Nestled amidst California's majestic Sierra Nevada range lies Yosemite National Park, world famous for its awe-inspiring waterfalls, vast meadows, and breathtaking granite peaks. Immortalized through the lens of Ansel Adams, Yosemite Valley has captivated the hearts of countless adventurers over the years-including Mountain Travel's founders, who first explored in the 1960s. Immerse yourself in the sheer magnificence of this natural wonder as you embark on an extraordinary hiking adventure. Wander through Yosemite's grandest grove of giant sequoias, then venture deep into the heart of the park, where a tapestry of picturesque valleys and glacially sculpted rock formations await-including the iconic El Capitan and Half Dome. As the sun sets, find comfort at the luxury Ahwahnee Hotel and Rush Creek Lodge, perfectly located for this quintessential MT Sobek journey.
Nestled amidst California's majestic Sierra Nevada range lies Yosemite National Park, world famous for its awe-inspiring waterfalls, vast meadows, and breathtaking granite peaks. Immortalized through the lens of Ansel Adams, Yosemite Valley has captivated the hearts of countless adventurers over the years-including Mountain Travel's founders, who first explored in the 1960s. Immerse yourself in the sheer magnificence of this natural wonder as you embark on an extraordinary hiking adventure. Wander through Yosemite's grandest grove of giant sequoias, then venture deep into the heart of the park, where a tapestry of picturesque valleys and glacially sculpted rock formations await-including the iconic El Capitan and Half Dome. As the sun sets, find comfort at the luxury Ahwahnee Hotel and Rush Creek Lodge, perfectly located for this quintessential MT Sobek journey.
Welcome to Fresno, California. An MT Sobek representative will pick you up this morning from your pre-trip hotel. After an orientation meeting at a local park, transfer to Mariposa Grove for a stunning hike among a grove of more than 500 giant sequoias tree. Marvel at the most famous trees, including the 3,000-year-old Grizzly Giant. After a picnic lunch, continue to Yosemite Valley with a stop at Tunnel View. Settle into your home for the next 2 nights and meet for dinner.
Accommodation: The Ahwahnee Hotel
Activity: 1.5-2 hours/3 miles hiking with 50' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Explore Yosemite Valley
Day 2
Embark on a rewarding, mostly flat hike on the valley floor today, through lesser-traveled meadows, forests, and paths along the Merced River, past icons such as El Capitan, Sentinel Rock, Three Brothers, and Bridalveil Falls. Break for a trailside lunch along the way. There will be an opportunity to swim in the Merced River during an afternoon break. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: The Ahwahnee Hotel
Activity: 4-6 hours/8 miles hiking with 100' gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk Among Yosemite's Waterfalls & Giant Sequoias
Day 3
Check out early and climb 2,000 feet alongside Vernal Falls to admire the vista from the top of neighboring Nevada Falls. Return to Yosemite Valley in the early afternoon, then travel to your lodge, situated on the northern boundary of the park. En route, enjoy a late afternoon walk to gaze up at giant sequoias, among the oldest and largest living organisms on the planet! Check in to your room this evening and enjoy dinner at the lodge.
Accommodation: Rush Creek Lodge
Activity: 7-8 hours/5.4 miles hiking with 2,000' elevation gain/loss; 3 miles with 520' gain/loss
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Yosemite Valley's North Rim
Day 4
Spend the day in Yosemite's high country. Begin your hike at 8,800 feet and enjoy a gradual descent through ponderosa pines, meadows, and along granite bluffs to marvel at the park's only intact arch. After a trailside lunch, hike to the top of North Dome (7,543') on the North Rim of Yosemite Valley and delight in the eye-popping views of its most famous landmark, Half Dome, along with the valley floor 3,500 feet below. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Rush Creek Lodge
Activity: 4-6 hours / 9.5 miles hiking with 1,000' gain and loss
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Trails from Tuolumne Meadows
Day 5
Admire the beauty of Tuolumne Meadows (8,600'), one of the highest meadows in the Sierra Nevada range, on a day hike among its famous granite domes. Depending on conditions, the group will either follow an out-and-back trail to Cathedral Lakes (8 miles) or Mono Pass (7.4 miles). Both routes offer breathtaking mountain and meadow views, and are among the best hikes in the park. Return to your hillside lodge this evening.
Accommodation: Rush Creek Lodge
Activity: 6-7 hours/7-9 miles hiking with 800'-900' elevation gain
Transportation: Two 2.5-hour private van transfers
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Fresno & Depart
Day 6
Following breakfast at the hotel, take a 2.5-hour transfer to the airport and depart.
MT Sobek has been exploring US National Parks for more than 50 years, placing a strong emphasis on responsible travel practices that support local communities and protect the natural environment.
In six spectacular and well-paced days, you'll hike Yosemite's best trails and see the park's iconic sights - granite domes, plunging waterfalls, alpine meadows, and giant trees.
Hike with our top-notch local guides, who have expert knowledge of this remote and expansive mountain region. Plus, all logistics and hard-to-get premiere accommodations are covered, so you can focus on the adventure.
Accommodation The national park accommodations on this trip provide great access to the top activities in the area. However, they are simpler compared to what we usually consider comfortable lodging - the rooms being more basic. Some buildings date back to the early 1900s and have been minimally renovated to follow park regulations. Overall, the service might feel slower and meal quality and selection much more limited compared to other MT Sobek trips. Keep in mind that internet and cell phone service are very limited throughout the parks.
