Yosemite and Giant Sequoias One Day Tour from San Jose
Yosemite and Giant Sequoias One Day Tour from San Jose
Duration: 15 hours
Overview
Get to know Yosemite’s stunning landmarks on this full-day tour from San Jose. Venture from San Jose into the Sierra Mountains to reach the awe-striking sites like Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Tunnel View, and more. Conditions permitting, hike some of the most stunning trails in the park. Meal stops as well as entrance fees are included on the tour.
Included
- Half-Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls views
- Hike to Giant Sequoias (conditions permitting)
- Yosemite Valley free time
- Park entry fee included at checkout
- Local expert guide (English)
- Offered in: Foreign language audios in 8 languages
- Hotel Pickup at Signia by Hilton San Jose
- 15-hour tour
Excluded
- Meals or beverages
- Guide gratuity: recommended
Important information
What do I need to know about the Giant Sequoias hike?
The hike is only available when trail conditions are safe, usually April to October. The hike is a 2-mile round trip on a paved trail with a steep incline on the return. Individuals with respiratory issues or not used to strenuous exercise may skip the hike and wait in the outdoor seating area at the Tuolumne Grove stop.
What is the best time of year to visit Yosemite Valley?
Each season in Yosemite Valley offers its own advantages. Summer is the best chance for sunny and warm hikes, Fall offers peace and solitude at the popular attractions, Winter means a blanket of snow over all the rock monuments and Spring features the peak of the annual Yosemite Valley waterfall show.
Is a day enough time to see Yosemite?
Our incredible 1-day tour to Yosemite from San Francisco visits all the top attractions, like Tunnel View, El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and (conditions permitting) the Giant Sequoias. A longer, multi-day tour allows time to enjoy longer hikes, bike riding, swimming in the Merced River, the night’s brilliant stars and more. See our overnight options here:
How can I travel around the park during my free time?
Walking is best form of transportation in the Valley. We do not recommend public transportation or park shuttles during your free time since you cannot certain about getting back the tour vehicle on time. The most popular attractions are a short distance from the drop-off point near Yosemite Valley Lodge.
Can I use my annual pass for the United States National Parks to enter Yosemite for free?
Sorry, but no. The entrance fee we pay to Yosemite National Park is based on the vehicle and not on the individuals, and the entrance is located at a toll gate - not on foot. Therefore, the tour cost includes the admission fee.
Do you pick up outside of San Francisco?
Our 1-day Yosemite tour picks up in San Jose in the South Bay (make the reservation here), and Livermore in the East Bay. If you are staying near the San Francisco airport or another location away from the downtown area, we recommend using a ride-sharing service or public transportation to the Hilton Union Square hotel. Our pickup for that location is outside the Mason Street side entrance of the hotel.
Do you offer this tour in different languages?
Our Yosemite tour has live narration in English, but we offer complimentary recorded audio guides in 8 languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, and Portuguese. If an audio guide is required, please specify the language when booking.
What should I bring with me on tour?
The weather in the Sierra Mountains can be unpredictable and you will be spending 4-5 hours outdoors enjoying nature. We recommend that you dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes or hiking sandals (not flip flops). Bring along a light water-resistant jacket, camera or phone, 1-liter water bottle, hat and sunscreen, sturdy umbrella (if the forecast calls for rain), and some cash or a credit card for meals, snacks and souvenirs.
Are meals included? Can I buy or bring my own?
Meals are not included on this tour. We do make a stop about halfway to and from Yosemite, where you can buy a snack or meal to take with you. There are also restaurants and a food court in Yosemite Valley where you can purchase lunch and snacks.
What stops do we have for photographs?
Your Yosemite tour will make 5-6 stops for you to exit the vehicle and take some photographs although weather and traffic conditions may have your driver alter the itinerary slightly. The usual stops are: Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, Valley View, El Capitan Meadow, and Yosemite Valley View lookout.
What can I do during my free time in Yosemite Valley?
Nice and easy hikes through Cook’s Meadow or to Lower Yosemite Falls or the Swinging Bridge can all be done during your free time. On clear days, biking to Yosemite Village, Mirror Lake or the Ahwahnee Hotel is a great choice. Finally, the Ancel Adam Gallery is a wonderful showcase of the artist’s work. We do not recommend taking the park shuttle since the timing of the return trip can be unpredictable.
Can I be picked up from a different location other than Signia by Hilton San Jose?
At the present time, we have only one pickup location in San Jose.
