











California's Yosemite Easygoing Walking Tour
From $4,599 - $5,099 /person
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-2
Casual Plus Hotels
California's Yosemite Easygoing Walking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-2
Casual Plus Hotels
2024: Jul-Aug, Oct












Dolce Tempo Journey from National Park's Dramatic Half Dome to Waterfalls
Welcome to one of America’s most prized natural wonders—the imposing cliffs, towering waterfalls and endless beauty of Yosemite National Park. Carved by ancient glaciers into the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this gorgeous expanse of trails, viewpoints and raw wilderness has beckoned adventurers and artists for centuries. Walk in the steps of Ansel Adams, John Muir and Alex Honnold while soaking up the grandeur of this world-renowned treasure.
Highlights
- Explore one of America’s most beloved national parks, following walking trails that lead to the bucket-list vistas and iconic geological formations that John Muir fought to protect
- Marvel at Yosemite's world-famous landmarks—one-of-a-kind Half Dome, towering El Capitan, gorgeous Tuolumne Meadows and breathtaking Bridalveil Falls
- Converse with local naturalists who unravel the mysteries of Yosemite’s towering giant sequoia trees and share the fascinating history of early pioneering conservationists
- Experience the historic elegance of the Ahwahnee Hotel, the most prized of all the national park lodges, and savor a locally sourced gourmet Backroads picnic in the heart of Yosemite Valley

Start/End San Francisco
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to Yosemite! Walk through the mighty Mariposa Grove of giant sequoia trees, the largest living organisms on the planet • Marvel at the grandeur of Grizzly Giant, estimated to be around 2,000 years old, and see the iconic “tunnel tree” • Unwind at our mountain resort cradled by the pines of Sierra National Forest • Opt for a poolside cocktail or a rejuvenating spa treatment.

Night 1
A comfortable mountain resort near Yosemite's South Gate with plentiful amenities and panoramic forest views. (pool, spa)

Days 2-3
Stroll along the canyon rim overlooking Yosemite Valley with expansive views of the park’s most famous landmarks, including Half Dome and Yosemite Falls • Enjoy a scenic drive into the heart of the valley passing El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls • Keep an eye out for Yosemite’s plentiful wildlife, including black bears and their springtime cubs • Learn about the park's landscape and history from a local naturalist as we walk along the shore of the meandering Merced River • Explore Yosemite Valley at your leisure—opt to hop on an e-bike and visit Mirror Lake, walk an easygoing trail to Yosemite Falls or visit the Ansel Adams Gallery • Settle in at the historic Ahwahnee, a grand lodge tucked in a grove of trees beneath towering granite walls • Take in the unique design and architecture of this American jewel and savor a memorable dinner with park views out of floor-to-ceiling windows.

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
Be immersed in Tuolumne Meadows, a less-visited corner of Yosemite, rich in subalpine meadows, wildflowers and granite domes • Visit Hetch Hetchy, a dramatic glacial valley far from the crowds • Walk to Wapama Falls and relish views of misty rainbows and the surrounding glacially carved cliffs reaching to the sky • Delight in the amenities of Yosemite’s newest lodge situated on a wooded 20-acre expanse • Stroll along the south fork of the Tuolumne River to a two-tiered waterfall where swimming opportunities await • End your epic adventure in the ever-fascinating city of San Francisco.

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)
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.
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.
We know you signed up for an active vacation, so why would you want to spend time sitting in a van? The truth is, we do spend more time shuttling on this trip than we do on many other Backroads trips, but that's because we're willing to go the distance to bring you the very best of Yosemite's natural wonders. Of course, we could cut out some shuttle time by only exploring one corner of the park, but how could we possibly choose which experiences to sacrifice? Rest assured that we've planned our itinerary to make the most of this vast and spectacular National Park.
Hotels
Adventure-Ready Hotels
Ideally located with ready access to trip activities, our Casual hotels are also known for their character and charm.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Night 1
Casual Plus Hotel
A comfortable mountain resort near Yosemite's South Gate with plentiful amenities and panoramic forest views. (pool, spa)

Nights 2-3
Casual Plus 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
Casual Plus 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)
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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