Dates & Prices
2025
Go Private
Go Custom
Inclusions
2025
Scheduled Dates
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Abigail D.
Abigail is a native of upstate New York, nestled at the foothills of the Adirondacks. Since her early days, she and her family have immersed themselves in the wonders of the Adirondacks, embarking on hiking, biking, skiing, and boating adventures. In recent years, her pursuits have shifted, balancing her time between guiding rafting trips through the Hudson River gorge in the summers, and rock climbing in the renowned Gunks during the school year. She has a degree in outdoor education and is currently pursuing her interest in art at SUNY New Paltz. Her heart craves adventure and the outdoors, and she loves to share her passion with others.
Luke E.
Luke hails from New York where he guided through the lush forests and rugged peaks of the Adirondak Mountains. He fell in love with outdoor adventure—the thrill of whitewater rafting, climbing, and hiking—while pursuing his degree in outdoor education. Since 2018 he’s been sharing that passion, guiding challenging hiking routes and rapid-filled rivers and looks forward to adventures together with you. Even when he’s not guiding, you’ll find him paddling, exploring the mountains, or building ice castles.
Alisa L.
Growing up in Montana and New Mexico instilled an early love of the outdoors in Alisa. Following her childhood dreams, she spent nine adventurous summers working in and exploring magnificent Glacier National Park. Her winters were dedicated to skiing in Big Sky, Montana, and in between she explored other outdoor adventures around the country. While rafting the Grand Canyon in 2016, she realized she wanted to become a guide and has since led river and hiking trips in 14 national parks. She lives the life she loves and loves the life she lives, as the saying goes!
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Embark on a rewarding, mostly flat hike on the valley floor today, through lesser-traveled meadows, forests, and paths along the Merced River, past icons such as El Capitan, Sentinel Rock, Three Brothers, and Bridalveil Falls. Break for a trailside lunch along the way. There will be an opportunity to swim in the Merced River during an afternoon break. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Check out early and climb 2,000 feet alongside Vernal Falls to admire the vista from the top of neighboring Nevada Falls. Return to Yosemite Valley in the early afternoon, then travel to your lodge, situated on the northern boundary of the park. En route, enjoy a late afternoon walk to gaze up at giant sequoias, among the oldest and largest living organisms on the planet! Check in to your room this evening and enjoy dinner at the lodge.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Moderate to difficult hiking on high-altitude mountain terrain between 4,000 and 9,000 feet for 5-7 hours per day. There is a mix of undulating terrain with some steep switchbacks and rocky sections. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
1.5-2 hours/3 miles hiking with 50' elevation gain and loss
Day 2
4-6 hours/8 miles hiking with 100' gain and loss
Day 3
7-8 hours/5.4 miles hiking with 2,000' elevation gain/loss; 3 miles with 520' gain/loss
Day 4
4-6 hours / 9.5 miles hiking with 1,000' gain and loss
Day 5
6-7 hours/7-9 miles hiking with 800'-900' elevation gain
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Comfortable three-star, lodge-style accommodation in a five-star alpine setting. Includes the historic Ahwahnee Hotel.
Rush Creek Lodge is a superbly designed property located at the West Entrance of Yosemite National Park. The decor is inspired by the breathtaking expanse of nature surrounding its 20-acre wooded hillside setting. All rooms have been thoughtfully designed and tastefully appointed with modern amenities like comfy beds, feather pillows, gourmet coffee brewers, games, and books. Relax after the day's adventures in the outdoor pool and hot tubs or cozy up around the fire pit for stargazing and s'mores.
The historic Ahwahnee Hotel (formerly known as the Majestic Yosemite Hotel) is located in the heart of the stunning Yosemite Valley. Constructed from steel, stone, concrete, wood and glass, the hotel was specifically designed to highlight its natural surroundings — featuring Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point. The Ahwahnee is a premier example of National Park architecture, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a National Historic Landmark. The accommodations are comfortably appointed while still providing an authentic National Park Lodge experience.
Weather
Expect sunny days in July, August, and September with temps in the 70s to 90s; morning and nighttime temps can drop into the 40s. Be prepared for rain showers.
Jul
Aug
Sep
Yosemite National Park
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Yosemite National Park
90
56
90
55
84
50
FAQs
How should I train for my Yosemite hiking trip?
The best training for hiking is hiking. Work up to hiking similar distances with your daypack loaded with the same weight you will be carrying each day during your trip.
Will we encounter any bears on this trip?
Black bears are the only bear here in Yosemite and they are quite docile. On most trips, you will never see a bear.
Can I drink the water from streams or lakes?
Purified water is available at the lodge. It is important that you do not drink unfiltered water from streams or lakes along the trail. You may need up to two liters each day.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.
Are there any group savings?
Yes, we offer two ways to enjoy group savings on many adventures in North America, including this one. Either bring a group of 10 and receive 10% off per person or opt for an eleventh person to go for free! Call our expert Trip Consultants on 800-974-0300 to discuss group savings options.
"Great experience every time with some of the most knowledgeable guides in their fields. We always come home with wonderful memories of the people we meet and things we see."
Bob J. MT Sobek Guest
"We have traveled throughout the world, but never experienced a level of service and attention to detail as we did with MT Sobek."
