Compare High Sierra Loop by Wildland Trekking vs Western USA National Parks Loop by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 5 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 1,250 | $ 1,926 |
| Price Per Day | $ 250 | $ 385 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
This quintessential Yosemite trek takes us high into the backcountry of the famed Cathedral Range through narrow canyons, stunning alpine meadows and crystal clear mountain lakes. The High Sierra Loop is an adventure into some of the prettiest country in the entire Sierra Nevada Range and highlights the best of Yosemite's high country in just four days! |
Deserts, canyons, lakes and valleys await on a five-day adventure through western USA’s most spectacular national parks. Hike through the diverse scenery of Zion National Park, marvel at sandstone spires in Bryce Canyon National Park, join a Navajo guide to learn about the history of Monument Valley and take in one of the natural wonders of the world at Grand Canyon National Park. Let an expert local guide share stories of the landscape and discover there’s more to each destination than what meets the eye. |
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 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.
