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Hiking in Yosemite National Park

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Hiking in Yosemite National Park

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Description

Follow your feet on this 5-day walking tour that shows off the very best of Yosemite National Park. From giant sequoia trees, to the stunning Cathedral Lakes, to the massive Half Dome rock and thunderous waterfalls of the appropriately named Mist Trail, this hiking trip covers a lot of ground in a short time. Best of all, you get to experience Yosemite with a bit of comfort, thanks to transportation to and from the trailheads and accommodation in a cosy mountain lodge. But this trip is more than just pretty sights – you’ll also learn about the area’s Native American heritage and pioneer past, and about the important work being done to preserve and protect the region.

Trip Name
Hiking in Yosemite National Park
Last Updated
2024-04-29
Days
5
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Escape the tourist crowds with an itinerary designed to show you the very best that Yosemite National Park has to offer, while still expertly avoiding the busiest areas.
  • Hike at your own comfort level with options for alternate routes and a schedule that eases you in – your first hike is an easy one, allowing you to go slow before tackling more serious trails.
  • Learn about the important work being done by Yosemite Conservancy, with an educational guided walk through the historic Ahwahnee village, where you’ll learn about Native American heritage and the park’s conservation efforts.
  • Step back in time to California’s gold rush era with a visit to the state’s oldest continuously operating saloon, boasting a collection of antique mining tools – as well as a few stray bullet holes.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support 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.

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 to Yosemite National Park
Welcome to California! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am this morning in San Francisco. It’s recommended you arrive early, as after the meeting we'll head oft for the famous Yosemite National Park, with a lunch stop along the way at the historic Iron Door Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in California, dating back to the mid-1800s. Be sure to check out the saloon’s old photos of the Hetch Hetchy valley and collection of antique gold mining tools. Look around closely and you might even spot a few stray bullet holes in the walls. After lunch, enjoy your first walk today – an easy, downhill hike – at the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. The grove is home to, no surprise, a couple dozen mature giant sequoia trees, including one that’s been carved into a tunnel you can walk right through. Of course, what goes down must come back up, but your return upward climb will be rewarded once you arrive at your accommodation. While many visitors to Yosemite stay in campsites, you’ll get to unwind at a charming mountain lodge within a short drive to the park entrance. Settle into your home for the next few days and soak up the rustic atmosphere.
Day 2 - Yosemite National Park – Cathedral Lakes
It’s an early start today to the trailhead for the famous Cathedral Lakes, approximately 2 hours away by vehicle. It’s all worth it though, as this hike reveals some of the most impressive views in the High Sierra. Soak up the jaw-dropping, high-altitude scenery of the Lower and/or Upper Cathedral lakes that are worth every step of your 3- to 5-hour hike. If you’re concerned about difficulty and altitude levels, don’t worry – you’ll be given a choice of different routes, depending on the group’s comfort and abilities.
Day 3 - Yosemite National Park – Mist Trail
Today’s drive to the start of the trail is shorter (approximately 1 hour), but the hike is no less incredible. The Mist Trail is Yosemite's signature hike, for good reason. While many of the park’s hikes leave the best views for the end, this trail is scattered with fabulous views along the whole route, including a few waterfalls (be sure to pack your rain gear as the falls are close to the trail and you will get sprayed). You’ll also get to see Yosemite’s iconic Half Dome rock formation. It was once believed that the Half Dome was completely inaccessible to climbers, until George Anderson reached the summit in 1875. Over a century later, famed climber Alex Honnold, star of the 2017 documentary Free Solo, would hold the record for the fastest ascent of the Half Dome’s Regular Northwest Face route – the first Grade IV climb in the USA. In the evening, rest up back at the lodge.
Day 4 - Yosemite National Park
Today is slightly different, with a free morning for you to enjoy your way. You can take a shuttle to Yosemite Valley for more hiking on your own, or perhaps to visit local museums, rent a bike or anything else that interests you. Or, you may want to sign up for white water rafting (additional cost). Your tour leader will be able to help you with arrangements. In the afternoon, your group will rendezvous for an included walk with an expert guide from Yosemite Conservancy. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the important work the group does for the Native American community and preserving their culture within the park. As you walk from the historic Ahwahnee Hotel through the meadows of Yosemite Valley and past the ruins of an old pioneer village, you’ll hear Native American stories and history, and learn about Yosemite’s role in the country’s conservationist movement. Your guided walk will end at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, where your leader will be waiting to transport you back to the lodge for your final night.
Day 5 - Hetch Hetchy Reservoir to San Francisco
For your last day, enjoy a short hike on the shores of the beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Not only is this area stunning to see, but it’s also an important historic site for conservationists – controversy surrounding the construction of the Hetch Hetchy Dam helped lead to the creation of the US National Park Service in 1916. You’ll then drive back to San Francisco, aiming to arrive around 5 pm to 6 pm, at which point your Yosemite adventure ends and you are free to begin your trip home at your leisure. If you require an additional night’s accommodation in San Francisco, we can arrange that for you.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-05-202423-05-2024AUD $ 3,900-
26-05-202430-05-2024AUD $ 3,830-
16-06-202420-06-2024AUD $ 2,952-
23-06-202427-06-2024AUD $ 2,768-
30-06-202404-07-2024AUD $ 3,830-
14-07-202418-07-2024AUD $ 3,830-
04-08-202408-08-2024AUD $ 3,830-
22-08-202426-08-2024AUD $ 3,830-
01-09-202405-09-2024AUD $ 3,830-
08-09-202412-09-2024AUD $ 3,690-
15-09-202419-09-2024AUD $ 3,690-
22-09-202426-09-2024AUD $ 3,506-
06-10-202410-10-2024AUD $ 3,725-
13-10-202417-10-2024AUD $ 3,545-
03-05-202507-05-2025AUD $ 4,325-
10-05-202514-05-2025AUD $ 4,325-
24-05-202528-05-2025AUD $ 4,325-
31-05-202504-06-2025AUD $ 4,325-
07-06-202511-06-2025AUD $ 4,495-
14-06-202518-06-2025AUD $ 4,495-
21-06-202525-06-2025AUD $ 4,665-
05-07-202509-07-2025AUD $ 4,665-
19-07-202523-07-2025AUD $ 4,665-
02-08-202506-08-2025AUD $ 4,665-
16-08-202520-08-2025AUD $ 4,665-
30-08-202503-09-2025AUD $ 4,665-
06-09-202510-09-2025AUD $ 4,495-
13-09-202517-09-2025AUD $ 4,495-
20-09-202524-09-2025AUD $ 4,495-
27-09-202501-10-2025AUD $ 4,495-
11-10-202515-10-2025AUD $ 4,325-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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