A Long Weekend in Yosemite

Arrive in Fresno and Transfer to Yosemite Valley

Welcome to Fresno, California, the heart of the agricultural San Joaquin Valley. Meet your MT Sobek guide outside of baggage claim and set out for a 2.5-hour drive along scenic mountain roads to Yosemite Valley, stopping along the way to soak in the scenic vistas. After checking into the lodge (inside the park), gather for a fun welcome dinner overlooking the thundering Yosemite Falls. After dinner, enjoy an optional walk out to the Merced River to view Half Dome at sunset.

Discover Yosemite Falls

Explore the western end of Yosemite Valley, beginning with a stop at the towering Yosemite Falls (2,425'), the tallest waterfall in North America. From there, the trail runs along the meandering Merced River, through pine forests and across wildflower-strewn meadows to the massive granite wall of El Capitan. Learn about the park's history of rock climbing, then hike to the base of "El Cap." Back at Yosemite Village, visit the Ansel Adams Gallery and the Miwok Museum. This evening, head over to the Pines Campground for a delicious campfire dinner.

Glacier Point

After breakfast, hop aboard the park shuttle to reach the south rim of Yosemite Valley, and the iconic Glacier Point. See deep into the valley 2,700 feet below and take in dazzling panoramic vistas. From here, hike back down into Yosemite Valley along wildly scenic trails. Enjoy a picnic lunch atop Nevada Falls before heading down the famous Mist Trail for an exhilarating look at Vernal Falls (bring your rain jacket!). Head back to Yosemite Valley, to unwind at the lodge before a farewell dinner at the Mountain Room.

Explore Giant Sequoias & Return to Fresno

After checking out of the hotel, set out to explore the recently renovated Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Look out for cheerful white-headed woodpeckers and charismatic chickarees while walking among the towering trees. Giant sequoias are the largest living things on the planet; make your way to one of the most awe-inspiring of them all, the Grizzly Giant. One branch on this tree is larger than any non-Sequoia tree in the entire grove! After the grove hike, enjoy a picnic lunch along the South Fork of the Merced River. Arrive in Fresno in the early afternoon; plan flights no earlier than 3pm.