San Francisco · YOSEMITE DAY TRIPS

Yosemite Day Trips from San Francisco: The 15 Best Dawn Departures

27 tours  ·  from $99 a head

It is a long day: four hours each way and about two in the valley. These 15 compare group size, the giant sequoia stop and the overnight options that give you the park at sunrise.

Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco - Tunnel View and Bridalveil Fall
San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Yosemite Day Trips

Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

1.Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,671 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $239Our pick

Ride from San Francisco in a minibus capped at 15, walk among giant sequoias, and see Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. You get about two hours of free time in Yosemite Valley. Guides such as Derek, Trevor and Kurt have led trips, though your guide may vary.

“A great day with my brother! Steven did a wonderful job and was fun and insightful! The park is not to be missed!”

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Yosemite Highlights & Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco - Tunnel View gives you the grand first look
San Francisco City Tours, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Yosemite Day Trips

Yosemite Highlights & Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco

2.Yosemite Highlights & Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,455 reviews · 14 to 15 hours (approx.) · from $219

Leave San Francisco before dawn for Yosemite’s Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Valley, El Capitan Meadow, and, when trail conditions allow, a walk among giant sequoias in Tuolumne Grove. A local guide handles the long drive and park stops, then gives you time to explore on your own. Expect a 14 to 15 hour day and a possible extra fee if you are not a U.S. resident.

“Hi just wanted to let you know that Robert was phenomenal yesterday!! The entire coach enjoyed with him!”

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From SF: Yosemite Day Trip with Giant Sequoias Hike & Pickup - Tunnel View sets the scale
Hiking & Trekking, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Yosemite Day Trips

From SF: Yosemite Day Trip with Giant Sequoias Hike & Pickup

3.Yosemite Day Trip with Giant Sequoias Hike & Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,331 reviews · 14 hours · from $239

Leave San Francisco before dawn for a guided Yosemite day trip in a small group of up to 14 participants. See Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome and El Capitan, then hike one mile to the Tuolumne Grove of giant sequoias when conditions allow. The guide handles the long drive and park logistics, with time for a picnic and photos.

“We had the best day! Kurt was an excellent tour guide for our Yosemite trip. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and took great photos of our group at all the best spots. His passion for the park really showed, and we had an amazing experience. Highly recommend!”

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Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco - Tunnel View gives you Yosemite in one glance
Full-Day, National Parks, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Yosemite Day Trips

Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco

4.Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 937 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $199

Leave San Francisco at 6:20 am by bus for Yosemite, with an English-speaking driver-guide, a Central Valley supply stop, scenic viewpoints and about three hours on your own in Yosemite Valley. The day runs roughly 14 hours, but traffic can stretch it. Check the extra $103 park fee for non-US residents aged 16 and over before you book.

“Joe with Teton Floats was the best tour guide we have ever had as he was an expert in everything such as ther animals, waterfalls, ecology and the mountains!”

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From San Francisco: Day Trip to Yosemite National Park - A guide who makes the miles count
National Parks, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Yosemite Day Trips

From San Francisco: Day Trip to Yosemite National Park

5.Day Trip to Yosemite National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 883 reviews · 15 hours · from $209

Travel from San Francisco to Yosemite in a bio-fueled mini-coach with an English-speaking guide, then see Yosemite Valley highlights including El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Falls. You get a narrated coach tour and about three hours of free time. Guides such as Kika, Sharon, Noah, and Aiden have led trips, though your guide will depend on the date.

“Our guide put into context the different highlights we passed along the way and on entering yosemite. He followed the schedule like clockwork. He was kind, helpful, and always ready to answer questions. Excellent!!!”

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Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco - Tunnel View: the grand first frame
San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Yosemite Day Trips

Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco

6.Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 713 reviews · 15 hours (approx.) · from $209

Ride a biodiesel mini-coach from San Francisco to Yosemite for a narrated tour past Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Tunnel View, then spend about three hours exploring Yosemite Valley on your own. Hotel pickup is offered at select locations. Guides named in recent trip accounts include Sharon, Jordan, and Lawton.

