Yosemite Lodge Hiking Adventure

Yosemite Lodge Hiking Adventure Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Welcome to California, where our adventure begins in Fresno. Travel to Yosemite and explore the Mariposa Grove.

  Our trip begins today in Fresno, California. Arrive into Fresno and transfer on your own to the REI Fresno store for a quick group orientation at 2:00 p.m. We'll depart from the REI Fresno store at 2:30 p.m. and, after a scenic 1.5 hour transfer by private van, arrive at the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees, home to around 500 enormous giant sequoias. No living thing on earth grows larger than the amazing Sequoiadendron giganteum, and few can ever hope to be become so ancient. The largest and oldest among these giants first felt sunlight as they sprouted from seed in the unspoiled North American wilderness over 2,000 years ago, and we'll hike among them as our first day of adventure draws to a close. Tonight, we'll enjoy lovely accommodations and dinner at Tenaya Lodge. All meals included from dinner on Day One to lunch on Day Five.

• Day 2  Travel to the heart of the park for amazing views from Glacier Point and hike the Panorama Trail.

  John Muir described his beloved Yosemite Valley as a paradise on earth; where "noble walls, sculptured into endless variety of domes and gables, spires and battlements" beckon the awe-struck visitor ever deeper into its seemingly endless, rugged beauty. Standing at Glacier Point it is easy to see Muir's source of inspiration, as the gaze drifts from the depths of Yosemite Valley and towering Yosemite Falls to majestic Half Dome in profile, past the heights of Clouds Rest and well beyond. After soaking in this sublime panorama, we'll begin our day's descent to the valley floor on none other than the aptly named Panorama trail. Crossing the bridge at Illilouette Falls and descending past Vernal and Nevada Falls, we reach the valley floor in a little over 8 miles, with exceptional views every step of the way. Some even say that after this hike, all your life's hiking will be divided into two categories – before Panorama and after Panorama. After our hike, we'll check into Yosemite Lodge at the Falls in the heart of Yosemite Valley, our base for the remainder of our hiking adventure, and enjoy a relaxed dinner at the Curry Village pizza deck. Later tonight, if the conditions are right, we might look forward to a sunset trip to Sentinel Bridge to see the alpenglow bouncing off the iconic face of Half Dome. Or, on full moon departures, we might hope to see the "moonbow" that sometimes forms at the base of Yosemite Falls, just outside our lodge.

  Hiking: 8.3 miles one way. 6–8 hours; 4,000 ft total elevation change. We'll descend 1,300 ft to Illilouette Falls during the first 2 miles of the hike, then climb 800 ft to the Panorama Cliff ridgeline before descending 600 ft the top of Nevada Falls. Crossing the brink of Nevada Falls, we'll continue descending the final 1,300 ft, passing Vernal Falls to reach Yosemite Valley.

• Day 3  Head east to the glorious sub-alpine meadows of Tuolumne in the high country.

  High above the Yosemite Valley to the east, the Tuolumne River winds gently through the vast sub-alpine meadows that spread out across the granite roof of the park. Vibrant Tuolumne Meadows is dotted with granite domes and looks out on the elegant Cathedral Range, offering abundant hiking options to suit a variety of tastes. We'll dedicate the day to exploring the high country today. With access to sections of the John Muir Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, Cathedral Peak, Lembert Dome and more, there's something for everyone. Returning to the valley after our day in the high country, we'll enjoy another special dinner at the Mountain Room Restaurant, whose dining room features delicious steaks, seafood and pasta along with local, organic and seasonal dishes. After dinner consider heading to the Yosemite Theater for an outstanding evening program or relax at the lodge.

  Hiking: Varies depending on selected route. Options range from 3-8 miles.

• Day 4 Head off the beaten path to explore Yosemite Creek and descend awe-inspiring Yosemite Falls.

