Compare High Sierra Loop by Wildland Trekking vs Bahamas Cruise 3D/2N (from Miami) by Bamba

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: 6 miles

Elevation Gain: 200 feet

Elevation Loss: none

Our hike begins in Yosemite’s world renowned Tuolumne Meadows, among soaring granite domes, jagged mountain peaks, and lush fields of wildflowers, high in the heart of Yosemite’s "Range of Light." From our trailhead we follow the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River into wide Lyell Canyon as the river meanders its way through wide meadows and cascades over glacially smoothed granite shelves. Mammoth Peak and the Kuna Crest dominate the horizon to the east and the lower wooded slopes of the serrated Cathedral Range are closer by to our west. We will take it slow today to acclimate to the thin High Sierra air and hike approximately six miles to the junction with Ireland Creek, a mere 200 feet higher than our trailhead. Here we will make our camp among the gnarled lodgepole pines along the banks of the Tuolumne and enjoy an incredible meal as the brilliant summer constellations and the Milky Way slowly appear above us.

Day 3

Hiking Mileage: 7.0 miles

Elevation Gain: 1700 feet

Elevation Loss: 300 feet

After an early wake up call, we eat a hearty breakfast as we prepare for our hike up beautiful Ireland Creek into the high peaks along the crest of the magnificent Cathedral Range, one of Yosemite’s most celebrated regions. But, first we must tackle what could be the most difficult part of our adventure as the trail ascends 2000 feet to the high point of our trip at 10,850 feet in just three miles. After catching our breathes, we descend to an idyllic spot alongside Evelyn Lake and enjoy a filling, well-earned lunch as we enjoy the beauty of the surrounding peaks: Johnson, Rafferty, Fletcher and Parsons, all above 11,000 feet! Our camp tonight will be near Vogelsang Lake at 10,300 feet, two miles further up the trail. There, we will enjoy truly spectacular views, including even looking down on the summit of Half Dome!

Day 4

Hiking Mileage: 3.2 miles

Elevation Gain: none

Elevation Loss: 1000 feet

Today we will have the opportunity to kick back and relax. We will spend the morning around camp, swimming in the lake, or, perhaps, taking a short hike up to Vogelsang Pass, and if we feel particularly energetic, we can try a summit attempt on Vogelsang Peak at 11,516 ft. After lunch we will head downhill 3.2 miles to the absolutely stunning Emeric Lake. There we will have more opportunities to explore the surrounding area or just relax around camp until supper time. Our appetites stimulated by the high alpine air, we will enjoy our last dinner in the high country as the alpenglow slowly bathes the mountain vastness in ever-deepening shades of pink, purple and rose.

Day 5

Hiking Mileage: 9.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 700 feet

Elevation Loss: 1300 feet

After a steaming cup of coffee and a hot breakfast we will make an early start for the nine mile trek back to Tuolumne Meadows. After an initial three mile ascent to Tuolumne Pass, the rest of our trail today is all downhill! We follow Rafferty Creek, an absolutely beautiful stream, as it rushes through wide-open meadows until it’s junction with the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne in a thick lodgepole forest. And after just a short, level 1.1 mile hike, we exit our adventure back at the Tuolumne Meadows trailhead. With congratulations all around, we can celebrate our successful High Sierra Loop trip with an ice cream cone from the Tuolumne Meadows store and plan next year’s adventure with the Wildland Trekking Company!

Day 1: West Palm Beach, United States

Board Cruise Ship, safety drill and activities onboard (L/D)
Board your cruise ship in time for a Welcome Aboard celebration at noon and a buffet lunch
After lunch, enjoy optional activities like a pool party or a ship tour
You will have an orientation meeting as the ship leaves port to brief you on the trip and all of the amazing services available on the ship and a quick safety drill
Spend the rest of your day and evening relaxing in your cabin or enjoying some of the many incredible activities on board, from live music to themed happy hours
Enjoy a buffet dinner and get a good rest for your big day ahead!
NOTE: The schedule of the activities will be provided to the passengers day by day.
The ships sail on a two-night itinerary currently from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida to Grand Bahama Island
Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice
The vessels depart as per our scheduled itinerary with check-in required by 4:00pm
Passengers may check-in beginning at 11:00am the day of sailing and board as soon as the ship has been cleared for embarkation.

Day 2: Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

Bahamas Stopover (B/L/D)
You will arrive at Grand Bahama Island at 8:00 when local officials will take a moment to inspect and clear the boat for arrival
After they’ve given the signal, you may disembark and say hello to a tropical paradise! One of the last Bahaman Islands to be developed, Grand Bahama is now a popular destination and playground in paradise
Spend the day exploring, laying on the pristine beaches, discovering one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems, or partaking in optional activities like jet skiing! Enjoy an included lunch buffet onboard the ship or treat yourself to Caribbean Cuisine ashore.
Return to the boat no later than 18:00 for departure to West Palm Beach
Enjoy another evening of endless entertainment on board, with several different performances, events, and a swimming pool at your disposal.

Day 3: Miami, United States

Transfer from West Palm Beach to Miami
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus.