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Hike Yosemite's beautiful High Country and enjoy Valley views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls
            [Description] => Hike Yosemite's beautiful High Country and enjoy Valley views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls
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            [HighlightText] => Walk among Yosemite's sky-scraping sequoias and Mono Lake's mystifying tufa formations
            [Description] => Walk among Yosemite's sky-scraping sequoias and Mono Lake's mystifying tufa formations
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Climb the granite stairs of the Mist Trail past thundering Vernal and Nevada Falls
            [Description] => Climb the granite stairs of the Mist Trail past thundering Vernal and Nevada Falls
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            [Description] => stars
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            [Description] => group
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            [Description] => deer
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            [Description] => sequioas
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            [Description] => couple half dome
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            [Description] => valley
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            [Description] => glacier point
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            [Description] => family
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            [Description] => valley reflection
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Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Greg B.

Based in the mountains of Lake Tahoe, a setting where outdoor adventure comes with the territory, Javier loves nothing more than sharing the thrill and beauty of nature with others. He is a certified Wilderness First Responder and enjoys leading backcountry snowboarding guiding clinics and spending his free time splitboarding in winters. Summers mean managing a camp retreat, exploring other corners of the world, and guiding guests to new experiences.

Asli K.

A well-rounded guide and certified Wilderness First Responder, Asli (“Oz”) spends her free time hiking, biking, running, and skiing the mountains of the west with her 3 beloved dogs (Max, Woody and Chia). When not on an adventure, you can find her managing Down to Earth, a residential composting company based in Reno, Nevada. Her love of animals, the outdoors, and sustainability are all passions she brings to the trail.

Chris K.

Chris grew up splitting time between coastal Massachusetts and Northern California, finding a deep appreciation for both the ocean and mountains. Guiding since 2010, Chris has enjoyed travels around the world but thinks some of the best adventures can be found closer to home in the Western United States. He is grateful to have the unusual opportunity through guiding to share his love of this region with guests.

