Compare Best of Yosemite Tour by Wildland Trekking vs Arizona: Saguaro National Park & the Sonoran Desert by VBT
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 5 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 2,990 | $ 3,145 |
| Price Per Day | $ 598 | $ 524 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
10 meals: 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners |
| Description |
Come join us for an extraordinary week of hiking in Yosemite National Park! Each day we'll embark on exciting day hikes throughout the Park, and each evening we'll return to a comfortable lodge where we'll enjoy relaxing and charming restaurant meals and cozy rooms. We provide all the meals, lodging (pre-trip accommodations included as well), local transportation, and an expert guide so you can relax and soak up Yosemite! |
Desert meets artistic heritage on this unique Arizona cycling vacation. Spin through southern Arizona’s high desert landscape as you pedal the Arivaca Road toward Buenos Aires National Wildlife Rescue Park. There, discover the ciénega, an unusual desert oasis with spring-fed pools, graceful willows, and rich bird life. Experience the vibrant artists’ community of Tubac—and the remarkable golden light that has inspired generations of local artisans. Learn about the natural history of the region as you explore the remarkable Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum—discovering the plants, land animals, and aquatic species that call this region home. Cycle sections of “The Loop” in Tucson, rated as the #1 bike path in America. As you pedal through fields of towering succulents at Saguaro National Park, you’ll see why there’s no other place like this on Earth. |
Day 1
Shuttle: 45 minutes each way
Hiking Mileage: 5-6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2000 feet
Accommodations: Rush Creek Lodge
Your guide will pick you up at Rush Creek Lodge (pre-trip lodging is included) or at Half Dome Village in Yosemite National Park (if you opt out of the pre-trip lodging) and we'll make our way to the first day's hike at Happy Isles trailhead. Our day begins with a moderate hike to two of Yosemite’s crown jewels, Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, along the John Muir or the Mist Trails. While many of Yosemite's hikes are centered on a final destination, this route features stunning views the whole way, from Upper Yosemite Falls across the Valley, to the phenomenal granite heights of Liberty Cap, Grizzly Peak, the Panorama Cliffs, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point and even Half Dome soaring above our heads.
After we lunch at a picturesque point overlooking the falls, we’ll return to the Valley floor and explore more of the scenic wonders of this fantastic place. Then we return to our lodge where we'll get cleaned up and meet for a much-deserved dinner that evening.
Day 2
Shuttle: 1.5 hours each way
Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1800 feet
Accommodations: Rush Creek Lodge
Today we will arise early and drive up into Yosemite's high country. We'll head east along the Tioga Pass Road, stopping at Olmsted Point for a mesmerizing view of Yosemite's alpine mountains and Half Dome in the distance. We'll reach our morning trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows: a series of vast, alpine meadows with mountain streams snaking their way through the tall grass and plentiful wildflowers. Here, we’ll get an overview of the meadows from our hike to the summit of Lembert Dome. This hike involves some scrambling before topping out at the 9450 ft. summit with its amazing views of the Cathedral Range and the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River.
Afterwards we’ll head up to Tioga Pass, the highest highway crossing in California and the Sierra. Our after lunch hike will take us up the steep trail to the Gaylor Lakes Basin just below the rugged Sierra Crest. We’ll visit high alpine lakes and perhaps, the abandoned 1870’s Great Sierra Mine before returning to our lodge and resting up for dinner.
Day 3
Shuttle: 1.5 hours each way
Hiking Mileage: 5 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1600 feet
Accommodations: Rush Creek Lodge
Today is the highlight of the trip for many of our guests. We'll have a big breakfast before heading to Glacier Point - one of the world’s great view points - with most of Yosemite’s iconic features on display below your feet, including amazing views of Half Dome, Mount Watkins and Vernal and Nevada Falls. From here, after soaking up the incredible views, we head up to the Pohono Trail which offers some of the best panoramic vistas of the Park. The views of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, the Three Brothers and other iconic features of the west end Yosemite Valley change constantly as we amble along the trail 3000 ft. above the Valley floor. Taft Point is one of the most dramatic lookouts but we’ll have lunch at the high point of our hike, the 8122 ft. summit of Sentinel Dome. This is the site of one of Ansel Adams most recognized photographs and the views extend from the northern edge of the park to the highest peak in the park: Mount Lyell at over 13,000 ft.
