Arrive in Yosemite and explore the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
Our trip begins early today in Fresno, California, where we meet our guides and fellow hikers at the host hotel. After a warm welcome and brief orientation, we jump in our private van and begin the drive to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park. One of three spectacular groves of redwoods in Yosemite, the Tuolumne Grove reveals the magic of these majestic trees that occur nowhere else in the world, with their gorgeous red-barked trunks soaring over 200 feet into the Sierra sky. Our hike leads us into the heart of this magnificent grove and allows ample time to photograph and wander among these awe-inspiring arboreal giants. After reinvigorating our love nature, a short van ride takes us to our campsite where we set up our tents before digging into a delicious guide-prepared dinner. For the night owls among us, a crackling campfire provides heat and light for evening conversation and contemplation. Lunch and dinner included.
Hiking: 3 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +/- 710'; Van transfer: 3.5 hours
Hike up the spectacular Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls
On our way to the trailhead this morning, we gaze out at Yosemite Valley’s iconic peaks and the towering walls that comprise this epic granite landscape beloved by John Muir, Ansel Adams, Royal Robbins and a host of other renowned explorers and adventurers. Today’s exhilarating hike up the Mist Trail climbs granite staircases built alongside the cascading Vernal and Nevada Falls, to the top of 600-foot-high Nevada Falls itself. On the descent, we follow in the footsteps of John Muir, hiking along his namesake trail and enjoying exceptional views of Half Dome, Mount Broderick and Liberty Cap. Returning to camp, we can kick back and catch up on some vacation reading or just hang with our new hiking buddies. After dinner, a good night’s sleep is only a few steps away in our large, comfortable tents. All meals included.
Hiking: 7.5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +/- 3,800'; Van transfer: up to 1.5 hours
Bid a fond farewell to Yosemite on a final hike to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point
Awaken to the first rays of sunshine and smell of freshly-brewed coffee before digging into a tasty hot breakfast – fuel for today’s adventure. For our grand finale, we’ve planned a double-header hike to Sentinel Dome (8,123’) and Taft Point (7,503’). This pair of stellar south rim viewpoints offer some of the best bird’s-eye panoramas of Yosemite Valley and the rugged high peaks of the Sierra Crest, stretching out towards the distant horizon. After a picnic lunch on trail, we return to our van and make a final photo stop at magnificent Glacier Point before setting out on the drive back to Fresno. Our adventure ends with a drop off in Fresno at approximately 6:30pm. Please do not schedule any departing flights from Fresno prior 8:30pm this evening. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +/-1,050'; Van transfer: 4 hours