











California's Yosemite Walking & Hiking Tour
From $4,699 - $5,099 /person
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-4
Casual Plus Hotels
California's Yosemite Walking & Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-4
Casual Plus Hotels
2024: May-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. Behold towering sequoias. Welcome to Yosemite National Park: 761,266 acres of "wow!"
Highlights
- Experience spectacular hikes to alpine meadows, waterfalls and jaw-dropping panoramas
- Gaze skyward on a walk through a grove of giant sequoias, Yosemite's ancient trees
- Explore the endless trails of Tuolumne Meadows, a glacier-carved area over two miles long
- Discover the impressive rock formations for which Yosemite is known, including 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—some estimated to be 1,800 years old, give or take a few centuries • What's your pleasure this afternoon? Perhaps you'll be up for a swim or a spa treatment at our hotel, cradled by the pines of Sierra National Forest.

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

Days 2-3
Set out on foot from Yosemite Valley, journeying past waterfalls and towering granite walls • Settle into The Ahwahnee, an iconic hotel in Yosemite Valley • Take in the unique design and architecture of this historic jewel and savor a memorable dinner below chandeliers dangling from the dining room's 34-foot-high ceiling • Glean a treasure trove of Yosemite Valley secrets from a local naturalist • Choose to spend the afternoon however you wish: set out on a hike to Yosemite Falls, hop on a bike and cruise through Yosemite Valley or visit 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 summer wildflowers • Gaze up at Lembert Dome, a huge mound of polished granite • Delight in the range of amenities at Yosemite’s newest lodge situated on a wooded 20-acre expanse • Get to know Hetch Hetchy, an enchanting valley with fascinating natural and human history • Behold a 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)
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 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.
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.
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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