5-Nights California Yosemite Hiking Adventure Lodge Based from $3,579

MT Sobek: California Yosemite High Country Hiking

Day 1 Journey to Mono Lake & Hike the South Tufa Reserve
2.5-hour private van transfer
1.5 miles/1 hours hiking with 100' elevation gain
Meet your guide and fellow travelers in Reno, Nevada, this morning. Drive along the east side of the Sierra Nevada into the high desert and magical Mono Lake, stopping for a picnic lunch at the Mono Lake Visitor Center. This afternoon, hike through the world-famous South Tufa Grove, wandering among otherworldly tufa towers and learning about Mono Lake's unique million-year-old ecosystem. Arriving in Lee Vining late this afternoon, check into your hotel rooms before gathering for a home-cooked dinner and orientation.
Accommodation: Lake View Lodge
(L, D)

Day 2 Witness Cathedral Peak on a Hike to Budd Lake
1-hour private van transfer
9 miles/4-5 hours hiking with 1,900' elevation gain and loss
Drive over Tioga Pass (9,943'), the highest highway pass in California, to Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. Starting at 8,570 feet of elevation, set out to discover a hidden gem, following a primitive trail up through pine forest and blocky granite boulders along the crystal clear, bubbling waters of Budd Creek. Get glimpses of soaring Cathedral Peak and the chance to see age-old bristle-cone pine trees. Emerge into a high alpine meadow bursting with wildflowers to reach the shores of gently rippling Budd Lake (10,120'). The rugged peak of Cockscomb rises from the cirque on the lake's southeast side. Enjoy a well-earned meal on returning to your lodge.
Accommodation: Lake View Lodge
(B, L, D)

Day 3 Take a Loop Hike to Glittering Gaylor & Granite Lakes
2-hour private van transfer
5 miles/3 hours hiking with 1,200' elevation gain and loss
Leaving the eastern Sierra behind, journey to Yosemite West. En route, stop to explore a series of stunning mountain lakes. Begin your hike at just under 10,000 feet with a short and steep climb to a breathtaking view of nearby Mount Dana. Past the ascent, the trail becomes gradual and easy as you make your way to Middle Gaylor Lake and Upper Gaylor Lake. Along the trail, enjoy sweeping vistas across Moraine Flat to the rugged mountains beyond. Reaching the top of the pass (10,861'), you're rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the granite peaks along the Sierra Crest. The loop hike continues past Granite Lake, which sits below an impressive granite cirque. Continue to the group's private lodgings in Yosemite West.
Accommodation: Yosemite West Private Lodging
(B, L, D)

Day 4 Hike McGurk Meadow to Taft Point & Sentinel Dome
1-hour private van transfer
8-9 miles/4-5 hours hiking with 1,500' elevation gain and loss
Today, you'll set out for the McGurk Meadow Trailhead (7,000') to begin a hike with incredible views. Pass through dreamy wildflower meadows and pine forest, to the very edge of Yosemite Valley at Taft Point. On the rim, you'll get a good look at the giant fissures and vertical gashes in the granite mountain and enjoy stunning views across the valley to Yosemite Falls. From Taft Point, climb over granite slabs to the top of Sentinel Dome (8,100') for 360-degree views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, Merced River Canyon, Tenaya Canyon, and beyond to the high county. End the day with a delicious home-cooked meal and a comfy bed to rest up for tomorrow's adventure.
Accommodation: Yosemite West Private Lodging
(B, L, D)

Day 5 Hike the Panorama Trail to Nevada & Vernal Falls
1.5-hour private van transfer
10 miles/6 hours hiking with 700' elevation gain and 3,200' loss
After a hearty breakfast, drive to Glacier Point (7,200'). Hike the less-traveled Panorama Trail to gorgeous views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Arriving at the splendid 594-foot Nevada Falls, have a look down to the floor of the Yosemite Valley—a different perspective than yesterday's hike. Descend on the famous Mist Trail at the mossy edge of Nevada Falls and feel the spray of 317-foot Vernal Falls. When you reach the valley floor (4,000'), your van will be waiting to carry you back to your lodging at Yosemite West.

(B, L, D)

Day 6 Hike Among Giant Sequoias & Return to Reno
5.5-hour private van transfer
3 miles/2 hours hiking with 600' elevation gain and loss
After loading your luggage into the support van, set out for one of Yosemite's iconic sequoia groves—typically Tuolumne or Merced. Hike at 6,000 feet beneath towering giants that have stood for millennia, soaking in the quiet majesty of these ancient trees. Take a moment to enjoy the light filtering to the forest floor and the scent of pine and earth on this final walk in Yosemite. Afterward, enjoy a scenic picnic lunch along the sparkling shoreline of Tenaya Lake. In the afternoon, you'll journey onward to the Reno-Tahoe Airport for departure, carrying with you the indelible memories of giant forests, alpine lakes, and the soaring landscapes of Yosemite.

(B, L)