Compare Red Peak Pass 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 | 7 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 1,615 | $ 1,966 |
| Price Per Day | $ 231 | $ 393 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
This adventurous, 6-day trip is for people who want to get off the beaten path and explore the deep wilderness of Yosemite. We stay primarily in the stunning high country of this spectacular national park, exploring remote glacial-carved mountains, alpine lakes, ice-cold rivers, serene meadows, and wildlife. Our camps are in pristine settings at or near treeline and often near the shores of mountain lakes and rivers. |
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: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1200 feet
Elevation Loss: 1400 feet
We enjoy a quick breakfast in Yosemite Valley and make sure all loose ends are taken care of before we board a shuttle to our trailhead at Glacier Point, one of the most beautiful spots in Yosemite. Here, after taking in the incredible panoramic views of the High Sierra, we begin our adventure. Taking advantage of our high elevation trailhead, today’s hike is initially downhill along the sparsely forested slopes of the east-facing Illilouette Ridge. We reach the crossing of Illilouette Creek at the half way point of our day and carefully ford the knee deep stream. After a filling trailside lunch we continue up the Illilouette Canyon to our forested campsite along the banks of the Clark Fork of Illilouette Creek. Here, after a hot and satisfying dinner, we’ll fall asleep to the sounds of the stream filled with the snow melt of the Clark Range high above us.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 9 miles
Elevation Gain: 2500 feet
Elevation Loss: 300 feet
After an early wake up call, we eat a hearty breakfast and continue our hike up Illilouette Creek towards the rocky ramparts of the Clark Range. On the trail we maintain a constant but manageable ascent as we approach the Merced Pass Lakes, sight of an infamous plane crash in the 60’s. A few more miles bring us to our destination for the day, incredible Lower Ottaway Lake. One of the most beautiful lakes in Yosemite, it is situated in a rocky amphitheater surrounded by colorful Red Peak, Ottaway Peak and Merced Peak. These peaks are made up of red and yellow metamorphic rocks which are some of the oldest rocks in the Sierra Nevada. As we set up camp and prepare for dinner the west facing peaks above us light up with one of the best shows of alpenglow in the Sierra!
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 9.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2000 feet
Elevation Loss: 2500 feet
It’s another early rise this morning as we traverse around Lower Ottaway Lake and begin our ascent to the highest trailed pass in Yosemite, Red Peak Pass. We follow in the footsteps of Ansel Adams, who originally scouted out this route in the 1920’s and made the first ascent of nearby Red Peak. Once at the pass, we pause to catch our breath in the rarified air at well above 11,000 ft. It’s almost all downhill from here to our campsite along the Triple Peak Fork of the Merced River. But first, high above tree line, we trek through one of Yosemite’s most beautiful alpine regions with views stretching from the park’s northern borders to the jagged peaks of the Minarets, far to the south. Finally, descending into a lodgepole forest, we reach camp and can relax along smooth granite slabs and soak our tired feet in the ice cold waters of the Merced.
Day 5
Hiking Mileage: 6.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1600 feet
Elevation Loss: 200 feet
We have a mellower day today with a moderately easy hike to our night’s camp near Washburn Lake. So we linger a little longer and savor our breakfast and hot drinks around the morning campfire. Once on the trail we amble along the west bank of the Merced enjoying the relatively level trail through the glacially smoothed landscape. After a scenic riverside lunch, the trail steepens a bit as we continue our descent toward Washburn Lake, which we soon reach. After setting up camp among the granite boulders, we have a little time to enjoy the area, perhaps take a swim or just lie back and watch the clouds go by.
Day 6
Hiking Mileage: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1600
Elevation Loss: 1600 feet
Today we pack up and hit the trail as we continue following the Merced River as it makes its way from the high alpine peaks to the floor of Yosemite Valley. We soon pass a set of falls as we amble past the Merced Lake Ranger Station and then a little farther along the bustling Merced Lake High Sierra Camp. But, the sounds of the campers quickly fade as we contour the shore of bucolic Merced Lake. The granite cliffs become taller as the trail descends along the river and the cascades become more numerous until we reach our days goal near glacially smoothed Bunnell Dome. Here we set up camp as the setting sun’s rays shoot up canyon, illuminating the domes and high peaks of the Cathedral Range.
Day 7
Hiking Mileage: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Elevation Loss: 2900 feet
Today, we sadly pack up camp for the last time and prepare for our last day on the trail. But, we’ve saved some of the best for last as we hike past many of Yosemite’s most iconic features, including Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Liberty Cap and two of the most photographed waterfalls in the world: Vernal and Nevada Falls. It’s almost all downhill and the miles quickly go by as our trail hardened muscles and our lightened backpacks make the hiking seem easy. Too soon we’re at the trailhead and aboard the shuttle to Half Dome Village where we’ll have an early afternoon lunch and bid farewell to Yosemite and the great adventure that we had.
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.
