Yosemite Walking & Hiking
The Natural Wonders in California's Sierra Nevada
Nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountain Range is Yosemite National Park, world famous for thundering waterfalls, sprawling meadows and dramatic granite peaks. Captured on film by famed photographer Ansel Adams and cherished by legendary conservationist John Muir, the Yosemite Valley has inspired visitors throughout the decades. And with Backroads, you’ll experience its majesty firsthand. Stroll among the largest stand of giant sequoias in the valley, then forge into the depths of the park - a landscape of picturesque valleys, sweeping plateaus, and sheer cliff faces carved by wind, rain and glacial ice. Evenings are spent in a mountain resort and a historic lodge, the perfect complement to this classic journey.
Trip Planning Links
- Sublime hikes to thundering waterfalls, alpine meadows and spectacular panoramas
- Glean secrets of Yosemite Valley from a local naturalist
- Sprawling Tuolumne Meadows, with endless trails
- Walk amid the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Yosemite’s largest stand of giant sequoias
- Ahwahnee Hotel, the best way to stay in the valley
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Fish Camp
Meet in San Francisco 
Shuttle to the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, called the "Range of Light" by John Muir After enjoying a picnic lunch, warm up your hiking legs on the Lewis Creek Trail Settle into our hotel, cradled by the pines of the Sierra National Forest Explore the awe-inspiring Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias on foot Marvel at the park’s largest stand of "big trees," some dating as far back as 2,700 years.
Days 3-6 Yosemite Village
Travel to Glacier Point, with commanding views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and the Sierra Nevada View the thundering Nevada and Vernal Falls on a hike to the historic Ahawahnee Hotel A day of options includes an interpretive hike with a local guide, horseback riding, rock climbing and visiting Lower Yosemite Falls Shuttle to the high country of Tuolumne Meadows, laced with hiking trails and surrounded by glorious scenery Cap off the week with a final morning trek from Camp Four to El Capitan Meadow to view expert rock climbers.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Canadian Rockies Walking Alaska Walking Yellowstone WalkingOther National Park Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This is my third Backroads trip. I am pleased to note that every other member of our party had previous Backroads experiences! Such return support speaks for itself.- Roscoe, IL More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the California tour experts. For walking tours and hiking tours in USA, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our USA walking tours and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning USA biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning USA multisport tours click here.
Yosemite Walking & Hiking
AMID NATURE: Premiere Inns
Tenaya Lodge
Fish Camp (2 nights) This mountain resort and spa, near the southern entrance to the park, features soaring ceilings, natural wood and stone accents, swimming pools and a fitness center.
Ahwahnee Hotel
Yosemite Village (3 nights) The luxurious Ahwahnee is one of America’s most distinctive national landmarks. Among its stunning features are a swimming pool set among pines, elaborate stained-glass windows, and original Miwok Indian arts and crafts.
Yosemite Walking & Hiking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 1.9, 3.7 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 3.5, 6.5 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 4, 8, 9.8 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 Several Route Options Available
- 2 - 6 miles
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 3.3, 6 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 3.1 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain