Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Trip

San Francisco, United States of America

Take time out for a day trip into the wild beauty of Yosemite National Park from San Francisco. Enjoy the beautiful countryside and discover the raw beauty of California's most famous national park.

Your journey begins with a drive through San Joaquin Valley and into the Sierra Nevada range. In the morning, you will be driven to a giant sequoia grove (snow depth permitting), stopping along the way for a bird's-eye view of the whole valley. You can relax in the picnic area and have lunch (not included) among the giant sequoia trees.

After lunch, you will have the opportunity to go on a short one-hour hike to the falls or grab a snack at the Yosemite Lodge. You will have three to four hours to spend at Yosemite National Park, with a range of activities to suit everyone, which may include some of the following:

• Hike to one of Yosemite's waterfalls
• Watch the climbers on El Capitan
• Rent bikes for a relaxing cycle on the flat bike paths throughout the valley
• Cool off in lovely river pools in summer
• Spot a black bear
• Relax at the visitors center, with museums, restaurants and the Ansel Adams Gallery to inspire every amateur photographer

When it's time to head back to San Francisco, you will drive down the Sierra Nevada, passing through Stanislaus National Forest and stopping along the way for a short break.

Please note: The weather in Yosemite is highly variable and includes rain and snow in winter and high temperatures in summer. The itinerary may be adapted to make the most of Yosemite during different seasons and times of the year.

USD $135.00

Traveler Reviews

Review by: Chuchay T	April 2012
The trip was well worth our time. Our travel guide, Mr.Roman, was very knowledgeable of the history including the geological information of the area plus he also had a great sense of humor. Our trip was concluded with a bonus night time sightseeing of the SF skyline._br/_ I highly recommend this trip to anyone who has a day to spare to see the magnificent Yosemite National Park.

Review by: Donna M A	March 2012
very good trip

Review by: Judith K W	March 2012
Mark, our driver and guide, was AWESOME! The ride got a bit long, but he kept it interesting. My main reason for going to CA was to see the Sequoias, but the snow kept us from reaching them. I was SO disappointed! But, we were warned that this could happen, so it was not the fault of the tour company. And the snow was otherwise just gorgeous in the mountains. (We took a trip 2 days later to the Muir woods, and saw the redwoods, so we got an idea what the Sequoias would have been like. So, I'm glad we had that back up plan!) The bus was very comfortable and clean. My only complaint was that the shuttle claimed that we were not waiting for him for the morning pickup, but the valet said that one never stopped. We had the extra cost of a taxi to the tour company to meet our group.

Review by: maolsen	March 2012
This was a long day, but an excellent tour. Andy, our guide was very knowledgeable and did an outstanding job managing our tour. There was plenty of time to take photos and soak in the beauty of the park. We can't wait to return!

Review by: Sarah W	March 2012
Amazing winter wonderland! Too much now to see the sequoias which was a reason I booked this trip :( would have been better to not advertise it if the season is not yet ready to avoid disappointment. None the less a magical experience.

Review by: elimak	March 2012
It would have been great if we had seen the Giant Sequoias (as the trip's description + title say), but the road was closed few days before our trip, and we were told that the road will remain closed for the up coming 3-4 weeks. Therefore, it was a great disappointment. _br/_ Don't go there if you want to see the Giant Sequoias because that wont happen before at least April._br/_ It is totally wrong to sell something when half of it is out of reach.

Review by: firstflyer	March 2012
The driver was on time picking us up,friendly, courteous, and very professional...very know-_br/_ ledgable about the park....would highly recom-_br/_ mend it and do it again if given the opportunity.

Review by: cinzia	March 2012
Our tour guide was very informative. What a wonderful special place well worth seeing. Maybe next time i would do the 2 day trip so much to see. Nothing beats nature.

Review by: Nicholas F	February 2012
Excellent, safe, comfortable, spectacular views.

Review by: Adam N	January 2012
the trip was epic and loved all the wilderness!_br/_ the only downer was the 4hr bus ride to the park? 1 thing that may help is possibly putting a DVD player to pass the time?

