Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour from San Jose
4
Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour from San Jose
By Extranomical Tours
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 41 per group
Duration: 14–15 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More
Audio guide: German, Chinese, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, Italian, French, Spanish
More
- Expert guide and commentary
- Entrance fee into Yosemite National Park
- Free unique geo-based audio guides in 8 languages
What's not included- Gratuities
- Child safety seat for children under 8 years old or 4' 9" (1.4 meters) required
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Start:
- Signia by Hilton San Jose, 170 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113, USAOutside near where the airport shuttles come to pick up.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2402YSJ- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- 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.
- During winter months, temperatures in Yosemite can vary drastically to the ones in San Francisco. Therefore, it is recommend to wear winter clothes, especially shoes or boots with rubber soles and treads.
- California law requires tour guests to bring a car safety seat for all children under 8 years and under 4' 9" (1.4 meters) in height
- As tour sizes vary, transportation is in either a 15-passenger minivan or a 41-passenger bus.
- Tour makes stops at approximately 8:30am for breakfast, 1pm for lunch and on the trip back for dinner. Meals are not included.
- Audio links available in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Korean, Chinese and Japanese. Specify language at time of booking under special requirements
- You will either be picked up directly by the tour bus or be provided transportation to the tour bus in the East Bay.
- The Giant Sequoia Grove is located at a higher elevation and the hike is dependent on trail conditions, especially from October through May. Ice and snow might make the trail unsafe to hike. The decision of whether it is safe to go on the hike will be made on a day by day basis. Therefore, a visit cannot be guaranteed. However, while the trail might be closed, guests get to spend more time in Yosemite Valley. There you can see all the other great sights Yosemite has to offer, including El Capitan, Inspiration Point, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and more.
- Exact destinations & itinerary may differ due to weather, road conditions, and the guide's discretion.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 41 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2402YSJ
From
$289.00
per adult
Select date and travelers
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Itinerary
- 170 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113, USAOutside near where the airport shuttles come to pick up.
- Pass bySan JoseSan Joaquin ValleySierra NevadaYosemite National Park
- 1
- 2
- 3Pass byYosemite FallsSentinel bridgeAnsel Adams Gallery
- 4
- 5Pass byMerced RiverCathedral Rocks and Spires
- 6Pass byBig Oak Flat
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- dxfcjgvkhblijn0 contributionsYosemite tour with AndyThe trip was amazing, incredible views and really cool experience. Our tour guide Andy was super knowledgeable, helped us out with every question and genuinely made intriguing conversation over the long tripWritten February 11, 2025
- joliez6880 contributionsExtranomical Tours Is The Best!It was an amazing time with my family, exploring the scenery and taking a break from work/school. I’ve never been to Yosemite before so having a tour guide was great! I would definitely book with Extranomical Tours again, they are super accommodating and friendly!Written February 7, 2025
- M8738TIjm0 contributionsExtranomical tours extraordinary great tourFirst of all the tour is great it beats driving the ten hours or so Rather let someone else do the hard work and sit back relax Our driver Rob or sometimes called Elvis picked a bunch of us up a block from our hotel It starts very early in the morning and ends at night Don’t worry you get plenty of bathroom opportunities And couple stops for food I’ve taken many of these types of tours but this one was a one man show Rob was both driver and guide must say he did a great job Temperature was regulated well in the bus/truck And you can even bring snacks and food into the bus/truck Felt comfortable and safe to the point I could doze off Very rarely when someone drives can I sleep Rob did a very good job on timing and giving information I had done this tour more than a decade ago with viator But this guy was impressive with his dual role It’s worth the money spent You will see many beautiful scenery and he will do his best to make little stops The info on mt capital was very interesting And the meaning of Yosemite interesting and sad It’s a place full of history beauty culture and way of life back then