ADULT ONLY

A Jaw-Dropping Yosemite Vacation

Yosemite Adventure

  • 6 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 2
    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Fresno
  • Trip End: Fresno
Hike the best of California's Sierra Nevada mountains, from Half Dome to El Capitan, on our Yosemite Adventure.

Hike the best of California's Sierra Nevada mountains, from Half Dome to El Capitan, on our Yosemite Adventure.

Yosemite is well-known for its towering granite monoliths, giant sequoias and dramatic valleys. Around every corner is a new jaw-dropping view, and on this 6-day Yosemite National Park Hiking Tour, you'll explore arguably the most awe-inspiring landscapes of North America. After meeting your group in Fresno, you'll journey straight into the heart of Yosemite National Park. Once inside, your routine transforms to hearty breakfasts, mind-blowingly beautiful treks, picture-perfect picnics, and elegant lodgings. Hike to Wapama Falls, spot the perfect swimming hole along the Tuolomne River, conquer 1,000 feet of elevation to reach the top of Vernal Fall, test your skills during a rock climbing and rappelling class, and embark on an all-day hike. With two guides who know every nook and cranny, you can rest assured you'll be seeing the best of the best on this Yosemite National Park hiking tour.

Click map to explore. 

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

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Yosemite Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Fresno Trip End: Fresno

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Pick up in Fresno, hike the Mariposa Grove among giant Sequoias

  • Day 2Hike Hetch Hetchy & Tuolumne River

  • Day 3Try rock climbing (at your level) and Hike the Lower Yosemite Falls

  • Day 4Hike to Vernal Falls

  • Day 5Taft Point and Sentinel Dome Hike

  • Day 6Relax at the spa, farewell!

  • Day 1

    Pick up in Fresno, hike the Mariposa Grove among giant Sequoias

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    Sunday morning pick up in Fresno. Shuttle north toward the famous Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias where we’ll have a short welcome meeting at the Mariposa Grove Visitor Center. After, we'll stretch our legs on the Mariposa Grove hike under the giant sequoia trees.
     
    Following a picnic lunch at Wawona, we drive into the park stopping for photo opportunities at Tunnel View. This is the classic view that Ansel Adams made famous showcasing El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. Afterwards we make our way to Mirror Lake for a short hike before continuing on to Rush Creek Lodge, your home for the next two nights.
    Accommodation: Rush Creek Lodge
    Meals:
    Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 5-7 miles (8-10 kilometers)

  • Day 2

    Hike Hetch Hetchy & Tuolumne River

    #205606

    While the full loop around Hetch Hetchy reservoir stretches for nearly 28 miles, today's hike will be about a quarter of that, and every bit as beautiful. On the trail, you'll witness beautiful natural scenery, like the thundering waters of Wapama Falls tumbling down the rocky cliffs.

    After lunch we explore more of the region along the Tuolomne River or hike to Lookout Point.
    Accommodation: Rush Creek Lodge
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 5-7 miles (8-10 kilometers)

  • Day 3

    Try rock climbing (at your level) and Hike the Lower Yosemite Falls

    #205607
    Fuel up with a warm, fresh meal before we head out to Half Dome Village, where we’ll grab some climbing shoes for a fantastic day of rock climbing and rappelling – no trip to Yosemite would be complete without it! Classes are designed for climbers of all levels, so everyone from beginners to experts will take away a new skill-set. You’ll spend the better part of the morning learning everything there is to know about rock climbing – from tying knots to rappelling, and everything in between.
     
    After a tasty pizza lunch we continue our exploration of the valley with a hike to Lower Yosemite Falls.
    Accommodation: Tenaya Lodge
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 1-2 miles (2-3 kilometers)

    Rock-Climbing: 2-3 hours

  • Day 4

    Hike to Vernal Falls

    #205608
    This morning, we shuttle to the trailhead of the Mist Trail. This hike takes us to the top of Vernal Fall, tackling 1,600 feet (488 meters) of elevation gain that includes an unforgettable stretch of steep stone steps in the midst of a waterfall. When you get to the Vernal Fall footbridge, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the 317-foot-high (97 meters) waterfall roaring down below. Continue up to Clarke Point and return on the famed John Muir trail.
     
    After our full day hike find the perfect spot for dinner on your own this evening.
    Accommodation: Tenaya Lodge
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch

    Hiking: 7 miles (11.2 kilometers)

  • Day 5

    Taft Point and Sentinel Dome Hike

    #205609

    Today, embark on an all-day hike to experience two of Yosemite's south rim highlights. Along the way you'll see for yourself the majesty of Taft Point and Sentinel Dome. Taft Point offers dramatic exposure and one of the best vistas over the western Yosemite Valley, while Sentinel Dome’s symmetrical granite summit provides the south rim’s best panorama. You'll also emerge at viewpoints featuring unique perspectives of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls.

