Magnificent Yosemite National Park holds a revered place in the hearts of avid adventurers, from its world-renowned granite monoliths to the flower-carpeted meadows and alpine lakes of the Tuolumne high country. Beginning on the shores of Mono Lake, you'll visit an otherworldly desert ecosystem punctuated by dormant volcanoes and fascinatingly shaped tufa towers. Above Tuolumne Meadows, rocky paths take you past sparkling high-country lakes and to sweeping views of the meadows below and the mountains beyond. Your exceptional guides lead you from the dramatic east to the more heavily forested west as you take in breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley icons: Half Dome, El Capitan, and Vernal and Nevada Falls. After hiking the Valley from top to bottom, spend each evening reminiscing about the day's adventures amongst new friends.
Magnificent Yosemite National Park holds a revered place in the hearts of avid adventurers, from its world-renowned granite monoliths to the flower-carpeted meadows and alpine lakes of the Tuolumne high country. Beginning on the shores of Mono Lake, you'll visit an otherworldly desert ecosystem punctuated by dormant volcanoes and fascinatingly shaped tufa towers. Above Tuolumne Meadows, rocky paths take you past sparkling high-country lakes and to sweeping views of the meadows below and the mountains beyond. Your exceptional guides lead you from the dramatic east to the more heavily forested west as you take in breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley icons: Half Dome, El Capitan, and Vernal and Nevada Falls. After hiking the Valley from top to bottom, spend each evening reminiscing about the day's adventures amongst new friends.
Journey to Mono Lake & Hike the South Tufa Reserve
Day 1
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.
Accommodation: Lake View Lodge
Activity: 1.5 miles/1 hours hiking with 100' elevation gain
Transportation: 2.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Witness Cathedral Peak on a Hike to Budd Lake
Day 2
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.
Accommodation: Lake View Lodge
Activity: 9 miles/4-5 hours hiking with 1,900' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Loop Hike to Glittering Gaylor & Granite Lakes
Day 3
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.
Accommodation: Yosemite West Private Lodging
Activity: 5 miles/3 hours hiking with 1,200' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike McGurk Meadow to Taft Point & Sentinel Dome
Day 4
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.
Accommodation: Yosemite West Private Lodging
Activity: 8-9 miles/4-5 hours hiking with 1,500' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike the Panorama Trail to Nevada & Vernal Falls
Day 5
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.
Accommodation: Yosemite West Private Lodging
Activity: 10 miles/6 hours hiking with 700' elevation gain and 3,200' loss
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Among Giant Sequoias & Return to Reno
Day 6
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.
Activity: 3 miles/2 hours hiking with 600' elevation gain and loss
MT Sobek has been exploring US National Parks for more than 50 years, placing a strong emphasis on responsible travel practices that protect the natural environment.
In six spectacular and well-paced days, you'll hike Yosemite's best trails and see the park's legendary sights, including granite domes, plunging waterfalls, alpine meadows, and giant trees.
Hike with top-notch local guides, who have expert knowledge of this remote and expansive mountain region.
Gather your favorite travel companionsโfamily, friends, colleagues, or clubโand enjoy an exclusive departure thatโs easy to book and completely unforgettable.
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your private departure.
Minimum age for guests on this trip is 18 years old.
Choose Your Own Travel Dates
July, August, September
Private Trip Pricing: 2026
10 guests from $3,795 per person double occupancy
8 to 9 guests from $3,995 per person double occupancy
7 guests from $4,095 per person double occupancy
6 guests from $4,195 per person double occupancy
5 guests from $4,495 per person double occupancy
4 guests from $4,895 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $5,495 per person double occupancy
2 guests from $6,195 per person double occupancy
Optional:
$720 Single Occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
*Trip pricing on the website is provided as an estimate and is subject to change based on rates at the time of request and seasonality.
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
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.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
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 (โOzโ) 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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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. 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. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
1.5 miles/1 hours hiking with 100' elevation gain
Day 2
9 miles/4-5 hours hiking with 1,900' elevation gain and loss
Day 3
5 miles/3 hours hiking with 1,200' elevation gain and loss
Day 4
8-9 miles/4-5 hours hiking with 1,500' elevation gain and loss
Day 5
10 miles/6 hours hiking with 700' elevation gain and 3,200' loss
Day 6
3 miles/2 hours hiking with 600' elevation gain and loss
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guideโs discretion.
Accommodations
Rest well at comfortable lodge-style accommodation in an alpine setting.
With a prime location between the otherworldly shores of Mono Lake and the Yosemite's famed Tuolumne Meadows, Lake View Lodge has been family-owned and operated since 1932. Simple rooms offer a comfortable stay in this rural area. Step outside for beautiful views from the garden or walk a few blocks to the fascinating Mono Basin History Museum. Enjoy homemade fare at the onsite restaurant.
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.
Weather
Expect sunny days with temperatures of 70-90F, often dropping into the 40s at night. Be prepared for rain showers.
Jul
Aug
Sep
Yosemite National Park
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Yosemite National Park
90
56
90
55
84
50
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
You will meet your guides on Day 1 at 9:00 am at Element Reno Experience District Hotel in Reno, NV.
What are the best months to hike in Yosemite?
Yosemite’s high country is best explored from late June to early September, when warm weather, snow-free trails, and open roads - like the scenic Tioga Road - make access easy. MT Sobek’s trips are ideally scheduled for July, August, and early September to take full advantage of these prime conditions.
What is the best footwear for hiking in Yosemite?
Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and a durable, grippy sole are recommended for hiking in Yosemite. They should be breathable and waterproof. Whatever footwear you choose, ensure they are well broken in and comfortable for you.
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.
Do you have winter options in Yosemite?
Yosemite is also a perfect winter escape for hikers seeking unique views and far fewer crowds. Check out MT Sobek's Yosemite Winter Hiking Tour .
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for these trips is 18. Families with fit younger teens may consider private and custom trip options.