What do I need to know about the pickup in San Jose?
A 3rd party shuttle will pick up in San Jose and transport you to Livermore to meet our tour leader and vehicle. The transfer takes 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
Where can I park my car near Signia by Hilton?
The Signia by Hilton has a parking garage but it is a bit expensive. We suggest trying the Impark Lot #367 at 285 S Market St just a block from the Hilton pickup location.
How will I recognize the vehicle that will pick me up?
Look for an SUV with identification as Bay Area Airport Shuttle. If there are fewer than 6 passengers making the transfer to Livermore, we will send you a link to an Uber whose location you can track on your phone.
Highlights
More information
Tour Highlights
- Explore the Landmarks: Stop at Inspiration Point, Yosemite Valley, El Capitan Meadow and Valley View.
- Stunning Photo Stops: Photograph Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome.
- More Time in the Park: Spend over 5 hours in Yosemite Park in a day the most time in the Yosemite Park.
- Easy Pickup & Dropoff: Convenient transportation to and from San Jose.
- Fully guided in English; audio guides in 8 languages for international guests.
Towering granite cliffs and Giant Sequoias headline this one-day Yosemite tour from San Jose but our expert guides will make sure you don’t miss the history, geology, wildflowers and wildlife that have made this glacier carved valley the jewel of the national park system.
Explore to Yosemite from San Jose
Your Yosemite day tour begins with a pickup at a conveniently located hotel in San Jose, then heads east crossing through California’s fertile San Joaquin (also known as Central) Valley and into the rocky Sierra Nevada mountains. See 170-year-old mining towns and learn the colorful history of the region.
Visit Tuolomne Grove of Giant Sequoias
This is the only Yosemite National Park tour where you will also experience the solitude of the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, the largest living things on the Earth. You’ll reconsider your place in the world—two-thousand-year-old trees can make people do that!
Experience the Stunning Landmarks of Yosemite
Your heart (and cameras) will be racing as you enter Yosemite Valley and enjoy stops at Inspiration Point and El Capitan Meadow and El Capitan.
Why Choose Us?
- This is the only Yosemite day tour that picks up in San Jose and the only itinerary that includes a hike to the giant redwoods in Tuolumne Grove. Travel and Hospitality Awards named this the best Yosemite tour for its jaw-dropping natural beauty. It has earned more 5-star guest reviews than any other to Yosemite National Park.
- As part of our commitment to a sustainable environment, Extranomical Tours supports NatureBridge, whose proven in-the-field programs at national parks inspire self-discovery and environmental stewardship in young learners. Help us by donating at checkout.
- Special requests? Help with photos? Just ask. Extranomical has earned more 5-star reviews at Yosemite National Park than anyone. Guests can enjoy this Yosemite National Park tour 365 days a year. But no two tours are alike.
We’re so confident that our Yosemite day tour from San Jose will amaze—its backed by a Satisfaction Guarantee. Come aboard—we’re saving a seat for you!
TOUR ITINERARY
6:15 AM - 10:30 AM: Scenic Drive from San Jose into Yosemite Entrance
- Begin your Yosemite National Park tour with a convenient pickup at the Signia by Hilton San Jose
- Rest stop. Pick up snacks and lunch for the park
- Learn the history of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Gold Country
- Be introduced to Yosemite as you cross the San Joaquin valley
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Enter Yosemite & Hike (Conditions permitting)
- Enter Yosemite National Park
- Trail conditions permitting, experience a Giant Sequoia grove
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Visit Yosemite’s Landmarks on the Way to Inspiration Point
- Heart-stopping views of Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan and Half Dome
- Be inspired at Inspiration Point/Tunnel View
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Yosemite Valley Free Time
- Free time in Yosemite Valley
- Hike the Meadow Loop or the trail to Yosemite Falls
- Photograph the Swinging Bridge
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Exit Through Sierra Mountains
- Re-board the vehicle for more photo stops as we exit the park
- Descend from the Sierras back to San Jose
5:00 PM - 9:30 PM: Drive Home & Stop for Dinner
- Continue your descent from the Sierras
- Stop for a break and dinner (approx 30 min)
- Watch the sun set into California's golden hills
- Conclude your Yosemite National Park tour back at the Signia by Hilton San Jose
* Times listed are approximates only. Traffic and other unforeseen issues can cause delays or changes in these time which are out of our control. Please do not make flight/travel arrangements on the same day as your tour.
Read more helpful articles about Yosemite in our BLOG.
