Hiking Distance: 7.5 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 2900 feet

Today we’ll meet up at the Curry Village parking area in Yosemite Valley. From there, we start our hike to two of Yosemite’s crown jewels, Vernal Fall, and Nevada Fall, along either the John Muir Trail or the Mist Trail, depending on current conditions. While many of Yosemite’s hikes are centered on a destination, this route features stunning views the whole way, from Upper Yosemite Falls across the Valley, to the phenomenal granite heights of Liberty Cap, Grizzly Peak, the Panorama Cliffs, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point and even Half Dome soaring above our heads.

After we lunch at a picturesque point overlooking the falls, we’ll return to the Valley floor and set up camp among the towering ponderosa pines and oaks of the beautiful Upper Pines Campground in the heart of Yosemite Valley (or alternatively at a wonderful private campground on the shores of the Tuolumne River). After settling into camp, as your guide prepares a sumptuous meal, there is time to is sit around the campfire and soak up your surroundings.

Hiking Distance: 7.75 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 1200 feet

Today we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast before leaving our basecamp among the ponderosa pines for our next adventure. Ours hike today takes us into Yosemite’s biggest trees – the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. The trail begins on the south end of the grove and heads west along a maintained walkway passing phenomenal sites like the “Fallen Monarch” and the “Bachelor and Three Graces” within the first mile. Continuing another ¼ mile and a 300ft gain in elevation we will arrive at the Grizzly Giant. This is the tallest, at 209 feet, and the oldest tree in Yosemite National Park. Moving on, the trail climbs steadily as we hike past many other massive Sequoias, including the “Faithful couple” and the aptly named “Clothespin” tree.

We will continue our hike roughly two miles to the stunning Wawona Point, our destination for the day with dramatic views of Wawona Valley, Wawona dome and the South Fork of the Merced River far below. Your guide will prepare a tasty trail lunch as we spend some time taking in the view. After lunch we will return to our starting point and get back to camp for a couple hours of relaxation and then another delicious outdoor dinner prepared by your guide.

Shuttle: 45 minutes

Today we embark on a ½ day whitewater rafting adventure along the wild and scenic Merced River with the veteran Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions! The Merced flows through Yosemite Valley, where it drains the snowpack melting far above in the high country (much of which is dramatically entering the Merced via Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls and other towering waterfalls). It is a cold, clear oasis flowing west out of Yosemite National Park through a series of deep, steep canyons. During the main season from March-June and depending on snowmelt this adventure includes Class 3 and 4 rapids and covers 11 miles. Wet suits, helmets and paddles are provided.

After our journey down the Merced, your guide will prepare a well-deserved lunch and we will head back into Yosemite Valley to visit some of the historic sites. We will visit the spectacular Awahnee Hotel, which opened in 1927. We’ll tour the Yosemite Cemetery, which holds the remains of the first person to organize a tour in Yosemite in 1855, Yosemite’s first Chief Ranger, and the first person to summit Half Dome in 1875.  If time allows, we’ll also visit the Yosemite Museum. 

After our historical tour, we will return to camp for a final evening campfire and outdoor dinner prepared by your guide.