    Transfer back to Tenaya for a final dinner with the group.
    Accommodation: Tenaya Lodge
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 5 miles (8 kilometers)

  • Day 6

    Relax at the spa, farewell!

    #205610

    Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge. This morning you can take advantage of some last-minute pool or spa time. Reluctantly we say goodbye to the park and start our way back to Fresno. Hotel and airport drop-offs in the early afternoon.
    Accommodation: Not applicable
    Meals:
    Breakfast

Yosemite Departure Dates

Austin Adventures

This trip is operated by our sister brand Austin Adventures

Want to bring the family? Check out our Yosemite Family Vacation.

What's Included

  • 5 nights’ accommodation
  • 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
  • Our own highly experienced guides, with you from start to finish
  • Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your trip
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • Delicious snacks to keep you fueled
  • Special ‘Wow’ moments you'll never forget
  • All activities described in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern and comfortable!

What Our Guests Say

FAQs

Where does the trip start?

On the first day of the trip we can either pick you up from the Homewood Suites by Hilton Fresno Airport at 6:30am or the Best Western Plus Fresno Inn at 6:45am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Fresno, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Fresno Airport at 1pm in time for flights below or at a hotel of your choice in Fresno around 1.30pm.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Fresno the night before the trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Fresno any time after 3pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

What are the accommodations we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels near Yosemite. We prefer to stay in accommodations close to the park and our activities for the day that are comfortable after a full day of exploration.

While there are laundry facilities at some locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only not have to do laundry during your trip. If needed the best time will be when we are at Tenaya on Days 3-5.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness for this trip though you’ll be hiking on gentle to moderate trails and can still enjoy the scenery and relaxation. Typically, hikes range between two and four hours to complete, more, or less hiking is available too.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

Will I have contact with my guides before the trip starts?

Your guides will call your cell phone the night before your trip begins to touch base on the first day’s plan. If they don’t get through to you, they will leave a voicemail on your cell phone with all the details you need to plan for your first morning.

What should I bring with me on the first day?

When you speak with your guides the night before your trip, they will give you a detailed description of what to bring with you on Day 1. Typically, this includes a day pack with your rain jacket, sunglasses, hat, camera, etc. Anything you want easy access to during the day should go in your day pack as the rest of your luggage will go in the locked cargo trailer pulled behind the van. Your guides will provide you with a water bottle on the first morning of your trip and will always have water available for refills. There will be snacks available at all times in the van. Your guides will also have bug spray and sunscreen accessible for you to use.

What are your recommended guide gratuity guidelines?

You will have 2-3 guides on your Austin Adventure (depending on group size). We recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. Typically, gratuities are offered by check or cash in local currency on the final morning of the trip and can either be given to each guide individually or to one guide to be equally distributed. Most of our guides these days also accept gratuities via Paypal. All dining, housekeeping and activity tips are included in your trip price.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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Save 10% on the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance — you can find details here

*Terms and conditions apply - read more here

Your Expert Local Guides

Why Travel With Us

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A love of adventure, born in New Zealand

Our passion for exploration is rooted in a strong connection to the natural beauty of our home, New Zealand, and the drive to venture beyond its shores to discover a world different to our own.

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Life-changing, rewarding experiences in breathtaking places

We bring your adventure dreams to life. The best journeys don’t just take you places; they inspire you to be curious, ignite your spirit, and find a new sense of freedom – they can even change your life!

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Expert guides, deep local connections

Feel the heart and soul of each place you visit with our local people on the ground and knowledgeable guides, who take great care to ensure a truly authentic and immersive experience. This is the real deal.

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Adventures inspired by nature

Feel like you're in a world of your own, with unique itineraries to take you away from the usual tourist traps. Enjoy exhilarating activities like hiking, biking, rafting, and kayaking, to explore the very best of each destination.

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Flexible, personalized experiences

We take the time to get to know you to ensure you have the very best experience on our trips. Our small group adventures are big on flexibility — no matter what your version of "active" is, we have options on each trip to suit every individual.

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All-inclusive — with everything organized for you

Imagine a vacation that's fully guided, and everything is taken care of and included in the trip price — all accommodations, activities, transport on-trip, most meals, and more! Effortless and value-packed.