California: Yosemite National Park Family Adventure

The toughest part is going home.SM

California: Yosemite National Park Family Adventure

Trip Summary

Stand at the base of a tumbling 2,425-foot waterfall, a soaring 8,842-foot granite dome, a 3,000- year-old, 300-foot Giant Sequoia and experience for yourself why John Muir described Yosemite as “…by far the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter.” Hike, swim, and explore the largest subalpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like black bears, bighorn sheep, and foxes. Find out why granite will be your new stone of choice as a rock climber. Discover just how huge a Giant Sequoia really is by standing at the base of one of these forest monsters and looking up skyward. Explore Yosemite National Park with the experts in adventure travel!



Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Fresno Arrival | Yosemite National Park | Mariposa Grove

Fresno Arrival: Welcome to California! Your guides will pick you up in the morning from your pre-trip hotel.

Transfer Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

Yosemite National Park: Known for its stunning mammoth granite monoliths and rushing waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is one of the seven natural wonders of North America. Popular views within the park include the “Tunnel View'' of Yosemite Valley which showcases El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall made famous by landscape photographer Ansel Adams. Another fantastic feature of this park is Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America.

Mariposa Grove Hike: Journey into the famous Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias where we’ll take a short, peaceful hike amongst these gentle giants. Mariposa Grove is home to around 60 sequoia trees as well as the Grizzly Giant, a massive iconic sequoia estimated to be about 3,000 years old. Trek 2.5 miles on this loop trail and don’t forget your camera!

Yosemite Valley Drive + Photo Stops: A 2.5-hour drive brings us through the jaw-dropping Yosemite Valley. Along the way, we’ll stop at a few of our guide’s favorite spots. One of them is Yosemite’s classic Tunnel View, first made famous by Ansel Adams’ photography. This vista is a must-stop for any first timer to Yosemite Valley as you will see a panoramic view of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. Your scenic drive ends upon arrival to your accommodation.

Accommodation: Rush Creek Lodge (L,D)


Day 2: Hetch Hetchy Valley | Wapama Falls

Hetch Hetchy Valley: A water-filled valley framed by slate grey monoliths; Hetch Hetchy Valley provides adventurers a peaceful treasure. But the serene reservoir was born out of a controversial time when San Francisco needed a water supply. The Tuolumne River was dammed in the 1920s for San Francisco’s use. Hetch Hetchy Valley’s reservoir stretches over almost 2,000 acres and can hold about 117 billion gallons of water.

Wapama Falls Hike: Venture along the Hetch Hetchy reservoir edges on this more challenging 5.5-mile hike round trip. On the trail are a few chances to witness beautiful natural scenes, such as standing at the base of Wapama Falls as it rushes and shimmers down the cliffs. You’ll get a chance to take a dip in the south fork of the Tuolumne River as well so remember your swimsuit.

Accommodation: Rush Creek Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 3: Yosemite Valley | Vernal Fall | Wawona

Transfer Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Mist Trail to Vernal Fall Hike: A 3.3-mile hike takes you to the top of Vernal Fall, tackling 1,000 feet of elevation gain that includes an unforgettable stretch of 600 steep stone steps in the midst of a waterfall. When you get to the Vernal Fall footbridge, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the 317-foot-high waterfall roaring down below.


Vista Pass Horseback Ride: Saddle up for a two-hour horseback ride up a tree-filled river canyon. You’ll traverse Rainer Creek several times before oo’ing and ahh’ing over panoramic views as you descend off of Vista Pass. The terrain on this ride is considered moderate as there is some up and downhill, but it is considered suitable for beginner to advanced riders.

Night on Your Own: Enjoy a night on your own this evening for dinner. Your guides will give you restaurant options to choose from in the area and will provide ideas on things to do on your own time. Alternatively, feel free to just relax tonight after a wonderful activity-filled day!

Accommodation: Tenaya Lodge (B,L)


Day 4: Yosemite Valley | Sentinel

Transfer Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

Yosemite Valley Rock Climb: Head out to Half Dome Village and grab some climbing shoes for a fantastic day of rock climbing and rappelling – no trip to Yosemite would be complete without it! Classes are designed for climbers of all levels, so everyone from beginners to experts will take away a new skill set. You’ll spend the better part of the day learning everything there is to know about rock climbing – from tying knots to rappelling, and everything in between.


