Escape to the mountains for two full days of hiking, sightseeing and exploring in the amazing natural wilderness of Yosemite National Park. On this overnight tour from San Francisco with a knowledgeable guide, trek through Yosemite Valley, explore the high country and marvel at giant sequoias, waterfalls and famous sites including Half Dome. Choose from a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking and swimming, and at the end of the day, relax in your provided accommodation in or near the park.
Likely to Sell Out: Rooms at the Yosemite Lodge sell out months in advance for the summer. Reserve early to avoid disappointment
Highlights
- 2-day tour of Yosemite National Park from San Francisco
- Explore spectacular Yosemite Valley and the high country, filled with giant sequoias, waterfalls and famous sites such as Half Dome
- Enjoy several scenic tours and hikes with your knowledgeable guide
- Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your own such as biking, hiking and swimming
- Stay overnight at either Cedar Lodge or Yosemite Lodge
- Round-trip hotel transport by comfortable van included
Recent Photos of this Tour
Useful Information
Yosemite Falls
In the valley, explore and photograph famous highlights such as Yosemite Falls -- the tallest waterfall in North America -- El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall and Inspiration Point.
In Yosemite's high country, hike among the giant sequoias and venture to Glacier Point, offering stunning views. You can also choose to hike to the top of Sentinel Dome or Taft Point. In the late afternoon on your second day, relax on the drive back to San Francisco.
You can choose between two lodging options, inside or outside the park, and throughout your trip, your guide will teach you about the history of Yosemite and give you great advice on how to get the most out of your time in the park.
See the Itinerary below for more details.
Itinerary
Leave San Francisco behind and cross the Bay Bridge, offering amazing views of Alcatraz Island and Angel Island. Cruise through Oakland, the East Bay and on to Central Valley to stop for groceries (own expense). Travel through Gold Country and the Sierra Nevada Foothills.
Arrive at Yosemite National Park after approximately 3 hours and hike down to the giant sequoia trees for a picnic lunch. After lunch, enjoy a fully narrated 1.5-hour tour through Yosemite's glaciated valley with your guide, and admire the waterfalls and rock formations.
In the afternoon, head to Yosemite Falls, where you'll have the choice of activities including a walk to the base of the falls, time at the main visitor's center, swimming, biking or hiking.
Regroup and head to your selected accommodation for dinner. At Cedar Lodge, situated near the picturesque Merced River, enjoy time to relax by the river and hang out in the pub. Enjoy private beach access and take advantage of the indoor and outdoor pool and Jacuzzi.
At Yosemite Lodge, located in the park at the foot of Yosemite Falls, the scenery is nearly unbeatable. This lodge embraces the beauty of the wilderness that is certain to be a highlight of your visit.
Overnight: Cedar Lodge or Yosemite Lodge in/near Yosemite National Park
Day 2: Yosemite National Park -- San Francisco (B)
Have breakfast, pack up and drive to Glacier Point for views of Yosemite Valley. Here, you have the option to hike back to the valley or return in the van and enjoy a full day of hiking, biking or lounging by the river.
Stop for a bite to eat (own expense) on the way home. Enjoy the San Francisco skyline as you cross the Bay Bridge and return to your hotel.
Reviewed by Sarah M, April 2013
My trip to Yosemite was probably the highlight of my holiday to America. The views and scenery were spectacular and just absolutely stunning! I enjoyed every moment. I'm glad that I did the two days as the first day was quite tiring, getting up so early and then having a 5 hour drive. I would dread to think what doing just the day trip would be like. Staying over for a second day meant I could really appreciate the park.
The company was well organised. We were the only ones booked in on the two day tour so they arranged for us to go up to Yosemite with one day group and then return to San Francisco with another day group the following day. They provided a schedule for us and bus tickets to get us back in to the park in lieu of a guided tour. Everything went very smoothly and allowed us to have an amazing time.
Reviewed by Alexandra G, November 2012
Perfect choice to do that amazing trip on the last weekend of the summer seaon. Not too many tourists left but still very nice weather. Two days are the perfect choice to see a lot of beautiful places. One day is definitely not enough since one is driving quite a lot. Van was very comfortable and Heather a perfect guide to brought as to many insider sights on the way to and withing the park. The hotel for the night is, however, not the best choice. It is ok for that one night but definitely not the choice to feel comfortable. Rooms are very old, louuudd air condition etc. breakfast was perfectly fine though. Overall, amazing trip and not to be missed when staying in California.


