From San Francisco: 3-Day Yosemite Tour Without Hotel

Highlights

• Explore Yosemite National Park at your own pace
• Photograph Half-Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls
• Hike to the giant sequoias (weather permitting)
• Learn about the area from your guide
• Free unique geo-based audio guides in 8 languages

Description

Customize your three-day tour to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco by booking your own hotel accommodation. Enjoy the freedom to explore the park’s wilderness, towering granite cliffs, Giant Sequoias, and awe-inspiring waterfalls at your own pace.

FIRST DAY:
Join our top-rated Yosemite Giant Sequoia Tour to experience seasonal activities and discover the rich history, geology, and wildlife that make Yosemite Valley the crown jewel of U.S. National Parks.

Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pickup in San Francisco, followed by a scenic drive through California's lush San Joaquin Valley and into the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains. As we enter Yosemite, we'll stop at Tunnel View for breathtaking photos of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.

After arriving at Valley Lodge (Stop #7), you’ll have free time to explore Yosemite Valley’s many attractions. Later, take the free Valley Shuttle or YARTS bus (fare not included) to reach your hotel, which you’ll book separately. You will have the entire second half of the day to enjoy the park. (Please note: Activities are not included.)

SECOND DAY:
This is your day to explore Yosemite’s wonders on your own terms. Hike popular trails, photograph wildlife, or simply relax and take in the scenery. Whether you seek waterfalls, towering cliffs, or quiet meadows, Yosemite offers something for everyone. This day is unguided, giving you full freedom to choose your adventure.

THIRD DAY:
Spend the first half of the day discovering more of the park. In spring and summer, enjoy activities like hiking, biking, rock climbing, rafting, fishing, or stargazing. In winter, park rangers can help you plan snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tubing, or ice skating—weather permitting.

In the afternoon, meet our tour vehicle at Valley Lodge (Stop #7) at the time listed in your confirmation email.

Before leaving the park, one final highlight awaits: a memorable hike to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. Walk among some of the oldest and largest living trees on Earth—a humbling and unforgettable experience.

From November through March, when the trail may be unsafe due to snow or ice, we replace the hike with additional time in Yosemite Valley.

Important Note: If you're not staying at a hotel within Yosemite Valley, please bring only what you can comfortably carry. Storage space is very limited on the YARTS shuttles, and no public luggage storage is available in the park.