Hiking in Yosemite National Park

Today you're heading out toward Yosemite National Park. Once you arrive, you'll start with a short downhill hike through Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, walking right through a tunnel that's carved into one of these massive trees. From there, it's on to your rustic mountain lodge in the park where you'll spend the night.

This is the Mist Trail day, Yosemite's signature hike. Starting from the east side of Yosemite Valley, you'll cross footbridges and climb granite stairways plus rocky switchbacks to reach Vernal and Nevada Falls up close. Bring rain gear because you'll get sprayed. The whole hike offers panoramic views of Half Dome and the Merced River. Dinner tonight is either at the lodge or at a restaurant in town.

After breakfast, head along Glacier Point Road to Sentinel Dome. The hike takes you through red fir forest up to the summit, which has beautiful views over the valley and high country. Next you'll continue to Taft Point and the Fissures for views of El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks. A loop back through mixed conifer forest gets you to the trailhead. Your evening is open to explore the park however you like.

The morning is yours to use however you want in Yosemite. Head to Yosemite Valley for a solo hike, or check out a local museum to learn more about the region's history. In the afternoon, you'll join a walk led by Yosemite Conservancy starting from the historic Ahwahnee Hotel. You'll walk through the valley meadows and past an old pioneer village while hearing Native American stories and learning about the Conservancy's work. Dinner with your group wraps up the day.

You're heading back west to San Francisco today, saying goodbye to Yosemite. Along the way, you'll stop at a local restaurant for a final lunch with the group. Before arriving in San Francisco this afternoon, you'll walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. If you want to extend your trip, contact your booking agent before you leave.