Yosemite Hiking Adventure – Lodge Based
6 days from KNIGHTS INN SOUTH LAKE TAHOE to The Grove Isle Hotel & Spa
From $ 3199
Duration6 days
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Yosemite’s invigorating trails and inspiring landscapes make this 6-day edge-to-edge exploration an unforgettable adventure. 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—Yosemite’s landscapes are a top destination for those inclined to get up-close to nature’s bounty. Beginning on the shores of Mono Lake, we visit an otherworldly desert ecosystem punctuated by dormant volcanoes and fascinatingly-shaped tufa towers. Above Tuolumne Meadows, rocky paths take us past sparkling high country lakes and to sweeping views of the meadows below and the mountains beyond. Our exceptional guides lead us from the dramatic east to the more heavily forested west. Along the way, take in breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley’s most iconic features—Half Dome, El Capitan, and Vernal and Nevada Falls. After hiking the Valley from top to bottom, we return to our accommodations each evening to reminisce about the day’s adventures amongst new friends.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 6 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: KNIGHTS INN SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: The Grove Isle Hotel & Spa
    Ages: 18+
Yosemite Hiking Adventure – Lodge Based - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive at Mono Lake and hike the South Tufa Reserve.

Start place: KNIGHTS INN SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

Meet your guide and fellow travelers in Reno, Nevada, at 9am today. 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.
Transfer: 3 hours; Hiking: 1.5 miles; Elevation gain: 100’; Driving: 3 hours.
Meals: D
Day 2: Explore Cathedral Peak and Budd Lakes.
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.
Hiking: 9 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 1,900’.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Hike to Gaylor and Granite Lakes, transfer to Yosemite West.
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 then on to 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 lodge in Yosemite West. All meals included.
Hiking: 5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 1,200’; Driving: 2 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Hike McGurk Meadow to Taft Point and Sentinel Dome.
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.
Hiking: 7.5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 1,500’.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Hike from Glacier Point past Nevada and Vernal Falls.
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.
Hiking: 8 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 700'/3,200'; Driving: 1.5 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Hike in the Merced Grove of giant sequoias and return to Reno.
We load our luggage onto the support van and drive to the Merced Grove of giant sequoia. Our hike takes place at 6,000’ in elevation, through a grove of magnificent trees that are thousands of years old. Following our hike we stop along the shoreline of Tenaya Lake for a picnic lunch. Our drive continues to the Reno-Tahoe Airport. We expect to arrive by 5pm; flights departing Reno-Tahoe can be scheduled after 7pm. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 3 miles; elevation gain/loss: 400’; Driving: 5 hours.

End place: The Grove Isle Hotel & Spa

Meals: B, L

Inclusions

Included

  • Lodging for five nights
  • meals as noted in the daily itinerary
  • group transfer from Reno, Nevada and return
  • guide leadership and park entrance fees

  • Accommodation

    Hotel, 2 nights, Lodge 3 nights

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