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Hiking in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada

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Hiking in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada

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Description

See some of California’s most famous natural wonders and stunning scenery on a 5-day round-trip small group hiking adventure which packs plenty of magical moments into a short space of time. Uncover the natural wonders of San Francisco, before you travel to Yosemite National Park to marvel at waterfalls and giant sequoias, spend the night at Lake Tahoe, and see both Echo Lakes. With easy to moderate hikes, comfortable accommodation, and a knowledgeable leader, this hiking adventure is big on beauty.

Trip Name
Hiking in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada
Last Updated
2024-04-30
Days
5
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • See a different side of San Francisco on the Lands End Trail which offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Ocean and rocky California coast.
  • Stroll through The Tunnel Tree, a giant sequoia in Yosemite National Park which is so large the trail had to be cut through the centre of it.
  • See Vernal Fall on The Mist Trail, one of Yosemite's signature hikes which has more spectacular views than you can point a camera at.
  • Hike along the shores of Upper and Lower Echo Lakes which are the gateway to the spectacular Desolation Wilderness area.
  • Breathe in the fresh scent of pine and aspen trees as you take in the views of Mount Morrison and Laurel Mountain on a scenic walk around Convict Lake.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, the Grand Canyon Conservancy. Donations help them protect Grand Canyon National Park and support trail restoration, conservation of native plants and wildlife, and educational programs. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - San Francisco
Welcome to San Francisco! Your tour starts at 12 noon with a group meeting followed by your first walk of the trip, an easy hike along the Lands End Trail. Have your camera handy as you enjoy superb views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean and the wild and rocky California coast which stretches almost 50 kilometres into the distance. After the hike, return to your San Francisco hotel. The evening is free for your own discoveries – perhaps head to Chinatown and get your hands on some dim sum!
Day 2 - Yosemite National Park
After departing San Francisco, you’ll head through California’s famous Gold Rush Country, high into the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Experience the majestic views from Yosemite Valley with some of America’s tallest waterfalls and towering granite cliffs rising 4,000 feet from the valley floor. It won't be long before you arrive at World Heritage-listed Yosemite National Park, one of California’s most incredible natural wonderlands. Millions of visitors come here each year to see Yosemite’s granite cliffs, pine-studded valleys and thundering waterfalls such as Vernal Fall which you’ll be visiting today. The Mist Trail is Yosemite's signature hike and offers the chance to revel in the beauty of these spectacular falls as they bathe your face in a cooling mist. If you would prefer to skip the last few hundred metres of the trail which are quite steep, you can still enjoy great views of Vernal Fall from the bridge downstream.
Day 3 - Mammoth Lakes
Today you get to enjoy not one but two magnificent hikes in the Yosemite High Country. After breakfast, walk the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias trail where you can stroll right through the middle of The Tunnel Tree and admire dozens of mature sequoia trees which tower more than 100 metres above the trail. This afternoon, the Pothole Dome and Tuolumne River trail awaits. This 4 km hike is easy on the legs and even easier on the eye with superb views of Tenaya Lake, the Tuolumne Meadows, Pothole Dome and the tumbling cascades of the Tuolumne River. You'll also have time to explore Mammoth Lakes before you bed down for a good night's rest.
Day 4 - Convict Lake & Mono Lake / Lake Tahoe
After breakfast, take a walk around Convict Lake on an easy 3 km trail which follows the lake edge. Breathe in the fresh scent of pine and aspen trees as you take in the views of Mount Morrison and Laurel Mountain on this easy scenic walk. This afternoon, head out on the South Tufa Nature Trail. It's a short hike to a viewpoint of the iconic and strange yet beautiful Tufa formations of Mono Lake. Then sit back and enjoy the scenery. The drive to Lake Tahoe on Highway 395 is breathtaking, with fantastic views of the Sierra Nevada the whole way. Upon arrival check into your hotel at Lake Tahoe. Make sure you set aside some time to watch the spectacular sunset over the lake, or perhaps head out for some nightlife.
Day 5 - Lake Tahoe / San Francisco
For the final walk of the trip, you’ll hike along the shores of Upper and Lower Echo Lakes which are the gateway to the spectacular Desolation Wilderness area. The 8.5 km Echo Lakes trail offers superb views of these two crystal clear lakes and mountains which provide the perfect backdrop for a classic holiday photo of your Sierra Nevada hiking adventure. On the way back to San Francisco, you will pass through the state’s capital city, Sacramento, following the historic Pony Express Trail through El Dorado National Forest. Your tour ends in San Francisco at approximately 5pm with a hotel drop off.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-07-202412-07-2024AUD $ 2,856-
02-09-202406-09-2024AUD $ 2,597-
16-09-202420-09-2024AUD $ 2,597-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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