Staff Pick
Road Trip San Francisco to Yosemite – Half Dome, El Capitan, Tunnel View
San Francisco
Yosemite Valley
310
km
4h30
drive
All seasons
season
The Itinerary
Yosemite National Park, jewel of the Sierra Nevada, is one of America's most iconic parks: 3,100 km² of polished granite, giant sequoias, towering waterfalls and emblematic wildlife. The national park idea itself was born here (1864, under Lincoln).
From San Francisco, Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat Road) enters from the northwest and winds down to Yosemite Valley. That first view at Tunnel View — El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall in one frame — is a pivot moment for many travellers. The valley itself, 11 km long and 1 km wide, holds the major sites.
El Capitan (914 m, the largest granite monolith on Earth) draws climbers worldwide. Half Dome (2,695 m), reached by a legendary 23 km cable-assisted hike, is the park's official emblem. Yosemite Falls (739 m, North America's tallest), the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias and Glacier Point Road complete the experience. Summer reservations required (NPS system).
From San Francisco, Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat Road) enters from the northwest and winds down to Yosemite Valley. That first view at Tunnel View — El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall in one frame — is a pivot moment for many travellers. The valley itself, 11 km long and 1 km wide, holds the major sites.
El Capitan (914 m, the largest granite monolith on Earth) draws climbers worldwide. Half Dome (2,695 m), reached by a legendary 23 km cable-assisted hike, is the park's official emblem. Yosemite Falls (739 m, North America's tallest), the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias and Glacier Point Road complete the experience. Summer reservations required (NPS system).
Points of Interest
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Tunnel ViewIconic view: El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall.
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El Capitan914 m, world's largest granite monolith.
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Half Dome2,695 m, legendary 23 km cable hike, permit required.
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Yosemite Falls739 m, North America's tallest waterfall.
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✦
Glacier PointOverlook 980 m above the valley.
Practical info
- Departure San Francisco
- Destination Yosemite Valley
- Distance 310 km
- Duration 4h30
- Category Long (250–500 km)
- Best season All seasons
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