Day 4
Shuttle: 1.75 hours each way
Hiking Mileage: 5-6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1200 feet
Accommodations: Rush Creek Lodge
Today’s hike takes us into Yosemite's biggest trees and the largest and most impressive trees on earth - the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. We'll hike the lower and upper loops, which provide for a wonderful day of hiking. We'll visit the 2700 year old Grizzly Giant, the 25th largest tree on earth, as well as many other of these giants. The Park Service has recently completed a restoration of the Grove and removed much of the man-made infrastructure-returning much of the natural peace and quiet to this special place. From the high point of our hike at Wawona Point, we’ll have an unparalleled view of the historic Wawona Valley, one of the earliest settled areas in Yosemite.
Day 5
Shuttle: 1 hour each way
Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2000 feet
Shuttle: 2 hours
On our final day, we'll pack up and enjoy a hearty breakfast before leaving Rush Creek Lodge. We'll turn east and enjoy one last, special treat: a summit attempt on Mount Hoffmann, a peak at the geographical center of Yosemite National Park! Our hike takes us uphill to May Lake, a charming sub-alpine lake framed by sheer granite cliffs. We'll take a break at the lake before continuing up the flanks of Mount Hoffman. This summit involves only hiking, but is an exciting ascent up a picturesque mountain peak.
The highlight of today comes when we reach the summit, which some people say offers the best view of any in Yosemite! From its high perch we will be looking down on Half Dome and Clouds Rest - a rare vantage point - and over to the bright granite peaks of the Cathedral Range. We'll snap some pictures and soak up the views before heading back down to May Lake and back to the trailhead. After our hike and a final lunch we'll contemplate the unforgettable week we've just experienced, and most likely start hatching new plans for future trips to special places like Yosemite!
DAY 1: Arrive in Tubac / VBT Bicycling Vacation begins / Warm-up ride / Welcome reception and dinner
Make your own arrangements for travel to Arizona and to our first hotel. VBT offers a shuttle that departs from Tucson International Airport at 1:30 p.m. The shuttle works on a “show and go” basis. Reservations are not required. Your Top Shelf Transportation driver will meet you at the bottom of the escalator leading to the baggage claim carousels. The driver will be holding a VBT sign next to the seating area by baggage claim 2. The travel time to Tubac Golf Resort & Spa is approximately one hour.
If you are scheduled to arrive at the airport after the shuttle’s departure or if you are delayed, you must take a taxi at your own expense. For guests driving to the tour, we recommend that you park your vehicle at the Tucson International Airport and take the shuttle, as our tour ends in Tucson. Parking at the airport costs approximately $10 a day in the garage, or $4.50-$6 a day in the economy lot offsite. Or you can park at Hacienda del Sol for the week at no charge (please notify the hotel’s valet), and taxi to the Tucson International Airport to catch our shuttle to Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. Please contact the first hotel if any travel delays or changes occur; they will inform your VBT trip leaders. Please note: check-in time is 4:00 p.m.
Upon arrival at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, take time to change into your biking clothes if you have not already done so. At 2:30 p.m., meet your group and your VBT trip leaders for the first day of your Arizona bike tour. After a safety and bike-fitting session, enjoy by a short warm-up ride. At 6:30 p.m., meet your fellow travelers during a tour orientation and welcome reception. Enjoy your welcome dinner at the resort. Get to know your traveling companions as you anticipate your vacation, highly rated among Arizona bike tours.
Today’s Ride Choices
Afternoon: Warm-up — 9 miles
What to Expect:
Get acquainted with your bicycle during a leisurely warm-up ride from Tubac. The ride is on paved roads.