Sentinel Dome Sunset Walk: Take a quick but slightly strenuous walk up to Sentinel Dome to watch a colorful sunset. You’ll gain 400 feet in elevation in a short distance, mostly all in a tenth of the last mile and your work will pay off with the stunning view. Watch the land around you turn from grey to soft blues and navies as the sun melts beneath the horizon. As the colors begin to fade, we trek back down (be sure to bring a headlamp!)

Transfer Time: 1 Hour

Accommodation: Tenaya Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 5: Yosemite Valley | Upper Yosemite Falls


Upper Yosemite Falls to “View of Falls” Hike: Challenge yourself on this 4-mile round trip hike along one of Yosemite’s oldest historic trails (built 1873 to 1877). This trail starts along the Valley Loop Trail, and immediately begins its climb, switchback after switchback, through oak woodland. At a mile in, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock. After a 1,300-foot trek up, the view of the powerful Upper Yosemite Falls at the top will take your breath away.


Accommodation: Tenaya Lodge (B,L,D)


Day 6: Fresno Departure

Tenaya Lodge Relaxed Morning: Enjoy some relaxation time in Tenaya Lodge, where there are plenty of amenities to take advantage of. Indulge in a full-service spa, shops, a fitness center, three outdoor pools and one indoor pool, a game room, and lots of outdoor activities to choose from.


Fresno Departure: Your guides will shuttle you back to Fresno to get ready for your departure home.

Accommodation: (B)

*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.



Distinctive Accommodation

Rush Creek Lodge - 2 night(s) Recently opened in 2016, The Rush Creek Lodge is the first new resort in Yosemite National Park in over 25 years! These brand new accommodations feature two queen beds, private bathroom, and a private deck with scenic views of the forest at sunset. Keeping in the spirit of an authentic, rewarding mountain experience, you won't find televisions or other electronic distractions in the room. Instead, you'll find radio streaming, games, and the option of renting a portable DVD player and movies. Hoping to catch the big game? The Tavern offers a selection of local craft brews and sports broadcasts, along with live music or karaoke. And don't forget the pool! The lodge hosts a salt water pool, hot tubs, The Pool Bar, and cozy fire pit lounge. All in all, the pristine luxury of the Rush Creek Lodge is the perfect way to begin our trek through Yosemite.

Tenaya Lodge - 3 night(s) Named after the legendary Chief Tenaya this lodge is located near the park’s south gate in the Sierra National Forest. Tenaya Lodge is an all-season resort that offers AAA Four-Diamond Yosemite accommodations, a rich range of recreational activities, and awe-inspiring beauty at every turn. Located only two miles from Yosemite National Park, Tenaya offers the cozy feel of a mountain retreat – but features a full range of world-class amenities. The luxurious spa features 12 treatment rooms and signature organic treatments, men’s and women’s steam rooms and saunas, relaxation rooms and a fitness center. You’ll also find two indoor heated pools and a newly expanded outdoor pool, adjacent to a kids’ splash pool and adults-only soaking pool. The five dining venues on site range from casual to candlelit – all serving fresh, local, sustainable fare.



Activities Featured on This Trip

Hiking: Most hikes on this adventure are considered easy to moderate (2 to 4 miles with up to 400 feet of elevation gain). Oftentimes, we’ll do several shorter hikes over the course of one day. If a more difficult hike is listed on this itinerary, its mileage and elevation gain will be listed in the day’s activity description within the detailed itinerary.

Horseback Riding: Easygoing walking pace with gentle horses, no experience necessary. Rides are led by a professional wrangler and basic instruction will be provided to get you settled in the saddle. Wear close-toed shoes and long pants. (**250 lb weight limit)

Rock Climbing: The perfect challenge for a climber’s first time on real rock walls. This activity is guided by a professional climbing guide and is done in “Top Roping” style. This means that as you climb, you’ll be protected by a rope anchored from above and you’ll be belayed by your climbing guide from the ground. A belayer prevents a climber from taking a large fall.


What's Included?

Included in Trip Price:

• Double occupancy rooms with private baths • All meals as listed in itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) • Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners • Any necessary equipment - all safe and well-maintained • Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip • Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service • Access to a guest portal with trip planner materials • Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and

expert gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees

Not Included in Trip Price:

• Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides • Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities • One dinner during the trip • Pre- and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses • Air and land transportation to/from host cities • All types of travel insurance • Personal expenses

Documents

California: Yosemite National Park Family Adventure