Treasures of Yosemite

Arrive in Fresno, California in the afternoon and transfer by complimentary shuttle to your hotel. Take the evening to relax before your journey into the Sierra Nevada the next morning. 

After breakfast, meet your group for the drive into the park. On the way, hear about the history of the region—including the Yosemite Grant, signed by Abraham Lincoln in 1864 to  protect the valley from development. Arrive in Yosemite National Park and stretch your legs with a short hike. Then visit the Yosemite History Center, where buildings and artifacts collected from throughout the park shed light on the everyday life in the valley in the 19th and early 20th centuries. (B,L,D)

Walks/Hikes: Wawona Meadow Loop (0.5 to 3.5-mile loop, easy)

Walking among the giant sequoias of the Mariposa Grove—some of the largest and oldest living things on earth—is a soul-stirring experience. Home to about 500 trees, this is the largest grove of giant sequoias in Yosemite. One of those trees, the famous Grizzly Giant, is 209 feet tall, has a diameter of 25.5 feet, and is probably around 2,000 years old. Learn about the ecology and conservation of the trees and recent efforts to restore the grove. After lunch, spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring the southern portion of the park on your choice of hikes. (B,L,D)

Walks/Hikes: Mariposa Grove Trail (2-6 miles out and back, moderate)

Head into the heart of Yosemite Valley for a close-up view of some of the park's most famous features: the naturally carved and polished granite behemoths of El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Peak.  If weather and trail conditions permit, set off on some of the park's most awe-inspiring hikes, following trails to Bridalveil Fall or Lower Yosemite Falls. Hear about the life and work of naturalist John Muir, a key figure in the creation of Yosemite National Park and in the wider American conservation movement. Stop at some of Muir’s favorite spots, mentioned in his journals. Later, unpack and relax at your lodge, which offers stunning views of nearby Lower Yosemite Falls.  (B,L,D) 

Walks/Hikes: Hikes will depend on timing, weather, and trail conditions, and may include Mist Trail to Vernal Falls (3-mile loop, easy), Cook’s Meadow Loop (1-mile loop, easy), Mirror Lakes Trail (2 miles roundtrip, easy to moderate), Sentinel Dome Trail (2.2 miles roundtrip, moderate), Washburn Overlook (20 stairs, easy), Bridalveil Fall (.5 miles roundtrip, easy)

Weather will play a key role on where the group hikes today. One possibility is the Hetch Hetchy area, a glacial valley within the park that sees far fewer visitors than Yosemite Valley. A controversial dam was built there in 1925, despite the objections of John Muir and others from the budding conservation movement. Hike to Wapama Falls along a quiet trail leading to the 1,000-foot two-part cascade.

Another option is a drive up the Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows, the largest subalpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada, which offers a spectucular vantage point for the Cathedral Range. Explore this gorgeous part of the park on walks, hikes, and drives, taking in views of the Tuolumne River, which winds through the two-mile long meadow. (B,L)

Walks/Hikes: Wapama Falls Trail (2-6 miles out and back, moderate)

Spend a full day exploring Yosemite Valley on a variety of hikes. Depending on your hikes on Day 4, today's trails may include the Muir Trail, Mirror Lake, Cook’s Meadow, and others. Keep an eye out for wildlife all along the way. Later, visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and learn how the distinctive landscape was formed and how the park has evolved since its founding. Time permitting, visit the Yosemite Museum, built in the rustic architecture style adopted by the National Park Service in the 1920s. During a stop at the Ansel Adams Gallery, see original Ansel Adams prints as well as contemporary photographs. Then enjoy a private tour of the majestic Ahwahnee Hotel, a National Historic Landmark that has hosted monarchs, presidents, and movie stars  (B,L,D)

Walks/Hikes: Excursions not completed on Day 4 may be offered again today and include Mist Trail to Vernal Falls (3 miles roundtrip, easy), Cook’s Meadow Loop(1-mile loop, easy), Mirror Lakes Trail (2 miles roundtrip, easy to moderate), Sentinel Dome Trail (2.2 miles roundtrip, moderate), Washburn Overlook (20 stair steps, easy), Bridalveil Fall (0.5 miles roundtrip, easy)

After breakfast, begin the return drive to Fresno Yosemite International Airport in time for afternoon flights home. (B)