Hiking in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada

Hiking in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada

193 Views

Hiking in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada

5 Days Starting and ending in San Francisco

Visiting: USA

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

SIXS

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

This tour is no longer available

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

  • See a different side of San Francisco on the Lands End Trail which offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Ocean and rocky California coast.

  • Stroll through The Tunnel Tree, a giant sequoia in Yosemite National Park which is so large the trail had to be cut through the centre of it.

  • See Vernal Fall on The Mist Trail, one of Yosemite's signature hikes which has more spectacular views than you can point a camera at.

  • Hike along the shores of Upper and Lower Echo Lakes which are the gateway to the spectacular Desolation Wilderness area.

  • Breathe in the fresh scent of pine and aspen trees as you take in the views of Mount Morrison and Laurel Mountain on a scenic walk around Convict Lake.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, the Grand Canyon Conservancy. Donations help them protect Grand Canyon National Park and support trail restoration, conservation of native plants and wildlife, and educational programs. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Itinerary

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (4 nights)

  • San Francisco - Lands End hike

  • Mist trail to top of Vernal Falls hike

  • Tuolumne Grove hike

  • Pothole Dome hike

  • Convict Lake Loop hike

  • Mono Lake South Tufas hike

  • Echo Lakes Trail hike

  • Meals

    4 breakfasts

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • 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.

Mode of Transport

  • On foot , Private vehicle

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

Save on this tour

Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!

Send me one now.

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • 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.

Why book with tourhub?

Safe & Secure

Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.

Visa logo Mastercard logo
apple pay icon google pay icon

100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.


The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.

Guaranteed Best Value

Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.


No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.

(Operator terms may apply)

Expert Knowledge

Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.


Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.


Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.

Trusted Service

Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.


Don't just take our word for it...

"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."

Similar Tours

Travel Guru Features

Our Reviews