Stand at the base of a tumbling 2,425-foot waterfall, a soaring 8,842-foot granite dome, a 3,000- year-old, 300-foot Giant Sequoia, and experience for yourself why John Muir described Yosemite as “…by far the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter.” Hike, swim, and explore the largest subalpine meadow in Sierra Nevada. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like black bears, bighorn sheep, and foxes. Find out why granite will be your new stone of choice as a rock climber. Discover just how huge a Giant Sequoia really is by standing at the base of one of these forest monsters and looking up skyward. Explore Yosemite National Park with the experts in adventure travel!
Explore a granite tunnel carved into the steep rock walls of Yosemite National Park
Climb an unforgettable stretch of steep stone steps in the midst of a 300-foot cascading waterfall
Rappel down granite rock faces in Yosemite Valley alongside an expert climbing guide (perfect for beginners!)
Step over giant exposed roots showcasing the sequoia’s shallow but diffuse life-support system as you walk under towering sequoias in the Mariposa Grove
Encounter incredible wildlife in their natural habitat including bears, bighorn sheep, and foxes
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
Mariposa Grove Hike: Journey into the famous Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias where we’ll take a short, peaceful hike amongst these gentle giants.
02
Rock climbing: have you done it? Whether you're a beginner or an expert, we have a route you'll excel at under the guidance of a professional climbing instructor!
03
Mist Trail: Walk along the thundering waters of the Merced River to one of Yosemite's iconic waterfalls.
Arrival:
Fresno, California FAT
Departure:
Fresno, California FAT
Download PDF Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1:
Fresno / Mariposa Grove / Yosemite National Park
Sunday morning pick up in Fresno. Shuttle north toward the famous Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias where we’ll take a short, peaceful hike amongst these gentle giants. Following lunch we drive into the park, stopping for a picnic lunch and photo ops at Tunnel View. Tunnel View is the classic view that Ansel Adams made famous showcasing El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. Late afternoon, check into Rush Creek Lodge, your home for the next two nights.
About Rush Creek Lodge
Recently opened in 2016, The Rush Creek Lodge is the first new resort in Yosemite National Park in over 25 years! These brand-new accommodations feature two queen beds, a private bathroom, and a private deck with scenic views of the forest at sunset. Keeping in the spirit of an authentic, rewarding mountain experience, you won’t find televisions or other electronic distractions in the room. Instead, you’ll find radio streaming, games, and the option of renting a portable DVD player and movies. Hoping to catch the big game? The Tavern offers a selection of local craft brews and sports broadcasts, along with live music or karaoke. And don’t forget the pool! The lodge hosts a saltwater pool, hot tubs, The Pool Bar, and a cozy fire pit lounge. All in all, the pristine luxury of the Rush Creek Lodge is the perfect way to begin our trek through Yosemite.
After breakfast, shuttle to Lembert Dome where we will embark on a 2.2 mile hike to the top of the dome. A top the dome enjoy spectacular views of Tuolumne Meadows, the Cathedral Ridge, and surrounding peaks. After lunch, we will head to Tenaya Lake, referred to as “Jewel of the High Country”, where we will explore and swim before returning back to the lodge for relaxation and then dinner.
This morning, we shuttle to the trailhead of the Mist Trail. A 7-mile round-trip hike takes us to the top of Vernal Fall, tackling 1,600 feet 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 waterfall roaring down below. Continue up to Clarke Point and return on the famed John Muir trail. Later, we’ll transfer to Tenaya Lodge, your home for the next three nights. Continue your exploration of this amazing area tonight as you spend dinner and the rest of the evening on your own.
About Tenaya Lodge
Named after the legendary Chief Tenaya this lodge is located near the park’s south gate in the Sierra National Forest. Tenaya Lodge is an all-season resort that offers AAA Four-Diamond Yosemite accommodations, a rich range of recreational activities, and awe-inspiring beauty at every turn. Located only two miles from Yosemite National Park, Tenaya offers the cozy feel of a mountain retreat – but features a full range of world-class amenities. The luxurious spa features 12 treatment rooms and signature organic treatments, men’s and women’s steam rooms and saunas, relaxation rooms, and a fitness center. You’ll also find two indoor heated pools and a newly expanded outdoor pool, adjacent to a kids’ splash pool and an adults-only soaking pool. The five dining venues on-site range from casual to candlelit – all serving fresh, local, sustainable fare.
Yosemite Valley Rock Climb | Merced River Swimming | Sunset at Glacier Point
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 day learning everything there is to know about rock climbing – from tying knots to rappelling, and everything in between. After a pizza lunch at your climbing site, we’ll travel to Merced River where we will find the perfect swimming hole. Tonight we eat an early dinner and take in a sunset from Glacier Point before making our way back to Tenaya.
Today, embark on an all-day hike along one of the most beautiful trails in Yosemite. Taft Point and Sentinel Dome, two of Yosemite’s south rim highlights, are what we’ll hike on this 5-mile scenic loop. 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. Along the way, we’ll emerge at viewpoints featuring unique perspectives of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. This hike will take 5-6 hours and has approximately 1,100 feet of elevation gain. Transfer back to Tenaya for a final dinner with the group.
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 (no flights before 3 pm please).
Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather, and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.
Please plan on arriving at least one day prior to your trip departure. Day one of your itinerary starts in Fresno, California at 7:00 AM with pick-up from your pre-trip hotel. Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Fresno airport at 1:00 PM or your Fresno hotel at 1:30 PM. Please book your flights for after 3:00 PM out of Fresno Airport.
Activities
Hiking – 1 to 7 miles per hike, easy to strenuous in difficulty on varying terrain (dirt trails, smooth granite, wet stone, etc.) Sometimes multiple hikes will be done in a day.
Rock Climbing – Introductory class on the basics of climbing. No experience necessary – shoes, rope, harnesses, and instruction provided by professional rock climbing instructor.
Cultural Discoveries
Discovery – John Muir named this place the ‘range of light’ and for good reason. You’ll learn how glaciers formed this valley as you stand under granite monoliths rising thousands of feet above you. You’ll understand why this place is commonly called the ‘Incomparable Valley.’ Listen as your guides delve into the controversy over the Hetch Hetchy Valley: Should the valley remain dammed providing water for the nearby city of San Francisco or should it be restored to its formal glory as what John Muir described as “one of nature’s rarest and most precious mountain temples.” Visit the famous Yan-o-pah (little cloud) or Vernal Fall as it’s called today to witness its massive cascade of tumbling whitewater drop 317 feet over a cliff. Discover why Yosemite National Park is a rock climber’s mecca as you stare in awe at granite monoliths like Half Dome and El Capitan. Examine black and white photographs from Ansel Adam’s time spent in the park in the 1910s. Discover for yourself this place they call “The Golden State”.
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments, and receptions except one dinner on your own are included as indicated by the itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
What's Included
Included in Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments, and receptions – except one dinner on own your own.
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Any necessary equipment- all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags, and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
One dinner on your own.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Director of Operations & President, USA
Kasey Austin
Kasey was born in Alaska and raised in Billings, Montana. She graduated in 2011 as a Presidential Leadership Scholar at the University of Montana in Missoula with a degree in Education. Growing up in the world of adventure travel, it was only natural for Kasey to jump into the family business upon entering “the real […]
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