"No temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite. Every rock in its walls seems to glow with life...their feet among beautiful groves and meadows, their brows in the sky..." With apologies to John Muir, no words can capture the grandeur of Yosemite. It's a place that must be experienced to be believed. The iconic majesty of Half Dome. The enormity of El Capitan. The awe-inspiring immensity of centuries-old sequoias. By bike and on foot, come discover one of the world's most glorious landscapes with us. Though words may fail you, this Yosemite adventure will live in your memory forever.
Day 1 Stroll in the shade of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias,
Yosemite's largest stand of these ancient trees 
The landscape shifts from urban to pastoral to alpine on our scenic drive from San Francisco to the Sierra Nevada.
Day 2 Bike the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, an incredible stretch of road
that cuts through this remote area of the Sierra National Forest 
Fascinating geologic features and expansive views of the High Sierra make it one of California's most beautiful routes In the mood for some R&R? Kick back at the lodge, lounge by the pool or perhaps indulge at the spa.
Day 3 The historic Ahwahnee Hotel, the best way to stay in the valley
Set out on foot to Glacier Point, with commanding vistas of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and the Sierra Nevada As you hike, it's easy to feel dwarfed by the soaring cliff walls that loom above you.
Day 4 Learn about Yosemite's fascinating natural and cultural history alongside a local naturalist
or take a rock climbing class on the world-famous granite walls of the Yosemite Valley The valley is yours to enjoy however you wish, be it by bike, on horseback, on a hike to Lower Yosemite Falls, dipping your toes in the chilly Merced River or paying a visit to the Ansel Adams Gallery.
Days 5-6 Lose yourself amid the pristine beauty of the Hetch Hetchy area
with its endless hiking trails, glorious high-country scenery and profusion of summer wildflowers Cap off the week with a hike to Carlon Falls in a hidden corner of the park or a spin along the quiet roads near our mountain retreat.
Trip Highlights
- Glorious hikes to thundering waterfalls, alpine meadows and spectacular panoramas
- Glean secrets of Yosemite Valley from a local naturalist
- Walk amid the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Yosemite's largest stand of these ancient trees
- Ahwahnee Hotel, the best way to stay in the valley
Premiere & Casual Inns
Tenaya Lodge (2 nights): A comfortable mountain resort near Yosemite's South Gate with plentiful amenities and panoramic forest views. (pool, spa)
Ahwahnee Hotel (1 night): A National Historic Landmark - and as much an icon of Yosemite as Half Dome - the Ahwahnee features elaborate stained-glass windows, etched stone floors, original Miwok Indian arts and crafts, carved wood paneling, Oriental rugs and Shaker-style furnishings. (pool)
Evergreen Lodge (2 nights): Elegantly rustic and welcoming cabins nestled amid towering pines on the western border of Yosemite. (pool)
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.
| Daily Route Options | |||||||||||
| Day | Activity | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | |||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | ||
| 1 | Walking | 4.0 | 800 | ||||||||
| 2 | Biking | 9* | 400 | 31 | 900 | ||||||
| Biking | 15* | 400 | |||||||||
| 3 | Walking | 4.3* | 1200 | 5.5* | 1500 | 8.5* | 800 | 10.5 | 800 | ||
| 4 | Walking | 4.4 | 200 | ||||||||
| Other | Naturalist walk (3 hours) | ||||||||||
| 5 | Biking | 10* | 300 | 30 | 1700 | ||||||
| Walking | 4.8 | 300 | 6.8 | 600 | |||||||
| 6 | Walking | 3.6 | 200 | ||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/25-30 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1050 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/9-14 Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1050 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/30-8/4 Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1050 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/20-25 Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1050 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/3-8 Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1050 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/10-15 Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1050 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/17-22 Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1050 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/24-29 Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1050 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/1-6 Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1050 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/8-13 Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1050 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
John Muir made the protection of Yosemite's treasured wilderness his life's mission. On our new multisport adventure in Muir's world, the dense forests, sprawling meadows, thundering waterfalls and towering granite peaks of this natural sanctuary leap to life. The Giant Sequoias, Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls and the historic Ahwahnee Hotel are but a few of the famous sites on the itinerary. And options for exploring abound - from hiking and biking to horseback riding, swimming and spa treatments. Enjoy!- Regional Manager, California