Cumulative Distance Range: 9 miles
Included Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Discover Tubac / Visit Tumacácori National Historical Park
After breakfast, a scenic cycling route delivers you to the town of Tubac, crossing the Santa Cruz River for a leisurely ride in the beautiful countryside. On your way back, you may stop to visit the family-owned and -operated Santa Cruz Chili & Spice Company. Next, discover Tumacácori National Historical Park, a mission dating to the 17th century. Enjoy a self-guided visit of the mission, museum, orchard, garden, and walking trails.
After lunch on your own in Tubac, the afternoon is free for you to explore. There’ll be time to experience Tubac, a colorful artists’ colony where talented sculptors, painters, potters, artisans, and jewelers perfect their craft, drawing inspiration from the magnificent desert landscapes.
Relax at the resort. If you desire a tee time or spa appointment during your stay, we recommend that you contact the resort prior to traveling.
Settle into your private hacienda and enjoy the rest of the evening. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Today’s Ride Choices
Morning: Tubac to Tumacácori — 20 miles
Afternoon: Tumacácori to Tubac — 3 miles | Tubac to Resort — 1 mile OR Anza Trail Hike to Tumacácori to Tubac Resort — 5.2 miles
What to Expect:
This morning, bike from the resort past Tubac and across the Santa Cruz River to the southern Arizona countryside. Visit Santa Crus Chile Factory and Tumacácori National Historical Park. Here, enjoy a self-guided visit of the mission grounds and explore the museum and bookshop.
After your visit of Tumacácori, cycle back to the center of Tubac to discover the town and explore the galleries or return to the resort. Another option is to hike back on the Anza Trail with one of your trip leaders.
Cumulative Distance Range: 4 – 24 miles
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Shuttle to Arivaca / Cycle Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge to Amado / Shuttle to Tucson
Today, shuttle from Tubac to South Ruby Road near Arivaca Lake for a ride experience in the southern Arizona Sonoran high desert. Pause at Arivaca’s Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge and wander the trails through semi-desert grasslands, cottonwoods, and willow-lined riverbanks before you begin your ride. The ride offers some of the best and most varied desert scenery in the southern part of Arizona. You can imagine being a settler trying to tame this rugged land when cycling here. Enjoy lunch at a local landmark. From there, board a shuttle to your Tucson hotel, a warm and authentic hacienda. Gather at the Terraza for al fresco dining, gazing out at the Santa Catalina mountains, and perhaps live music entertainment.
Today’s Ride Choices
Morning: Arivaca to Amado — 28 miles OR Arivaca and Creek Trailhead to Amado PLUS — 42 miles
What to Expect:
Start this morning with a 55-minute shuttle from Tubac Resort to Arivaca Lake area. From here, cycle to Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge in Arivaca. Take a stroll on the trails. A longer ride option takes you to the Arivaca Creek trailhead for an optional walk to the refuge. Continue cycling on paved roads, descending to Amado with some rolling hills and open range. The ride on Arivaca Road is ranked one of Arizona’s favorite road bike rides. This narrow, windy, curvy road offers views of desert cactus, ranches, and mountains off in the distance. Border patrol and local ranchers will constitute the majority of the traffic. At the end of your ride, enjoy a hearty lunch, including homemade desserts, at a local restaurant, before shuttling (one hour) to Tucson to your hotel. Settle in and regroup for dinner on the terrace.
