Yosemite Walking & Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-4
Deluxe Hotels
Yosemite Walking & Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-4
Deluxe Hotels
2025: Jun-Oct
National Park's Dramatic Half Dome & Waterfalls
Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls—legendary landmarks in an epic national park whose grandeur is almost overwhelming. Marvel at soaring granite cliffs that were once likened to Gothic cathedrals. Soak up sublime vistas. Hike to thundering waterfalls. Peer up at towering sequoias. Welcome to Yosemite National Park: 761,266 acres of "wow!"
Highlights
- Experience spectacular hikes to alpine meadows, waterfalls, hidden canyons and jaw-dropping panoramas
- Walk through Yosemite’s largest grove of giant sequoias, where more than 500 of these mammoth trees rise up from the forest floor
- Explore the endless trails of Tuolumne Meadows, a vast area surrounded by glaciated domes and majestic peaks
- Discover the impressive rock formations that Yosemite's known for, including Sentinel and Lembert domes and world-famous Half Dome
Start/End San Francisco
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Hike amid an awe-inspiring grove of giant sequoias, Yosemite's imposing ancient trees—many estimated to be upwards of 2,000 years old, give or take a few centuries • Meet the renowned Grizzly Giant, one of the oldest trees in the world at an estimated 2,900 years • Tucked into the pines of Sierra National Forest, our comfortable lodge welcomes us at day’s end.
Night 1
A comfortable mountain resort near Yosemite's South Gate with plentiful amenities and panoramic forest views. (pool, spa)
Days 2-3
Hike to Glacier Point for phenomenal views that some swear are the best the park has to offer • The unforgettable vistas keep coming, as you follow panoramic trails to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point—whether it’s the backcountry peaks or a 360-degree view of Yosemite Valley, this hike has it all • Settle into the iconic Ahwahnee Hotel, an impressive feat of architecture • Journey through Yosemite Valley on foot for close encounters with famous waterfalls and towering granite walls • Spend the afternoon as you wish, perhaps hopping on a bike for a cruise through Yosemite Valley or visiting the Ansel Adams Gallery.
Nights 2-3
A National Historic Landmark, this iconic hotel features elaborate stained-glass windows, original Miwok Indian arts and crafts, Oriental rugs and Shaker-style furnishings. (pool)
Days 4-6
Explore sprawling Tuolumne Meadows with endless hiking trails, glorious high-country scenery and a profusion of wildflowers • Gaze up at Lembert Dome, a huge mound of polished granite • Delight in the range of amenities at one of Yosemite’s newest lodges, situated on a wooded 20-acre expanse • Get to know Hetch Hetchy, an enchanting valley with fascinating natural and human history • Discover the striking granite dome Native Americans called Kolana and the triple cascade of Wapama Falls • Hike alongside the South Fork of the Tuolumne River to delicate two-tiered Carlon Falls.
Nights 4-5
Set on 20 wooded acres at the doorstep to Yosemite National Park, this new lodge offers an ideal blend of contemporary sophistication and rustic warmth. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
We spend more time shuttling on this trip than we do on many other Backroads trips in order to bring you the very best of Yosemite's natural wonders. We want to make the most of your time in this vast and spectacular national park, and our itinerary—complete with shuttles—has been specifically designed to do just that.
The Ahwahnee is a historical treasure and by far the best place to stay in the Yosemite Valley. Its location within Yosemite National Park makes it an ideal base for exploring the valley's many sights, but it also means it is run by the national park and subject to park regulations and oversight. Similar to many national park lodges, service at The Ahwahnee can seem slow and casual when compared with the hospitality found on other Backroads trips. In addition, the property is undergoing a multi-year seismic upgrade, although most construction typically occurs while we’re out exploring in the park.
Hotels
Deluxe Hotels
Our Deluxe hotels have great ambience and modern comforts.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Night 1
*Deluxe Hotel
A comfortable mountain resort near Yosemite's South Gate with plentiful amenities and panoramic forest views. (pool, spa)
Nights 2-3
*Deluxe Hotel
A National Historic Landmark, this iconic hotel features elaborate stained-glass windows, original Miwok Indian arts and crafts, Oriental rugs and Shaker-style furnishings. (pool)
Nights 4-5
*Deluxe Hotel
Set on 20 wooded acres at the doorstep to Yosemite National Park, this new lodge offers an ideal blend of contemporary sophistication and rustic warmth. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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