Hiking in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada
Hiking in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada
5 Days Starting and ending in San Francisco
Visiting: San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Lakes, Convict Lake & Mono Lake / Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe / San Francisco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SIXS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel
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!
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Mammoth Lakes
Location: Mammoth Lakes
Accommodation: Inn
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Convict Lake & Mono Lake / Lake Tahoe
Location: Convict Lake & Mono Lake / Lake Tahoe
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Lake Tahoe / San Francisco
Location: Lake Tahoe / San Francisco
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Lands End hike
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Mist trail to top of Vernal Falls hike
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Tuolumne Grove hike
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Pothole Dome hike
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Convict Lake Loop hike
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Mono Lake South Tufas hike
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Echo Lakes Trail hike
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Transport
On foot, Private vehicle
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Meals
4 breakfasts, 1 dinner
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Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Lodge (1 nights), Inn (1 night)
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN THE USA & CANADA
- We recommend taxis and rideshare services like Lyft and Uber when traveling to and from hotels in the USA and Canada. These services are widely available across North America, offering convenient and accessible transportation options. Private transfers in North America incur high costs and present an increased risk of missed connections due to their fixed schedules. In contrast, taxis and rideshares offer both cost-effectiveness and flexibility, ensuring a smoother journey. With transparent pricing, GPS tracking, and on-demand availability, we believe that taxis and rideshare apps not only offer a reliable alternative to private transfers but also provide a secure, trustworthy, and budget-friendly transportation option for our customers.
- NORTH AMERICA VEHICLES
- Our large fleet of 15-passenger vans are fully equipped with air-conditioning system, V8 engines and any camping or cooking equipment needed for your trip. Most have cloth-upholstered seats and carpeted interior with radio or CD players. Your luggage is typically transported in a trailer which is towed behind the van.
- The vans are regularly serviced by a well-established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the continent. However, unforeseen maintenance problems can still occur while on the road and we appreciate the patience of our travellers as we make necessary repairs as quickly as possible.
- While your group will have a van for all included activities on the trip, the services of the van and leader may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
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.
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are international flights included in this tour?
No
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Is this trip right for you
This is a fast-paced trip that features some of the best hikes in Yosemite and the SIerra Nevada Mountains in just a few days. In oder to make the most of our time in the region, we will have early starts and four one-night stays.
The Sierra Nevada Range boasts warm summers but be prepared for colder evenings and possibly rainy days. Good clothing and appropriate footwear are a must. In recent years late snow has closed Tioga Pass to vehicle traffic into June and even July. In this case we will take an alternative route from Yosemite around the Sierras to Mammoth Lakes.
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.
On our final day we will reach San Francisco at around 5 pm. This night’s accommodation is not included so please plan your departure accordingly, or pre-book a post-tour night. -
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, except optional activities
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions