SHORTLIST

Hiking in Yosemite National Park

Follow your feet on this six-day hiking trip that shows off the very best of Yosemite National Park. Giant sequoia trees, beautiful views from the top of Sentinel Dome and thunderous waterfalls of the appropriately named Mist Trail – this adventure covers a lot of ground in a short time. Best of all, you get to experience Yosemite with a bit of comfort, thanks to transportation to and from the trailheads and accommodation close to the park’s entrance. As you hike, learn about the area’s Native American heritage and pioneer past, and about the important work being done to preserve and protect the region.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1 in San Francisco. Please see Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.

2. You are expected to arrive back into San Francisco around 3pm and dropped off at the same location as the joining point on the final day. There is no accommodation included on the last day in San Francisco, however we can request any additional nights should you need them.

3. A single supplement is available for this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

4. Come prepared with sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, a daypack and water bottle/hydration system, sunscreen, and a rain jacket, as weather and temperatures can change dramatically with elevation. If you are not an experienced hiker we recommend you build your hiking fitness by walking or hiking regularly for at least 4-6 weeks before your trip, gradually increasing distance and elevation gain.

5. We are not able to book airport shuttle service for North America trips. North America has convenient taxi and rideshare options from all airports, as well as public transport systems in major hub cities. Please check the joining and finishing point instructions listed in the Essential Trip Information.

Tour details
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Price From
$3,716
Number of Days
6
Start Location
San Francisco, United States Of America
End Location
San Francisco, United States Of America
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
1 to 12
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
Adventure
Physical Rating
Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Day 1: San Francisco
Welcome to California! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in San Francisco – known as the city by the bay, boasting a beautiful setting and multicultural heart. If you arrive early, maybe check out the vintage stores along funky Haight Street, catch the tram down to the waterfront or take an adventure cruise on the bay past Alcatraz Island. After your meeting, maybe find a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers over dinner.
Day 2: Yosemite National Park
This morning, hit the road headed for Yosemite National Park. When you arrive, set off on your first hike of the trip – a short downhill hike through the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. The grove is home to a couple dozen mature giant sequoia trees, including one that’s been carved into a tunnel that you can walk right through. After your hike, head to your accommodation – a rustic mountain lodge in the heart of the National Park.
Day 3: Yosemite National Park
The Mist Trail is Yosemite's signature hike and today you get to experience it for yourself. Starting from the east of Yosemite Valley you’ll cross the Vernal Fall Footbridge, make your way up granite stairways and zig-zag up rocky switchbacks. The trail gets you right up close to Vernal and Nevada Falls, so be sure to pack your rain gear as you’ll get sprayed! As you hike, take in the panoramic views across the valley toward the iconic Half Dome and rock formation and along the Merced River. Tonight, maybe rest up back at the lodge or find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Day 4: Yosemite National Park
After breakfast, set off along Glacier Point Road to Sentinel Dome. Hike through red fir forest to the top of the dome and take in the beautiful views over the valley and high country from the summit. Then, continue along the southern rim of Yosemite Valley to Taft Point and the Fissures. Here, there are some amazing views of El Capitan and the Cathedral Rocks. Spend some time looking for local black bears before heading back through the mixed conifer forest, where you’ll finish today’s hike. The rest of the night is free for you to explore the park at your own pace.
Day 5: Yosemite National Park
This morning is free for you to explore Yosemite National Park at your own pace. Maybe head to Yosemite Valley for a solo hiking adventure or wander through a local museum and learn about the region’s history. This afternoon, set off on a walk from Yosemite Conservancy. As you walk from the historic Ahwahnee Hotel through the meadows of Yosemite Valley and past the ruins of an old pioneer village, you’ll hear Native American stories and learn about the important work the group ds for the Native American community and preserving their culture within the park. After your hike, travel back to Yosemite and maybe head for dinner with your group – a great way to celebrate a trip well-travelled.
Day 6: Yosemite National Park to San Francisco
Say goodbye to Yosemite, as you head west to San Francisco. Stop in at a local restaurant along the way for a final lunch with your group, before walking over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Your adventure then finishes when you arrive in San Francisco this afternoon. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Inclusions
  • Meals: 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch.
  • Transport: Private vehicle.
  • Accommodation: Hotel (1 night), Lodge (4 nights).
  • Tuolumne Grove hike.
  • Mist Trail signature hike.
  • Taft Point Trail to Sentinel Dome hike.
  • The Ahwahnee historic lodge visit.
  • Yosemite Valley Conservancy exclusive walk.
  • San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge walk.
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
27 Sep 2025 02 Oct 2025 7 $3,716
11 Oct 2025 16 Oct 2025 4 $4,118
02 May 2026 07 May 2026 12 $5,165
09 May 2026 14 May 2026 12 $4,985
23 May 2026 28 May 2026 9 $4,985
13 Jun 2026 18 Jun 2026 12 $5,175
11 Jul 2026 16 Jul 2026 12 $5,165
18 Jul 2026 23 Jul 2026 12 $5,165
01 Aug 2026 06 Aug 2026 12 $5,165
08 Aug 2026 13 Aug 2026 12 $5,165
15 Aug 2026 20 Aug 2026 12 $5,165
05 Sep 2026 10 Sep 2026 12 $5,175
12 Sep 2026 17 Sep 2026 12 $5,175
26 Sep 2026 01 Oct 2026 12 $4,985
10 Oct 2026 15 Oct 2026 12 $5,165
17 Oct 2026 22 Oct 2026 12 $5,165
01 May 2027 06 May 2027 12 $4,695
08 May 2027 13 May 2027 12 $4,695
22 May 2027 27 May 2027 12 $4,695
05 Jun 2027 10 Jun 2027 12 $4,695
12 Jun 2027 17 Jun 2027 12 $4,695
26 Jun 2027 01 Jul 2027 12 $4,695
10 Jul 2027 15 Jul 2027 12 $4,695
17 Jul 2027 22 Jul 2027 12 $4,695
31 Jul 2027 05 Aug 2027 12 $4,695
07 Aug 2027 12 Aug 2027 12 $4,695
14 Aug 2027 19 Aug 2027 12 $4,695
04 Sep 2027 09 Sep 2027 12 $4,695
11 Sep 2027 16 Sep 2027 12 $4,695
18 Sep 2027 23 Sep 2027 12 $4,695
25 Sep 2027 30 Sep 2027 12 $4,695
02 Oct 2027 07 Oct 2027 12 $4,695
09 Oct 2027 14 Oct 2027 12 $4,695
16 Oct 2027 21 Oct 2027 12 $4,695