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                    [Headline] => Journey to Mono Lake & Hike the South Tufa Reserve
                    [ActivityOverview] => 1.5 miles/1 hours hiking with 100\' elevation gain
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Meet your guide and fellow travelers in Reno, Nevada, this morning. Drive along the east side of the Sierra Nevada into the high desert and magical Mono Lake, stopping for a picnic lunch at the Mono Lake Visitor Center. This afternoon, hike through the world-famous South Tufa Grove, wandering among otherworldly tufa towers and learning about Mono Lake\'s unique million-year-old ecosystem. Arriving in Lee Vining late this afternoon, check into your hotel rooms before gathering for a home-cooked dinner and orientation.
                    [Breakfast] => 0
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 2.5-hour private van transfer
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
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                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 39.48
                    [Longitude] => -119.82
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            [1] => Array
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                    [DayFrom] => 2
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                    [Headline] => Witness Cathedral Peak on a Hike to Budd Lake
                    [ActivityOverview] => 9 miles/4-5 hours hiking with 1,900\' elevation gain and loss
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                    [ItinBlock] => 
Drive over Tioga Pass (9,943\'), the highest highway pass in California, to Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. Starting at 8,570 feet of elevation, set out to discover a hidden gem, following a primitive trail up through pine forest and blocky granite boulders along the crystal clear, bubbling waters of Budd Creek. Get glimpses of soaring Cathedral Peak and the chance to see age-old bristle-cone pine trees. Emerge into a high alpine meadow bursting with wildflowers to reach the shores of gently rippling Budd Lake (10,120\'). The rugged peak of Cockscomb rises from the cirque on the lake\'s southeast side. Enjoy a well-earned meal on returning to your lodge.
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                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 1-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 37.955
                    [Longitude] => -119.118
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                    [DayFrom] => 3
                    [DayTo] => 3
                    [Headline] => Take a Loop Hike to Glittering Gaylor & Granite Lakes
                    [ActivityOverview] => 5 miles/3 hours hiking with 1,200\' elevation gain and loss
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Leaving the eastern Sierra behind, journey to Yosemite West. En route, stop to explore a series of stunning mountain lakes. Begin your hike at just under 10,000 feet with a short and steep climb to a breathtaking view of nearby Mount Dana. Past the ascent, the trail becomes gradual and easy as you make your way to Middle Gaylor Lake and Upper Gaylor Lake. Along the trail, enjoy sweeping vistas across Moraine Flat to the rugged mountains beyond. Reaching the top of the pass (10,861\'), you\'re rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the granite peaks along the Sierra Crest. The loop hike continues past Granite Lake, which sits below an impressive granite cirque. Continue to the group\'s private lodgings in Yosemite West.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 2-hour private van transfer
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                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 37.658
                    [Longitude] => -119.72
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                    [DayFrom] => 4
                    [DayTo] => 4
                    [Headline] => Hike McGurk Meadow to Taft Point & Sentinel Dome
                    [ActivityOverview] => 8-9 miles/4-5 hours hiking with 1,500\' elevation gain and loss
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Today, you’ll set out for the McGurk Meadow Trailhead (7,000\') to begin a hike with incredible views. Pass through dreamy wildflower meadows and pine forest, to the very edge of Yosemite Valley at Taft Point. On the rim, you’ll get a good look at the giant fissures and vertical gashes in the granite mountain and enjoy stunning views across the valley to Yosemite Falls. From Taft Point, climb over granite slabs to the top of Sentinel Dome (8,100\') for 360-degree views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, Merced River Canyon, Tenaya Canyon, and beyond to the high county. End the day with a delicious home-cooked meal and a comfy bed to rest up for tomorrow’s adventure.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 1-hour private van transfer
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                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 37.658
                    [Longitude] => -119.72
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                    [DayFrom] => 5
                    [DayTo] => 5
                    [Headline] => Hike the Panorama Trail to Nevada & Vernal Falls
                    [ActivityOverview] => 10 miles/6 hours hiking with 700\' elevation gain and 3,200\' loss
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After a hearty breakfast, drive to Glacier Point (7,200\'). Hike the less-traveled Panorama Trail to gorgeous views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Arriving at the splendid 594-foot Nevada Falls, have a look down to the floor of the Yosemite Valley—a different perspective than yesterday\'s hike. Descend on the famous Mist Trail at the mossy edge of Nevada Falls and feel the spray of 317-foot Vernal Falls. When you reach the valley floor (4,000\'), your van will be waiting to carry you back to your lodging at Yosemite West.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 1.5-hour private van transfer
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 37.65
                    [Longitude] => -119.72
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                    [DayFrom] => 6
                    [DayTo] => 6
                    [Headline] => Hike Among Giant Sequoias & Return to Reno
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3 miles/2 hours hiking with 600\' elevation gain and loss
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => 
After loading your luggage into the support van, set out for one of Yosemite\'s iconic sequoia groves—typically Tuolumne or Merced. Hike at 6,000 feet beneath towering giants that have stood for millennia, soaking in the quiet majesty of these ancient trees. Take a moment to enjoy the light filtering to the forest floor and the scent of pine and earth on this final walk in Yosemite. Afterward, enjoy a scenic picnic lunch along the sparkling shoreline of Tenaya Lake. In the afternoon, you\'ll journey onward to the Reno-Tahoe Airport for departure, carrying with you the indelible memories of giant forests, alpine lakes, and the soaring landscapes of Yosemite.
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                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 0
                    [Travel_Type] => 5.5-hour private van transfer
                    [Quotation] => 
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                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 39.52
                    [Longitude] => -119.812
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    [ActivityHighlight] => Trip members should be capable of hiking up to 9 miles while carrying a daypack that weighs 10-15 pounds on trails with elevation gains/losses of up to 3,200\'. Trails will include some steep sections, stairs, and exposed overlooks. The trip guides will brief trip members on the rigorousness and exposure of each hike prior to setting out. Hikes take place between 4,000-11,000\' in elevation.
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Accommodations

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Rest well at comfortable lodge-style accommodation in an alpine setting.

Lake View Lodge

Comfortable Hotel

Located near the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park, Lake View Lodge offers cozy accommodations with stunning views of Mono Lake and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Guests can enjoy rustic cabins, A-frame cottages, and spacious rooms, all surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds.

Yosemite West Private Lodging

Comfortable Hotel

Each private vacation home features two bedrooms—typically, one room with two queen beds and another with one king bed—along with two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and laundry facilities. The living room and kitchen are shared spaces among all occupants of the home.