Yosemite Sierra Hiking

Explore three of the Nation's finest national wonders, Yosemite, King's Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, located along the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Encompassing 14,000-foot peaks, alpine lakes, and stands of giant sequoia trees, these parks provide a stunning landscape where mountains extend into a seemingly endless sky.

This trip has been created with plenty of flexibility to accommodate a wide range of individual interests and abilities. We have chosen non-technical day hikes for the reasonably athletic, and that best reflect the variety and scenic beauty that make up these extraordinary parklands. So join us for a week of active days and luxurious nights that is sure to quench your appetite for adventure and relaxation.

Inn Highlights: Beautifully crafted of cedar and stone and located within Sequoia National Park, Wuksachi Lodge is perched on a rocky outcropping some 7,200 feet above sea level with panoramic views of the high Sierra. The Appletree Inn is a quaint cottage style resort situated on 11 wooded acres. Situated on the banks of the Merced River and at the doorstep to the national park, Yosemite View Lodge provides all the comforts of home.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1. Hike Redwood Mountain Grove loop in Kings Canyon National Park, Wuksachi Lodge (private bath)
The group assembles at 8:00 a.m. in Fresno. After a shuttle to Kings Canyon National Park, we will break in our hiking boots exploring the majesty and solitude of Redwood Mountain Grove. We are treated with superb views into the depths of Redwood Canyon and the spectacular alpine peaks of the Great Western Divide.
Tonight we enjoy the backcountry ambiance of the Wuksachi Lodge, in the heart of adjacent Sequoia National Park.

• Redwood Mountain Grove loop hike [up to 6.25 miles; 650 feet of elevation gain/loss]

Day 2. Hike to Mist Falls in Kings Canyon National Park, Wuksachi Lodge
After a hearty breakfast and a scenic shuttle through towering Sequoias and beneath granite walls, we hike through the glaciated canyon of the South Fork of the Kings River. We will pass old-growth forests and cascading rapids, until we reach Mist Falls, with its incredible display of water and mist falling down the canyon's face.
After our hike, we shuttle back into Sequoia National Park and Wuksachi Lodge, our peaceful hideaway for the evening. Here you're free to just relax or explore the wonderful forest of white fir, incense cedar, sugar pine, and of course, giant sequoias.

Day 3. Hike to Giant Forest and Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park, Apple Tree Inn (private bath)
For a real taste of solitude, we will hike deep into the backcountry of Sequoia National Park. From Giant Forest we meander through one of the most majestic stands of Sequoias in the world. The General Sherman Tree, the world's largest living thing, towers above our path. Witness beautiful Crescent Meadow where brilliant wildflowers adorn its lush grounds. John Muir is said to have called this lovely, grassy open area the “gem of the Sierra.” Next we connect with the High Sierra Trail, with incredible and breathtaking views that make this a favorite of the Sierra's backcountry enthusiasts.

After an exhilarating climb up Moro Rock, complete with steps and railings in places, we spend the remainder of the afternoon shuttling to the Apple Tree Inn, located just two miles south of Yosemite National Park.
• Hike from Giant Forest to High Sierra Trail and to Moro Rock [up to 6 miles, 500 feet of elevation gain/loss]

• Moro Rock Option [600' climb, then descent]
• Shuttle to Appletree Inn south of Yosemite [3-1/2 hours]

Day 4. Hike to Taft Point in Yosemite National Park, Apple Tree Inn
In 1864, President Lincoln declared Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove to be public parks in order to protect this region. By 1890 John Muir's campaign to further protect the region was successful when it was declared a national park. We start today off with a stroll through McGurk Meadows and the adjoining ponderosa pine-filled forests. This delightful hike leads us to Taft Point, which offers spectacular views. Be sure to bring your camera because you will definitely want to capture today's hike on film.

• Mcgurk Meadow to Taft Point [up to 8.5 miles, 700 feet of elevation gain]
• Moderate option: Continue to Sentinel Dome

Day 5. Hike Panorama Trail in Yosemite National Park, Yosemite View Lodge
You couldn't ask for a better way to see the majestic splendor that Yosemite has to offer than by hiking the challenging Panorama trail. Cascading waterfalls, granite monoliths and breathtaking views to the valley floor abound on this trail. With magnificent, yet different views around every corner, your eyes will be overwhelmed by all the visual stimuli!

• Panorama Trail [10 miles, 2700 feet elevation change]
• Moderate Option [Yosemite Falls Trail]
• Easy Option [Mirror Lake Trail 4.5 miles]

Day 6. Free Day, Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, Fresno
We will travel into Yosemite Valley on one of California's most beautiful and scenic byways. We have a number of options today--hike the many trails that dot the valley floor, horseback ride to Mirror Lake, stand dwarfed below the majestic valley walls, or shop at the valley's numerous gift shops. Our trip concludes at approximately 5:30 p.m. in Fresno.

• Hiking [distances up to the individual]

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Beautifully crafted of cedar and stone and located within Sequoia National Park, Wuksachi Lodge is perched on a rocky outcropping some 7,200 feet above sea level with panoramic views of the high Sierra. The Appletree Inn is a quaint cottage style resort situated on 11 wooded acres. Situated on the banks of the Merced River and at the doorstep to the national park, Yosemite View Lodge provides all the comforts of home.

Day 1 and 2: Wuksachi Lodge
Day 3 and 4: Apple Tree Inn
Day 5: Yosemite View Lodge