Please tip your driver they deserve it even if it’s just a few dollars They have to me a difficult job driving and talking Especially in Robs dual role Hope Rob enjoyed the macadamia nut chocolates I brought all the way from hawaii My son and I enjoyed this tour He booked and paid for it He couldn’t go on the last tour I took with my other kids Since he was busy at that time So we wanted to go on this tour and he thoroughly enjoyed it we both did He didn’t complain about the money spent for both of us We’ll worth it Rob you are an asset to your company Only con didn’t like the country music towards the end of tour On the way back But maybe if you played micheal buble type of music it might make all of us including you sleepy So get that you needed upbeat music for that last stretch home Aloha and mahalo from hawaiiWritten February 7, 2025
- Anna Boel B0 contributionsDon’t miss this!What a great excursion! A day filled with beautiful views - time to wander around by yourself and look at waterfalls and sequoia trees. This was a wonderful way to see Yosemite and to be entertained by Rob - our fun and experienced driver/guide who told us everything about the park and lots of entertaining stories on the way. Great day!Written February 6, 2025
- J311HMwilliama0 contributionsIt was a day well spentThis tour was very enjoyable, but time in the park felt rushed. But you do get to see a number of the parks, best sites. The drive is quite long but our tour guide, Alberto helped to pass the time with his tid bits a information and stories. While in the park, Alberto proved quite knowledgeable about the whole of Yosemite. Also the option of being picked up your hotel was very convenient.Written February 6, 2025
- Y2790OP_0 contributionsGreat experienceThe tour was amazing! We couldn’t make it to the Giant Sequoias due to the weather conditions, but we had a lot of fun in Yosemite. Our guide, Andy, did a great job as well. He’s really passionate about what he does, which kind of makes the whole tour even more interesting. He helped us take photos, showed us some beautiful places during our free time in Yosemite, and was always willing to help in general. I personally enjoyed the historical facts about SF, Yosemite, and California (and surprisingly, how the United States acquired the Philippines in 1898; I had been wondering about that while learning about the colonies at university, and I was really happy to find out, love nerdy facts). So if you enjoy listening to historical facts and other stories, you will appreciate not only the park itself but also the road to it. Anyway, the tour itself was very good, the photo spots were pretty, and there were also quite a few restroom stops on the way to the park, which was convenient. It’s definitely worth a visit!Written February 4, 2025
- Road5956510 contributionsAmazing day to Yosemite with AndyAndy was engaging, punctual and very friendly for our full day Yosemite tour. He explained the itinerary , the plans, the times to return to the bus clearly including reasons why we were unable to visit the Sequioas due to the weather. He made sure all our questions were answered and that we were all comfortable throughout the day. We appreciated all the facts,history and wealth of information he shared with us throughout the day. The walk around the Yosemite Vallwy was phenomenal and we are so grateful for alll photo tips ans photos He captured for us today! Thank you Andy for an amazing day!Written February 4, 2025
- Climber044235325940 contributionsA Must-Do Experience for Visitors!This tour covers everything you’d want to see in San Francisco, from famous landmarks to hidden gems. The Palace of Fine Arts was stunning, and the Golden Gate Bridge was a dream to photograph. The Alcatraz tour was fascinating, with an excellent audio guide that really brought the history of the prison to life.Written February 4, 2025
- simrank20250 contributionsAmazing tourI had a great time at Yosemite! Glenda was my tour guide and she was absolutely spectacular and very knowledgeable, she told us history and facts throughout our ride making it enjoyable.Written February 2, 2025
- Johnsf200250 contributionsDO NOT TAKE THIS TOURDO NOT TAKE THIS TOUR Worst experience in San Francisco ever! The bus stopped in the middle of the highway for 4 hours, doing nothing. By the time we reached Yosemite Valley, it was already getting dark. You will see some waterfalls, but nothing like what you would expect in Yosemite, as the bus is not permitted to go to those places—at least, that’s what they claim. I had read a review warning not to take this tour unless you want to spend the whole time constantly wiping the window—which I did, and you will too if you unfortunately choose this tour. I still regret not paying closer attention to that wise review that could have saved my time and experience. If I had, I would have spent my day much better. If you suddenly feel like throwing away $200+, just go to a nice restaurant or take a Napa wine tour—at least you’ll get some drinks. To anyone reading this review, keep in mind that a day trip is not worth your time, especially with this tour. I don’t usually write reviews, even when a tour isn’t great, but this one, this - I had to spend my time and effort to write this for your sake, to save your precious time. Don't be victims like meWritten February 2, 2025
