Hike the best of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, from Half Dome to El Capitan, and experience jaw-dropping views around every corner. Stand before giant sequoias, towering granite monoliths, and lands that inspired countless artists.
Start - End: Fresno - Fresno
Total trip: 6 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 2
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Yosemite is well-known for its towering granite monoliths, giant sequoias, and dramatic valleys. Around every corner is a new jaw-dropping view, and on this 6-day Yosemite National Park Hiking Tour, you'll explore arguably the most awe-inspiring landscapes of North America.
After meeting your group in Fresno, you'll journey straight into the heart of Yosemite National Park. Once inside, your routine transforms to hearty breakfasts, mind-blowingly beautiful treks, picture-perfect picnics, and elegant lodgings. Hike to Wapama Falls, spot the perfect swimming hole along the Tuolomne River, conquer 1,000 feet of elevation to reach the top of Vernal Fall, test your skills during a rock climbing and rappelling class, and embark on an all-day hike.
With two guides who know every nook and cranny, you can rest assured you'll be seeing the best of the best on this Yosemite National Park hiking tour.
Mariposa Grove
Stroll beneath the towering Giant Sequoias of Mariposa Grove, an awe-inspiring forest where some of the largest trees on Earth have stood for thousands of years.
To Wapama Falls
Follow a stunning Hetch Hetchy trail to Wapama Falls, rewarded with powerful waterfalls, granite walls, and sweeping reservoir views.
The Mist Trail to Vernal Falls
Tackle Yosemite’s legendary Mist Trail, where granite staircases, rushing spray, and sweeping valley views lead to the summit of Vernal Fall.
Opportunity to try rock climbing
Experience Yosemite from a new perspective with a guided rock climbing and rappelling session, designed for all skill levels on iconic granite terrain.
Click map to explore.
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Hiking: 3-4 miles (4.8-6.4 kilometers)
While the full loop around Hetch Hetchy reservoir stretches for nearly 28 miles, today's hike will be about a quarter of that, and every bit as beautiful. On the trail, you'll witness beautiful natural scenery, like the thundering waters of Wapama Falls tumbling down the rocky cliffs.
After lunch, we head out to Lookout Point, a 3-mile hike, with amazing views throughout.
Accommodation: Rush Creek Lodge, Groveland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 5-8 miles (8-12.8 kilometers)
Hiking: 1-2 miles (2-3 kilometers)
Rock-Climbing: 2-3 hours
Hiking: 7 miles (11.2 kilometers)
Today, embark on a hike to experience two of Yosemite's south rim highlights. Along the way, you'll see for yourself the majesty of Glacier Point and Sentinel Dome. Glacier Point offersone of the best vistas over the western Yosemite Valley, while Sentinel Dome’s symmetrical granite summit provides the south rim’s best panorama. You'll also emerge at viewpoints featuring unique perspectives of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls.
In the afternoon, we explore the famous Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Walking amongst these giant trees is something you will never forget!
Accommodation: Tenaya Lodge, Fish Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 5-7 miles (8-11.2 kilometers)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge. This morning, you can take advantage of some last-minute pool or spa time. Reluctantly, we say goodbye to the park and start our way back to Fresno. Hotel and airport drop-offs in the early afternoon.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
On the first day of the trip we can either pick you up from the Homewood Suites by Hilton Fresno Airport at 7:00am or the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fresno at 7:00am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Fresno, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.
Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Fresno Airport at 1pm in time for flights below or at a hotel of your choice in Fresno around 1.30pm.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Fresno the night before the trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Fresno any time after 3pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels near Yosemite. We prefer to stay in accommodations close to the park and our activities for the day that are comfortable after a full day of exploration.
While there are laundry facilities at some locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only not have to do laundry during your trip. If needed the best time will be when we are at Tenaya on Days 3-5.
By paying in full, we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply. Read more here.
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With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.
