Yosemite Sierra Hiking Adventure
Explore three of the Nation's finest national wonders, Yosemite, King's Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, located along the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Encompassing 14,000-foot peaks, alpine lakes, and stands of giant sequoia trees, these parks provide a stunning landscape where mountains extend into a seemingly endless sky.
This trip has been created with plenty of flexibility to accommodate a wide range of individual interests and abilities. We have chosen non-technical day hikes for the reasonably athletic, and that best reflect the variety and scenic beauty that make up these extraordinary parklands. So join us for a week of active days and luxurious nights that is sure to quench your appetite for adventure and relaxation.
Trip Itinerary:
Day 1. Hike Redwood Mountain Grove loop in Kings Canyon National Park, Wuksachi Lodge (559-253-5678 / private bath)
The group assembles at 8:00 a.m. in Fresno. After a shuttle to Kings Canyon National Park, we will break in our hiking boots exploring the majesty and solitude of Redwood Mountain Grove. We are treated with superb views into the depths of Redwood Canyon and the spectacular alpine peaks of the Great Western Divide.
Tonight we enjoy the backcountry ambiance of the Wuksachi Lodge, in the heart of adjacent Sequoia National Park.
Redwood Mountain Grove loop hike [up to 6.25 miles; 650 feet of elevation gain/loss]
Day 2. Hike to Mist Falls in Kings Canyon National Park, Wuksachi Lodge
After a hearty breakfast and a scenic shuttle through towering Sequoias and beneath granite walls, we hike through the glaciated canyon of the South Fork of the Kings River. We will pass old-growth forests and cascading rapids, until we reach Mist Falls, with its incredible display of water and mist falling down the canyon's face.
After our hike, we shuttle back into Sequoia National Park and Wuksachi Lodge, our peaceful hideaway for the evening. Here you're free to just relax or explore the wonderful forest of white fir, incense cedar, sugar pine, and of course, giant sequoias.
Mist Falls hike [8 miles; 800 feet of elevation gain, then loss, following a 1-3/4 hour shuttle]
Day 3. Hike to Giant Forest and Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park, Apple Tree Inn (559-683-5111 / private bath)
For a real taste of solitude, we will hike deep into the backcountry of Sequoia National Park. From Giant Forest we meander through one of the most majestic
stands of Sequoias in the world. The General Sherman Tree, the world's largest living thing, towers above our path. Witness beautiful Crescent Meadow where brilliant wildflowers adorn its lush grounds. John Muir is said to have called this lovely, grassy open area the "gem of the Sierra." Next we connect with the High Sierra Trail, with incredible and breathtaking views that make this a favorite of the Sierra's backcountry enthusiasts.
After an exhilarating climb up Moro Rock, complete with steps and railings in places, we spend the remainder of the afternoon shuttling to the Apple Tree Inn, located just two miles south of Yosemite National Park.
Hike from Giant Forest to High Sierra Trail and to Moro Rock [up to 6 miles, 500 feet of elevation gain/loss]
Moro Rock Option [600' climb, then descent]
Shuttle to Appletree Inn south of Yosemite [3-1/2 hours]
Day 4. Hike to Taft Point in Yosemite National Park, Apple Tree Inn
In 1864, President Lincoln declared Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove to be public parks in order to protect this region. By 1890 John Muir's campaign to further protect the region was successful when it was declared a national park. We start today off with a stroll through McGurk Meadows and the adjoining ponderosa pine-filled forests. This delightful hike leads us to Taft Point, which offers spectacular views. Be sure to bring your camera because you will definitely want to capture today's hike on film.
Mcgurk Meadow to Taft Point [up to 8.5 miles, 700 feet of elevation gain]
Moderate option: Continue to Sentinel Dome
Day 5. Hike Panorama Trail in Yosemite National Park, Yosemite View Lodge
You couldn't ask for a better way to see the majestic splendor that Yosemite has to offer than by hiking the challenging Panorama trail. Cascading waterfalls, granite monoliths and breathtaking views to the valley floor abound on this trail. With magnificent, yet different views around every corner, your eyes will be overwhelmed by all the visual stimuli!
