Compare Yosemite Spring/Fall Basecamp Tour by Wildland Trekking vs USA Road Trip- The Best of Cali by G Adventures
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
0 | Poor
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 4 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 1,390 | $ 2,252 |
| Price Per Day | $ 348 | $ 250 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Camping |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A | 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners |
| Description |
Our Spring/Fall Basecamp Tour in Yosemite Valley is a truly unique opportunity to experience the heart of Yosemite National Park in its best seasons. Lying at just 4,000 feet in elevation, "The Valley" has moderate winters, perfect shoulder seasons (spring and fall) and summers are quite hot. This trip allows our guests to enjoy the most comfortable seasons in the Park, a time that has the most impressive waterfall flows because of high mountain snowmelt (spring) and some of the most solitude one can find in the Valley! |
California is the land of dreamers and schemers and we schemed up quite the adventure for you. Start in LA and travel north to San Francisco along Highway 1 on this short nine-day trip. Then, head inland to see mighty Yosemite National Park and all of the beautiful hikes and views that landscape has to offer before driving back to southern California for an included surf lesson. Sounds like a win in our book! |
Day 1
Hiking Mileage: 5-9 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1500 feet
Campground: Yosemite National Park Campground
We’ll meet up the first morning of our trip at the Curry Village parking area. From there, we start 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 set up camp among the towering ponderosa pines and oaks of the beautiful Upper Pines Campground in the heart of Yosemite Valley. After relaxing a bit, we will explore more of the scenic wonders of this fantastic place and take a short hike to one of Yosemite’s lesser visited sights. Then, as your guide prepares a sumptuous meal, there is time to is sit around the campfire and watch as the alpenglow turns Half Dome a brilliant crimson over 4000 feet above us!
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 7 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3000 feet
Campground: Yosemite National Park Campground
Today we’ll tackle the Upper Yosemite Falls trail and ascend 3000 ft. to the North Rim of Yosemite Valley and the top of the sixth highest waterfall in the world! We begin our hike on the Valley floor at the historic Camp 4, where many of the legendary big wall climbers hung out in the 1950’s and 60’s. The trail ascends sharply from there as we make our way through oak/pine woodland that is prime habitat for bobcats. We soon reach Columbia Rock, with amazing views of Half Dome and the Clark Range across the Valley, before descending a bit to our first dramatic view of Yosemite Falls and the feel of cool mist on our faces. Continuing up a series of switchbacks, we top out on the Valley rim before descending a vertigo inducing stairway to the falls overlook. After a picnic lunch back at the rim we descend to the trailhead and our camp for a well-deserved gourmet dinner around the campfire.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: variable
Elevation Gain/Loss: variable
Campground: Yosemite National Park Campground
We’ll give our sore legs a break today and spend our time exploring the wonders of Yosemite Valley. After a hot breakfast and coffee in the chill spring air, we’ll collect our day packs and set off on the Valley Loop Trail. The possibilities are endless, as we can explore more popular sights as Bridalveil Fall and Mirror Lake; or, we can go off the beaten path to more obscure places like the Old Big Oak Flat Road with its one of a kind views of El Capitan or Sierra Point, the only place in Yosemite to see four major waterfalls. We’ll top off the day with a picnic dinner and experience one of the most beautiful sunsets possible.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 5-6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1200 feet
On our final day, we'll pack up and enjoy a hearty breakfast before leaving our basecamp among the ponderosa pines. We'll turn south and enjoy one last, special treat. Today's hike takes us into Yosemite's biggest trees - the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. We'll hike the lower and upper loops, which provide for a wonderful morning 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. We'll also get an unparalleled view of Wawona Valley, another of Yosemite's special places.
After our hike and lunch we'll contemplate the unforgettable time we've just experienced, and most likely start hatching new plans for future trips to more special places like Yosemite!
Day 1 Los Angeles/Santa Margarita
Group will depart Los Angeles in the morning and drive to Santa Monica. Walk the iconic Santa Monica pier this morning or spend some time cruising the shoreline. Not in the mood for the beach? That's cool, maybe consider visiting the Santa Monica farmers market to stock up on all sorts of local goodies. Grab a quick bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica and travel northwest to San Luis Obispo for a quick detour to see the chewing gum alley and to grab any last minute provisions before heading to our campsite for the night.
Day 2 Santa Margarita/Santa Cruz
Today is all about Highway 1. Devote the entire day to seeing the best of the best along this famous route. Stop to see Elephant Seals, walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and make stops in Carmel and Monterey en route to the next destination. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz.
Day 3 Santa Cruz/San Francisco
Head out from camp in the morning and continue up Highway 1 towards Half Moon Bay. Your CEO will take you on a brief orientation of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights then hit the town on your own or join a sunset sail under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Day 4 San Francisco/Yosemite National Park
Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you drive to Yosemite National Park. Along the way stop for some fresh produce at a farmer’s market in the central valley. Once in the park hike to Tuolumne Grove to see massive Giant Sequoias. Finish the day with a stop to see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall en route to your camp for the night.
Day 5 Yosemite National Park
Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. Up for more of a challenge? Test your endurance on a more challenging hike like Upper Yosemite Falls or Four Mile. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan.
Yosemite Village is a great starting point for launching into your adventure. Your CEO will help you get oriented to visit the Ansel Adams gallery, Ahwahnee Museum and the Yosemite Visitor Center. Here you can start a valley hike or catch a free shuttle around the park.
Day 6 Yosemite National Park
Today is all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite. Head out on a hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley. This park is a hiker’s paradise filled with different options for every skill level. From miles of trekking to short walks featuring amazing views, you won’t have a hard time finding a trail to set out on and enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In the evening relax around the fire and swap stories with your group.
Day 7 Yosemite National Park/Hermosa Beach
Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Hermosa Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea.
After the forests of Yosemite the beaches of southern California will be a welcome change for some time to relax and recharge. So suit up, grab a towel, find a volleyball, and live out those California beach fantasies with your friends.
Day 8 Hermosa Beach
Live the California dream as you wake up to the distant sound of waves crashing against the sand. Then, suit up and get ready for your surf lesson where you'll learn a thing or two about what it takes to make riding those waves look so easy. Afterwards, enjoy free time on Hermosa Beach to lounge in the sun, walk out to the pier, or find a beachfront cafe with a table outside for some people watching. Or choose to rent bikes or surf boards and continue the adventure. Your only dilemma today should be deciding which burrito place you want to eat at.
Day 9 Hermosa Beach/Los Angeles
In the morning travel to Los Angeles. The adventure ends upon arrival.
