Compare Grand Canyon Of Tuolumne by Wildland Trekking vs Western USA National Parks Loop by Intrepid Travel

Day 1

This Yosemite trip begins with rendezvous in Yosemite Valley on the patio of Half Dome Village (formerly Curry Village) in front of the Yosemite Mountain Shop at 6PM on Day 1. The Mountain shop is located on the street-facing side of the Half Dome Village Pavilion (closest to the parking lot). You will easily spot your guide waiting for you in a Wildland Trekking hat. We'll conduct an orientation meeting, after which we'll get settled in the Backpackers Camp a stone's throw away from majestic Tenaya Creek and under the spectacular domes and cliffs of Yosemite Valley. We'll enjoy dinner either at Half Dome Village or in camp.

Day 2

Hiking Mileage: 5.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 200 feet

Elevation Loss: 800 feet

Our trek into one of Yosemite’s most beautiful corridors begins high among the serrated peaks and massive domes of the Sierra Nevada in world-famous Tuolumne Meadows. Here, our trail parallels the northern shore of the Tuolumne River as it makes its way through the largest sub-alpine meadow in the Sierra. Bountiful wildflowers enhance the already incredible views. Pothole Dome, Lembert Dome, Cathedral Peak, Fairview Dome and Unicorn Peak are just some of the iconic granite crags we pass as we hike approximately 5.6 miles to sublime Glen Aulin. At Glen Aulin, just below White Cascade and Tuolumne Falls, we camp at the backpacker’s camp, along the banks of beautiful Conness Creek, where we will enjoy a great meal, a roaring campfire and some good laughs as we settle in for a star-studded sierra night.

Day 3

Hiking Mileage: 8 miles

Elevation Gain: 500 feet

Elevation Loss: 3000 feet

An early start is essential today as our hike takes us to one incredible scenic wonder after the next. First we follow the wide and meandering Tuolumne River as it traverses mile long Glen Aulin which, appropriately means "beautiful valley" in Irish Gaelic. Beyond, we come to California Falls, the first of a series of three spectacular waterfalls that our route passes today. Next, as our route steepens and the granite walls rise above us, spectacular La Conte Falls appears, and then we reach the famous Waterwheel, often called one of Yosemite’s most unusual waterfalls. After a tasty lunch along the granite slabs below the falls, we will continue our trek below canyon walls rising higher and higher above us. Our goal is to hike about eight miles to a campsite above the ominous Muir Gorge where we will build camp for the night far from...just about anything else!

Day 4

Hiking Mileage: 8.3 miles

Elevation Gain: 600 feet

Elevation Loss: 1500 feet

We begin our hike today by traversing high above the Muir Gorge. John Muir, along with Galen Clark, first ascended this narrow and dangerous gorge in the late 1800’s. Muir describes the river‘s passage through the canyon as a "savage, roaring, surging song" and "rather nerve- trying." We wisely stick to the trail and continue descending past Register Creek, beside a long series of pools and cascades, as we make our way to the next campsite in awesome Pate Valley. Here, in this mini-Yosemite, we relax along the shores of the Tuolumne among the black oaks and yellow pines and enjoy the solitude of this relatively warm and low-level valley. After a possible dip in the river we enjoy our last evening’s meal under a vast canopy of stars.

Day 5

Hiking Mileage: 9.0 miles

Elevation Gain: 3700 feet

Elevation Loss: 200 feet

The final leg of our adventure takes us up to our exit trailhead at rustic White Wolf High Sierra Camp and a great meal and possibly a cold beer! But, first we’ve a bit of a challenge, exiting Pate Valley to the southwestern rim of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne 3500 feet above. We start early to take advantage of the cool of the day as we switchback up the north facing slope to reach the old Tioga Pass route and finally trail’s end at the historic White Wolf Camp, originally built during the mining boom of the 1880’s. At a last lunch, we toast our successful completion of one of the more challenging trips in Yosemite!

Day 1 Las Vegas / Zion National Park

Welcome to Las Vegas! The real wild west is home to some of the USA’s most incredible scenery. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am. Then, you’ll hop aboard a private van. Get to know each other over a picnic lunch, then venture into the stunning landscapes of Zion National Park. Join your leader for a guided hike, then spend the night in Springdale – known as the gateway to the park.

Day 2 Bryce Canyon National Park / Page

After breakfast this morning, it’s time to make tracks for Bryce Canyon National Park – make sure your camera is ready to go, as some of the views you’ll come across today are truly out of this world! Take a short drive in your private vehicle, then spend the morning hiking through the epic landscapes of the park. Walk along the canyon rim and marvel at hundreds of unique sandstone towers, known as hoodoos, that jut out from the natural amphitheatre. Relax while you enjoy a picnic lunch and take in your magnificent surroundings, then hike down into the canyon for a closer look at the fascinating hoodoos. Then, drive on to the town of Page, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 3 Lake Powell / Horseshoe Bend

Journey south this morning, driving through more spectacular scenery before arriving at Lake Powell. This gorgeous reservoir is certainly a sight to behold from the shore but to really appreciate it, you’ve got to get on the water. Jump in a kayak and paddle across the water’s surface, weaving your way through remarkable rock formations while your leader regales you with stories of the lake’s history. Back on dry land, set out for a gentle walk along Horseshoe Bend, taking in beautiful views with every step. This afternoon there is an option to visit Antelope Canyon before returning to Page for the evening.

Day 4 Monument Valley / Grand Canyon

Start the day with a drive to Monument Valley – one of the world’s most iconic sights. If this landscape dotted with towering sandstone buttes looks familiar to you, it’s no surprise – Monument Valley has been the filming location for many famous Western films. More importantly, this is the native land of the Navajo. When you arrive, you’ll transfer from your vehicle to a 4WD and enjoy a Navajo-guided tour of Monument Valley, where you’ll have the chance to learn more about their rich culture and history in the area before sitting down to a traditional homecooked, family-style Navajo lunch. Continue your journey onto the iconic Grand Canyon for some awe-inspiring walks along the rim.

Day 5 Route 66 / Las Vegas

This morning it's time to return to Las Vegas, but first we'll make a stop along Historic Route 66. You’ll arrive back in Las Vegas at approximately 4 pm where your adventure will come to an end.