Notes:

• Distance: 5 miles

• Elevations: 1,200 ascent/decent

• Accommodations: Lake View Lodge, Lee Vining

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

• Transfer: 3 hours

What’s on deck for today?

Meet your guide and fellow travelers in Reno, Nevada this morning. From Reno, we travel along the east side of the Sierra Nevada to Mono Lake, stopping for a scenic picnic lunch at the Mono Lake Visitor Center before heading into the high country of Yosemite.

Our adventure begins with a high-elevation warm-up hike near Tioga Pass (10,000 ft). A short, steep climb brings breathtaking views of Mount Dana, before the trail eases through alpine meadows to Middle and Upper Gaylor Lakes. Sweeping vistas stretch across Moraine Flat to the Sierra Crest, and the loop continues past Granite Lake, nestled beneath a dramatic granite cirque.

Trail Notes:

• Distance: 9 miles

• Elevations: 1,900 ft, ascent/decent. 8,750’ - 10,120’

• Accommodations: Lake View Lodge, Lee Vining

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Transfer: 1 hour, private van

What’s on deck for today?

Crossing Tioga Pass (9,943'), California’s highest paved pass, we enter the alpine expanse of Tuolumne Meadows. Our trail to Budd Lake is the same path often used by climbers approaching the iconic Cathedral Peak.

At over 10,000 ft, Budd Lake shimmers beneath the jagged spire of Cathedral Peak. This area showcases Yosemite’s alpine country at its finest — granite walls, crystal waters, and meadows bursting with wildflowers.

Trail Notes:

• Distance: 11–12 miles

• Elevations: –1,000 ft descent out / +1,000 ft ascent return

• Accommodations: Lake View Lodge, Lee Vining

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Transfer: 1 hour, private van

What’s on deck for today?

From Lembert Dome, we follow the Tuolumne River through lush meadows and polished granite on the way to Glen Aulin, one of Yosemite’s legendary High Sierra Camps.

The trail descends steadily, passing cascades and quiet pools, before reaching the dramatic Waterwheel Falls — where rushing water shoots skyward in a rare and mesmerizing display. On our return, we climb gradually back to Lembert Dome, capping the day with sweeping views of Tuolumne Meadows and surrounding peaks.

Trail Notes:

• Distance: 8.8 miles hiking · ~1,000 ft gain/loss

• Elevations: 8,100' trailhead · 7,540' summit

• Duration: 8–10 hours

• Accommodation: Private Lodging, Yosemite West

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

What’s on deck for today?

Today we set out from the Porcupine Creek Trailhead for an unforgettable hike to North Dome, one of Yosemite’s most spectacular vantage points.

We begin with a shaded walk through mixed-conifer forest before the trail opens into grassy meadows and granite ridges with expanding views. Rustic stone steps descend to the base of North Dome, where a short but invigorating climb leads to its rounded summit.

At the top, Half Dome rises directly across the valley — a close-up view few hikers ever forget. With Clouds Rest and the High Sierra peaks surrounding us, this 360° panorama is a true Yosemite highlight. Afterward, we transfer to our private lodging in Yosemite West.

Trail Notes:

• Distance: 8 miles hiking · 700 ft gain / 3,200 ft loss

• Elevations: 7,200' – 4,000'

• Accommodation: Private Lodging, Yosemite West

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Transfer: 1 hour, private van

What’s on deck for today?

This morning we begin at Glacier Point, one of Yosemite’s most iconic overlooks. From here, we descend the spectacular Panorama Trail, winding past Illilouette Falls, Nevada Falls, and Vernal Falls.

The route eventually joins the famous Mist Trail, where refreshing spray accompanies our final steps into Yosemite Valley. With waterfalls, Half Dome, and the Valley floor unfolding below us, today’s hike is an unforgettable highlight.

Trail Notes:

• Distance: 8–9 miles hiking · 1,500 ft gain/loss

• Elevations: 7,000' – 8,100'

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Transfer: 5.5 hours, private van

What’s on deck for today?

Our final hike begins along the McGurk Meadow Trail, leading us to Taft Point, where dramatic fissures and sheer cliffs open to views of Yosemite Falls and El Capitan. From there, we climb to Sentinel Dome for a 360° panorama of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Tenaya Canyon, and the distant Sierra Crest — a fitting finale to our adventure.

On the way out of the park, we pause for a walk among Yosemite’s giant sequoias, trees that have stood for thousands of years. A picnic at Tenaya Lake completes the week before we return to Reno in the late afternoon.