4
Introductory to Moderate
Activities
  • 5 day walks
Accommodation
  • 2 nights hotel
  • 5 nights tent cabin
Meals
  • 6 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

8 daysfrom

$USD

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip code: POY

Trip highlights

  • Explore the famous and hidden wonders of Yosemite National Park
  • Climb three remote summits: North Dome (2299m), Mt Hoffman (3305m) & Mt Dana (3979m)
  • Hike beneath Half Dome on the famous John Muir Trail and take in the stunning views
  • Feel dwarfed by the World's biggest trees - the Sequoias
  • Witness the soaring cliffs of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
  • Revel in the mountain scenery throughout this UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Ample photography opportunities and chances of seeing wildlife
  • Enjoy time in the incredible city of San Francisco

This incredible guided trekking adventure includes hiking three peaks in stunning Yosemite National Park. Explore this enormous wilderness area and climb three magnificent granite peaks: North Dome 2299m, Mt Dana 3979m and Mt. Hoffman 3305m. Yosemite is famous for its 1000m deep valley, flanked by some of the world's tallest waterfalls, and its superb alpine wildlife and scenery. Scenic Yosemite also boasts some of the world's oldest and largest trees. The park has been protected by legislation since 1864 and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hike below Half Dome on the John Muir Trail and feel dwarfed beneath the ancient 100m tall Sequoia trees. At night we will rest comfortably in rustic tent cabins nestled below the iconic Half Dome in the heart of Yosemite Valley.

Itinerary

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Upon arrival into San Francisco it is recommended that you clear customs and take the shuttle bus (free) to the group hotel specified in your final tour voucher. You will meet with your group leader and other members of the group at 8am the following morning when the group briefing will take place. Overnight: Red Roof Plus Hotel South San Francisco or similar.

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast, your guide will welcome you at the hotel at 8:00am. We then leave the city and head to the southern entrance of Yosemite. Yosemite National Park which was established in 1890 in the Sierra Nevada, encompasses stunning mountain vistas and valleys housing meadows and forests (including groves of giant sequoias) surrounded by high cliffs and waterfalls. The forest of giant Sequoias, the world’s biggest trees and the soaring cliffs of Half Dome are just some of the highlights of the park. An inspiring trek takes us deep into a forest of the Giant Sequoia trees where some of these goliaths reach heights of 115 meters and ages of 1800 years! We will establish our base under the sheer cliffs of Half Dome in the heart of Yosemite Valley. Tonight we enjoy the amazing sunset in the valley and look for wildlife, such as coyote and bear. Overnight: Curry Village Tent Cabins, communal bathrooms and showers, 5 nights Drive time: 200 miles / 320 km or 3.5 hr Mariposa Grove/Yosemite: 3-4 hrs, ca. 6 miles / 10km, elevation difference: +/-400m

Meals:  B,L

A shuttle takes us to iconic Glacier Point, where we enjoy stunning views of Half Dome and Little Yosemite Valley as well as the impressive Vernal and Nevada waterfalls. During the last ice age glaciers carved this impressive valley creating the sheer cliffs we see today. A cliff-hanging trail takes us below Half Dome to the deep rock valley created by the Merced River. Arriving at Little Yosemite Valley we join the John Muir Trail. Descending past massive Vernal and Nevada Waterfalls we soon reach Happy Isles Trailhead and our cabins in the heart of Yosemite Valley. The benefit of this rustic tent cabin accommodation is the direct access to hiking trails. Panorama Trail: 6 hrs, ca. 7 miles / 12 km, elevation difference: +200 m/-1000 m

Meals:  B,L

Hidden off Tioga Pass Road is the little traveled trail to North Dome. We walk in ancient forests to the rim of the impressive Yosemite Valley. From North Dome we enjoy unobstructed views of Half Dome and the valley below. North Dome: 4-5 hrs, approx. 9 miles / 15 km, elevation difference: +/-500 m

