Quick Details
Yosemite Tours with Lodge Stay
This Yosemite tour from San Francisco includes a stay at the charming and rustic Bug Lodge. The slowed pace and loads of free time means you can experience a giant redwood grove and enjoy leisurely hikes or bike rides to Yosemite National Park’s famous nature, monuments and waterfalls. Guaranteed departures every day of the year.
Customize your multi-day tour to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco with a stay at the charming and rustic Bug Lodge. Take all the free time you’d like to enjoy the park’s wilderness, towering granite cliffs, Giant Sequoias and awe-inspiring waterfalls.
Let our travel consultants and expert guides introduce you to the many summertime and wintertime activities. Be sure to hear all about the history, geology and wildlife that make Yosemite Valley the jewel of the U.S. National Parks.
Travel and Hospitality Awards named this the best Yosemite tour from San Francisco for its jaw-dropping natural beauty. The tour has earned more 5-star guest reviews because our top notch guides know how to maximise your time to include the Giant Sequoias among the attractions in Yosemite Valley.
Your Yosemite Giant Sequoia Tour begins on your outbound day with a pickup at your hotel, then heads east crossing through California’s fertile San Joaquin Valley and into the craggy Sierra Nevada mountains. See 150-year-old mining towns and learn the extensive history of the region.
Soon after entering Yosemite, you will experience the solitude of the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. You won’t doubt for a second that these are the largest living creatures on the planet. No picture does them justice – but that should not keep you from trying!
In winter, when conditions on the Tuolumne Grove trail are snow-covered or unsafe, we substitute this experience with other attractions.
Your heart (and cameras) will be racing as you enter and enjoy a stop at (also known as Tunnel View). Take a moment and then some selfies with, and as your backdrop.
Your free and unguided time begins after taking YARTS to check into the Bug Lodge (bus fee not included). Hostel dormitories have new white steel beds, lockers, shower amenities and linens included. Very nice and very clean, these are usually two rooms sharing two baths, two showers and a sink bank at 645 sf. Backpackers still set the tone at the Bug and we have a guest kitchen for those who bring some food of their own. Decks outside with tables and chairs, too. In-room phones and TV are not available in this class of accommodation.
Take one or more days to enjoy the park before your return day. Activities you arrange on your own range from hiking, biking, rock climbing, rafting, fishing or nighttime stargazing (in spring and summer) to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tubing or ice skating in winter. Please note: activities depend on the season and conditions and are not included.
IMPORTANT: Please note that the YARTS bus stop is at a bus shelter on SR 140, involving a walk of about .25 miles (400 meters) first down and then up a hill, with no street lights. The road is paved until you reach the parking area. Most of the winter is spent without significant snow here, but the road is slippery occasionally. The commute time from the Yosemite Valley to the hostel is approximately 75 to 90 minutes. Please be prepared with a flashlight.
What You’ll Experience:
- Stay in a shared room at the Bug Lodge
- Pickup at most San Francisco hotels
- Tour Yosemite on the arrival and departure days
- Hike to Giant Sequoias (conditions permitting)
- Expert tour guide & commentary in English
- Free time in Yosemite from dropoff on the first day until pick up on departure day
- Transportation to San Francisco on the last day
- 8 foreign language audios
- Free WiFi on vehicle
- Park entry fee included at checkout
Itineraries
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Yosemite Two-Day Tour
Day One
6:00 – 7:00 a.m.
Pick-ups start in Fisherman’s Wharf Area and continue in downtown San Francisco.7:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Continuing east, see the windmills and descend into the San Joaquin valley and stop for a break and a snack.9:15 – 11:00 a.m.
Begin the climb into the foothills, through gold country, and up into the Sierra Nevada range and Yosemite National Park.11:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Explore Yosemite’s many amazing sights with an informative, narrated tour from your guide. Be amazed by El Capitan, the Tunnel View, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and more! Enjoy a mini-hike to Bridalveil Falls and plenty of photo stops around the Yosemite Valley.1:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Your independence begins. Check out your options, check your bags, and check out Yosemite! And check your YARTS schedule for departure times, because you are staying outside the park!Evening
Check into the hostel, have a nice dinner, sit by the fireplace, relax, have a brew, and get a good night’s sleep so you can get up early for another exciting day in Yosemite.Day Two
7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
Get up early, check out, grab your bag, and walk to the YARTS stop so you can get started.9:30 – 1:00 p.m.
Spend the morning in Yosemite on your own. This is a good day to do one or two short hikes, like Mirror Lake or Lower Yosemite Falls. Grab a lunch, and get back to Yosemite Lodge.IMPORTANT: CALL US TOLL-FREE AT 1-866-231-3752 TO CONFIRM PICK-UP TIME AND PLACE!
1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Meet your new friends and new driver. Explore more of Yosemite with the group. This includes driving time to take an optional hike in the forest and see the giant sequoias. (May be omitted due to snow levels and trail conditions from October to April — we’ll spend more time in the Valley instead.)4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Start the return trip, descending from the Sierras, with more great scenery as we follow the sun to the west.6:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Stop for a break and a bite to eat.6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Continue back to San Francisco, enjoying views of the sunset over the East Bay hills, or the Peninsula and the city lights.8:30 – 9:00 p.m.
