2-Day Yosemite National Park Tour from San Francisco — Glacier Point, Giant Sequoias & Yosemite Falls
Swap the city for high granite and thunderous falls on a two-day guided trip from San Francisco. This eco-friendly mini-coach tour covers Tuolumne Grove, Tunnel View, Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley with one night of lodging inside or near the park.
The Experience
Before You Go
Pack a soft overnight bag
One small soft bag (~13.5″x12″x11″) is allowed; hard suitcases are discouraged due to limited storage space on the mini-coach.
Start early and charge your devices
Pickup is typically 6:15–7:00am—bring fully charged cameras and power banks for long photography windows.
Hydrate and bring snacks
Tuolumne Grove and valley walks are short but require water; guides stop in the Central Valley for grocery runs if you need provisions.
Respect wildlife and sequoias
Store food properly, keep distance from wildlife, and stay on established trails to protect shallow sequoia roots.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Cook’s Meadow loops for reflective river photos away from crowds
- •Short detour to El Capitan Meadow to watch climbers on the granite face with binoculars
Wildlife
- •Mule deer
- •Black bear (keep distance and secure food)
Conservation Note
The operator reduces emissions with biofuel mini-coaches; visitors should follow Leave No Trace, use bear-safe food storage, and avoid trampling sequoia roots.
Yosemite was set aside for protection in 1864 and later championed by naturalists like John Muir; the park’s features were carved by millennia of glaciation.
Photographer's Notes
- • Tunnel View (classic valley composition)
- • Glacier Point (panoramic perspective)
- • Sentinel Bridge or Cook’s Meadow for reflections and Half Dome lines
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Good tread and ankle support make valley trails and sequoia groves easier and safer.
Layered clothingEssential
Temperatures vary between valley floor and Glacier Point; pack a warm midlayer and wind shell.
Refillable water bottle or hydration systemEssential
Carry at least 1.5 liters to stay hydrated on short hikes and walks.
Daypack or camera bag (soft-sided)Essential
Keeps essentials organized and fits the coach’s luggage constraints.
Common Questions
Is park entrance fee included?
Park entrance fees are not explicitly listed as included; confirm with the operator. Guides typically advise on how fees are handled at time of departure.
What time is pickup in San Francisco?
Pickup is usually between 6:15 and 7:00 a.m. from central hotels; exact pickup point and time are provided after booking.
Can I bring a large suitcase?
No. Only one small soft overnight bag per person is allowed; hard cases are not recommended due to limited coach storage.
Are meals included?
Meals are mostly on your own. The itinerary includes grocery stops and a dinner stop en route back to San Francisco, but individual meals are not guaranteed.
Is Glacier Point always accessible?
Access depends on season and weather; in winter the route may be closed and the tour will be adjusted or switched to a winter itinerary.
Can I hike Half Dome on this tour?
No. Half Dome requires a separate permit and a full-day climb; the tour provides recommendations for hikes that fit within the two-day schedule.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2 days
Location
Yosemite Valley, California
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Should be comfortable walking 1–5 miles on uneven terrain and handling short uphill sections; not technical.
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