in the San Francisco Bay and a neighborhood in the city and county of San Francisco. Built 1936–37 for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition, the island's World’s Fair site is a California Historical Landmark.
Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada is a mountain range in the Western United States, between the Central Valley of California and the Great Basin.
Big Oak Flat Road
Traveling the historic Big Oak Flat Road from the western entrance of Yosemite National Park across to the Tioga Pass entrance on the east, provides drivers easy access to the stunning beauty of Yosemite’s high country landscapes.
The Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park is located on CA Highway 120 roughly 24 miles (39 km) east of Groveland, CA. CA Highway 120 is the most direct route into Yosemite National Park from the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Northern California locations.
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley is a glacial valley in Yosemite National Park in the western Sierra Nevada mountains of Central California. The valley is about 7.5 miles long and approximately 3000–3500 feet deep, surrounded by high granite summits such as Half Dome and El Capitan, and densely forested with pines.
Tunnel View
Tunnel View is a scenic viewpoint on State Route 41 in Yosemite National Park. Visitors have seen and documented the iconic and expansive views of Yosemite Valley from the overlook since its opening in 1933.
Ansel Adams Gallery
Gallery showcasing & selling photography by celebrated landscape artist Ansel Adams, among others.
Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil Fall is one of the most prominent waterfalls in the Yosemite Valley in California, Yosemite National Park.
El Capitan
El Capitan, also known as El Cap, is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, located on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. The granite monolith is about 3,000 feet from base to summit along its tallest face, and is a popular objective for rock climbers.
Half Dome
Half Dome is a granite dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. It is a well-known rock formation in the park, named for its distinct shape.
Horsetail Fire Fall
Horsetail Fall, located in Yosemite National Park in California, is a seasonal waterfall that flows in the winter and early spring. The fall occurs on the east side of El Capitan. Around the second week of February, the setting sun hits Horsetail Fall at just the right angle to illuminate the upper reaches of the waterfall. Can only be seen at certain time of year
Mist Trail
The Mist Trail is one of the most popular short hikes in Yosemite National Park, California, USA. The steep hike follows the Merced River, starting at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley, past Vernal Fall and Emerald Pool, to Nevada Fall.
Nevada Fall is a 594-foot high waterfall on the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, California. It is located below the granite dome, Liberty Cap, at the west end of Little Yosemite Valley.
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
A quarter-mile (one way) hike to a spectacular mist-blown view from the base of 320-foot Lower Yosemite Falls. Lower Yosemite Falls Hike is a must visit for its accessibility and proximity to this massive waterfall and has spectacular views of both falls.
Merced River
The Merced River in the central part of the U.S. state of California, is 145 miles (233 km) long. Tenaya, Yosemite, Bridalveil and Pigeon Creeks join the Merced River in Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in Yosemite National Park, dropping a total of 2,425 feet from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall
Valley Visitor Center
The Valley Visitor Center is located in Yosemite Valley and is the largest and most comprehensive in terms of displays, books, postcards and maps. The Valley Visitor Center is open year round and offers natural history displays, audiovisual programs and is staffed with individuals who are happy to answer all your questions.
Yosemite Valley Lodge is a favorite choice for families and large groups. Its close proximity to Yosemite Falls makes it the perfect base camp for exploring Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite to San Francisco
Accommodations
No accommodation provided
Beneath the grandeur of Glacier Point, Half Dome Village is known for the same warm, hospitable feeling that was instilled by its founders, David and Jennie Curry in 1899.
Yosemite Valley Lodge is a favorite choice for families and large groups. Its close proximity to Yosemite Falls makes it the perfect base camp for exploring Yosemite National Park.
Valley Visitor Center
The Valley Visitor Center is located in Yosemite Valley and is the largest and most comprehensive in terms of displays, books, postcards and maps. The Valley Visitor Center is open year round and offers natural history displays, audiovisual programs and is staffed with individuals who are happy to answer all your questions.
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in Yosemite National Park, dropping a total of 2,425 feet from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall
Merced River
The Merced River in the central part of the U.S. state of California, is 145 miles (233 km) long. Tenaya, Yosemite, Bridalveil and Pigeon Creeks join the Merced River in Yosemite Valley.