The Yosemite tour ends at your San Francisco Hotel front door. -
Yosemite Three-Day Tour
Day One
6:00 – 7:00 a.m.
Pick-ups start in Fisherman’s Wharf Area and continue in downtown San Francisco.7:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Continuing east, see the windmills and descend into the San Joaquin valley and stop for a break and a snack.9:15 – 11:00 a.m.
Begin the climb into the foothills, through gold country, and up into the Sierra Nevada range and Yosemite National Park.11:00 – 1:00 p.m.
On your Yosemite tour, enjoy the amazing views of the valley, El Capitan, Half Dome, and the Yosemite Falls. Enjoy a hike to one of the park’s waterfalls or lakes, or relax at the visitor’s center where there are museums, restaurants, and the Ansel Adams Gallery.1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Your independence begins. Check out your options, check your bags, and check out Yosemite! And check your YARTS schedule for departure times, because you are staying outside the park!Evening
Check into the hostel, have a nice dinner, sit by the fireplace, relax, have a brew, and get a good night’s sleep so you can get up early for another exciting day in Yosemite.Day Two
Morning
Get up early, and get ready for your second exciting day! Walk to the YARTS stop and get back into the park. Check the schedule and be early.All Day
You decide! Get some maps, talk to the rangers or the staff at the village and the lodge, and get some ideas. DO NOT miss the last YARTS bus out! Ask for schedule updates.IN WINTER: Be prepared to walk on ice and snow — bring warm clothes, waterproof hiking boots, and mittens! Hike the valley, climb to the Top of Yosemite Falls, or take the Mist Trail beside the roaring Merced River. (Be careful, and ask park staff about trail conditions.)
Evening
Check the schedule and take the YARTS back to the hostel, have a nice dinner, reflect upon the day’s experience, and get a good night’s sleep so you can get up early for another exciting day in Yosemite.Day Three
7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
Get up early, check out, grab your bag, and walk to the YARTS stop so you can get started.8:30 – 1:00 p.m.
Spend the morning in Yosemite on your own. This is a good day to do one or two short hikes, like Mirror Lake or Lower Yosemite Falls. Grab a lunch, and get back to Yosemite Lodge.IMPORTANT: CALL US TOLL-FREE AT 1-866-231-3752 TO CONFIRM PICK-UP TIME AND PLACE!.
1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Meet your new friends and new driver. Explore more of Yosemite with the group. This includes driving time to take an optional hike in the forest and see the giant sequoias. (May be omitted due to snow levels and trail conditions from October to April — we’ll spend more time in the Valley instead.)4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Start the return trip, descending from the Sierras, with more great scenery as we follow the sun to the west.6:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Stop for a break and a bite to eat.6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Continue back to San Francisco, enjoying views of the sunset over the East Bay hills, or the Peninsula and the city lights.8:30 – 9:00 p.m.
The Yosemite tour ends at your San Francisco Hotel front door. -
Yosemite Four-Day Tour
Day One
6:15 – 7:00 a.m.
Pick-ups start in Fisherman’s Wharf Area and continue in downtown San Francisco.7:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Continuing east, see the windmills and descend into the San Joaquin valley and stop for a break and a snack.9:15 – 11:00 a.m.
Begin the climb into the foothills, through gold country, and up into the Sierra Nevada range and Yosemite National Park.11:30 – 1:00 p.m.
On your Yosemite tour, enjoy the amazing views of the valley, El Capitan, Half Dome, and the Yosemite Falls. Enjoy a hike to one of the park’s waterfalls or lakes, or relax at the visitor’s center where there are museums, restaurants, and the Ansel Adams Gallery.1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Your independence begins. Check out your options, check your bags, and check out Yosemite! And check your YARTS schedule for departure times, because you are staying outside the park!Evening
Check into the hostel, have a nice dinner, sit by the fireplace, relax, have a brew, and get a good night’s sleep so you can get up early for another exciting day in Yosemite.Day Two
Morning
Get up early, and get ready for your second exciting day! Walk to the YARTS stop and get back into the park. Check the schedule and be early.All day
You decide! Get some maps, talk to the rangers or the staff at the village and the lodge, and get some ideas. DO NOT miss the last YARTS bus out! Ask for schedule updates.IN WINTER: Be prepared to walk on ice and snow — bring warm clothes, waterproof hiking boots, and mittens! Hike the valley, climb to the top of Yosemite Falls, or take the Mist Trail beside the roaring Merced River. (Be careful, and ask park staff about trail conditions.)
Evening
Check the schedule and take the YARTS back to the hostel, have a nice dinner, reflect upon the day’s experience, and get a good night’s sleep so you can get up early for another exciting day in Yosemite.Day Three
Morning
Get up early and see the sunrise. Walk to the YARTS stop and get back into the park. Check the schedule and be early.Afternoon
Like day 2, except, do something else! Take an all-day climb or hike. Take a tram tour or bus to the sequoias. DO NOT miss the last YARTS bus out! Ask for schedule updates.Evening
Check the schedule and take the YARTS back to the hostel, have a nice dinner, reflect upon the day’s experience, and get a good night’s sleep so you can get up early for your last day in Yosemite.Day Four
7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
Get up early, check out, grab your bag, and walk to the YARTS stop so you can get started.8:30 – 1:00 p.m.
