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Hiking in Yosemite National Park

Hiking in Yosemite National Park

From $ 3,970 AUD

Description

Follow your feet on this 6-day hiking tour that shows off the very best of Yosemite National Park. Giant sequoia trees, the massive Half Dome rock, stunning views from the top of Sentinel Dome and thunderous waterfalls of the appropriately named Mist Trail – this hiking trip covers a lot of ground in a short time. Best of all, you get to experience Yosemite with a bit of comfort, thanks to transportation to and from the trailheads and accommodation close to the park’s entrance. But this trip is more than just pretty sights – you’ll also learn about the area’s Native American heritage and pioneer past, and about the important work being done to preserve and protect the region.

Trip Name
Hiking in Yosemite National Park
Last Updated
2024-08-21
Days
6
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Enjoy an itinerary designed to show you the very best that Yosemite National Park has to offer, with an expert local leader doing all the navigating for you.
  • Hike at your own comfort level with options for alternate routes and a schedule that eases you in – your first hike is an easy one, allowing you to go slow before tackling more serious trails.
  • Learn about the important work being done by Yosemite Conservancy, with an educational guided walk through the historic Ahwahnee village, where you’ll learn about Native American heritage and the park’s conservation efforts.
  • Take on the challenge of the Four Mile Trail to Sentinel Dome – the views from Glacier Point over Yosemite Valley are some of the very best in the park.
  • Get an introduction to Yosemite National Park with a walk through the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, passing beneath (and through!) the towering trees.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - San Francisco
Welcome to California! Your adventure begins in San Francisco – The City by the Bay that boasts a beautiful setting and a vibrant, multicultural heart. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe check out the vintage stores along funky Haight Street, catch the tram down to the waterfront or take an adventure cruise on the bay past Alcatraz Island.
Day 2 - Yosemite National Park
This morning, leave San Francisco behind and hit the road headed for the famous Yosemite National Park. After arriving, enjoy the first walk of your trip – an easy, downhill hike at the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. The grove is home to, no surprise, a couple dozen mature giant sequoia trees, including one that’s been carved into a tunnel you can walk right through. Of course, what goes down must come back up, but your return upward climb will be rewarded once you arrive at your accommodation. While many visitors to Yosemite stay in campsites, you’ll get to unwind at a rustic mountain lodge within a short drive to the park entrance. Settle into your home for the next few days and soak up the atmosphere.
Day 3 - Yosemite National Park
The Mist Trail is Yosemite's signature hike, and today you get to experience it for yourself. Starting from the east of Yosemite Valley you’ll cross the Vernal Fall Footbridge, make your way up granite stairways and zig-zag up rocky switchbacks. The trail gets you right up close to Vernal and Nevada Falls, so be sure to pack your rain gear as you’ll get sprayed! There are also incredible views scattered along the whole route, looking out across the valley toward the iconic Half Dome and rock formation and along the Merced River. In the evening, rest up back at the lodge.
Day 4 - Yosemite National Park
Today, you’ll take things up a notch with a walk along Yosemite’s Four Mile Trail. Start at the base of Sentinel Rock, then make your way to the top of Yosemite Valley. A consistent, steep gradient means the trail is certainly not a regular walk in the park, but the views of the valley, El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls from the top of Sentinel Dome are more than worth the effort. Once you’ve finished the walk, head back to your accommodation to rest up!
Day 5 - Yosemite National Park
Today is slightly different, with a free morning for you to enjoy your way. Head to Yosemite Valley for more hiking on your own, or perhaps to visit local museums, rent a bike or anything else that interests you. Your tour leader will be able to help you with arrangements. In the afternoon, your group will rendezvous for an included walk with an expert guide from Yosemite Conservancy. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the important work the group does for the Native American community and preserving their culture within the park. As you walk from the historic Ahwahnee Hotel through the meadows of Yosemite Valley and past the ruins of an old pioneer village, you’ll hear Native American stories and history, and learn about Yosemite’s role in the country’s conservationist movement. Your guided walk will end at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, where your leader will be waiting to transport you back to the lodge for your final night.
Day 6 - Yosemite to San Francisco
After saying fond farewells to Yosemite, you’ll head west to vibrant San Francisco. Stop in at a local restaurant along the way for a final lunch with your group, then continue on to do a walk over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Your adventure then finishes upon arrival in San Francisco at around 3 pm. No accommodation is provided for tonight, but if you do wish to spend extra time in the city, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
03-05-202508-05-2025AUD $ 3,970-
10-05-202515-05-2025AUD $ 4,200-
31-05-202505-06-2025AUD $ 4,295-
07-06-202512-06-2025AUD $ 4,285-
14-06-202519-06-2025AUD $ 4,285-
21-06-202526-06-2025AUD $ 4,285-
05-07-202510-07-2025AUD $ 4,130-
19-07-202524-07-2025AUD $ 3,970-
02-08-202507-08-2025AUD $ 3,970-
16-08-202521-08-2025AUD $ 3,970-
30-08-202504-09-2025AUD $ 4,130-
06-09-202511-09-2025AUD $ 4,285-
13-09-202518-09-2025AUD $ 4,285-
20-09-202525-09-2025AUD $ 4,285-
27-09-202502-10-2025AUD $ 4,130-
11-10-202516-10-2025AUD $ 3,970-
02-05-202607-05-2026AUD $ 4,170-
09-05-202614-05-2026AUD $ 4,335-
23-05-202628-05-2026AUD $ 4,335-
30-05-202604-06-2026AUD $ 4,335-
06-06-202611-06-2026AUD $ 4,500-
13-06-202618-06-2026AUD $ 4,500-
20-06-202625-06-2026AUD $ 4,500-
04-07-202609-07-2026AUD $ 4,335-
18-07-202623-07-2026AUD $ 4,170-
01-08-202606-08-2026AUD $ 4,170-
15-08-202620-08-2026AUD $ 4,170-
29-08-202603-09-2026AUD $ 4,335-
05-09-202610-09-2026AUD $ 4,500-
12-09-202617-09-2026AUD $ 4,500-
19-09-202624-09-2026AUD $ 4,500-
26-09-202601-10-2026AUD $ 4,335-
10-10-202615-10-2026AUD $ 4,170-

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night),Lodge (4 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map