  By private vehicle, we can access areas of the park where shuttles won't take other visitors, so today we'll set out for another unique and awe-inspiring view of the park's most dramatic features from the north rim of the valley. From the Yosemite Creek trailhead off the Tioga Road, we'll hike 7.4 scenic miles to reach Yosemite Point, where we'll stand face-to-face with Half Dome and look out across the park from a new vantage point before descending a final 3.8 miles and a whopping 2,400 ft down the Yosemite Falls trail to end back at our lodge. Our final dinner will be a true occasion as we enjoy the rustic elegance and award-winning cuisine at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel. The high-beamed ceilings and sugar pine trestles of the dining room, with its granite pillars and floor-to-ceiling windows, sparkling chandeliers and bright linens create a wonderful atmosphere you're sure to remember always.

  Hiking: 11.4 miles one way on mostly flat terrain for the first 7.4 miles, followed by a steep descent of over 2,400 ft in 3.8 miles to reach Yosemite Lodge at the Falls in Yosemite Valley.

• Day 5 Explore Yosemite Valley from El Capitan Meadow to Mirror Lake before we return to Fresno where our trip ends.

  On our final day in Yosemite, enjoy the morning on your own to shop or visit park galleries and souvenir shops, or instead join your guide for a valley floor exploration hike from El Capitan Meadow through many of the park's historic sites and on to Mirror Lake. Along the route, we can watch climbers finesse their way up impressive "El Cap", visit historic Camp 4, the birthplace of modern rock-climbing, and much more. Mirror Lake has earned its moniker from its ideal location where Half Dome is superbly reflected on the lake's surface. It's an ideal place to say farewell to the park before we depart. We plan to arrive back in Fresno between 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Departing flights from Fresno can be scheduled from 7 p.m. and later.

  Hiking: 3-5 miles on mostly flat terrain.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available.

One night at Tenaya Lodge and three nights in Yosemite Lodge at the Falls (all double occupancy), guide leadership, group transportation from Fresno, California to Yosemite National Park and return, all meals as noted in the daily itinerary, snacks, park fees.

Flights or transportation to/from Fresno, California, airport taxes and luggage fees, theater fees (optional), alcoholic beverages, laundry fees, guide gratuities.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should be in good physical condition for hiking in Yosemite. We recommend a conditioning regimen beginning at least 2-3 months prior to departure that includes hiking (preferably), walking or some other form of cardiovascular exercise (swimming, cycling) in order to prepare for the activity in this adventure. There are some steep sections and exposed overlooks on the various trails we hike. Our comfortable lodge accommodations, great routes and exceptional guides make this a perfect adventure for both experienced hikers and fit beginners. The minimum age requirement for this trip is 14 years.

Summer and fall weather varies in the park, sometimes dramatically, so expect changes in temperature and potential for precipitation and quickly changing conditions. On the valley floor, temperatures generally range from 65-85°F during the day, dropping into the 40s to mid-50s at night. Although extended rains are unusual, they can occur, making adequate raingear and some warmer clothing essential for this trip.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• Cotton is wonderful in hot weather or in the evenings. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool, or polyester fabrics such as Capilene or MTS, which will insulate even if they get wet.
• You may not want to enter any water in the park without protective footwear. Thong sandals or Birkenstocks are poor choices as they have no heel strap. Sandals should be supportive and comfortable enough to wear while walking short distances. Old running shoes, reef walkers, water sandals, etc. work well.
• Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inner layers without binding and bunching up.
• Make sure hiking boots are broken-in. Bring blister treatment in your personal first-aid kit. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
• Snacks: Plenty of food and snacks will be available at all times during the trip. Should you bring your own snacks or powdered drinks, store them indoors in a secure location. Never leave food outside unattended or overnight. You are traveling in bear country.
• Our farewell dinner will be hosted at the lovely and historic Ahwahnee Hotel dining room, and recommended dress is "resort casual". Gentlemen are asked to wear collared shirts and long pants. Ladies are asked to wear dresses, skirts or slacks and blouses.