Hiking in Yosemite National Park
6 Days Starting and ending in San Francisco, United States Of America
Visiting: San Francisco, Alcatraz Island, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Grove, Sentinel Rock, Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Dome, The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Golden Gate Bridge
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SIXY
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure in Yosemite National Park, starting and ending in the vibrant city of San Francisco. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural insights, guided by an expert local leader. Begin with a gentle hike through the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, and gradually tackle more challenging trails like the iconic Mist Trail and the Four Mile Trail to Sentinel Dome, offering breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley. Discover the rich Native American heritage and conservation efforts with a guided walk through the historic Ahwahnee village. Enjoy the comfort of a rustic mountain lodge, providing a cozy retreat after each day's exploration. Conclude your journey with a walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, making this a truly enriching experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, Alcatraz Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Welcome to California! Your adventure begins in San Francisco – The City by the Bay that boasts a beautiful setting and a vibrant, multicultural heart. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe check out the vintage stores along funky Haight Street, catch the tram down to the waterfront or take an adventure cruise on the bay past Alcatraz Island.
Day 2: Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Grove
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, leave San Francisco behind and hit the road headed for the famous Yosemite National Park. After arriving, enjoy the first walk of your trip – an easy, downhill hike at the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. The grove is home to, no surprise, a couple dozen mature giant sequoia trees, including one that’s been carved into a tunnel you can walk right through. Of course, what goes down must come back up, but your return upward climb will be rewarded once you arrive at your accommodation. While many visitors to Yosemite stay in campsites, you’ll get to unwind at a rustic mountain lodge within a short drive to the park entrance. Settle into your home for the next few days and soak up the atmosphere.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Mist Trail is Yosemite's signature hike, and today you get to experience it for yourself. Starting from the east of Yosemite Valley you’ll cross the Vernal Fall Footbridge, make your way up granite stairways and zig-zag up rocky switchbacks. The trail gets you right up close to Vernal and Nevada Falls, so be sure to pack your rain gear as you’ll get sprayed! There are also incredible views scattered along the whole route, looking out across the valley toward the iconic Half Dome and rock formation and along the Merced River. In the evening, rest up back at the lodge.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park, Sentinel Rock, Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Dome
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, you’ll take things up a notch with a walk along Yosemite’s Four Mile Trail. Start at the base of Sentinel Rock, then make your way to the top of Yosemite Valley. A consistent, steep gradient means the trail is not a regular walk in the park, but we'll take our time. The views of the valley, El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls from the top of Sentinel Dome are more than worth the effort. Once you’ve finished the hike, head back to your accommodation to rest up!
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Valley, The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Valley Lodge
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is slightly different, with a free morning for you to enjoy your way. Head to Yosemite Valley for more hiking on your own, or perhaps to visit local museums, rent a bike or anything else that interests you. Your tour leader will be able to help you with arrangements. In the afternoon, your group will rendezvous for an included walk with an expert guide from Yosemite Conservancy. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the important work the group does for the Native American community and preserving their culture within the park. As you walk from the historic Ahwahnee Hotel through the meadows of Yosemite Valley and past the ruins of an old pioneer village, you’ll hear Native American stories and history, and learn about Yosemite’s role in the country’s conservationist movement. Your guided walk will end at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, where your leader will be waiting to transport you back to the lodge for your final night.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Yosemite to San Francisco
Location: Yosemite National Park, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After saying fond farewells to Yosemite, you’ll head west to vibrant San Francisco. Stop in at a local restaurant along the way for a final lunch with your group, then continue on to do a walk over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Your adventure then finishes upon arrival in San Francisco at around 3 pm. No accommodation is provided for tonight, but if you do wish to spend extra time in the city, just speak to your booking agent.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Tuolumne Grove hike
Participate in a hike through the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias.
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Mist Trail signature hike
Experience the signature Mist Trail hike in Yosemite National Park.
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Four Mile Trail to Sentinel Dome hike
Take on the Four Mile Trail to Sentinel Dome for breathtaking views.
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included; taxis and rideshare services are recommended.
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Private Transfers
Private transfers in North America are not included due to high costs and fixed schedules.
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Use of Van During Free Time
The van and leader services are not available for personal use during free time.
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Accommodation on Last Day
No accommodation is provided on the last day in San Francisco.
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Airport Shuttle Service
Airport shuttle service is not available for North America trips.
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 6pm 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 3pm and dropped off at the same location as the joining point on the final day. There is no accommodation included on the last day in San Francisco, however we can request any additional nights should you need them.
- 3. A single supplement is available for this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 4. We are not able to book airport shuttle service for North America trips. North America has convenient taxi and rideshare options from all airports, as well as public transport systems in major hub cities. Please check the joining and finishing point instructions listed in the Essential Trip Information.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes airport transfers in the USA and Canada, with recommendations for taxis and rideshare services like Lyft and Uber for hotel transfers. A fleet of 15-passenger vans with air-conditioning and necessary equipment is used for included activities, with luggage typically transported in a trailer.Accommodation
Throughout the trip, accommodation is flexible and may change based on availability. Guests will stay in a rustic mountain lodge near Yosemite National Park, offering a cozy atmosphere and proximity to the park's entrance. Luggage storage and shared day rooms are available if early check-in isn't possible.Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a large fleet of 15-passenger vans that are fully equipped with air-conditioning, V8 engines, and any camping or cooking equipment needed for the trip. Luggage is typically transported in a trailer towed behind the van.
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What should I expect on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in San Francisco and have a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you can explore the city, perhaps visiting vintage stores on Haight Street, taking a tram to the waterfront, or going on an adventure cruise past Alcatraz Island.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
The accommodation style is a guideline and may change due to availability. You will stay in a rustic mountain lodge near Yosemite National Park, and while early check-in is requested, it may not always be possible. In such cases, luggage can be stored, and shared day rooms may be available until all rooms are ready.
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What activities are included in the Yosemite National Park visit?
Included activities in Yosemite National Park are the Tuolumne Grove hike, Mist Trail signature hike, Four Mile Trail to Sentinel Dome hike, a visit to the historic Ahwahnee lodge, and an exclusive walk with the Yosemite Valley Conservancy.
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Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, on Day 5, you have a free morning to explore Yosemite Valley on your own, visit local museums, rent a bike, or engage in other activities of interest. Your tour leader can assist with arrangements.
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What happens on the last day of the tour?
On the last day, you will travel back to San Francisco, stopping for a final lunch with the group and then walking over the Golden Gate Bridge. The tour concludes upon arrival in San Francisco around 3 pm, and no accommodation is provided for that night.
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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 for 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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