- Lily W0 contributionsGood trip with AndyWe joined the one day tour to Yosemite. The tour guide Andy is a nice, generous man who introduced the historic knowledge to the attendees. It is great to understand the background of the San Francisco and Yosemite national park.Written January 28, 2025
- Sharpee220 contributionsBucket List StuffBrian & Randall were excellent hosts. We felt well informed and safe every step of the way. Amazing views, bucket list stuff. Brian was very knowledgeable with facts and history. All the while navigating and being very funny. Great day, great fun.Written January 25, 2025
- destrelnichaeljennrj0 contributionsExcellent Tour with Great Customer Service!From start to finish, the tour exceeded my expectations. The pickup process was efficient, and the guide made sure everyone was comfortable and well-informed. Their attention to detail and helpful tips throughout the day were greatly appreciated. Each stop was perfectly timed, and the Alcatraz tour was an incredible way to finish the day. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a well-organized and enjoyable experience!Written January 23, 2025
- alexkovalenko20050 contributionsAwesome experienceThis tour exceeded all expectations. From the jaw-dropping views at Tunnel View to the serene hike among the Giant Sequoias, every moment was magical. Our guide’s expertise and passion for Yosemite made the experience truly enriching, offering fascinating insights at every stop. The tour was also impressively well-organized, with safety clearly prioritized throughout the day. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore Yosemite stress-free and in capable hands!Written January 23, 2025
- travel41518920210 contributionsFantastic day in Yosemite NP! Highly recommend!This tour went above and beyond my expectations! From the breathtaking views at Tunnel View to the peaceful hike among the Giant Sequoias, every moment felt magical. Our guide’s knowledge and passion for Yosemite really brought the experience to life, sharing fascinating stories and insights at every stop. The whole day was incredibly well-organized, and it was clear that safety was a top priority. I’d highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to explore Yosemite without the hassle and with expert guidance!Written January 22, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
30 reviews
Excellent
19
Very good
2
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
4
JDMiami
Miami, FL63 contributions
On the whole, this was a perfectly good tour, but I can’t give it a full recommendation because the communication was really lacking.
One big point, this tour is long. It was a busy weekend and we were told to arrive at 5:15. We didn’t get back to San Jose until 10 pm.
Back to communication: First, the motor coach does not pick up in San Jose. You meet out front of a hotel in San Jose and private SUVs take you to Livermore to meet the big bus. This fact was poorly communicated.
We showed up at the hotel and three suvs arrived, late, and said they were taking us to the bus, about 25 minutes. Poor communication 2.
In the 45 (not 25) minute ride, the driver said nothing before dropping us in front of a 7-11 in Livermore. The SUV drivers disappeared into a Starbucks and all the tour clients were standing outside a 7-11 wondering when we will see a bus. Thank goodness it wasn’t raining. My son was worried it was a scam. Nope, not a scam, just more poor communication.
The bus eventually showed up and we learned this was a joint trip with tour clients from San Fran. No problem but the the guide never went over the days itinerary. We never really knew what was next. Simple fix: explain the days plan.
The tour itself was very good once in the park. The bus takes you to several scenic spots in Yosemite, and you don’t have to navigate the mountain roads or fight for parking. The views are great and the park is magnificent. Hard to take a bad photo.
Our guide, Gino, was also good. He’s funny and genuine even though he is a little hard to understand sometimes and he mixed up his rights and lefts a few times.
Perhaps if I was taking the tour from San Fran, I would have another opinion, but the San Jose extension feels cobbled on so I can’t recommend this tour without flagging the shortcomings in logistics and communication.
I took this tour because I wanted to see Yosemite but could only dedicate one day to it. So it met my bucket list need. But on a holiday weekend the wait to get in was signicatnt, like 2 hours! And the park was packed. If I have a chance to return to Yosemite, it will be a weekday when school is in session.