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
A quarter-mile (one way) hike to a spectacular mist-blown view from the base of 320-foot Lower Yosemite Falls. Lower Yosemite Falls Hike is a must visit for its accessibility and proximity to this massive waterfall and has spectacular views of both falls.
Half Dome
Half Dome is a granite dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. It is a well-known rock formation in the park, named for its distinct shape.
El Capitan
El Capitan, also known as El Cap, is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, located on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. The granite monolith is about 3,000 feet from base to summit along its tallest face, and is a popular objective for rock climbers.
Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil Fall is one of the most prominent waterfalls in the Yosemite Valley in California, Yosemite National Park.
Ansel Adams Gallery
Gallery showcasing & selling photography by celebrated landscape artist Ansel Adams, among others.
Tunnel View
Tunnel View is a scenic viewpoint on State Route 41 in Yosemite National Park. Visitors have seen and documented the iconic and expansive views of Yosemite Valley from the overlook since its opening in 1933.
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley is a glacial valley in Yosemite National Park in the western Sierra Nevada mountains of Central California. The valley is about 7.5 miles long and approximately 3000–3500 feet deep, surrounded by high granite summits such as Half Dome and El Capitan, and densely forested with pines.
The Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park is located on CA Highway 120 roughly 24 miles (39 km) east of Groveland, CA. CA Highway 120 is the most direct route into Yosemite National Park from the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Northern California locations.
Big Oak Flat Road
Traveling the historic Big Oak Flat Road from the western entrance of Yosemite National Park across to the Tioga Pass entrance on the east, provides drivers easy access to the stunning beauty of Yosemite’s high country landscapes.
Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada is a mountain range in the Western United States, between the Central Valley of California and the Great Basin.
Treasure Island
Treasure Island is an artificial island in the San Francisco Bay and a neighborhood in the city and county of San Francisco. Built 1936–37 for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition, the island's World’s Fair site is a California Historical Landmark.
The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, known locally as the Bay Bridge, is a complex of bridges spanning San Francisco Bay in California. As part of Interstate 80 and the direct road between San Francisco and Oakland, it carries about 260,000 vehicles a day on its two decks.
The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, known locally as the Bay Bridge, is a complex of bridges spanning San Francisco Bay in California. As part of Interstate 80 and the direct road between San Francisco and Oakland, it carries about 260,000 vehicles a day on its two decks.
Tuolumne Grove is a serene sequoia grove located in Yosemite National Park, California. It is home to about two dozen mature giant sequoias, including the famous Tunnel Tree, which visitors can walk through. The grove offers a peaceful, shaded 2.5-mile round-trip hike from the trailhead near Crane Flat, with a moderate descent into the grove. It’s a less crowded alternative to Yosemite's Mariposa Grove, providing a tranquil setting to experience these majestic ancient trees.
Options
Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias 2-Day Semi-Guided Tour
Pickup included
What‘s Included
San Francisco pick-up from most hotels
Transportation to Yosemite National Park
Park Entry Fee for U.S. Residents
Drop-off at Yosemite Lodge
Free unique geo-based audio guides in 8 languages
Accommodations are not included in this package
Meals
Transportation from Yosemite Valley Lodge to your separately-booked accommodation
Gratuities
Additional National Park Entrance Fee (Non-U.S. Residents Only) USD 100.00 per person
Pickup points
Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway by IHG
1500 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco United States
The Mosser
54 4th St, San Francisco United States
Fairmont San Francisco
950 Mason Street, San Francisco United States
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
250 Beach Street San Francisco United States
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
750 Kearny Street, San Francisco United States
JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square
515 Mason Street, San Francisco United States
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
333 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco United States
The Jay, Autograph Collection
433 Clay Street San Francisco United States
Motel 6 San Francisco, CA – Fisherman’s Wharf
2850 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco United States
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
34 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
2 day Trip to Yosemite
laurab132473,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great way to experience 2 days in Yosemite. Booked our own hotel. However the trip was quite expensive and as non US residents had to pay additional park fees of $100 each on top. Day 1 Pick up 5.30 am Were some delays leaving San Francisco with people missing at a stop then extra people trying to board bus not booked! Guide/Driver on way there had to try and make up time but stops felt rushed and we also arrived later than planned. Also guide talked a lot often repeating information rather than just providing interesting facts. Day 2 On return trip our Guide/ Driver Toby was excellent he was friendly informative and considerate to the passengers their questions and needs. He also had a lot of local knowledge and provided a lot of interesting information . The stops on the way back were more leisurely and enjoyable. Arriving back in SF just after 9pm after a stop for food .