Spend the morning in Yosemite on your own. This is a good day to do one or two short hikes, like Mirror Lake or Lower Yosemite Falls. Grab a lunch, and get back to Yosemite Lodge.IMPORTANT: CALL US TOLL-FREE AT 1-866-231-3752 TO CONFIRM PICK-UP TIME AND PLACE!
1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Meet your new friends and new driver. Explore more of Yosemite with the group. This includes driving time to take an optional hike in the forest and see the giant sequoias. (May be omitted due to snow levels and trail conditions from October to April — we’ll spend more time in the Valley instead.)4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Start the return trip, descending from the Sierras, with more great scenery as we follow the sun to the west.6:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Stop for a break and a bite to eat.6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Continue back to San Francisco, enjoying views of the sunset over the East Bay hills, or the Peninsula and the city lights.8:30 – 9:00 p.m.
The Yosemite tour ends at your San Francisco Hotel front door. -
Yosemite Five-Day Tour
Day One
6:15 – 7:00 a.m.
Pick-ups start in Fisherman’s Wharf Area and continue in downtown San Francisco.
7:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Continuing east, see the windmills and descend into the San Joaquin valley and stop for a break and a snack.
9:15 – 11:00 a.m.
Begin the climb into the foothills, through gold country, and up into the Sierra Nevada range and Yosemite National Park.
11:30 – 1:00 p.m.
On your Yosemite tour, enjoy the amazing views of the valley, El Capitan, Half Dome, and the Yosemite Falls. Enjoy a hike to one of the park’s waterfalls or lakes, or relax at the visitor’s center where there are museums, restaurants, and the Ansel Adams Gallery.
1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Your independence begins. Check out your options, check your bags, and check out Yosemite! And check your YARTS schedule for departure times, because you are staying outside the park!
Evening
Check into the hostel, have a nice dinner, sit by the fireplace, relax, have a brew, and get a good night’s sleep so you can get up early for another exciting day in Yosemite.
Day Two
Morning
Get up early, and get ready for your second exciting day! Walk to the YARTS stop and get back into the park. Check the schedule and be early.
All day
You decide! Get some maps, talk to the rangers or the staff at the village and the lodge, and get some ideas. DO NOT miss the last YARTS bus out! Ask for schedule updates.
IN WINTER: Be prepared to walk on ice and snow — bring warm clothes, waterproof hiking boots, and mittens! Hike the valley, climb to the top of Yosemite Falls, or take the Mist Trail beside the roaring Merced River. (Be careful, and ask park staff about trail conditions.)
Evening
Check the schedule and take the YARTS back to the hostel, have a nice dinner, reflect upon the day’s experience, and get a good night’s sleep so you can get up early for another exciting day in Yosemite.
Day Three
Morning
Get up early and see the sunrise. Walk to the YARTS stop and get back into the park. Check the schedule and be early.
Afternoon
Like day 2, except, do something else! Take an all-day climb or hike. Take a tram tour or bus to the sequoias. DO NOT miss the last YARTS bus out! Ask for schedule updates.
Evening
Check the schedule and take the YARTS back to the hostel, have a nice dinner, reflect upon the day’s experience, and get a good night’s sleep so you can get up early for your last day in Yosemite.
Day Four
Morning
Walk to the YARTS stop and get back into the park. Check the schedule and be early.
Afternoon
Like day 3, except, do something else! Take an all-day climb or hike. Take a tram tour or bus to the sequoias. DO NOT miss the last YARTS bus out! Ask for schedule updates.
Evening
Check the schedule and take the YARTS back to the hostel, have a nice dinner, reflect upon the day’s experience, and get a good night’s sleep so you can get up early for your last day in Yosemite.
Day Five
7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
Get up early, check out, grab your bag, and walk to the YARTS stop so you can get started.
8:30 – 1:00 p.m.
Spend the morning in Yosemite on your own. This is a good day to do one or two short hikes, like Mirror Lake or Lower Yosemite Falls. Grab a lunch, and get back to Yosemite Lodge.
IMPORTANT: CALL US TOLL-FREE AT 1-866-231-3752 TO CONFIRM PICK-UP TIME AND PLACE!
1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Meet your new friends and new driver. Explore more of Yosemite with the group. This includes driving time to take an optional hike in the forest and see the giant sequoias. (May be omitted due to snow levels and trail conditions from October to April — we’ll spend more time in the Valley instead.)
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Start the return trip, descending from the Sierras, with more great scenery as we follow the sun to the west.
6:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Stop for a break and a bite to eat.
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Continue back to San Francisco, enjoying views of the sunset over the East Bay hills, or the Peninsula and the city lights.
8:30 – 9:00 p.m.
The Yosemite tour ends at your San Francisco Hotel front door.