Yosemite Valley Hiking – Lodge Based
5 days
From $ 2899
Duration5 days

Spend five days hiking in one of America’s most iconic national parks, perfectly timed with the changing of the seasons. Visitors have come from far and wide to see Yosemite Valley ever since it became an established landmark in 1890. The classic granite features, thunderous waterfalls and stunning landscapes are much revered by adventurers and naturalists alike. This trip provides a chance to explore the storied valley from end to end. Each sunrise brings a new hike to conquer and a new natural wonder to behold. Gaze up at the vertical 3,000’ granite face of El Capitan. Take in the impossibly high waterfalls as they plummet thousands of feet from the rim of the valley. This adventure focuses on celebrating the changing seasons in Yosemite. Our visits are timed to coincide with peak waterfall flow in the spring and the kaleidoscopic display of fall color from the park’s aspen, dogwood, oak and maple trees. From the granite monuments to the valley meadows, spring blossoms to fall colors, this adventure is perfectly designed to showcase the very best of Yosemite Valley.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 5 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: The Grove Isle Hotel & Spa
    Ages: 18+
Yosemite Valley Hiking – Lodge Based - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Hike to a hidden viewpoint to see Yosemite Valley’s natural wonders.
We meet our guides at 9am in Fresno, California, and transfer to Yosemite National Park, where we enjoy a picnic lunch on the South Fork of the Merced River. Our first hike from Turtleback Dome to Tunnel View is an ideal introduction to a park where grandeur is the norm and awe is the expectation. We enjoy a picnic lunch with incredible views into the Valley as our guides provide insight and interpretation. In the afternoon we settle into our private lodgings and gather for a home-cooked dinner and orientation of the week ahead. Lunch and dinner included.
Hiking: Up to 3 miles at elevations of 5,000-5,700’. Elevation gain/loss up to 700'. Transfers: 2 hours.
Meals: D
Day 2: Hike to Mirror Lake and along Tenaya Canyon with views of Half Dome.
This morning we circumnavigate the valley floor beneath the soaring granite walls of Tenaya Canyon. Beginning at the Majestic Yosemite Hotel (formerly called The Ahwahnee), we hike to Mirror Lake on a trail sheltered by the cover of quiet woods. Mirror Lake offers a jaw-dropping view of Half Dome soaring 5,000’ directly above us. Exploring in the spring months, we see that Mirror Lake has plenty of water and the reflections of the surrounding cliffs are excellent. Trips in the autumn provide beautiful colors that create captivating reflections along Tenaya Creek. Our hike takes us to the very end of Tenaya Canyon, below Clouds Rest, where we gaze up at the impressive granite walls around us. Returning to our lodgings, we have dinner and perhaps sit out on the lodge’s deck for stargazing. All meals included.
Hiking: 7 miles at elevations of 4,000-4,300’. Elevation gain/loss: 300’.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: The Mist Trail’s granite stairs bring us to Vernal and Nevada Falls.
We transfer to Happy Isles to tackle what is arguably Yosemite’s signature hike: the Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Loop. We follow our guides up the park’s “giant staircase” where we are rewarded with close-up views of these two falls and numerous geological features. Negotiating hundreds of granite stairs that take us through the misty rainbow created by the 317’ Vernal Fall, we continue on to the top of 594’ Nevada Fall. The vistas of two famous rock monuments, Liberty Cap and the back side of Half Dome, combined with the sweeping scenery of Yosemite Valley, are spectacular. Hiking back to the valley floor, we follow a short stretch of the fabled John Muir Trail and relish a final glimpse of Yosemite’s impressive granite formations. We return to our accommodations for dinner.
Hiking: Up to 7 miles at elevations at elevations of 4,000-6,000’. Elevation gain/loss: up to 2,000’.
Day 4: Follow the switchbacks to the top of Yosemite Falls for dramatic vistas.
Our goal is the top of Yosemite Falls, a one-of-a-kind hike with panoramic views of the Valley and the lower and upper falls. We hike one of the park’s oldest trails, built between 1873 and 1877, to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall. The falls cascade 2,425 feet to the valley floor and, if the sunlight and water droplets cooperate, we may see a single or even a rare double rainbow. En route to the top, we pause at Columbia Rock for a snack and to take in the rewarding views of the valley, Half Dome and Sentinel Rock. The trail is rocky and steep with numerous switchbacks, so we take our time. Reaching the top, we pause to appreciate the surrounding views while listening to the sounds of the massive waterfall. Returning to the Valley floor, we transfer back to our accommodations for another delicious dinner prepared by our guides. All meals included.
Hiking: 7.2 miles at elevations of 3,967-6,526’. Elevation gain/loss: 2,559’.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Hike the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, then return to Fresno.
We load our luggage into the support vehicle, then drive to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia, the largest and most impressive grove of giant sequoias in the park. After our hike through the grove we say farewell to Yosemite National Park and return to Fresno. We plan to arrive by 4pm. Flights from Fresno can be scheduled after 6pm. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: Up to 5 miles at elevations of 5,600-6,800'. Elevation gain/loss up to 1,200'. Transfers: 2.5 hours.

End place: The Grove Isle Hotel & Spa

Meals: B, L

Inclusions

Included

  • Accommodations based on double occupancy for 4 nights
  • meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5
  • one group transfer from Fresno to Yosemite National Park on Day 1 and one return transfer to Fresno on Day 5
  • vehicle support
  • guide leadership
  • park entrance fees
  • Accommodation

    Lodge: 4 nights

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