Panorama Trail [10 miles, 2700 feet elevation change]
Moderate Option [Yosemite Falls Trail]
Easy Option [Mirror Lake Trail 4.5 miles]
Day 6. Free Day, Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, Fresno
We will travel into Yosemite Valley on one of California's most beautiful and scenic byways. We have a number of options today--hike the many trails that dot the valley floor, horseback ride to Mirror Lake, stand dwarfed below the majestic valley walls, or shop at the valley's numerous gift shops. Our trip concludes at approximately 5:30 p.m. in Fresno.
Hiking [distances up to the individual]
Shuttle to Fresno [2-3 hours]
Inn & Camping Departures: Inn and Campground Descriptions
Lodgepole Campground, Sequoia National Park - The campground is situated at 6,700 feet of elevation along the Marble fork of the Kaweah River, just two miles from the Giant Forest sequoia grove. Flush toilets and solar showers are available - Days 1 and 2.
Crane Valley Campground, Sequoia National Forest - We camp near Bass Lake in a dense forest of pine, oak and cedar trees. Restrooms consist of outhouses and solar showers will be available--Days 3 and 4.
Yosemite View Lodge - Situated on the Merced River near the entrance to Yosemite National Park, the Lodge has two outdoor and one indoor pool and an outdoor spa. Each room has a fireplace and a spa-tub. - Day 5.
| Yosemite Sierra Hiking Adventure |
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| Fee |
$2398.00 |
| Single Room Supplement** |
$650.00 |
* Best suited for ages 8 and older. Ages 8-18 receive a 15% discount On inn trips, youths getting this discount must share a room with a full paying adult. Solo Traveler trips minimum age is 21.
** Rooms are based on double occupancy. You can opt to have your own room and pay our Single Room Supplement fee. With reservations 90 days or more in advance, you can book just one person and pay the regular rate if you will share a room.
All trips require a minimum of 4 people for the trip to run and the trip maximum is 12.
Gateway City Transfer:
Public transportation is available between Fresno Yosemite International Airport and various hotels in Fresno by calling Casey's Yellow Cab 559-268-2222. Reservations are recommended. The Courtyard Fresno Airport has a complementary shuttle from the airport to the hotel.
Trip Fees Include:
All meals (lunch Day 1-lunch Day 6), all accommodations (double occupancy), all national park entrance fees, T-shirt, water bottle, support vehicle, and professional guides.
Trip Fees Exclude:
Airfare, personal insurance, hotel miscellaneous expenses (phone, fax, laundry, etc.), additional optional tours, services not specified in the tour itinerary, and guide gratuities (An appropriate gratuity to each trip leader is $75-$100 per guest).
Trip Notes:
Exploring this region can involve daily shuttles of up to several hours.
To register for a trip, please click on the trip date.
*Kids need to be (8-18) years of age for the kid discount.
You can search all the trips that we offer:
Special Requests + What to Bring:
If you have any special dietary needs or any special request that will make your trip more enjoyable, please be sure to notify your Trip Consultant or travel agent after booking. One of our trip consultants will be contacting you to go over options and the details with you.
The World Outdoors will provide you with extensive pre-departure information, including your reservation payment receipt and confirmation, travel insurance application, suggestions for preparing for your trip, a packing list, information on pre- and post-trip arrangements, a guest questionnaire and a liability release agreement.
General Information, Questions & Answers
What type of weather should I expect?
You can expect daytime temperatures to be in the 70 s, with evening temperatures being up to 30 F cooler. As in other mountainous regions, weather conditions in the Sierras are extremely variable... Be prepared for anything!
How will the change in altitude affect me?