Meals:  B,L

Today, a remote trek takes us to one of the most memorable peaks: Mount Hoffman. To reach this, we begin by heading to beautiful May Lake, nestled below the peak and then follow a cross-country route to the mountain’s summit with vast views over Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the wilderness to the north. Mount Hoffman: 5-6 hrs, approx. 6 miles / 10 km, elevation difference: +/-600 m

Meals:  B,L

Mount Dana is Yosemite’s second highest mountain at 3979m. Its peak sits at the eastern boundary of the mountain range on the proud crest of the Sierra Nevada range. There are no maintained trails here and some route finding and/or boulder hopping is required. As we gain elevation views open up across Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite’s mountain wilderness. To the east, the vast desert of the Owen’s Valley extends beyond the sheer cliffs. Mount Dana: 5 hrs, approx. 5miles / 8 km, elevation difference: +/-1000 m

Meals:  B,L

We depart early for San Francisco. In 3.5-4 hours we reach the city draped over the mountains by the sea. Our journey concludes with a walking tour of the downtown area, including Chinatown, Coit Tower, and Fisherman’s Wharf. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city on your own. San Francisco is among one of the USA’s most cosmopolitan and atmospheric cities. Located on the bay its suburbs are linked by a series of expansive bridges, one of those being the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Trams run major routes along the foreshore and into the hilly heights in a city where quaint wooden houses contrast sharply with the sophistication of modern skyscrapers.We suggest a harbour cruise on the bay, a tour of Alcatraz (recommend booking this in advance), or a ferry ride to Sausalito. Overnight: Red Roof Plus Hotel South San Francisco, or similar Drive time: 3.5 hours, 200 miles, 320 km City tour: ca. 3-4 hours, approx. 2-3 miles / 4-7 km, elevation difference: +/-100 m

Meals:  B,L

The trip concludes today. We recommend you take the hotel’s airport shuttle. Please let us know if you would like to spend additional days in this vibrant city.

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 picnic lunches (self-made) and 7 breakfasts
  • 2 nights tourist class hotels (twin share), 5 nights in tent cabins (twin share) with communal baths
  • Expertly trained multi-lingual tour director
  • Guided hikes
  • Private transport
  • National park entry fees & sightseeing as specified
  • Glacier Point Shuttle on day 3

  • Flights, airport taxes, and airport transfers
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Visas
  • Cost of laundry, soft drinks & alcoholic beverages
  • Medical treatment
  • Personal expenses
  • Tour leader tip (approx USD$10-12 per day)
  • Optional excursions

About Your Leader

All of our USA tour leaders are certified in First Aid and CPR and registered as official guides with the national parks. All of them are trained to guide hikes. Most are bilingual and many of our departures are conducted in English as well as one other language (typically German or Spanish). Your tour leader is from the USA and may have grown up here or may have moved here from another country - As many Americans do!

Accommodation

Yosemite Lodging

In Yosemite Valley, 5 nights are spent in canvas tent cabins at Curry Village (twin share) with communal bathrooms and communal showers. The tent cabins are wooden frames wrapped and covered with canvas and featuring wooden doors. While they do have electric lighting, they don’t have electrical outlets, phones, TVs or plumbing; towels and bedding provided.

Suitability

Introductory to Moderate

4

This trip has been graded Introductory to Moderate. It is well worth taking the time to prepare physically and mentally for the journey in order to get the most out of the trip. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – we recommend 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise three times a week, from a minimum of three months period to your departure. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling - good cardiovascular exercise. Hill or stair walking with a 7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week.

Departure dates


Notes

1
Quad share accommdation in tents on this departure

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Our Expertise

Everyone who works with us, from our office staff, ground staff and guides is the ‘’real deal’’. Our team is comprised of actual hikers and cyclists who have explored or live in the region in which you will be traveling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.

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Quality services at the best price make our active trips great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, accommodations, most meals, bikes for cycling trips, maps and support for peace of mind. Our inclusions allow you to better budget for your big adventure.

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