California Yosemite Grand Traverse Trekking

After breakfast take a scenic van ride to the trailhead, at about 7,100 feet in elevation. Get acquainted with the pack animals and their guides. Loading these horses is really an art form; put what you need for the day into a small backpack, and the packers will strap the rest of the gear onto the animals using the unique diamond-hitch system. After 6 miles of hiking, reach Knoblock Meadows (8,200') where the guides prepare dinner in the mountain twilight. Today ends with stargazing beneath the high mountain peaks.

Spend today in the heart of the Ansel Adams Wilderness, established in 1964 as part of the original Wilderness Act, and renamed in 1984 for the famed nature photographer. Today's hike is hard but rewarding, climbing the switchbacks over Isberg Pass (10,500') and crossing into Yosemite National Park itself. Camp at Lake 10K, so named because of its elevation (10,005'). Take a dip in the frigid waters of the lake, or else just sit back and enjoy the views of Isberg (10,996'), Long Mountain (11,502'), and Forester Peak (12,057').

After yesterday's climb, today's downhill trek comes as a welcome relief. Hike through the creek drainages that eventually form the mighty scenic Merced River, which, along with the Tuolumne River, drains Yosemite National Park. Along the way take in majestic views of the north-south running Clark Range, named after Galen Clark who discovered the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and was known as the "Guardian of Yosemite" for 21 years in the mid-1800s. Camp at 7,400 feet on the shores of the Triple Fork of the Merced River.

Today make a westerly turn and begin trekking in the direction of Cloud's Rest, a peak with visual prominence in the Yosemite Valley. 10.5 miles of gradual ups and downs leads to the Sunrise Creek area (7,200'). Enjoy dinner here and turn in early to get ready for the big climb tomorrow.

Before the sun rises, be up and hiking towards Cloud's Rest (9,926'), a narrow, almost razor-like, ridge of rock formed by eroding glaciers. The route is difficult but well-maintained, and completely doable for hardy hikers. Take in unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views from the top. Travel back to basecamp for a relaxing afternoon.

Our last day of hiking, we connect with the famous Mist Trail of Yosemite, hiking past Nevada and Vernal Falls on our way back to Yosemite Valley for the night. Meet up with our gear in the Valley on our way to a night in the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner at the grand iconic dining room of the Majestic Ahwahnee Hotel.

After coffee and a quick snack, we'll have an early start. Meet your shuttle driver at 8:00am for our drive back across the Central Valley of California to San Francisco. Stop along the way for a late breakfast/early lunch, arriving at San Francisco International Airport at approximately 2:00pm. For those of you staying on in San Francisco we can also arrange a drop-off after the airport to Fisherman's Wharf.