Yosemite Walking & Hiking
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.
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.
AMID NATURE: Premiere Inns
Tenaya Lodge (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 (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.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/20-25Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1340 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/4-9Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1340 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/18-23Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1340 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/8-13Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1340 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/29-9/3Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1340 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/12-17Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1340 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/26-10/1Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1340 for sgl. occ.)
Guest Trip Reviews
I had very high expectations for this trip, having wanted to visit Yosemite for many years. I have to say that they were exceeded in every respect. The trip leaders were very enthusiastic and on top of everything. They took us to some beautiful places, where we saw very few people. The lodgings were very luxurious and the food was great. I will never forget this trip!- Kingston, UK
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
Yosemite stands on its own but was certainly enhanced by our great leaders. They were fun, helpful, personable, professional...everything one expects and needs from a group leader. Looking forward to our next Backroads trip!!- Chula, GA
My brother and I turned 50 this year. We decided to take a trip together as brothers. I had wanted to take a Backroads trip for several years after hearing of the company from a co-worker and after having reviewed catalogs for several years. I suggested the trip to my brother who agreed. This trip fulfilled everything I hoped for and more. I spent a lot of quality time with Jeff on the trail without having to worry about anything. The location was "off the chart", the friendliness and directions of our leaders were "off the chart" and the friendship of our fellow travelers just added to the overall quality of the trip. I cannot wait until my next trip! Jeff and I have already talked about going on the Zion trip in Utah.- Suwanee, GA