Review by: corey_on_tour	January 2012
A long day that was more than worth the added effort of dragging ourselves out of bed early._br/_ Our guide, Andy, shows great passion for the park and the tours that he gives. No question was left unanswered, and his knowledge of the best photo/view spots made for amazing memories._br/_ Yosemite itself is breathtaking, El Capitan and Half Dome visually spectacular._br/_ Our only regret was doing only a day trip instead of a 1 or 2 night stay._br/_ Already planning a return trip.

Review by: Alexander V	January 2012
I like the entire trip and especially the guide, his first name Andy. Next time I just plan to stay in the park overnight.

Review by: Samantha W	January 2012
MUST DO TOUR! Berny my tour guide was wonderful - he definitely made the trip fun and even though it was a full tour went out of his way to answer everyone's ? and make everyone feel at home. I work full time in an Emergency Room and have 2 other jobs - I needed a getaway. This was PERFECT, San Francisco's BEST tour! The sights were indescribable, plenty of chances for pictures! Comfortable bus and planned out well. Enjoyed the hike and being outside! Thank you Viator and staff - even the operator who took my call was very sweet (wish i could remember her name!) Y'all made my Christmas special and unforgettable. I've been telling all my friends! Happy New Year to everyone.

Review by: Matthieu B	December 2011
good day but not enough EXECUTIVE DECISION _br/_ the guide does stop 3 times throughout the day and at other times we see beautiful landscapes but ... through the window of the bus! _/_

Review by: Ann H	December 2011
The trip was very good and informative. We had a very good guide which showed us so many interesting sites.

Review by: sweetcheeks	December 2011
The worst coach trip that I have ever been on, in over two decades of trips on holiday!_br/_ The coach had faulty rear suspension and had been in a rear end collision ( rear bumper hanging down and rear quarter damage to bodywork ). Every single bump was amplified in the back and was like being on a see-saw and we were bouncing in the seats. No toilet which on such a long trip would have been very helpful._br/_ It was dirty inside and out, the inside having food packaging and the remainder of sandwiches floating around the floor as we were driving. This operator will have our recommendation for anyone we know NOT to be used! Driver did not accompany us in yosemite and the small bits of information given were very poor. A lot of people really struggled with the first walk and the guide was nowhere to be seen! A very bad experience which I am more than willing to talk to you about in greater depth if you would like. I feel that this operator should be excluded from your database as it will be detrimental to your companies good standing within the holiday travel sector.

Review by: Deborah K	December 2011
This was an excellent way to get a taste of Yosemite Park. The bus was comfortable and the stops adequate.

Review by: bibiteo	December 2011
Nice place but travelling was alittle long.

Review by: David L	December 2011
If you must visit a National Park, see Yosemite! Breath taking views, fresh air and fantastic hike to Giant Sequoia Trees. Loved every minute of the tour.

Review by: Sandra A	December 2011
Lovely. tour guide very knowledgeable of the park and surroundings. I only missed information on hotel pick up times.

Review by: Jess B	December 2011
a must see when in San Francisco, CA

Review by: Sharon P	December 2011
It as hard to get around on the shuttles at the park, spent more time waiting then seeing the park. Would have been better if the tour could have dropped us of at locations for 1/2 hour to view.

Review by: Tasha26	December 2011
Good overall taste of Yosemite, however two tips - 1) provide boxed breakfast and lunches (like I've had on my other long day tours of similar length and cost) so time isn't wasted at food stops - 1 hr 15 mins isn't enough time at the park once you get there; and 2) don't emphasize gratuity so much, it only annoys people and lowers the $ they would otherwise give - tourists aren't customary to it but they also aren't dumb.

Review by: Mick C	December 2011
Good tour, needs to be more warning that the sequoias hike is a mile each way dropping about 1500 ft, so going down is OK but you need to be fit for the uphill return. Good tour guide and well planned viewing stops

Review by: Alison M	November 2011
This was a wonderful tour, although it was disappointing not being able to see the Giant Sequoias as the road was closed because of snow. The journey to Yosemite is rather tedious with little of interest to see, scenically or otherwise, but Yosemite National Park itself is not to be missed. The bus driver was very pleasant but used 15 words when one would have sufficed. In other words, he used a lot of verbal padding.

Review by: Rachael M	November 2011
Absolutely AMAZING! a must see in your lifetime, well worth the money, early start and few hours drive. Incredible!!! Memories that will stay with me forever.

