Are you ready for an escape from the clamor of the city? On this four-day, curated adventure, you'll travel into the vast natural grandeur that takes you deep into the Sierra Nevadas. Revel in the dramatic, glacier-formed cliffs, enjoy the soft, wildflower-speckled meadows, wonder at the towering sequoias, and take in the clear sparkling water of Lake Tahoe, in this dynamic tour along the mountain range that inspired John Muir's most powerful conservation efforts.
You'll get a taste of California's rich agricultural hub as we pass through a slice of the Central Valley and connect with the rich history of California's gold country, passing through some of the first settlements built during the Gold Rush.
During this comprehensive four-day Yosemite and Tahoe Sierras Tour, you'll have opportunities to hike through Giant Sequoias, admire the picturesque lakes of the Eastern Sierras, and brave a dip in in the startlingly clear Lake Tahoe waters.
Day 1: San Francisco - Yosemite National Park
After departing San Francisco, you'll head through California's famous Gold Rush Country, high into the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Once we reach the drop-off location, you'll have 4 hours of free time to explore this natural playground. 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 options to meander or bike down paved paths, hike the trails, engage further with the park's history at the visitor center, or visit the Ansel Adams Gallery. Just a few hours in the park will show you why the iconic landscapes have been the inspiration for countless artists and photographers dating back to John Muir's first expeditions in the late 1800s.
After a full day of traipsing around the park, we'll head to the rustic mountain resort to kick back, have some drinks and share the stories of your day.
Day 2: Yosemite National Park - Mammoth Lakes Via Tioga Pass
Did you catch the scent of a trail you didn't have time for? This morning you'll have plenty of time to follow your inspiration. Next, we'll set off for Yosemite High Country with views like no other.
Prepare to dine among giants as we arrive at a grove of Sequoia trees. You'll take in the meditative views as next to trees that measure up to 300 feet tall, 30 feet wide, and older than one thousand years.
In the afternoon, you'll 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.
You'll have some time to explore beautiful Mammoth Lakes, California before hitting the hay. With a hint at its prehistoric past, the name is quite fitting… the size of the mountains, the number of lakes, and the expanse of the 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 and find out why this is one of the most studied regions in the world.
Day 3: Mammoth Lakes - Lake Tahoe Via Ansel Adams Wilderness Area and Bodie, CA
The third day begins with a hike within the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Named in honor of the famed nature photographer and conservationist, this area is a truly beautiful a preserved treasure, housing both unusual and beautiful natural sites. Enjoy the beauty of this region with its the many crystal clear lakes and dramatic peaks of the Eastern Sierras. Optionally and if time permits, visit Devil's Postpile National Monument, named for the rare dark basalt columns, was formed less than 10,000 years ago when a mass of lava pooled and cooled into stacks.
After a quick lunch, we’ll set our course for the world-famous glittering waters of Lake Tahoe. We'll follow a historic route that runs into a bit of California's Gold Rush history, where we'll make a stop to check out the remote landmark known as Bodie Ghost Town which was been abandoned since the early 1900s.
We'll arrive in South Lake Tahoe in time to end your adventure-filled day sailing into the sunset on Emerald Bay or you can try your luck at blackjack, or the roulette wheel at The Hard Rock, Harrah's or one of other famous casinos in town.
Day 4: Lake Tahoe - San Francisco
As you take in the crisp morning air, your guide will facilitate a personalized adventure schedule! Get up close and personal with Lake Tahoe, the highest alpine lake in the USA either by kayak, stand-up paddleboard. Rent a bike to trundle the paths along the lake's gorgeous sandy shores. If you would prefer more of a bird's eye view with panoramic vistas of Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley and the Desolation Wilderness, take the 2.4 mile gondola ride up to Heavenly Mountain resort where you can hike, go tubing, or explore the zipline or ropes course. Having trouble deciding? You always have the option to keep it simple and go on a short hike with the expert direction of your guide.
We'll wave goodbye to this natural playground as leave Lake Tahoe behind. On our way back to the city by the bay, we'll pass through the state's capital city, Sacramento, following the historic Pony Express Trail through El Dorado National Forest. We'll deliver you back to San Francisco in time for dinner.
* Please note that due to rapidly-changing conditions beyond our control (weather, crowds, traffic) and the small size of our vehicles/groups, we allow our guides the flexibility to tailor your itinerary to best suit the needs of the group. While we guarantee that we'll do our best to provide you with all of the highlights within this Yosemite and Tahoe Sierras Tour itinerary (conditions permitting), we do not guarantee them in this specific order.
* Weather permitting. Some activities are not accessible in extreme weather or due to road closures. Every attempt will be made to find comparable activities if these options are not available during your trip. This tour runs weekly, May-September.