Immerse yourself in the majesty of Yosemite National Park, walking amid the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove and exploring the iconic sites of El Capitan and Half Dome as well as the lesser known high country. Stay at the National Historic Landmark Wawona Hotel, and enjoy a special dinner at the legendary Ahwahnee Hotel.

Starting at: $5,775 * Price includes special offer Make a Reservation Ask Us A Question or Call 855-330-1542
 El Capitan, Yosemite National Park. Credit: Manish Mamtani
El Capitan, Yosemite National Park. Credit: Manish Mamtani
 El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, with Half Dome in the distance
El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, with Half Dome in the distance
 Overlook at Yosemite
Overlook at Yosemite
 Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park
 Grove of Sequoia
Grove of Sequoia
 Trunks of Giant Sequoia
Trunks of Giant Sequoia
 Cabin next to Giant Sequoia, Yosemite
Cabin next to Giant Sequoia, Yosemite
 John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt,Yosemite. Credit: National Park Service
John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt,Yosemite. Credit: National Park Service
 John Muir at Yosemite. Credit: National Park Service
John Muir at Yosemite. Credit: National Park Service
 Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite National Park
Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite National Park
 The beauty of Yosemite National Park
The beauty of Yosemite National Park
 Yosemite National Park.  Credit: Jordan Pulmano
Yosemite National Park. Credit: Jordan Pulmano
 Yosemite Valley, featuring El Capitan and Lower Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Valley, featuring El Capitan and Lower Yosemite Falls

Treasures of Yosemite

7 days from $5,775

Immerse yourself in the majesty of Yosemite National Park, walking amid the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove and exploring the iconic sites of El Capitan and Half Dome as well as the lesser known high country. Stay at the National Historic Landmark Wawona Hotel, and enjoy a special dinner at the legendary Ahwahnee Hotel.

or Call 855-330-1542

Tour Details

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

Thanks so much!! Experiencing Yosemite was a life time dream for our family! 

- Antoinette, M.

JOURNEYS DISPATCHES

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Overview

Graced with tremendous granite cliffs and domes, waterfalls that tumble hundreds of feet, and some of the tallest trees in the world, Yosemite National Park is a true national treasure. Declared the country's first protected land by President Lincoln during the Civil War, this dramatic stretch of California's Sierra Nevada became an icon of the American West thanks in part to the work of naturalist John Muir and photographer Ansel Adams. Venture into the park on leisurely hikes and nature walks and discover its magnificent vistas and its array of natural wonders—from the towering sequoias of the Mariposa Grove to the vertical face of El Capitan. Stay at the National Historic Landmark Wawona Hotel, and enjoy a special dinner at the legendary Ahwahnee Hotel.

Highlights Include

  • Mariposa Grove: Walk amid the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove, home to some 500 giant trees that soar up to hundreds of feet tall.
  • Geological Wonders: Marvel at the landmark granite forms of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Sentinel Peak. Learn about For many, Half Dome is the park’s signature landmark, with walls etched by vertical joints and the trails of past glaciers. Others find it to be Bridalveil Falls and Lower Yosemite Falls.
  • Park History: Delve into the enduring legacies of naturalist John Muir and photographer Ansel Adams and their roles in preserving Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. Learn about ongoing efforts to protect the park character and trace the evolution of the American West at the Pioneer History Museum.
  • Yosemite’s High Country: Drive over Tioga Pass Road and take easy hikes with incredible views of the valley below. Or explore Hetch Hetchy, a less-visited valley of serene lakes and granite cliffs. Depending on weather, highlights could include Mono Lake, Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, and Olmsted Point.

Thanks so much!! Experiencing Yosemite was a life time dream for our family! 

- Antoinette, M.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Fresno, California to Yosemite National Park

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. 

Day 2 — Yosemite National Park

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. (Meals: B,L,D)

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

Day 3 — Yosemite National Park

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. Gather for dinner at the hotel's reputed restaurant. (Meals: B,L,D)

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

Day 4 — Yosemite National Park

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.  (Meals; 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 stair steps, easy), Bridalveil Fall (.5 miles roundtrip, easy)

Day 5 — Yosemite National Park

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 2-mile long meadow. (Meals: B,L)

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

Day 6 — Yosemite National Park

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  (Meals: 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)

Day 7 — Departures home from Fresno

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

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)

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