Yosemite Easygoing Walking Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-2
Deluxe Hotels
Yosemite Easygoing Walking Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-2
Deluxe Hotels
2025: Jun-Oct
Dolce Tempo Journey from National Park's Dramatic Half Dome to Waterfalls
Discover an extraordinary wilderness in California. A place that’s home to thundering waterfalls, soaring cliffs, towering sequoias, bucket-list vistas and spectacular geological formations.
Highlights
- Follow in the footsteps of John Muir as you explore one of America’s most beloved national parks
- Marvel at world-famous, one-of-a-kind landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan, Tuolumne Meadows and Bridalveil Fall
- Talk with local naturalists who unravel the mysteries of Yosemite’s towering giant sequoias and share the fascinating history of early conservationists
- Bask in the elegance of the venerable Ahwahnee Hotel, a favorite national park getaway for the political and Hollywood elite
- Delight your senses with a locally sourced gourmet Backroads picnic in the heart of Yosemite Valley
Start/EndSan 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 • Relax poolside with a refreshing cocktail or enjoy time in the sauna.
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 vistas 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 Fall • 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—hop on an e-bike and visit Mirror Lake, follow 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 • Savor a memorable dinner and incredible views out of floor-to-ceiling windows at this American architectural treasure.
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
Discover 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 • Enjoy the amenities at one of Yosemite’s newest lodges, 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, 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.
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.
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.
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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