Incredible Adventures – Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes, and Tahoe Sierras Tour HOTEL – 4 Days

DAY 1 – San Francisco to Yosemite National Park

Buckle up! After departing San Francisco, you’ll head through California’s famous Gold Rush Country, high into the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. It’s time to experience the majestic views from Yosemite Valley with some of America’s tallest waterfalls and towering granite cliffs rising 4,000 feet from the valley floor. You’ll have the opportunity to explore on foot, by bike, or possibly by raft or mule. Hiking trails abound, and this afternoon your guide will help you find the perfect trail to take in this glacially carved valley. Afterwards, relax on the bank of the Merced River and soak up the spectacular views before heading back to the rustic mountain resort to kick back, have some drinks and share the stories of your day. 

DAY 2 – Yosemite National Park to Mammoth Lakes, CA

The next morning, we’re off to explore more of what Yosemite has to offer. Your guide will set you up with an amazing morning hike or a chance to capture a few more iconic photos followed by lunch among the fabled Giant Sequoias. In the afternoon, you’ll hop back in the coach to ascend to almost 10,000 Feet (3000+ meters), traversing Yosemite’s Tioga Pass viewing iconic sites like the reflective Tenaya Lake and weaving your way through Tuolumne Meadows before descending the fiercely steep eastern slope of the Sierra Nevadas. Next up, an overnight stay in beautiful Mammoth Lakes, California. Hinting at its prehistoric past, the name is quite fitting: explore Mammoth’s huge mountains, numerous lakes, and expansive valleys. Try your hand at mountain biking or take a scenic Gondola ride up to 11,053 ft (3368 meters) and check out one of the most stunning 360 degree views in California. Explore the geologic, natural, and human history of Mammoth Lakes and find out why this is one of the most studied regions in the world. You’ll stay overnight in a quiet hotel in Mammoth Lakes.

DAY 3 – Mammoth Lakes to Lake Tahoe via Ansel Adams Wilderness Area

You’ll start your third day with the option to visit the Ansel Adams Wilderness area. This rugged place was named in honor of the famed nature photographer. Here you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Devil’s Postpile National Monument; this strange columnar basalt formation is a rare sight in the geologic world. With a name like that, you won’t be disappointed. You may also choose to take a short hike over to Rainbow Falls to snap a selfie! Next, you’re back on the road, this time headed to Lake Tahoe. Along the way, you’ll get off the pavement to experience a bit of Gold Rush history at the remote National Historic Landmark known as Bodie Ghost Town. End your adventure-filled day by trying your luck at blackjack, or the roulette wheel at The Hard Rock, Harrah’s or one of South Lake Tahoe’s other casinos. Gambling not your thing? We’ll set you up with a  sunset sail or a lake cruise to Emerald Bay. You’ll stay the night in a South Lake Tahoe Hotel.

DAY 4  – Lake Tahoe to San Francisco

This morning, you’ll get to choose your own adventure. Get up close and personal with the highest alpine lake in the USA either by kayak, stand-up paddleboard or bike. If you would prefer more of a bird’s eye view with panoramic vistas of Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley and the Desolation Wilderness, take a 2.4 mile gondola ride up, up, up to Heavenly Mountain resort where an array of adventure activities await you. Having trouble deciding? You always have the option to keep it simple and go on a short hike with the guidance of your professional tour leader.

This afternoon, you’ll leave Lake Tahoe behind and pass through the state’s capital city, Sacramento. You’ll follow the historic Pony Express Trail through El Dorado National Forest back to the City by the Bay, San Francisco, and we’ll drop off at our gateway hotel by 9 p.m.   

Highlights:

4 days exploring the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain Range with a professional guide
See Yosemite Valley, Giant Sequoias, and High Country
Visit Mammoth Lakes, Ansel Adams Wilderness, and Bodie Ghost Town
Activities at Lake Tahoe (and optional casino time)
Hiking in iconic California state and national parks

Inclusions:

Central San Francisco Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Narrated guided tour
Park entrance fees
Hotel accommodations
Transportation by biofueled mini-coach

Gear List:

Camera & charger
Sneakers or hiking boots (mountain hiking can be hard on unsupported ankles)
Comfortable hiking clothes (shorts & T-shirt)
Change of clothes for 4 days
Swimwear, sandals
Toiletries, towel
Bug repellent spray
Sun protection, hat
Water bottle
Flashlight or headlamp (optional)
Warm layers (evenings can be cooler)
Raincoat/jacket

Additional Gear in Early Spring/Late Fall:

Hiking boots or durable sneakers (preferably Gortex or waterproof)
Warm layers (long underwear & wool fleece suggested)
Waterproof jacket/pants for winter conditions
Gloves, wool socks and a hat (75% of your body heat is lost through your hands, head, and feet)