This is a difficult question to answer as altitude physiologically affects different people in different ways. The Sierra Mountains range from 5,000 feet to over 14,000 feet elevation, and have an extremely dry climate. Thus, to prevent altitude sickness we recommend that you always remain well hydrated, gradually expose yourself to higher elevations, exercise moderately until altitude acclimatized, eat a diet consisting of at least 70% carbohydrates beginning 1 to 2 days prior to ascent, and get plenty of rest. Furthermore, we suggest that you arrive at our gateway city at least 1 to 2 days prior to the first day of your trip.
How difficult is this trip?
This terrain on this trip is hillier and more challenging than our Easy tours. It is intended for the average active adult who feels comfortable exercising 4-6 hours a day. The hikes are 4-8 miles, with additional miles optional, and include climbs of up to 1200 feet with options of up to 1500 feet.
Special Family Values
Young people, ages eight through 18, receive a 15% discount on this trip. This applies to camping trips when accompanied by one full paying adult and inn trips when sharing a room with one full paying adult. Though children eight years and older are welcome on this tour, please see our itinerary above and make sure your child can handle the level of physical activity on this trip. Call us to discuss the suitability of a particular tour.
Families are welcome on all open departures except solo traveler adventures.
Solo Travelers
If you're traveling on your own and want to share the experience with other solo travelers, we've set aside special departures for many of our trips. Itineraries are identical to our those of our open trips but, because these departures are composed entirely of independent travelers, there's a unique, fun dimension to the group dynamic. Of course, solo travelers are more than welcome on all of our open departures as well, where often half of our guests are traveling alone.
Meeting Place & Time
8:00 a.m. at the Courtyard Fresno Airport, 1551 North Peach Avenue, Fresno, CA, 559-251-5200. Please plan to arrive at the inn at the designated meeting time, and not earlier, for the convenience of the innkeeper. We recommend that you have a big breakfast before you arrive, and come prepared to hike following a short orientation and a shuttle. We suggest that you wear comfortable hiking boots with ankle support and wool socks coupled with a thin liner sock.
Driving to the Meeting Place: Fresno is northwest of Los Angeles approximately 3 1/2 hours by car. It is located on Highway 99, which is best approached on I-5 from the north or south. To get to the Courtyard by Marriott from Rt. 99, take the exit for Rt. 41, then take a left on Chestnut and a right on McKinley. The Courtyard is located between the cross streets of McKinley and Peach. Rental cars may be left in the hotel parking lot for the week you are on your TWO tour. Please notify the front desk if you are going to do so.
Please see our directions and driving times in the upper right hand corner to get additional directions.
Trip Conclusion:
5:30 p.m., Courtyard Fresno Airport, 1551 North Peach Avenue, CA. Shuttle services should be scheduled no earlier than 6:30 p.m. and airline departures should be scheduled no earlier than 8:00 p.m.
How do I book airfare for this trip?
Once you have booked your reservation, Sherry will contact you to help arrange your air. You can also call James TravelPoints, a local travel agency, at 800-538-7461 and ask for Georgia (ext 251) or Di (ext 252) or email GeorgiaT@travelpoints.com or DianeJ@travelpoints.com. Be sure to tell her you are traveling with The World Outdoors. Alternatively, you are welcome to book your airfare online, directly with the airline or through your personal travel agent.
The Best Value in Active Travel Guarantee:
We commit to you that all of our trips are of the highest quality at the best value. If you find a trip of equal quality that matches our itinerary and inclusions at a lower fare within 30 days of booking your trip with us, we will gladly refund the difference. A simple guarantee that assures you of the best trip at the best fare!
Refund Policy
If you cancel your trip, you must notify us in writing. We calculate your refund from the day we receive written notice of your cancellation. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving early from a trip.
Number of Days Prior to Trip Departure
| Cancellation Fee |
| 90 days or more |
$100 per person |
| 89 to 60 days |
50% of total price per person |
| 59 to 30 days |
75% of total price per person |
| 29 to 0 days |
100% of total price per person |
We highly recommend trip insurance. This is an option we will discuss with you.
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