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San Jose · California · United States
Yosemite and Giant Sequoias One Day Tour from San Jose
Starting From
From $289.00 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Join us on this breathtaking tour of Yosemite National Park, whose towering granite peaks, cascading waterfalls and nature trails are perhaps the most stunning in the world. This award-winning tour spends the most time in Yosemite and includes a unique hike among ancient Giant Sequoias. Your tour begins with a convenient hotel pick up in San Jose. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as we explain how glitter in the American River sparked the California gold rush; what geological forces made Yosemite’s dramatic landscapes; and the role John Muir played in the formation of America’s first protected wilderness. Once inside Yosemite National Park, we’ll head to the iconic Tunnel View, a scene made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. Pause here to capture unforgettable photos with landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, and Cathedral Peak as your backdrop. After taking unforgettable photos, we’ll stop to bring you up close to the misty Bridalveil Fall. Upon arrival at our designated stop in Yosemite Valley, enjoy free time to have lunch and explore at your own pace. Set out on a scenic hike to Yosemite Falls, wander through Cook’s Meadow, or relax by the peaceful Merced River. After rejoining the group, we’ll stop at El Capitan Meadow, where you’ll discover fascinating insights about the world’s largest granite monolith and Yosemite’s famous climbing culture. Next, we’ll visit Valley View, offering a breathtaking panorama of the Merced River, El Capitan, and the towering Cathedral Rocks. Our last stop in the park is the breathtaking Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, where you’ll have the unique chance to hike among some of the oldest and largest trees on Earth. Walking among them is like stepping into another time, where you can fully appreciate the beauty and resilience of these remarkable trees. Important: Between November and March, when the trail is not safe due to snow and ice accumulation, we substitute the hike with additional time in Yosemite Valley. By the end of the day, you’ll have experienced some of the most incredible landscapes in the world and captured memories to last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Yosemite National Park with us. Nonresident Fee Notice: Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older will be charged an additional $100 park entry fee per person after completing their booking. This fee will be collected by the tour operator via a payment link or on the bus at the start of your tour. Note that “America the Beautiful Non-Resident Pass” holders do not pay the $100 fee, the $250 pass covers up to 4 people at the entrance.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Skip the line with an early bird arrival at Yosemite’s group tour gate
- Spend the most time in Yosemite National Park
- Stops at Bridalveil Fall, Tunnel View, El Capitan Meadow, Valley View, and Yosemite Falls
- Hike to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias (weather permitting)
Detailed Itinerary
The journey, in full
05:45 AM to 10:30 AM Convenient hotel pickup in San Jose Board our shuttle to meet the tour vehicle en route to Yosemite Learn about Yosemite and California as you cross the Central Valley Breakfast stop. Pick up snacks and lunch for the park Enter Yosemite National Park 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM Admire Yosemite Valley and Half Dome from Tunnel View Relax and enjoy the view as you descend into Yosemite Valley Feel the mist on your face at Bridalveil Fall 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Free time to explore Yosemite Valley Photograph the Merced River from the Swinging Bridge Hike to the platform at the base of Yosemite Falls 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM Stop to photograph El Capitan Take a group photo at the Valley View vista point Hike the Tuolumne Grove trail to Giant Sequoias (conditions permitting) 5:30 to 9:00 PM Reflect on your day as you leave the Sierra Nevada Mountains Stop for a dinner break Board our shuttle back to the hotel in San Jose * Please note: From November to March, when the Giant Sequoias hike may be unsafe due to ice and snow, we offer extended time in Yosemite Valley. On these winter tour days, the return vehicle will depart at 2:30 PM. Times listed are approximate. Traffic and other unforeseen issues can cause delays or changes out of our control. Please do not make flight/travel arrangements on the same day as your tour.
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Mariposa
Sightseeing at Yosemite National Park.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Park reservation and entry fee Audio tour guide in 8 foreign languages Transportation in luxury vehicles Pickup and dropoff at Signia by Hilton, San Jose
Not Included
Meals or beverages Guide gratuity $100 per-person fee for non-U.S. residents to enter National Park
Restrictions
PLEASE READ: Our Child Safety Policy For your child's safety, California State Law requires that all children less than 8 years of age or or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches (1.5 meters) in height be seated in a child safety seat or booster seat. You are required to provide your own child seat. If you do not bring one, your under age or height child will not be allowed to board the vehicle and there will be no refund. Starting January 1, 2026, the National Park Service (NPS) is implementing a $100 per-person fee for non-U.S. residents entering 11 major national parks, in addition to standard entrance fees, as part of a new "resident-focused" fee structure designed to prioritize U.S. taxpayers and fund park maintenance. This fee will only impact our international customers. The only exception is for those non-U.S. residents that have purchased the America the Beautiful (ATB) International Pass for $250, which grants annual access to all federal lands.
Meeting & Pickup
We pick up from most San Francisco hotels in the downtown and Fisherman's Wharf area. When you send us your booking, please include hotel information. We will reply to you confirming that we pick up from that location (otherwise we will find an alternative) and will let you know the pickup time for that specific hotel.
Languages Offered
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Before Booking
Please advise the country of residence for all guests. (Fees apply to non-US residents).
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Automatic
Traveler Impressions
What travelers are saying
2023-07-27
4.00 / 5
The tour itself was great but there appeared to be some communication issues before the tour. A driver picked us up from San Jose, dropped us at a bus pick up location about 1/2 hour outside San Jose and left us there! The bus was late and with little information to go on, I called the company who did respond quickly. Placing our order for the trip, I was told that the bus was small and could get into places that bigger buses could not. But, it was a full sized bus with a/c and a bathroom, so that's a bonus. The tour guide knew his stuff, although there was lots of chatter that probably didn't need to be said. All in all, it was a good tour.
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