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Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite

8 days, Las Vegas to San Francisco

Map of the route for Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.

Your flight must arrive by or before: Arrive at any time.
Your flight must depart no earlier than: 19:00 on Day 8

Itinerary

Day 1Las Vegas

Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities today until the evening welcome meeting, so check out the strip or Fremont Street.

This tour leaves Las Vegas in the morning on Day 2; if you would like to spend any additional time here, we recommend booking pre-tour accommodation.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Golden Nugget Las Vegas (or similar)
Hotel

Day 2Las Vegas/Sequoia National Park

Leave the bright lights of Las Vegas behind and spend the day travelling through the desert to the granite cliffs and ancient giant trees of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Though these two parks were granted National Park status roughly 50 years apart, they are currently managed together by the National Park system. After setting up camp, slow down to relish the natural setting, and roast s'mores around the fire.

Please note several of the trails we use do not have water accessible. Please bring a bottles/bladder with a capacity of 3 litres. Unexpected trail or road closures may prevent hiking on some of the listed routes. Should this event arise, we will substitute with an alternative hike.

Private Vehicle
Las Vegas – Sequoia National Park8h677km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Three Rivers Hideaways Campground (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 3Sequoia National Park

Enjoy a full day in Sequoia National Park. Hike the half mile down to General Sherman, at 83 meters (275 feet) high, its the world's largest tree. Continue to trek through the Giant Forest on Congress Trail to see more of these colossal trees. Enjoy a picnic lunch amongst the giant trees. In the afternoon, choose to venture further into the park. The Marble Fork of the Kaweah River leads to inspiring granite cliffs of Tokopah Canyon, and in early summer, the 1200ft cascading Tokopah Falls is sure to impress.

Private Vehicle
Sequoia National Park1h45km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

General Sherman Giant Forest Hike
Sequoia National Park 12km

Hike amongst some of the most impressive living things on Earth, giant Sequoias. This trip through the misty heights of the Sierras will take you through the home of General Sherman, the largest tree alive. Tour the other enormous trees and catch some amazing views of the mountains through the forest on this epic hike.

Hiking distance: 12km (7.5 mi) Elevation change: 549m (1800 ft)

Private Vehicle
Sequoia National Park1h45km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Tokopah Falls
Sequoia National Park

Explore this 3.8-mile out-and-back trail near Hartland, California. The main attraction is the waterfall at the end of the approach hike. This is where you drop into the creek to see the canyon and falls. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1h 44 min to complete.

Hiking distance 3.8 mi-Elevation gain 626 ft

Accommodation

Three Rivers Hideaways Campground (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4Kings Canyon National Park

Rise early and head out for a final day in Sequoia National Park. Hike through the trees to the peak of Little Baldy for panoramic vistas of the surrounding Sierra Nevadas. After, travel to Buena Vista Peak trailhead. At just 2 miles, this round-trip hike packs a punch with 360-degree views from the top of the granite peak to see not only the High Sierra, but also the valley below. After a picnic lunch, continue exploring the park through the network of trails among the towering trees of Grant Grove before traveling back to camp.

Private Vehicle
Sequoia National Park – Kings Canyon National Park1h30m64km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle
Kings Canyon National Park – Sequoia National Park1h30m64km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Buena Vista Peak Hike
Sequoia National Park 1km

Take a quick hike up to Buena Vista Peak, and experience some of the best views in the entire park. With minimal elevation change, you'll have plenty of time and energy to explore and take pictures along the mountain top.

Hiking distance: 3.2km (2 mi) Elevation change: 125m (413 ft).

Little Baldy Hike
Sequoia National Park 6km

Hike up the switchbacks of Little Baldy Trail to travel up and out of the forest as it slowly opens up to sweeping views of the beautiful California Sierras and valleys below.

Hiking distance is 5.4km (3.4 mi) with an elevation change of 243m (800 ft).

Accommodation

Three Rivers Hideaways Campground (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5Sequoia National Park/Yosemite National Park

Upon arrival in the Yosemite Valley, we first witness the iconic sights of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall. This afternoon, we get ourselves oriented among the Valley trails along the Lower Yosemite Falls trail and learn more about the park. After lunch, enjoy free time to walk trails from the Valley floor, simply relax under the towering granite monoliths, or choose to do a portion of the Valley Loop Trail where you can follow many of the Valley's first east-west trails and wagon roads through meadows and along talus slopes at the base of the granite cliffs, and near the Merced River. On our way to camp, we stop and stand in awe of El Capitan, looking for climbers on the sheer rock face.