“awesome, we're able to visit all the scenic spots in a very Limited time. The guide Sharon is good. Fantastic”

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Yosemite National Park 2-Day Tour from San Francisco with Lodging - Tuolumne Grove: a walk among giant sequoias
2-Day Experiences, National Parks, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Yosemite Day Trips

Yosemite National Park 2-Day Tour from San Francisco with Lodging

7.Yosemite National Park 2-Day Tour from San Francisco with Lodging

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 412 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $619

Ride from San Francisco to Yosemite in a biofuel mini-coach with a guide, then spend a night in or near the park. The two-day route pairs a narrated valley tour and Tunnel View with free time for walks or hikes, a visit to Tuolumne Grove, and a trip to Glacier Point when conditions allow. Guides vary by departure; past groups have been led by Jay, James, Jordan, Aidan, and others.

“Went on a 2 day trip to Yosemite with Jaymes as our guide in May 2023. It was a great experience. It was the first time I had gone to a national park in the US. Jaymes shared extensively about the history and geography of Yosemite. I marveled at the immense beauty of the granite surrounding us. The walk through the Giant Sequoias was also breathtaking. Jaymes also suggested different trekking routes for persons with different physical abilities which was very kind and thoughtful. I enjoyed the trip very much and would highly recommend this!”

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San Francisco: Day Trip to Yosemite with Giant Sequoias Hike - Tuolumne Grove: the day’s hardest walk
Hiking & Trekking, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Yosemite Day Trips

San Francisco: Day Trip to Yosemite with Giant Sequoias Hike

8.Day Trip to Yosemite with Giant Sequoias Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 290 reviews · 14 hours · from $209

Travel from San Francisco to Yosemite in a biofuel vehicle with an English-speaking guide, stopping for a 2.5-mile hike to Tuolumne Grove’s giant sequoias and photo stops at Tunnel View, El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. You’ll also have time in Yosemite Valley. The trip lasts 14 hours, and the sequoia hike may be unavailable in some winter months.

“Loved this trip!! My husband has not stopped talking about it and is excited to book another trip back! A huge shout out to our tour guide, Hannah, she was exceptional and very kind!”

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Yosemite 3-Day Camping Adventure from San Francisco - Day 1: From San Francisco to the sequoias
3-Day Experiences, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Yosemite Day Trips

Yosemite 3-Day Camping Adventure from San Francisco

9.Yosemite 3-Day Camping Adventure from San Francisco

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 211 reviews · 3 days (approx.) · from $795

Leave San Francisco by biodiesel van for two nights of tent camping near Yosemite, guided park visits, hikes tailored to the group, and free time in the valley. Tents and cooking gear are supplied, but you need a sleeping bag or can rent one. Past guides have included Lisa, Jordan, Tehan, and Brian; your guide will vary.

“Meeting nice people from different parts of the world with my son. Working together in a camp environment to maximize fun! Jordan our guide was very knowledgeable of both camping and yosemite. He made sure everything and everyone was safe and having a good time in transit, at camp, and in the park. If you book this tour, request Jordan. It would be hard for me to imagine a better guide!”

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From San Francisco: Yosemite National Park Guided Day Trip - The road into the Sierra Nevada
Guided, National Parks, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Yosemite Day Trips

From San Francisco: Yosemite National Park Guided Day Trip

10.Yosemite National Park Guided Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 197 reviews · 14 hours · from $197

This 14-hour Gray Line trip takes you from San Francisco through the Central Valley and Gold Rush foothills to Yosemite. Expect a one-hour guided park tour, photo stops at landmarks such as Tunnel View and El Capitan, then three hours of free time in Yosemite Valley. Guides have included Deb, Heather, Joseph and Alex.

“Enjoyed and relaxed in Yosemite and I liked most the nature because was beautiful.A lot of adventure and explore.”

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Yosemite Valley 3-Day Camping Adventure - Day 1: Walk among giant sequoias
3-Day Experiences, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Yosemite Day Trips

Yosemite Valley 3-Day Camping Adventure

11.Yosemite Valley 3-Day Camping Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 180 reviews · 3 days · from $795

Leave San Francisco for three days of Yosemite hikes, giant sequoias, High Sierra views, and two nights camping just outside Yosemite Valley. Tents, pads, five meals, park entry, and an English-speaking guide are included. Guides vary, with past trips led by people such as Lana, Lawton, and Aiden. Bring a sleeping bag or arrange a rental.