Cumulative Distance Range: 28 – 42 miles
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: Shuttle to Saguaro National Park West / Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
This morning, shuttle from Hacienda del Sol to Saguaro National Park West, home to the remarkable Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. This unusual museum boasts more than 300 animal species and 1,200 varieties of plants in a beautiful natural setting. There’ll be ample time to observe wild animals and desert plants, attend lectures, visit an art show, and take a self-guided tour along the two miles of walking trails. Enjoy lunch on your own in either of the museum’s two restaurants. After your explorations, you can start pedaling directly from the museum past the saguaro, the distinctive giant cacti that grow here and nowhere else on Earth. It is pure pleasure to cycle this classic Arizona landscape that has come to epitomize the Southwest. Take in spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Your ride continues to the stunning Gates Pass in the dramatic Tucson Mountains. Then, an exhilarating descent returns you to Tucson and onto “The Loop,” a shared-use path rated the #1 bike path in America. The breathtaking Tucson Loop winds through vibrant Tucson back to your hotel. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Today’s Ride Choices
Afternoon: Sonora Desert Museum to Hacienda del Sol — 35 miles
What to Expect:
Shuttle (45 minutes) this morning to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum for a morning of exploration and lunch on your own. After lunch, start your ride from the museum in the Saguaro National Park West, with its endless views of large saguaro cacti. Ride a challenging climb on Gates Pass Road (at 6.6 miles), a winding, hilly ride. This climb follows a road with no shoulder and blind corners for 2.4 miles so it is only for more comfortable riders. An optional shuttle in the VBT van will be available for those who prefer to shuttle up the pass from mileage 6.6. Descend into Tucson to join The Loop, a multi-use path along Tucson riverbeds. You will ride 15 miles on The Loop along the Santa Cruz and the Rillito Rivers, with views of the other three mountain ranges surrounding the city – the Santa Catalina Mountains to the northeast, the Rincon Mountains to the east, and the Santa Rita Mountains to the south.
Please note: The rules in Saguaro National Park are strictly enforced. You must wear a helmet at all times when cycling in the park, and you must obey the speed limit and any traffic signs. Park rangers will issue tickets to offenders, including those speeding on downhill slopes.
Cumulative Distance Range: 35 miles
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Saguaro National Park East / Farewell dinner
For the final ride of your Arizona bike tour, cycle from the hotel. Today’s ride is a scenic route first on The Loop for 15 miles along the Rillito River and Pantano Wash and then along the Old Spanish Trail into Saguaro National Park East. Once in the park, follow the one-way Loop Drive for a thrilling cycle through the park. Your morning ride ends at the Javelina picnic area for a picnic lunch in a spectacular setting, gazing upon a desert terrain dotted with stunning saguaro cacti. Saguaro National Park, spread over 92,000 acres on the edge of the modern city of Tucson, protects some of the most impressive forests of these giant subtropical plants.
After lunch, continue cycling through the park to Broadway Bicycles. Be sure to leave time to stop and purchase an Arizona cycling jersey! Then hop a ride to Hacienda del Sol.
Tonight, celebrate with the group during a farewell dinner at Hacienda del Sol’s renowned restaurant, The Grill.
Today’s Ride Choices
Morning: Hacienda del Sol to Saguaro National Park East — 26 miles | Saguaro National Park East loop — 8 miles
Afternoon: Saguaro National Park East to Broadway Bicycles — 8 miles
What to Expect:
This morning cycle from Hacienda del Sol to The Loop for 10 miles through in Tucson. Continue on the Old Spanish Trail toward Saguaro National Park East. In the park, follow the one-way Loop Drive. Eager cyclists sometimes ride the eight-mile in-park loop a second time before lunch. Stop for a picnic lunch prepared by your trip leaders. After, you may ride or shuttle to Broadway Bicycles. Visit the bicycle shop, a great place to purchase cycling gear. Everyone will shuttle from here to the hotel.
Please note: The rules in Saguaro National Park are strictly enforced. You must wear a helmet at all times when cycling in the park, and you must obey the speed limit and any traffic signs. Park rangers will issue tickets to offenders. BEWARE of the first downhill after the ranger tollbooth on the left.
Cumulative Distance Range: 8 – 42 miles
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: VBT Bicycling Vacation ends / Departure
Your Arizona bike tour concludes after an included breakfast at your hotel. VBT’s complimentary shuttle is available to take departing guests to the Tucson International Airport at 9:00 a.m., arriving approximately 40 minutes later. If you are flying out of Tucson, we suggest a flight no earlier than 12:00 p.m. Guests who need to get to the airport earlier or later must make their own arrangements.
Included Meals: Breakfast
