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Hiking in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada
Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: SIXS
Overview
Destination:
United States Of America,
Start:San Francisco, United States Of America
Finish:San Francisco, United States Of America
Finish:San Francisco, United States Of America
Duration:5 days
Type:Group tour (max 12)
This product has sold out, you can still contact us for other options.
See some of California’s most famous natural wonders and stunning scenery on a 5-day round-trip small group hiking adventure which packs plenty of magical moments into a short space of time. Uncover the natural wonders of San Francisco, before you travel to Yosemite National Park to marvel at waterfalls and giant sequoias, spend the night at Lake Tahoe, and see both Echo Lakes. With easy to moderate hikes, comfortable accommodation, and a knowledgeable leader, this hiking adventure is big on beauty.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 12 noon and further activities on Day 1 in San Francisco. Please see Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.
2. You are expected to arrive back into San Francisco around 5pm and dropped off at the same location as the joining point.
3. There is no accommodation included on the last day in San Francisco , however we can request any additional nights should you need them.
4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
5. In the case that the route to Mammoth Lakes via Tioga Pass is closed due to late season snow, you will stay one additional night near Yosemite instead of continuing to Mammoth Lakes on Day 3. If Tioga Pass is closed, it will also not be possible to access the trailhead for Pothole Dome. In this case your leader will choose another hike within the National Park. The exact hike will depend on the group's interests and abilities. You will continue to Lake Tahoe on Day 4, which takes approximately 4.5 hours from Yosemite.
2. You are expected to arrive back into San Francisco around 5pm and dropped off at the same location as the joining point.
3. There is no accommodation included on the last day in San Francisco , however we can request any additional nights should you need them.
4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
5. In the case that the route to Mammoth Lakes via Tioga Pass is closed due to late season snow, you will stay one additional night near Yosemite instead of continuing to Mammoth Lakes on Day 3. If Tioga Pass is closed, it will also not be possible to access the trailhead for Pothole Dome. In this case your leader will choose another hike within the National Park. The exact hike will depend on the group's interests and abilities. You will continue to Lake Tahoe on Day 4, which takes approximately 4.5 hours from Yosemite.
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Standard inclusions
- Meals: Meals: 4 breakfasts.
- Transport: Private vehicle.
- Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights).
- San Francisco - Lands End hike.
- Mist trail to top of Vernal Falls hike.
- Tuolumne Grove hike.
- Pothole Dome hike.
- Convict Lake Loop hike.
- Mono Lake South Tufas hike.
- Echo Lakes Trail hike.
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDay 1: San Francisco
Welcome to San Francisco! Your tour starts at 12 noon with a group meeting followed by your first walk of the trip, an easy hike along the Lands End Trail. Have your camera handy as you enjoy superb views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean and the wild and rocky California coast which stretches almost 50 kilometres into the distance. After the hike, return to your San Francisco hotel. The evening is free for your own discoveries – perhaps head to Chinatown and get your hands on some dim sum!
Day 2: Yosemite National Park
After departing San Francisco, you’ll head through California’s famous Gold Rush Country, high into the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Experience the majestic views from Yosemite Valley with some of America’s tallest waterfalls and towering granite cliffs rising 4,000 feet from the valley floor. It won't be long before you arrive at World Heritage-listed Yosemite National Park, one of California’s most incredible natural wonderlands. Millions of visitors come here each year to see Yosemite’s granite cliffs, pine-studded valleys and thundering waterfalls such as Vernal Fall which you’ll be visiting today. The Mist Trail is Yosemite's signature hike and offers the chance to revel in the beauty of these spectacular falls as they bathe your face in a cooling mist. If you would prefer to skip the last few hundred metres of the trail which are quite steep, you can still enjoy great views of Vernal Fall from the bridge downstream.
Day 3: Mammoth Lakes
Today you get to enjoy not one but two magnificent hikes in the Yosemite High Country. After breakfast, walk the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias trail where you can stroll right through the middle of The Tunnel Tree and admire dozens of mature sequoia trees which tower more than 100 metres above the trail. This afternoon, the Pothole Dome and Tuolumne River trail awaits. This 4 km hike is easy on the legs and even easier on the eye with superb views of Tenaya Lake, the Tuolumne Meadows, Pothole Dome and the tumbling cascades of the Tuolumne River. You'll also have time to explore Mammoth Lakes before you bed down for a good night's rest.
Day 4: Convict Lake & Mono Lake / Lake Tahoe
After breakfast, take a walk around Convict Lake on an easy 3 km trail which follows the lake edge. Breathe in the fresh scent of pine and aspen trees as you take in the views of Mount Morrison and Laurel Mountain on this easy scenic walk. This afternoon, head out on the South Tufa Nature Trail. It's a short hike to a viewpoint of the iconic and strange yet beautiful Tufa formations of Mono Lake. Then sit back and enjoy the scenery. The drive to Lake Tahoe on Highway 395 is breathtaking, with fantastic views of the Sierra Nevada the whole way. Upon arrival check into your hotel at Lake Tahoe. Make sure you set aside some time to watch the spectacular sunset over the lake, or perhaps head out for some nightlife.
Day 5: Lake Tahoe / San Francisco
For the final walk of the trip, you’ll hike along the shores of Upper and Lower Echo Lakes which are the gateway to the spectacular Desolation Wilderness area. The 8.5 km Echo Lakes trail offers superb views of these two crystal clear lakes and mountains which provide the perfect backdrop for a classic holiday photo of your Sierra Nevada hiking adventure. On the way back to San Francisco, you will pass through the state’s capital city, Sacramento, following the historic Pony Express Trail through El Dorado National Forest. Your tour ends in San Francisco at approximately 5pm with a hotel drop off.
Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid is a small group tour travel company with humble beginnings that now sends over 100,000 travellers a year on grassroots and responsible travel tours.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
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4 nights
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