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California Yosemite National Park Hiking Adventure

Sierra Nevada Wonders & Majestic Granite Peaks

 

Nestled in California's Sierra Nevada mountain range is Yosemite National Park, world famous for its thundering waterfalls, sprawling meadows, and dramatic granite peaks. Captured on film by famed photographer Ansel Adams, Yosemite Valley has inspired visitors for over a century. On our six-day hiking adventure, you'll experience its majesty first hand. Stroll among the largest stand of giant sequoias in the valley, then forge into the depths of the park - a landscape of picturesque valleys, sweeping plateaus and granite formations carved by wind, rain, and glacial ice. Evenings are spent at a mountain resort and a historic lodge, the perfect complement to this classic MT Sobek journey.

  • Hike among thundering waterfalls, pristine alpine meadows, and ancient giant sequoias

  • Enjoy sky-topping scenery including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock

  • Relax at The Ahwahnee-an iconic historic hotel designed to showcase its dramatic natural surroundings

Contact an Expert

Arrive:

Fresno, California

Depart:

Fresno, California

Price: from $4,495

Duration:

6 Days

Departures:

See Dates

Group Size:

6-12 Guests

Min Age:

14 yrs

Activity:

Level 3

Moderate to difficult hiking on high-altitude mountain terrain between 4,000 and 9,000 feet for 5-7 hours per day. There is a mix of undulating terrain with some steep switchbacks and rocky sections.
Learn more here.

Download Detailed Itinerary

Click here to download the Detailed Itinerary.

  • Arrive Fresno, CA / Transfer to Yosemite

    Day 1

    Arrive at Fresno Yosemite Airport and shuttle to the nearby Fairfield Inn, where you'll meet your guide. From there, take a private transfer to your historic hotel, set in the heart of Yosemite Valley. Stretch your legs on an evening walk and admire the sunset glow on Half Dome.

    Accommodation: The Ahwahnee Hotel

    The historic Ahwahnee Hotel (formerly known as the Majestic Yosemite Hotel) is located in the heart of the stunning Yosemite Valley. Constructed from steel, stone, concrete, wood and glass, the hotel was specifically designed to highlight its natural surroundings - featuring Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point. The Ahwahnee is a premier example of National Park architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark. The accommodations are comfortably appointed while still providing an authentic National Park Lodge experience.

    Activity: 2-3 miles hiking with 50' elevation gain and loss

    Transportation: 2.5-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Dinner

  • Explore Yosemite Valley

    Day 2

    Embark on a rewarding, mostly flat hike on the valley floor today, through lesser-traveled meadows, forests, and paths along the Merced River, past icons such as El Capitan, Sentinel Rock, Three Brothers, and Bridalveil Falls. Break for a trailside lunch along the way. There will be an opportunity to swim in the Merced River during an afternoon break. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon.

    Accommodation: The Ahwahnee Hotel

    The historic Ahwahnee Hotel (formerly known as the Majestic Yosemite Hotel) is located in the heart of the stunning Yosemite Valley. Constructed from steel, stone, concrete, wood and glass, the hotel was specifically designed to highlight its natural surroundings - featuring Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point. The Ahwahnee is a premier example of National Park architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark. The accommodations are comfortably appointed while still providing an authentic National Park Lodge experience.

    Activity: 4-6 hours/8 miles hiking with 100' gain and loss

    Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Walk Among Yosemite's Waterfalls & Giant Sequoias

    Day 3

    Check out early and climb 2,000 feet alongside Vernal Falls to admire the vista from the top of neighboring Nevada Falls. Return to Yosemite Valley in the early afternoon, then travel to your lodge, situated on the northern boundary of the park. En route, enjoy a late afternoon walk to gaze up at giant sequoias, among the oldest and largest living organisms on the planet! Check in to your room this evening and enjoy dinner at the lodge.

    Accommodation: Rush Creek Lodge

    Rush Creek Lodge is a superbly designed property located at the West Entrance of Yosemite National Park. The décor is inspired by the breathtaking expanse of nature surrounding its 20-acre wooded hillside setting. All rooms have been thoughtfully designed and tastefully appointed with modern amenities like comfy beds, feather pillows, gourmet coffee brewers, games, and books. Relax after the day's adventures in the outdoor pool and hot tubs or cozy up around the fire pit for stargazing and s'mores.

    Activity: 7-8 hours/5.4 miles hiking with 2,000' elevation gain/loss; 3 miles with 520' gain/loss

    Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike to Yosemite Valley's North Rim

    Day 4

    Spend the day in Yosemite's high country. Begin your hike at 8,800 feet and enjoy a gradual descent through ponderosa pines, meadows, and along granite bluffs to marvel at the park's only intact arch. After a trailside lunch, hike to the top of North Dome (7,543') on the North Rim of Yosemite Valley and delight in the eye-popping views of its most famous landmark, Half Dome, along with the valley floor 3,500 feet below. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon.

