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            [HighlightText] => Explore the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias and hike among the largest trees on Earth
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            [HighlightText] => 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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            [HighlightText] => Soak up Ansel Adams views of Yosemite Valley
            [Description] => Soak up Ansel Adams views of Yosemite Valley
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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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            [Description] => granite
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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.

John was born and raised in New Orleans, LA, where an appreciation of diverse cultures and cuisine comes with the territory. His interest in rock climbing drew him out west, where he discovered irresistible landscapes of all kinds and became an outdoor guide in 2022. If he’s not hiking desert trails, you might find him looking for wildlife in the Yellowstone area. He is excited to explore with you.

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                    [Headline] => Arrive at Mono Lake and hike the South Tufa Reserve
                    [ActivityOverview] => 1.5 miles hiking with 100\' elevation gain
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                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => Meet your guide and fellow travelers in Reno, Nevada this morning. From Reno we drive along the east side of the Sierra Nevada to Mono Lake, stopping for a picnic lunch at the Mono Lake Visitor Center. This afternoon we hike through the world-famous South Tufa Grove, wandering through otherworldly tufa towers and learning about Mono Lake\'s unique million-year-old ecosystem. Arriving in Lee Vining late this afternoon, we check into our hotel rooms. Tonight we gather for a home-cooked dinner and orientation in our private group dining cabin. Lunch and dinner included.
                    [Breakfast] => 0
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 3.5 hours 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
                    [DayTo] => 2
                    [Headline] => Explore Cathedral Peak and Budd Lake
                    [ActivityOverview] => 9 miles hiking with 1,900\' elevation gain and loss
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => We drive over Tioga Pass (9,943\'), the highest highway pass in California. Arriving at Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park, we hike to Budd Lake. We follow a primitive trail through a high alpine meadow bursting with wildflowers and the crystal clear, bubbling waters of Budd Creek. Today\'s hike takes place at 8,570\' to 10,120\' in elevation. All meals included.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 1 hour private van transfer
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 37.955
                    [Longitude] => -119.118
                )

            [2] => Array
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                    [DayFrom] => 3
                    [DayTo] => 3
                    [Headline] => Hike to Gaylor and Granite Lakes, transfer to Yosemite West
                    [ActivityOverview] => 5 miles hiking with 1,200\' elevation gain and loss
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => Departing the east side of the Sierra, we drive to Yosemite West. En route, we stop to explore a series of stunning mountain lakes. We begin our hike at just under 10,000\' with a short and steep climb to a breathtaking view of nearby Mount Dana. Past the ascent, our trail becomes gradual and easy as we make our way to Middle Gaylor Lake and Upper Gaylor Lake. Along the trail we have sweeping views across Moraine Flat to the rugged mountains beyond. Reaching the top of the pass we are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the granite peaks along the Sierra Crest. Our loop hike continues past Granite Lake, which sits below an impressive granite cirque. Today\'s hike takes place at 9,950\' to 10,861\' in elevation. Our day concludes at our private lodgings in Yosemite West. All meals included.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 2.5 hours private van transfer
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 37.658
                    [Longitude] => -119.72
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                    [DayFrom] => 4
                    [DayTo] => 4
                    [Headline] => Hike McGurk Meadow to Taft Point and Sentinel Dome
                    [ActivityOverview] => 8-9 miles hiking with 1,500\' elevation gain and loss
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => We set out for the McGurk Meadow Trailhead. On our way to the very edge of Yosemite Valley at Taft Point, we take in the giant fissures and vertical gashes in the granite mountain. From Taft Point we have stunning views across the valley to Yosemite Falls. Our final reward is the panoramic vistas from Sentinel Dome, which include Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, Merced River Canyon, Tenaya Canyon and beyond to the high county. Today\'s hike takes place at 7,000\' to 8,100\' in elevation. Overnight at Yosemite West. All meals included.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 1 hour private van transfer
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 37.658
                    [Longitude] => -119.72
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                    [DayFrom] => 5
                    [DayTo] => 5
                    [Headline] => Hike from Glacier Point past Nevada and Vernal Falls
                    [ActivityOverview] => 8 miels hiking with 700\' elevation gain and 3,200\' loss
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => After a hearty breakfast we drive to Glacier Point to enjoy the view of Yosemite Valley from a different perspective than yesterday. We hike the Panorama Trail past Nevada Falls (594\') then work our way down the famous Mist Trail next to Vernal Falls (317\'). When we reach the valley floor we board our van and return to our lodging at Yosemite West. Today\'s hike takes place at 7,200\'-4,000\' in elevation. All meals included.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 1.5 hours private van transfer
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 37.65
                    [Longitude] => -119.72
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            [5] => Array
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                    [DayFrom] => 6
                    [DayTo] => 6
                    [Headline] => Hike through a grove of giant sequoias and return to Reno
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3 miles hiking with 400\' elevation gain and loss
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => We load our luggage onto the support van and drive to one of Yosemite\'s renowned groves of giant sequoia, typically Tuolumne or Merced Grove. Our hike takes place at 6,000\' in elevation, through these stands of magnificent trees that are thousands of years old. Following our hike we stop along the shoreline of Tenaya Lake for a picnic lunch. We expect to arrive at the Reno-Tahoe Airport late this afternoon. Breakfast and lunch included.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 0
                    [Travel_Type] => 5.5 hours private van transfer
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 39.52
                    [Longitude] => -119.812
                )

        )

    [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.
    [Trip_Level] => 3
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Accommodations

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Comfortable lodge-style accommodation in a five-star 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.