Harrowing Experience with Extranomical Tours
NorthStar51358401758,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Harrrowing Experience Would not even recommend to my enemy! I booked a 2 person overnight Yosemite tour May 4-5. To begin with they missed picking us up at the pick up point in SFO and left the city without us. The scheduled departure was 5.50am and we we were there at 5.45 am. And since they shared no contact information of any driver or guide to seek any help, their on call customer support team ( seemed like they were based in Asia) had no clue on the location of the bus or the driver. It took me 7 calls to push them to figure it out or refund. And finally at 7 am the bus arrived. Guess what instead the driver said “ we checked you in before we left” ! They failed in basic check and customer experience and showed no remorse. But it isnt over yet, the guide Sharon had no clue on the details of the bus that will get us back and told us to call the customer support next day. And similar experience repeated next day! To top it all the driver next day was rude and almost racist! He commanded me and my son to sit in seat ( next to door) and said it is what was allocated. There was no such term and only after I out my foot down and refuse to budge in we were given decent seats. The management of the tour operators did not have the courtesy to call and apologise and have demonstrated abysmal incompetence in running this tour. And mind you it is damn expensive bus ride to take you from SFO to Yosemite and back and nothing else. I would give them 0 stars if possible
Awesome guide
Serene C,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Guide Andy made all the difference on this trip. He's a walking history book n the best storyteller. He's passionate about Yosemite n it shows -- what a gem! He also have clear instructions n made all of the us feel engaged n safe. Thanks, Andy!
Thank you !
793sonnyb,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had 2 drivers in 2 days, gino and Rob. Both made a big effort to be entertaining, telling us trivia of all the places we past by and visit. Especially thanks to Rob, i had a emergency and he found a solution quickly. Saved my life. Cheers mate !
Amazing visit to Yosemite.
PaulaPhill,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip to Yosemite National Park. Andy was a terrific guide and made the tour fun. Yosemite National Park is a spectacular place to visit with so many amazing views.
Andy is the best tour guide!
906marleyd,Jun 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was great! Easy to get in contact with the company and very organised! Our bus driver on the first day was quite rude and not very helpful but when we returned the following day, we had ANDY!!!! And he was amazing!!! There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for you, including laying on the floor to get the best angles for your photos! Highly recommend as a 2 day tour! But stay at the Valley Lodge if you are ☺️
Excellent Yosemite tour! Andy is the man
667klints,May 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing tour to Yosemite! Andy was an excellent tour guide: very energetic, knowledgeable and funny. He went above and beyond to make sure that everyone was having a great time! Excellent photography skills as well
A day filled with fun and new experiences.
969leannev,May 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such an amazing experience. Being able to walk around and do your own sight-seeing at Yosemite was special. Both Rob and Gino had lots of interesting facts - and a wonderful sense of humour. Highly recommend this tour.
Great experience and tour of Yosemite!
Mandy J,Apr 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband, two young children and I toured to Yosemite on the 2 day trip this week. We found extranomical super helpful and attentive. Checking that our transfers and accommodation had been booked to ensure we didn’t get stuck anywhere and were not left out in the wilderness. Both of our tour guides Alberto and Andy were exceptional. Alberto went over and above to ensure our trip was comfortable and helped us with our child seat for our youngest. Andy did the same, reserving us seats on our return trip home and was a wealth of knowledge on San Francisco. He even played a documentary on the way back which was great. Thanks Andy and Alberto! Would definitely recommend this trip.
Guides and tour Yosemite
T9344XTgeorgiam,Nov 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yosemite was magical and definitely a trip to remember! We were lucky to see snow when we were there! We had a tour guide on the way, and a different one the next day for the way back. Both tour guides Alberto and Andy were very knowledgeable not only about Yosemite but the surroundings on the drive their and back. Alberto amazed me at his energy at 5:30 in the morning, it made me feel comfortable knowing he was awake and alert for the drive! Andy inspired me in how he handled stressful situations, as one of our tour members was injured. Both guides did an amazing job, especially considering the long day of driving for them
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Operated by Extranomical Tours