    Accommodation: Rush Creek Lodge

    Rush Creek Lodge is a superbly designed property located at the West Entrance of Yosemite National Park. The décor is inspired by the breathtaking expanse of nature surrounding its 20-acre wooded hillside setting. All rooms have been thoughtfully designed and tastefully appointed with modern amenities like comfy beds, feather pillows, gourmet coffee brewers, games, and books. Relax after the day's adventures in the outdoor pool and hot tubs or cozy up around the fire pit for stargazing and s'mores.

    Activity: 4-6 hours / 9.5 miles hiking with 1,000' gain and loss

    Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike Trails from Tuolumne Meadows

    Day 5

    Admire the beauty of Tuolumne Meadows (8,600'), one of the highest meadows in the Sierra Nevada range, on a day hike among its famous granite domes. Depending on conditions, the group will either follow an out-and-back trail to Cathedral Lakes (8 miles) or Mono Pass (7.4 miles). Both routes offer breathtaking mountain and meadow views, and are among the best hikes in the park. Return to your hillside lodge this evening.

    Accommodation: Rush Creek Lodge

    Rush Creek Lodge is a superbly designed property located at the West Entrance of Yosemite National Park. The décor is inspired by the breathtaking expanse of nature surrounding its 20-acre wooded hillside setting. All rooms have been thoughtfully designed and tastefully appointed with modern amenities like comfy beds, feather pillows, gourmet coffee brewers, games, and books. Relax after the day's adventures in the outdoor pool and hot tubs or cozy up around the fire pit for stargazing and s'mores.

    Activity: 6-7 hours/7-9 miles hiking with 800'-900' elevation gain

    Transportation: Two 2.5-hour private van transfers

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Return to Fresno & Depart

    Day 6

    Following breakfast at the hotel, take a 2.5-hour transfer to the airport and depart.

    Transportation: 2.5-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast

show more

California Yosemite National Park Hiking Adventure

Download Detailed Itinerary

Click here to download the Detailed Itinerary.

What to Expect

 

Why take this trip with us?

Reason #01

Hike Yosemite's best trails and see the park's iconic sights - granite domes, plunging waterfalls, alpine meadows, and giant trees.

Reason #02

Our top-notch guides have expert knowledge of this remote and expansive mountain region.

Reason #03

All logistics and hard-to-get accommodations are covered, so you can focus on the adventure.

Meet your guides

Khriss Urban

Khriss Urban

For over 20 years, Khriss has been leading adventure tours across the US and Canada. Patient and enthusiastic, he enjoys showing others the awe-inspiring natural world as much as he loves discovering its wonders for himself. As a Southwest expert, keen adventurer, and historian, Khriss is a great storyteller who loves spending evenings around the campfire or dinner table sharing travel tales and making new friends.

Rachel Frampton

Rachel Frampton

Rachel began her guiding career in 1994, and has led trips throughout the US Southwest and the Canadian Rockies for the past 10 years. Rachel is an avid outdoor enthusiast, and her favorite pursuits are hiking, mountain biking, and white-water rafting. When Rachel is not on the road leading adventures she can be found relaxing in Bali, surfing, doing yoga and rejuvenating.

Joel Clark

Joel Clark

Never without his old battered hat, given to him by his grandfather, Joel Clark has an addiction to the wide open spaces of the West. He has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and charted his own cross-country trek across the Mojave Desert totaling some 8,000 miles. Joel is an experienced guide, leading adventure tours and horse riding expeditions through the canyon lands of Southern Utah for nearly 10 years. When he gets out his guitar around the campfire, bring a handkerchief because you're going to hear some soulful old cowboy songs.

Activities

Moderate to strenuous hiking on rocky paths, covering 6 to 10 miles per day at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 9,500 feet.

Lodging

Comfortable three-star, lodge-style accommodation in a five-star alpine setting. Includes the historic Ahwahnee Hotel.

Climate

Expect sunny days in July, August, and September with temps in the 70s to 90s; morning and nighttime temps can drop into the 40s. Be prepared for rain showers.

FAQ

How should I train for my Yosemite hiking trip?

The best training for hiking is hiking. Work up to hiking similar distances with your daypack loaded with the same weight you will be carrying each day during your trip.

Will we encounter any bears on this trip?

Black bears are the only bear here in Yosemite and they are quite docile. On most trips, you will never see a bear.

Can I drink the water from streams or lakes?

Purified water is available at the lodge. It is important that you do not drink unfiltered water from streams or lakes along the trail. You may need up to two liters each day.

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Testimonials

"Great experience every time with some of the most knowledgeable guides in their fields. We always come home with wonderful memories of the people we meet and things we see."

Bob J.
MT Sobek Guest

"We have traveled throughout the world, but never experienced a level of service and attention to detail as we did with MT Sobek."

Dennis G.
MT Sobek Guest

  • 2022
  • Go Custom

2022

The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.

Scheduled Dates

  • Aug 01 - 06, 2022
    $4,495 price per person dbl occ
    +$1,550 single supplement
    Available
    Book This Date
  • Aug 18 - 23, 2022
    $4,495 price per person dbl occ
    +$1,550 single supplement
    Available
    Book This Date
  • Sep 15 - 20, 2022
    $4,495 price per person dbl occ
    +$1,550 single supplement
    Available
    Book This Date

Price Includes

  • Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Price Does Not Include

  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses

Contact An Expert

800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

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Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.

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