Yosemite National Park is one of the jewels in America’s crown – with large numbers of visitors using San Francisco as a jumping off point for exploring its incredible landscapes and terrains.
(Photo: GetYourGuide.com)
Situated among the Sierra Nevada mountains, between the Central Valley of California and the Great Basin, Yosemite National Park boasts rugged granite cliffs, ancient sequoia trees and cascading waterfalls – all of which serve to attract visitors from across the world. Many of those who come here base themselves in San Francisco, around a 4-hour drive away, and there are numerous travel agencies in the city offering organised tours to Yosemite. Here are three of the best tours currently available.
Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias Hike
This one-day small group tour invites you to experience the Yosemite Valley and a Giant Sequoia Walk all in the same day, With hours to explore and marvel at attractions such as the Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and amazing Sequoia trees, you’ll soon discover why artists and poets have been inspired by the area for generations. The Sequoia walk is along 1.5 km of paved trail with a 120-metre incline. The tour price includes a hotel pick up and drop off, the Yosemite entrance fee, and a complimentary audio guide. There’s also the option to upgrade to a private tour. From $179 per person.
Cedar Lodge 2-Day Yosemite Park Tour
(Photo: GetYourGuide..com)
Discover the best of Yosemite on this magical 2-day tour with accommodation included. You’ll spend a full day exploring the stunning Yosemite Valley and then rest in Cedar Lodge in the picturesque Merced River Canyon, before continuing on toward the beautiful outlying area. During the two days you’ll get to embark on hiking and sightseeing in the amazing natural wilderness of this legendary National Park, before resting your weary legs in your comfortable lodge, complete with restaurant, bar, two swimming pools, Jacuzzi, and private beach access on the river. San Francisco hotel pick-up and drop off, minibus transportation, park entrance, a narrated Yosemite tour, and the lodge stay are all included in the price. From $406 per person.
6-Day Excursion of Southwestern United States
(Photo: GetYourGuide.com)
For visitors with a bigger budget and more time on their hands, this 6-day tour includes visits to a number of distinguished California attractions. Day one starts with a look around San Francisco, including a scenic bay cruise and a trip to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The following day sees you make the journey to Yosemite National Park and its captivating mix of forests, lakes and waterfalls. Here you’ll also get to enjoy notable landmarks such as the tallest waterfall in North America, El Capitan, and the Half Dome. Next, you’ll move south to Las Vegas, followed by the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, and finally Zion National Park. Included in the tour price is all accommodation, transportation, your professional tour guide, entrance to the national parks, and the Bay cruise. From $1,148 per person.
By Paul Joseph