Review by: Barbara W	November 2011
Excellent tour and guide. Although there was trouble with the bus the guide dealt with it efficiently and had a local shuttle bus continue with the tour until another bus could be brought out to us. The views were superb. So glad we did the trip.

Review by: Anonymous	November 2011
A long day but worthwhile, great scenery, good driver and guide.

Review by: matsuda	November 2011
Great driver.Wonderful views.

Review by: rossco	November 2011
Very long day but well worth it when you see the amazing sights!

Review by: Melvina P	November 2011
We were picked up at 6am and were immediately barraged with loud music, which was not appreciated. Had to request on several occasions to turn the music down. The park and scenery were lovely but disappointed at not stopping in the park where there was an actual waterfall - just caught a glimpse from the bus. A bit disappointing.

Review by: Sandra B	November 2011
Great but thedriver shouldn't give a talk on gratuites at the beginning of the trip. We still gave a tip.

Review by: Nabanita G	November 2011
Driver came late in the morning. Then his microphone was not working, so he held it in one hand while driving in mountainous road. This, I felt was dangerous driving. Did mention it to him, but he said he can't do anything else. It is an expensive tour to a beautiful place, but I was so nervous that I could not enjoy it! He also gave us very little time at the Giant Sequias trees, which is quite a hike.

Review by: Freya J	November 2011
Excellent trip. Would have been 5 star if the driver hadn't driven sooo fast!!!! - especially around the curves going up and down the mountain.

Review by: deon f	October 2011
Awesome

Review by: Daniel J	October 2011
Tour guide was knowledgeable and the itinerary was perfect! I recommend it to everyone!

Review by: Karen D	October 2011
Absolutely wonderful. Great guide. But walk up from the Sequoia Grove was really tough for older folks.

Review by: FOOK KUAN Y, Malaysia	July 2010
Highly recommended.Yosemite is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Review by: Anonymous, New Zealand	June 2010
We had a fantastic time in Yosemite. The driver was very knowledgeable.

Review by: Gene B, United States of America	June 2010
Although it was a long day, it was well worth the effort. We had a great time & I would definitely recommend it.

Review by: melanie b, United Kingdom	May 2010
Absolutely stunning scenery and lots of interesting information along the way from our guide Mike. We were dissapointed not to see the Giant Sequiois as late snow made access for coaches impossible . Make sure you use the rest rooms at every opportunity as it's a long time between stops !! A long day with an early start but definately a must do if visiting Dan Francisco.

Review by: lisa w, United Kingdom	May 2010
Amazing, would definitely do it all over again. we saw two black bears, yes two! also saw deers several time and the fact the road was blocked by snow up to the giant sequias didnt matter, as it was an amazing experience regardless. the driver was very enthusiastic and helpful.

Review by: Sharon M, United States of America	March 2010
Very good tour, enjoyed the ride to Yosemite as well as the park itself.

Review by: Anonymous, Hong Kong	March 2010
An awesome day tour! The guide was very informative and friendly. And despite we couldn't make it to the Giant Sequoias due to weather condition, the great scenery in the Yosemite Valley worths every penny.

Review by: Mark E, Australia	February 2010
Great day tour with a very informative guide who is also a great driver to negotiate some of the tight roads we were on up in the mountains. Loved the time we spent in Yosemite valley...absolutely gob smackingly beautiful!

Review by: David T, Australia	December 2009
It was an awesome experience. We had a fantastic guide and the Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Review by: Shannon L, United States of America	December 2009
This was an amazing tour! I also loved the driver, he was friendly and informative.

Review by: Anonymous, United Kingdom	November 2009
Saw a lot in a short time.

Review by: Necole G, Australia	November 2009
This day trip was everything we'd hoped for and more! Breathtakingly beautiful scenery was everywhere. The Giant Sequoias component of the day was more special for us as it had a spattering of snow - which made for great pics! We even saw a Bear! Highly recommend the trip if you can spare the day from San Francisco.

Review by: Nina-Maree B, Australia	November 2009
This was a totally awesome day. Our tour guide very knowledgeable about the Yosemite Valley area. I would highly recommend this trip.