Private Vehicle
Visalia – Yosemite National Park3h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Yosemite National Park Afternoon

Free time to explore Yosemite Valley and various valley hikes on your own.

Private Vehicle
Yosemite National Park1h30m77km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Indian Flats Campground (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6Yosemite National Park

From the valley floor, take the park shuttle system to one of the most iconic trails in the park. Hike alongside the Merced River to climb the Mist Trail, getting sprayed by the waters of Vernal Fall. See the water rushing over the edge before crossing the river and climbing the steps to Nevada Fall. Enjoy lunch from the top, taking in the views of the High Sierra including Half Dome, Liberty Cap, Mount Broderick. On the return trip, take the John Muir Trail down to truly understand this visionaries passion for park. Enjoy free time to walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, Bridalveil Fall Trail, or relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. On the way back to camp, stop at stand in awe of El Capitan, looking for climbers on the sheer rockface.

Private Vehicle
Yosemite National Park30m25km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls Hike
Yosemite National Park5h-6h 11km

Take the storied Mist Trail as it traverses up the valley, with visits to Vernal and Nevada Falls. Return along the John Muir Trail. Be prepared for a long hike, and incredible scenery!

Distance: 11.2km (7 mi), Elevation Change: 610m (2000 ft)

Yosemite National Park Visit
Yosemite National Park

Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.

Private Vehicle
Yosemite National Park30m25km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

2

Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Yosemite National Park Hike
Yosemite National Park1h-6h 1-15km
Free

Panoramic vistas, gushing waterfalls, and elusive wildlife await. Bring water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and hike Yosemite NP. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.

Yosemite Bike Rental
Yosemite National Park
30-40USD per person

Set your wheels in motion with tandem, hand crank or mountain bikes, and opt to cycle some of the 20km (12mi) of paved trails throughout the valley floor. Bring a water bottle, stop to shoot photos, and enjoy some of the most picturesque spots in Yosemite NP.

Choose between a half-day rental or a full-day, and be aware that this activity is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note the price for a half-day bike rental is $30 USD and the price for a full-day bike rental is $40USD.

Accommodation

Indian Flats Campground (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 7Yosemite National Park

Today we get off the beaten path for a challenging hike, bringing us face to face with the granite domes and slopes that make this park so iconic. Rising from the valley, we search for one last breathtaking view of Half Dome and a chance to overlook the Valley below. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite is dynamic and weather patterns can see dramatic shifts year to year. Seasonally, weather and trail conditions may require the CEO to assess which trail to take, but while the routes may change with the seasons, the views all share equal splendour and require comparable effort for the epic payoff. Our aim will be to set off for the roughly 9 mile hike to North Dome from Tioga Pass.

Private Vehicle
Yosemite National Park30m25km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Yosemite National Park Visit
Yosemite National Park

Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.

Private Vehicle
Yosemite National Park30m25km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

North Dome Trail
Yosemite National Park4h-6h 14-15km

A difficult trail, but worth the effort for the views. Meander through coniferous forest, cross narrow streams, and continue along exposed granite for some jaw-dropping views of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and the Valley below.

Distance: 8.8 miles (14.2 km) round trip.

2

Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow

Yosemite Bike Rental
Yosemite National Park
30-40USD per person

Set your wheels in motion with tandem, hand crank or mountain bikes, and opt to cycle some of the 20km (12mi) of paved trails throughout the valley floor. Bring a water bottle, stop to shoot photos, and enjoy some of the most picturesque spots in Yosemite NP.

Choose between a half-day rental or a full-day, and be aware that this activity is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note the price for a half-day bike rental is $30 USD and the price for a full-day bike rental is $40USD.

Yosemite National Park Hike
Yosemite National Park1h-6h 1-15km
Free

Panoramic vistas, gushing waterfalls, and elusive wildlife await. Bring water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and hike Yosemite NP. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.

Accommodation

Indian Flats Campground (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 8Yosemite National Park/San Francisco

Drive from the Sierra Nevadas to the San Francisco Bay. Tour ends on arrival. Onward travel should be booked no earlier than 7pm.

Private Vehicle
Yosemite National Park – San Francisco4h30m315km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite

| 8 days - Las Vegas to San Francisco - from $1849 USD