Yosemite Adventure

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 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.Rush Creek Lodge (All meals)Mariposa Grove Hiking Distance: 8 kilometres (5 miles), 2.5 hours, rolling hills

After breakfast, shuttle to Lembert Dome for a short but challenging trek. Once you've reached the top of the dome, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of Tuolumne Meadows, the Cathedral Range, and surrounding peaks. We'll then head to Tenaya Lake, referred to as the “Jewel of the High Country”, where we’ll spend an afternoon relaxing lakeside. Bring a swimsuit to take a swim or just enjoy some time exploring the lakeshore or sitting in the sun. As the afternoon sun fades, we'll transfer back to Rush Creek with a stop by Olmstead Point.Rush Creek Lodge (All meals)Lembert Dome Hiking Distance: 3.5 kilometres (2.2 miles)Elevation Gain: 274 metres (900 feet)Elevation Loss: 274 metres (900 feet)

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.Tenaya Lodge (Breakfast, lunch)Mist Trail to Nevada Falls Hiking Distance: 11.2 kilometres (7 miles)Elevation Gain: 580 metres (1900 feet)