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Yosemite Winter One Day Tour from San Francisco

Yosemite Winter One Day Tour from San Francisco

November - June
Day pass and entrance fee are included in tour price
Duration: 15 hours

Overview

This winter tour of Yosemite from San Francisco takes you to the awe-inspiring monuments of Half Dome and El Capitan. Bridalveil, Horsetail and Yosemite Falls make dramatic appearances during most seasons. Tour Length - 15 hours approximately

Included

  • Stunning views Half-Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls
  • Free time to explore the valley floor
  • Local expert guide (English)
  • Foreign language audios in 8 languages
  • Guaranteed daily departures
  • Pickup at most San Francisco hotels
  • Park entry fee included at checkout

Excluded

  • Meals or beverages
  • Guide gratuity: recommended

Important information

What is the difference between this and the Yosemite and Giant Sequoias One Day Tour?

The main difference is that the trail to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias is covered in snow and ice, making it unsafe without special equipment. Therefore, we substitute additional free time in Yosemite Valley for you to explore. There may be other modifications to the tour route to accommodate snow, road closures and detours on Yosemite’s mountain roads.

What should I bring?

Winter weather in the Sierra Mountains can be dramatic and unpredictable. Since you will be spending 4-5 hours outdoors enjoying nature, we recommend that you dress in layers and wear warm, comfortable shoes or hiking boots. Bring a heavy water-resistant jacket, camera or phone, 1-liter water bottle, warm hat, sturdy umbrella (if the forecast calls for rain or snow) and some cash or a credit card for meals, snacks and souvenirs.

Is the hike to Giant Sequoias available in the winter?

The Tuolumne Grove hike is unsafe without special equipment when covered in snow and ice. So, we generally do not generally not attempt it on tours from November to March, substituting additional time in Yosemite Valley.

How long are we going to spend in the Park?

The average winter tour spends about 5 hours in Yosemite National Park.

Do I need any special gear since there will be snow?

Our stops in Yosemite will be mostly flat and cleared of snow and ice. You will not need special equipment if wearing sturdy hiking boots or shoes with tread.

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, and Yosemite Falls. 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.

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 food and beverages. There are a few restaurants and a food court in Yosemite Valley. They are usually crowded, so it’s a good idea to bring or purchase a picnic lunch prior to arriving in the park.

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: Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, Valley View, Yosemite Valley Lodge (lunch), El Capitan Meadow, and Yosemite Valley View lookout.

Highlights

More information

***The Yosemite Winter One-Day Tour is also available with pick up from San Jose! Click here to book a pick up from San Jose!***

See more. Feel more. Experience more of jaw-dropping natural beauty on this Yosemite National Park Winter tour. Yosemite National Park is open all year round and this tour will let you explore Yosemite Valley during all seasons of the year.

Towering granite cliffs and snow-covered meadows headline this one-day Yosemite National Park tour from San Francisco, but our expert guides will make sure you don’t miss the history, geology and wildlife that make Yosemite Valley the jewel of the National Park System.

Travel and Hospitality Awards named this the best Yosemite tour from San Francisco for its jaw-dropping natural beauty. It has earned more 5-star guest reviews thanks to our locally-based experts who know how to make your day truly memorable.

Your Yosemite Winter Tour begins with a pickup at your hotel, then heads east crossing through California’s fertile San Joaquin Valley and into the rocky Sierra Nevada mountains. See 170-year-old mining towns and learn the colorful history of the region.

Your heart (and cameras) will be racing as you enter Yosemite Valley and enjoy a stop at Inspiration Point (also known as Tunnel View). Take a moment and then some selfies with El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Falls as your backdrop.

During your free time in the valley, grab a bite to eat at the Valley Lodge food court, check out the souvenirs at the gift shop, or take a quick hike around Sentinel Meadow or to the towering Yosemite Falls.

Special requests? Help with photos? Just ask. Our guides are true experts and won't hesitate to be your personal selfie stick for that perfect picture!

We’re so confident that our Yosemite Winter One Day Tour will amaze all year round—it’s backed by a Satisfaction Guarantee.

*Winter clothes, especially shoes or boots with rubber soles and treads are recommended for your Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias trip.

TOUR ITINERARY

06:30 AM to 11:00 AM

  • Begin your Yosemite National Park tour with a convenient pickup in San Francisco (we serve most San Francisco hotels)
  • Be introduced to Yosemite as you cross the San Joaquin valley
  • Rest stop (approx 30 min). Pick up snacks and lunch for the park

11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

  • Enter Yosemite National Park
  • Cascade Falls experience
  • Be inspired at Inspiration Point/Tunnel View
  • Heart-stopping views of Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan and Half Dome

1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

  • Free time in Yosemite Valley
  • Hike the Meadow Loop or the trail to Yosemite Falls
  • Photograph the Swinging Bridge

3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

  • Re-board the vehicle to head back to San Francisco
  • Enjoy additional photo opportunities as you exit the park

5:00 PM to 9:30 PM

  • Descend from the Sierras back toward San Francisco
  • Stop for a break and dinner (approx 30 min)
  • Watch the sun set into California’s golden hills
  • Conclude the tour at your pickup location

* Times listed are approximates only. Traffic and other unforeseen issues can cause delays or changes in these times 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.