“Our great guide Ollie wowed us with Yosemite's gigantic granite walls, forest hikes, camping cooking, and a great music mix for the road trip. Definitely worth the money to spend the time experiencing the valley and plateau fully. If I'd change anything, I'd trade the commercial valley restaurant on the second day for another camping dinner :)”

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San Francisco: Yosemite Park 2-Day Trip with Accommodation - Day one: Yosemite Valley’s signature sights
2-Day Experiences, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Yosemite Day Trips

San Francisco: Yosemite Park 2-Day Trip with Accommodation

12.Yosemite Park 2-Day Trip with Accommodation

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 85 reviews · 2 days · from $629

Ride from San Francisco in a biodiesel mini-coach with a guide and a group of up to 13. Over two days, see Yosemite Valley sights such as El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, visit Glacier Point, and hike among Giant Sequoias when conditions allow. The tour includes an overnight stay at Yosemite View Lodge, near the Merced River.

“If you're wondering whether to book or not, just do it! You won't regret it. There is so much to see and so many places to go so this eliminates the headache and allows you to sit back and enjoy your trip. The only thing to look for when booking is what hotel you will be staying at for the overnight stay. The Yosemite Valley Hotel has more options and even a Starbucks! The actual tour is like what is listed in the details when you book. Our tour guide was Jayms and he was phenomenal. He explained things thoroughly and we had plenty of time to do the trails,…”

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From LA: SF, Yosemite, Santa Barbara and Carmel 3-Day Tour - Day two: San Francisco from the bay to Chinatown
3-Day Experiences, Monterey & Carmel Tours, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Yosemite Day Trips

From LA: SF, Yosemite, Santa Barbara and Carmel 3-Day Tour

13.From LA: SF, Yosemite, Santa Barbara and Carmel 3-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 72 reviews

Travel from Los Angeles by air-conditioned bus for three days of California coast, city and park scenery. You’ll visit Santa Barbara, Solvang, Carmel and San Francisco, with Yosemite in summer or a Monterey-area coastal route in winter. Two hotel nights and a San Francisco bay cruise are included. Guide names can vary by departure.

“Our driver Henry was very accommodating to have my stroller out whenever we stopped. Roberto was AMAZING, Feng & the other female tour guide were AMAZING!!! They stopped plenty of times for bathroom breaks ( clean bathrooms ) and nice hotels!! Best tour I have ever been on.. Thank you to ALL my tour guides on our 3day trip, my mother had a blast!!!”

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From San Francisco: 2-Day Yosemite Guided Trip with Pickup - Tunnel View: Yosemite’s big first impression
2-Day Experiences, Guided, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Yosemite Day Trips

From San Francisco: 2-Day Yosemite Guided Trip with Pickup

14.2-Day Yosemite Guided Trip with Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 35 reviews · 2 days · from $269

Travel by Wi-Fi-equipped bus from San Francisco to Yosemite, stopping at Tunnel View before free time in the valley. Book your own Yosemite hotel, then return to Valley Lodge on day two for the ride back. A guided sequoia grove hike is planned when conditions allow; free audio guides come in eight languages.

“Num dos autocarros os bancos eram desconfortáveis. No do segundo dia eram ótimos. Guias divertidos e muito simpáticos. Foi uma ótima experiência. Recomendo!”

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San Francisco: Yosemite, Las Vegas, Bryce & Zion, 6-Day Tour - Yosemite’s granite landmarks
6-Day Experiences, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Yosemite Day Trips

San Francisco: Yosemite, Las Vegas, Bryce & Zion, 6-Day Tour

15.Yosemite, Las Vegas, Bryce & Zion, 6-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 23 reviews

Travel from San Francisco to Las Vegas through Yosemite and five major park and canyon stops, with a San Francisco bay cruise, guided city and Strip sightseeing, five hotel nights and park entry included. Days are full, meals are extra, and some departures have guides such as Breata, Jacky or Elvira.

“Well done tour, great guides and very helpful. Timing optimized to the maximum. However, the asking price is a bit high”

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