Yosemite Adventure
Yosemite Adventure
Yosemite Adventure
6 Days Starting and ending in Fresno, CA, USA
Visiting: Tunnel View, Fresno, Mariposa Grove, Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, Wapama Falls, Vernal Falls, Clark Point, Glacier Point, Curry Village, Taft Point Trailhead, Sentinel Dome
Tour operator:
Tour code:
Yosemite
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 18
Age range:
16-80
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Hike the best of California's Sierra Nevada mountains, from Half Dome to El Capitan, on our Yosemite Adventure. Yosemite is well-known for its towering granite monoliths, giant sequoias and dramatic valleys. Around every corner is a new jaw-dropping view, and on this 6-day Yosemite National Park Hiking Tour, you'll explore arguably the most awe-inspiring landscapes of North America. After meeting your group in Fresno, you'll journey to Mariposa Grove, famous for its Giant Sequoias that humble every explorer. Enjoy a tranquil walk through these towering trees before heading into Yosemite National Park. Once inside, your routine transforms to hearty breakfasts, mind-blowingly beautiful treks, picture-perfect picnics and elegant lodgings. Hike to Wapama Falls, spot the perfect swimming hole along the Tuolomne River, conquer 1,000 feet of elevation to reach the top of Vernal Fall, test your skills during a rock climbing and rappelling class and embark on an all-day hike in Upper Yosemite. With two guides who know every nook and cranny, you can rest assured you'll be seeing the best of the best on this Yosemite National Park hiking tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Pick Up In Fresno, Hike The Mariposa Grove Among Giant Sequoias
Location: Tunnel View, Fresno, Mariposa Grove
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Rush Creek Lodge
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner,
Sunday morning pick up in Fresno. Shuttle north toward the famous Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias where we’ll have a short welcome meeting at the Mariposa Grove Visitor Center. After, we'll stretch our legs on the Mariposa Grove hike under the giant sequoia trees. Following a picnic lunch at Wawona we drive into the park, stopping for photo ops at Tunnel View. Tunnel View is the classic view that Ansel Adams made famous showcasing El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. Late afternoon, check into Rush Creek Lodge, your home for the next two nights.Hiking:5 miles (8 kilometers)
Day 2 : Hike Hetch Hetchy, Swim In The Tuolumne River
Location: Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, Wapama Falls
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Rush Creek Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
While the full loop around Hetch Hetchy reservoir stretches for nearly 28 miles, today's hike will be about a quarter of that, and every bit as beautiful. On the trail, you'll witness beautiful natural scenery, like the thundering waters of Wapama Falls tumbling down the rocky cliffs. After you’ve worked up a sweat, you can take a dip in the South Fork of the Tuolumne River – so remember your swimsuit! Hiking:5 miles (8 kilometers)
Day 3 : Hike Yosemite Valley
Location: Vernal Falls, Clark Point
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Tenaya Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,
This morning, we shuttle to the trailhead of the Mist Trail. This hike takes us to the top of Vernal Fall, tackling 1,600 feet of elevation gain that includes an unforgettable stretch of steep stone steps in the midst of a waterfall. When you get to the Vernal Fall footbridge, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the 317-foot-high waterfall roaring down below. Continue up to Clarke Point and return on the famed John Muir trail. Later, we’ll transfer to Tenaya Lodge, your home for the next three nights. Continue your exploration of this amazing area tonight as you spend dinner and the rest of the evening on your own.Hiking:7 miles (11.2 kilometers)
Day 4 : Try Rock Climbing (At Your Level), Watch Sunset From Glacier Point
Location: Glacier Point, Curry Village
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Tenaya Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Fuel up with a warm, fresh meal before we head out to Half Dome Village, where we’ll grab some climbing shoes for a fantastic day of rock climbing and rappelling – no trip to Yosemite would be complete without it! Classes are designed for climbers of all levels, so everyone from beginners to experts will take away a new skill-set. You’ll spend the better part of the day learning everything there is to know about rock climbing – from tying knots to rappelling, and everything in between. After a pizza lunch at your climbing site, we’ll continue our uphill ascent through the early afternoon. Next, take a refreshing dip at Merced River before enjoying an early dinner. To complete this adventure-filled day, we'll take in a sunset from Glacier Point before making our way back to Tenaya.Rock Climbing:2-3 hours
Day 5 : Taft Point And Sentinel Dome Hike
Location: Taft Point Trailhead, Sentinel Dome
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Tenaya Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Today, embark on an all-day hike to experience two of Yosemite's south rim highlights. Along the way, you'll see for yourself the majesty of Taft Point and Sentinel Dome. Taft Point offers dramatic exposure and one of the best vistas over the western Yosemite Valley, while Sentinel Dome’s symmetrical granite summit provides the south rim’s best panorama. You'll also emerge at viewpoints featuring unique perspectives of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. Transfer back to Tenaya for a final dinner with the group.Hiking:5 miles (8 kilometers)
Day 6 : Relax At The Spa, Farewell!
Location: Fresno
Meals Included: Breakfast,
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge. This morning you can take advantage of some last-minute pool or spa time. Reluctantly we say goodbye to the park and start our way back to Fresno. Hotel and airport drop-offs in the early afternoon.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation throughout your trip.
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Meals
All meals as listed in itinerary.
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Guide
Professional guides.
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Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
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Your own ‘Travel Wallet’, an online space with everything required for your trip
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Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
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Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
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Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
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Special ‘Wow!’ moments you'll never forget
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All activities outlined in the itinerary
What's Not Included
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Additional Services
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides
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Insurance
Travel insurance
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International Travel
International flights are not included.
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Optional
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Alcoholic beverages
Trip Notes
Check out our Q&As
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Activity Level 3: Step It Up, I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings. Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines. Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable. Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats. Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
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Are flights included in this tour?
International/Domestic Flights are not included.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, All park and other entry fees are included.
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What is the tipping policy?
You will have 2-3 guides on your Austin Adventure (depending on group size). We recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. Typically, gratuities are offered by check or cash in local currency on the final morning of the trip and can either be given to each guide individually or to one guide to be equally distributed. Most of our guides these days also accept gratuities via Venmo (please note this app does not work in Canada). All dining, housekeeping and activity tips are included in your trip price.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, Local English speaking guide on this tour.
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What is the minimum group size?
The min group size is 6 people.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in itinerary.
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What is the maximum group size?
The max group size is 18 people.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are covered by our Active Adventures Assurance policy.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1996
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our trips attract a wide range of people from all different backgrounds, countries and ages, which makes our small group adventures all the more interesting and fun. All our people tend to enjoy active lifestyles, great food, good company and new experiences. If this sounds like you, then you’ll be in good company
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We send online booking information via our club page you’ll gain access to your trip notes, destination information, a detailed gear list and all the information you need for your trip. There are a few things to fill in – medical and dietary information, extra accommodation requests, gear hire requests etc. – to ensure you are well prepared for your adventure vacation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Travellers Against Plastic
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes,
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
When it comes to the safety of our guests, it has always been our number one priority. We’ve introduced strict protocols to adhere to current Covid safety guidelines that are relative to the destination, country and location of your adventure – these are dependent on the current rules and restrictions that are in place at the time of your trip.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Health and safety are just as important as the amazing places in the most stunning parts of the world we travel. Another focus of ours is having a good place to rest and rejuvenate at the end of a busy day, and to make sure we are fully charged for the next day’s activities, so you’ll always find yourself in a clean, comfortable room.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
No
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Active Adventures allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Active Adventures allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform active adventures, 90 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Active Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of active adventures charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.