ABOUT YOSEMITE
A single day is not enough to truly experience all that Yosemite has to offer. If you’ve already got your hotel in Yosemite booked but don’t want to deal with driving and parking, we’ve got you covered! Ride along with us and learn all about Yosemite along the way, including everything you need to know about the famous Giant Sequoias, El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, and, of course, Yosemite Valley itself! Kick back and relax as we take care of getting you to your overnight Yosemite stay!
Travel and Hospitality Awards named this the best Yosemite tour from San Francisco for its jaw-dropping natural beauty. The tour has earned more 5-star guest reviews because our expert guides include the Giant Sequoias among the attractions in Yosemite Valley.
Fully Experience Yosemite with an Overnight Stay
Pairing our 5-star guided tour with a hotel reservation you have made on your own makes this the ultimate tour to Yosemite National Park. An overnight stay allows you to enjoy towering granite peaks, cascading waterfalls and nature hikes at a leisurely pace and on your own schedule. Your visit reaches a climax on the departure day with a unique hike among ancient Giant Sequoia trees.
The tour begins with a convenient hotel pick up in San Francisco. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as your guide explains what happened in the American River that sparked the California gold rush; the geological forces that created Yosemite’s famous granite monuments; and how John Muir influenced the formation of America’s first protected wilderness.
Be Blown Away by Awe-Inspiring Valley Views
After entering Yosemite National Park, we'll make our way to a scene made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. Take a moment at Tunnel View. Capture yourself with El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point, and Cathedral Peak as your background.
Once you’ve had your fill of photographs from this perch overlooking the valley, the tour will arrange a memorable stop where you can get eye to eye with wispy Bridalveil Fall.
Get Settled In for a Yosemite Park Adventure
You will arrive in Yosemite Valley and will have plenty of time left in the day to enjoy free time for hiking to Yosemite Falls, bike riding to Mirror Lake, checking out the Ansel Adams Gallery and more. Then, hop on the YARTS shuttle to make your way to the hotel or lodge you’ve booked in advance.
Between your departure and return days, you will be able to enjoy experiences not possible on a one-day trip to Yosemite. Your tour guide will describe how to hike the Mist, Vernal Fall or Nevada Fall Trails; take a tour to Glacier Point (summer months); raft or swim in the Merced River (summer only); see the night sky like never before; spot local wildlife in the early morning; bike to Curry Village; or visit the Giant Sequoias in Mariposa Grove.
Create Lasting Memories On Departure Day Before Heading to San Francisco
On your return day, you will have time in the morning to plan another fun nature experience or just do some forest bathing near your hotel. In the early afternoon, meet your return vehicle at Stop 7 in Yosemite Valley.
Next, your Yosemite experience stops at El Capitan Meadow to learn more about the world’s largest granite monolith. Our last Valley stop will be at Valley View with its panoramic landscape framing the Merced River, El Capitan and the imposing spires of Cathedral Rocks.
After all this, the highlight of our tour will still be ahead of you as we reach the entry to the magical and secluded Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. There, you'll have 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 substitute this experience with other attractions.
PLEASE NOTE: YARTS does not operate on certain days during the year. If you are planning on staying outside the park, please make sure your dates do not coincide with dates the service doesn't operate.
DURATION
Approximately 7 hours on the first day
Meet the bus at 2:00 PM on the last day to return to San Francisco
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Hike to Giant Sequoias (Conditions permitting)
- Stunning views
- Free time to explore Yosemite Valley
- Local expert
- Foreign language audios (8 languages)
- Daily departures
- Convenient pickup at many San Francisco hotels
- WiFi on board the bus
- Park entry fee included at checkout
NOT INCLUDED
- Meals or beverages
- Accommodations
- Guide gratuity
ITINERARY
Outbound Day
5:20 AM – 10:30 AM
Convenient hotel pickup
Breakfast stop. Pick up snacks and lunch for the park
Your guide prepares you for a day in Yosemite Park
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Enter Yosemite National Park
Stop to ogle and photograph Tunnel View
Marvel at the beauty of Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome
12:30 PM - Return day
Unguided, free time in Yosemite Valley (activities not included)
If you are staying outside of the park, catch YARTS bus to your hotel (not included)
Check into your hotel (accommodation not included)
Return Day
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Meet the tour at Stop #7 in Yosemite Valley
Stop at El Capitan Meadow to spot some climbers
Capture the Merced River among granite peaks at Valley View
2:45 PM to 4:30 PM
Make the scenic drive to the Tuolumne Grove of redwoods
Hike the nature trail to the Giant Sequoias (conditions permitting)
4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Descend the Sierras as you return to San Francisco
Break for dinner
Enjoy the ride as we return to your pickup location