Best of Yosemite Valley Walk 5D4N (Springtime Waterfalls & Wildflowers), Fully Guided

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 61 m (200 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 107 m (350 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 11 km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 127 m (418 ft)

On the first day of the trip, meet your tour leaders at 8 a.m. at Westin St. Francis, 335 Powell Street in San Francisco, California. Please ensure you arrive dressed in your walking clothes and bring a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may want for the day's hike. Your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations.

Hello, California! After meeting in San Francisco, we take a shuttle to the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range that enchanted John Muir with its "glorious floods of light" and "irised spray of countless waterfalls." Our panoramic route takes us through lush Central Valley farmland and the vineyards of the Sierra Nevada foothills before revealing ranch land. Wildflowers blanket the winding hills, and redbud trees flaunt an abundance of delicate bright-pink blossoms along the river banks. Winter snow melt pours into rushing rivers, including the Merced, whose character changes with the seasons. As we journey alongside, watch for fellow outdoor enthusiasts relishing an exciting rafting adventure on the river!

Following lunch, we head to spectacular Bridalveil Fall. A recent restoration of the area, which includes a raised boardwalk and additional lookout points, elevates the experience of this renowned park highlight—the first of many incredible features we encounter upon entering the valley. Go on a short stroll along the pathway, pausing to savour the magnificent views afforded by the new platforms before returning and heading farther into the valley to Cathedral Beach, where you come face to face with striking El Capitan. If you choose to keep hiking, take the Valley Loop Trail in the shadows of some of Yosemite's most notable features, including Sentinel Rock, Taft Point, and Glacier Point. On your way to the remarkable Ahwahnee, you can catch glimpses of Yosemite Falls and the Merced River.

The Ahwahnee Hotel, a National Historic Landmark hotel, was completed in 1927. It is famed for its stately facade and spectacular public spaces, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame classic Yosemite Valley views. This evening, we convene for a welcome reception and dinner in the hotel's majestic dining room, whose chandeliers, handcrafted iron candelabras, and crisp linen tablecloths create the perfect setting.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 5 km (3 miles),  Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 8 km (5 miles),  Elevation gain: 457 m (1,500 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 11 km (7 miles),  Elevation gain: 610 m (2,000 ft)

Prepare yourself for a full day exploring Yosemite National Park! The park, covering 3,030 square kilometres (1,170 square miles), is about the size of Rhode Island, yet many visitors only spend time in Yosemite Valley, an area 11 kilometres (7 miles) long and, at its widest point, 1 mile across. Sculpted over millions of years by geological activity and the movement of glaciers, Yosemite has inspired the imaginations of artists like the famed photographer Ansel Adams, who immortalised Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Falls.

The hike starts on the eastern side of the Yosemite Valley floor, where the John Muir and Mist trails meet. The route offers stunning views and leads to two unforgettable cascades dropping hundreds of feet below in powerful torrents. The most striking panorama is saved for the end: Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, and the back of Half Dome from the John Muir Trail. Regardless of your route, all paths lead to Yosemite's iconic waterfalls. Head for the footbridge for a mellower out-and-back, or brave the longer option—all the way up 610 metres (2,000 feet), to feel the spray from Nevada Falls. After that, loop back down to the valley floor through the John Muir Trail. Ensure you bring a rain jacket!

If you take the short route, you can tour the park independently this afternoon. You can rent a beach cruiser for a spin along paved bike paths on the valley floor, perhaps taking a break to cool down in the Merced River. There's the option of taking a rock-climbing class, visiting the Ansel Adama Gallery, or discovering more about the area's history and culture at the visitor centre or Indian Cultural Museum. (Please note that these activities are not included in the trip price, and reservations should be made.)

Later, tour our historic hotel, whose name derives from a native Ahwahneechee word meaning "Place of the Gaping Mouth." Navigate the hotel's salons, including the Grand Lounge, Mural Room, and Solarium, or curl up with a book close to one of the massive stone fireplaces. Note that the interior features a peculiar blend of influences ranging from Colonial Shaker furnishings to American Indian artefacts, including Art Deco and Middle Eastern design elements.

Tonight, savour dinner independently in Yosemite Valley—your tour leaders are more than happy to recommend some of the best places to savour tasty meals that capture the region's essence.

Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles),  Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)

Start your day with a morning walk led by a naturalist from the Yosemite Conservancy, during which we learn more about the natural and cultural history of Yosemite en route to one of the park's most enchanting features. We trek along a paved trail enshrouded by fir and pine trees until a clearing exhibits babbling pools, mist-covered boulders, and finally, the raging white water of Lower Yosemite Falls, theatrically spilling over to the valley floor.

Following lunch, join your leaders for a tranquil walk amid majestic giant sequoias. Here, there is the Dead Giant, the first of the infamous tunnel trees created in the 1870s to bring tourists to the park and give guests an appreciation of the gigantism of these trees. The redwood was a dead stump when the tunnel was carved out in 1878, as it had been destroyed and scarred by fire. Despite efforts by artist Henry Cheever Pratt to illustrate the grove in its natural beauty in his paintings, it was this man-made novelty that captivated tourists to flock to Tuolumne Grove.

This afternoon, we shuttle to Rush Creek Lodge, the first new hotel built in the park's area in a quarter of a century. Occupying a wooded 20-acre expanse, the cosy modern resort opened its doors in 2016 and truly personifies the Yosemite region. You can relish the adults-only hot tub or a spa treatment before dinner (spa at own expense).

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles),  Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles),  Elevation gain: 244 m (800 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 11 km (7 miles),  Elevation gain: 396 m (1,300 ft)

Shuttle to the less-frequented region of the Hetch Hetchy, an imposing natural valley used as a reservoir to supply drinking water to 2.4 billion Bay Area residents. John Muir's last fight, with the Sierra Club's help, was to end the proposed flooding of the Hetch Hetchy Valley. However, in 1913, Congress passed the Raker Act, and the construction of the O'Shaughnessy Dam started afterward.

As we hike alongside and above the reservoir, we see why Hetch Hetchy is famed as "Little Yosemite"—the waterfalls and imposing domes that imitate a handful of Yosemite Valley's iconic landmarks. The trail offers gorgeous views of Wapama Falls, the dam, and the reservoir, so deciding where to stop for lunch will be challenging. If you prefer extra R&R, you can opt out of the hike and head back to the lodge to savour its amenities.

Following our hike, we return to Rush Creek, where you can spend some time alone before one last evening together. You may relax on the Warm River Rock Beds or hang out in Warm Waterfall Coves inspired by the park's signature waterfalls.

We gather for a farewell reception and dinner tonight to celebrate our Yosemite getaway!

Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 61 m (200 ft)

Our last hike takes us around the south fork of the Tuolumne River amid towering old-growth Douglas firs. We trek to the unfrequented Carlon Falls, whose two-tiered cascade plunges 18 metres (60 feet) into the piercing rippling pools below. You may dip a toe (or more!) in the refreshing waters. However, if you prefer a less stimulating start to your day, you can sleep in and savour a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

Hikers return to the lodge in time to freshen up before we enjoy lunch in downtown Groveland. After, we head to San Francisco, where our trip ends.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.