Best of Yosemite Walk 6D5N (Half Dome, El Capitan & Yosemite Falls), Fully Guided

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 6km (4 miles), Elevation Gain: 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 11km (6.8 miles) Elevation Gain: 366m (1200 ft)

Meet up with your tour leaders at 8 am right in front of the clock tower in the lobby of Westin St. Francis. Ensure you arrive dressed in your walking clothes with your rain gear for the day and anything else you may need. Also, come with your luggage (it will be transported to our first night's accommodations).

After our meeting in St. Francis in San Francisco, we will shuttle down to the Sierra Nevada and witness the captivating mountain range which John Muir described as having "glorious floods of light" and "irised spray of countless waterfalls."

Subsequently, we fuel up and then head to the world-class Mariposa Grove of Giant sequoias. It has 500 mature trees and is Yosemite's largest stand of giant sequoias, also known as Sierra Redwoods with some being 2,700 years old.

As you go up a well-marked uphill path decorated with sequoias, keep in mind that they have withstood the test of time; they do not die as a result of old age but from other factors such as weather and soil conditions. We advise you to have your camera ready as there are many breathtaking spots.

We shuttle back to the Tenaya Lodge which is our final destination for the afternoon, and our home for the night. A 75-acre impressive lodge cradled by the pines of the Sierra National Forest; the Tenaya Lodge exudes rustic elegance with its luxurious stone fireplaces, grand public spaces, and American Indian-inspired decor. You can book a spa session at the high-end spa in the hotel. At night, we gather for a welcome reception and dinner.

FOUR HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 6km (3.5 miles), Elevation Gain: 335m (1100 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 7km (4.2 miles), Elevation Gain: 488m (1600 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 12km (7.3 miles), Elevation Gain: 671m (2200 ft)
Level 5, Approx. 13km (9 miles), Elevation Gain: 671m (2200 ft)

Today, we will be exploring the magnificent Yosemite National Park, which covers about 3040 sq km (1170 sq m). This park is about the size of Rhode Island but most visitors limit their exploration to the Yosemite Valley. Yosemite was sculpted millions of years ago by geological activity and the movement of glaciers. It has inspired popular photographers such as Ansel Adams to immortalise Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall.

Today, we begin our hikes on the valley floor, where you can pick a route of your choice as we journey past massive waterfalls and aesthetically pleasing granite walls. You could also choose to follow an out-and-back route along the Mist Trail up to Vernal Falls, or keep going towards Nevada Falls and return on a stretch of the legendary John Muir Trail.

If you want to hike even further, you can go ahead to our legendary home for the next two nights, The Ahwahnee. The name was derived from a word that Miwok Indians used to mean "Place of the Gaping Mouth". The National Historic Landmark was completed in 1927 and is known for its iconic facade and magnificent public spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows which frame classic Yosemite Valley views. The interior is a unique mix of various influences, ranging from Colonial Shaker furnishing to American Indian artefacts, even including art deco and Middle Eastern design elements.

In the evening, you have the option of wandering through the hotel's salons, including the Grand Lounge, Mural Room, and Solarium, or you could curl up with a book near one of the massive stone fireplaces. Dinner takes place in the hotel's dining room, featuring 10m high ceilings supported by sturdy pine trestles and granite pillars. Its chandeliers, handmade iron candelabras, and crisp linen tablecloths create the perfect setting for your meal

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

This morning is dedicated to learning more about the natural and cultural history of Yosemite from a naturalist from the Yosemite Association as we walk. Following this, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and the rest of the day is yours to explore the park by bike or on foot.

For keen hikers, join your leaders on a hike to El Capitan Meadows where you can take in vistas of the less frequented western portion of the Yosemite Valley beside the tranquil Merced River. Or you could hike by yourself to Lower Yosemite Falls, one of three roaring cascades that make up Yosemite Falls. Follow a path enveloped in fir and pine trees until a clearing reveal babbling pools, mist-covered boulders, and finally, raging white water spilling over to the valley floor. On your way, you'll have panoramic views of Middle and Upper Falls.

Alternatively, rent beach cruisers for a ride around the valley floor on bike paths, catching your breath at the Merced River. If you're looking for more adventure, you can take a rock climbing class. Discover more of the area's history and culture at the visitor center or Indian Cultural Museum, or visit the Ansel Adams Gallery. (These activities are not included in the trip fee and reservations are recommended).

Later in the afternoon, we will gather at The Ahwahnee. Tonight, dinner is at your own leisure. Savor the taste of the exquisite cuisine at The Ahwahnee at the Mountain Room Restaurant at Yosemite Valley Lodge or at one of the local restaurants nearby. (reservations should be made 4-6 weeks ahead of time).

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 6km (4 miles), Elevation Gain: 91m (300 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 11km (7 miles), Elevation Gain: 305m (1000 ft)

After a delicious breakfast, we shuttle to the largest subalpine meadows in the Sierra Nevada, Tuolumne Meadows.

Start with a walk crossing two forks of the Tuolumne River past granite domes, alpine lakes, and deep canyons. This trail extends through the forest and to the base of Lembert Dome, a giant mount of polished granite rising 244m above Tuolumne Meadows. Indubitably, it is a pleasing sight from afar, but for the best view, you may choose to climb to the top and it is very much worth it.

Our home for tonight will be the Rush Creek Lodge, the first new hotel built in the park's vicinity in over 20 years. A cozy 20-acre resort that perfectly personifies the allure of the Yosemite region. Refresh with a relaxing swim in the heated saltwater pool, loosen up in the adults-only hot tub, or enjoy a soothing drink in the lounge by one of the fireplaces.

This evening, enjoy dinner at the lodge and be delighted by fresh and hearty California mountain lodge cuisine.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 5km (3 miles), Elevation Gain: 152m (500 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 8km (5 miles), Elevation Gain: 244m (800 ft)

We start the day by shuttling to explore the less frequented area of Hetch Hetchy, an impressive natural valley that acts as a reservoir to supply drinking water to 2.4 billion Bay Area residents.

While we hike along the side and above the Hetch Hetchy, you will discover why it is known by some as "Little Yosemite"; flush with waterfalls and towering domes that mimic a handful of the iconic landmarks of Yosemite Valley. Taking in the infinite scenic views of Wapama Falls, the dam, and the reservoir.

After our hike, we return to Rush Creek with enough time to enjoy the many luxury resources before our final evening together. Relax at the warm water coves, enjoy the dry Himalayan Salt Sauna at the Rush Creek spa, or take a soothing swim in the fabulous pool. At night, we come together for a farewell reception and dinner to celebrate our Yosemite adventure so far!

Level 1, Approx 5 km (3 miles), Elevation Gain: 91 m (300 ft)

On this day, we go on our final hike which skirts the south fork of the Tuolumne River amid towering old-growth Douglas firs. We continue to the secluded Carlon Falls whose two tiers surge 18m into the chilly rippling pools below. You can choose to go for a daring dip or simply indulge sleeping in before enjoying a leisurely breakfast.

After our hike, we return to the lodge with still more than enough time to freshen up and enjoy lunch before we make journey back to San Francisco.

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