Incredible Adventures – Yosemite Escape 3 Day Hotel Tour

DAY 1

In the morning of the first day, our guide will meet you downtown at the corner of Mason and O’Farrell Streets in front of the Hilton Hotel. Once out of San Francisco, we cross the Central Valley and through gold country on our way into the mountains. Before reaching Yosemite Valley, we hike down for a picnic* amongst the giant sequoias – the largest living things on Earth.

(*Meals are not included in the tour price. You will have an opportunity to get food en route to the park or stop at restaurants along the way. Depending upon group interest/logistics you may visit any of the three Sequoia groves)

The hike through the giant sequoias is pleasantly shaded and brings you right up close to these massive wooden monuments, some of which are over one thousand years old and measure up to 30 ft. wide & 300 ft. tall. Continuing into the park on a 1 1/2-hour guided tour, we descend into Yosemite Valley, the most famous and photographed part of Yosemite (thanks to the work of Ansel Adams).

While in the Yosemite Valley, your guide will give you an orientation to the park as well as an explanation of the itinerary and options for the next two days. After some free time in Yosemite Valley, you will head for the hotel to check in and get settled.

Day 2

Rising early, we head off in the van for a fun day full of hiking, sightseeing, and exploring. Usually the second day is reserved for exploring Yosemite’s High Country. A group hike to May Lake and Mount Hoffman is the highlight of this day (depending upon snowpack). May Lake is a picturesque example of a High Sierra lake. If you want more of a challenge, you can continue past May Lake to Mount Hoffman. Located at the geographic center of the park, Mount Hoffman is a non-technical hike that rewards you with a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain landscape. At the end of the day we head back to the hotel to unwind.

Day 3

Day three is a free day, where the itinerary is based on the interests of the group. Normally we head back into Yosemite Valley, where you can choose one of a number of great hikes, rent a bike, or relax in the shade by the emerald green Merced River. After a full day in the park, we head back to San Francisco, arriving around 9pm.

In May, June and early July, you have the option of joining a whitewater rafting trip on the Merced River (depending on snowpack). This Class III-IV adventure can be added to your Yosemite Escape adventure for an additional cost – check in when you make your reservation for availability.

Highlights:

3-day fully-guided trip with a fun, professional guide.
See El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Inspiration Point (aka Tunnel View), Giant Sequoias, High Country, and Yosemite Village
Hotel amenities include newly-renovated rooms, swimming pool, and hot tub!
Travel comfortably and responsibly in a petroleum-free biofueled mini-coach
 

Inclusions:

Pick-up and drop-off in SF
Narrated, professionally guided tour (all 3 days!)
2 nights in a comfortable Yosemite area hotel
Yosemite Park entrance fee
 

Tour Info:

Departs Fri,  late may through mid-october
Time: 8:15a pickup from Hilton Hotel in downtown SF (Corner of Mason/O’Farrell St)
Duration: 3 days​
 

Gear List:

Small overnight bag (that can fit under seat)
Camera & Charger
Sneakers or hiking boots
Hiking clothes (shorts & T-shirt)
Swimwear & Towel
Sun protection & bug spray
Water bottle
Warm layers (evenings can be cooler)
Raincoat/jacket (summer rain showers are brief)
 

Notes:

From June through September the weather in Yosemite is hot and sunny with occasional afternoon showers. In May and October, days are warm with cooler nights. As in all mountain environments, weather can be unpredictable, so bringing a layer of warm clothing is always a good idea.