One big point, this tour is long. It was a busy weekend and we were told to arrive at 5:15. We didn’t get back to San Jose until 10 pm.
Back to communication: First, the motor coach does not pick up in San Jose. You meet out front of a hotel in San Jose and private SUVs take you to Livermore to meet the big bus. This fact was poorly communicated.
We showed up at the hotel and three suvs arrived, late, and said they were taking us to the bus, about 25 minutes. Poor communication 2.
In the 45 (not 25) minute ride, the driver said nothing before dropping us in front of a 7-11 in Livermore. The SUV drivers disappeared into a Starbucks and all the tour clients were standing outside a 7-11 wondering when we will see a bus. Thank goodness it wasn’t raining. My son was worried it was a scam. Nope, not a scam, just more poor communication.
The bus eventually showed up and we learned this was a joint trip with tour clients from San Fran. No problem but the the guide never went over the days itinerary. We never really knew what was next. Simple fix: explain the days plan.
The tour itself was very good once in the park. The bus takes you to several scenic spots in Yosemite, and you don’t have to navigate the mountain roads or fight for parking. The views are great and the park is magnificent. Hard to take a bad photo.
Our guide, Gino, was also good. He’s funny and genuine even though he is a little hard to understand sometimes and he mixed up his rights and lefts a few times.
Perhaps if I was taking the tour from San Fran, I would have another opinion, but the San Jose extension feels cobbled on so I can’t recommend this tour without flagging the shortcomings in logistics and communication.
I took this tour because I wanted to see Yosemite but could only dedicate one day to it. So it met my bucket list need. But on a holiday weekend the wait to get in was signicatnt, like 2 hours! And the park was packed. If I have a chance to return to Yosemite, it will be a weekday when school is in session.
Written July 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review. We were sorry to hear that there was some anxiety at the start of the day but, as we discussed after the tour, everything happened according to the tour itinerary. As far as the delays getting into the park due to the incredible popularity of Yosemite this summer, we have adjusted our pickup time and are starting 30 minutes earlier to avoid the crowds. This has been working out well so far. It was nice to hear that you enjoyed the park and the tour by Gino! Thanks and safe travels home.
Written July 2, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Roving66746760482
San Diego, CA1 contribution
Sep 2024 • Solo
The sequoia hike was my favorite part of the trip,and the bus driver Gino was great, he was an excellent driver, However, this company desperately needs to update their buses! Our bus reminded me of a school bus, very bumpy ride! . I was at the last pick up, so had no choice but to sit in the very back on the bench seat. My seat had no air vent. (other seats had air). And I had severe motion sickness due to the winedy roads. If I were to do another bus tour in the future, I will make sure it is a newer coach bus. Overall would recommend you research other options.
Written September 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JustaskforKS
Mumbai, India522 contributions
Andy is a rockstar - best guide for Yosemite - history, geology, biology, photography - singing, dark humour, non stop briefing throughout the tour. Keeps u totally mesmerised. Outstanding
Well planned tour. 17 hours completely worth it
Well planned tour. 17 hours completely worth it
Written May 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rockstar? Did you hear him sing? Ha! Let's tour again soon and thanks for the review.
Written June 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dave B
11 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Absolutely horrible. They pick you up then drive you to meet a tour bus that is too small for a 15 hour day. I was stuffed shoulder to shoulder in the back bench seat. The suspension was horrible it was worse than a school buss. For almost $600 for a couple felt like a field trip in grade school. Save your money and rent a car you will have a much more enjoyable experience
Written October 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
huizz89
Singapore, Singapore18 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
24 Feb 2024 - Had extra time at Yosemite as the Giant Sequoias was closed. Guide (Andy Howse) and Driver (Alfie) were professional and helpful, making this day tour very wonderful! Will definitely recommend others to join this tour if they have time in San Jose or San Francisco!
Written February 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your recommendation! Andy and Alfie are a great team and loved having you along.
Written February 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jojo T
9 contributions
I was in San Jose area for 4 days so I didn’t get much time to see things, this trip is a full day but well worth it.
The tour guide Roman was excellent, he was very friendly and and even more informative.
