Peaks of Yosemite

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