I was afraid that this trip would only be a bus tour but there was plenty of times to get out and go for a hike.
You are shown all the major attractions both from a far for good pictures and up close for a walk.
I loved walking round Yosemite valley, I asked Roman for a more challenging hike and he recommended a good route, I got round and had plenty of time to get a souvenir from the gift shop.
I highly recommend this trip if you can’t (or don’t want to) go to Yosemite for more than a day.
The tour guide Roman was excellent, he was very friendly and and even more informative.
I was afraid that this trip would only be a bus tour but there was plenty of times to get out and go for a hike.
You are shown all the major attractions both from a far for good pictures and up close for a walk.
I loved walking round Yosemite valley, I asked Roman for a more challenging hike and he recommended a good route, I got round and had plenty of time to get a souvenir from the gift shop.
I highly recommend this trip if you can’t (or don’t want to) go to Yosemite for more than a day.
Written July 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the review and recommendation for our Yosemite tour. Sounds like Roman got you just the right hike in the Valley. All the best!
Written July 11, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeff N
San Jose, CA5 contributions
It was a very nice experience. Our first time to Yosemite. We took the tour from San Jose. There was separate transportation from San Jose to the meeting point in Livermore before taking a larger bus to Yosemite. The transportation to and from Livermore from San Jose was smooth. The tour company set up Uber rides and it went well. Just don’t click on the text link until you are ready to be picked up. Everyone at the tour company was very helpful and quick replies to my questions via text. We really enjoyed the tour guide as well. He was informative and made several stops that led to amazing pictures. Would definitely take another tour with them again!
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gladia R
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Solo
Yosemete was very beautiful. The tour gives you some time to experience as much as possible but there’s so much to see here. It’s not enough to see it all in a day. I was also hoping to see more sequoias. The only thing I would improve is the transportation. For long distances, a coach bus with a bathroom would’ve been far more comfortable than the bus they provided. The ride was terribly bumpy in the back half of the bus. We could’ve also saved time by not having to stop as frequently for restroom breaks.
Written August 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
backmanandrea
Chicago, IL22 contributions
This was a great overview of Yosemite National Park. Our guide, Randall, gave great information about the Central Valley, small towns along the way, and then made sure we knew where to take the best pictures at every location in the park. His directions were clear and he problem-solved well. It was a long day, but a well-executed trip. The only change I would make is finding a better location to stop for dinner on the way home.
Written June 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dott
3 contributions
Oct 2022
The park is beautiful and the day was well planned and contained a lot of impressive views. But the tour as such was pretty horrible. The driver had a heavy accent and was difficult to understand so that we didn’t get the experience of an informative visit. One passenger was left behind and the driver only noticed after we had all but left the park as he didn’t count the passengers on the stops before that. It took us three hours in all to go back and collect her. At that time the gas was dangerously low so we had to stop to refuel. All in all the trip lasted until nearly midnight. It seems dangerous to let one man drive for 18 hours, even if he had two breaks during the day. I was really relieved that we didn’t have an accident and made it home alive. In other words: don’t take this trip if you value safety on the road and aren’t prepared to get your information on Yosemite from Wikipedia.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
First, we are glad we got to talk about your tour on Saturday and to clarify that our decision to return for the passenger who got lost making their way to the pickup location added just over an hour to the tour. I'm pretty sure if you were the one who could have been stranded overnight in Yosemite, you would have appreciated what we did to ensure everyone returned to SF safely. We also discussed our electronic driver records which showed that the guide logged just under 10 hours of driving, the DOT limit. Nevertheless, we can appreciate your disappointment and delay in getting you back to your hotel and asked that you contact Viator about your experience. We will support, as we always do, whatever they believe is fair.
Written October 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
do the buses have restrooms? else will you provide regular restroom stops?
are the buses air conditioned? thanks
Written June 28, 2022
We are a large group 30-35. Can you accommodate those types of numbers in the first week in April? Can you pickup/drop off at Santa Clara Marriott?
Written November 28, 2018
What time is the return to San Jose?
Written September 11, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.