Yosemite Short Break | Hiking Tours| Macs Adventure

Yosemite Escape

4 Days & 3 Nights

Experience the breathtaking views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls
Hike to spectacular alpine lakes nestled between glacially carved mountains
Relax at comfortable, hand-picked mountain lodges
Explore the towering sequoias and walk through a tunnel tree in Tuolumne Grove
Worry free roundtrip transport from San Francisco along with daily private transfers

With your private group of at least four, discover the iconic landscape of Yosemite National Park and explore the Sierra Nevada on this short break perfect for a long weekend. Enjoy hikes to spectacular views of world-famous Half Dome, which rises nearly 5,000 feet from the valley floor, and of Yosemite Falls, one of the world's tallest waterfalls. Follow in the footsteps of naturalist John Muir as you walk through towering stands of giant sequoias in Tuolumne Grove, and witness the effects of glacial activity as you hike to stunning Cathedral Lakes off of Tioga Pass. Included in your trip is a knowledgeable driver who can share the fascinating details of the local landscape and history as you are seamlessly transported between each trailhead and your comfortable, hand-picked accommodation. Please contact us for custom pricing for groups larger than four.

What To Expect

This tour is graded moderate, with daily hikes averaging around 6-9 miles. This tour is perfect for those who want to explore the expanse of Yosemite National Park by foot and with the flexibility of their own private driver to take them to and from the trailheads. Hikers should expect longer treks along dirt trails and varied terrain, at higher altitudes and exposed heights. Trails are well-signed, maintained, and traveled frequently. There is a lot of flexibility on this trip so you can skip any hikes if you prefer or you can ask our local team for other various hikes to meet your needs as well. Travel includes drives around town and over the iconic Tioga Pass. Enjoy staying at a charming mountain lodge with the option to upgrade to Yosemite Valley Lodge if you prefer.

Tour Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent tour.

Activity:

Single Center Walking | The accommodation on this tour is in one main location, meaning you can unpack your bags for the duration of your trip

This trip is suitable for:

Families, Multi-Generational, Mixed Abilities

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 5 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Wildlife
National Parks & Trails
Mountains
Special Occasions
Alpine Hiking

Inspiration:

New
Classic

Activity Level & Terrain

This tour is graded moderate, with three days of hiking and a maximum distance of 13 miles. Daily hikes average around 6-9 miles (4-7 hours) along well-signed and well-traveled trails, regularly monitored and maintained by National Park rangers and staff. The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please keep in mind there are many other hiking options available to you as well should you prefer a trail more or less challenging then what we offer.

Navigation

Navigating is easy using the Macs Adventure Navigation App. Your daily hikes will be mapped in the app with GPX tracks, route notes and turn-by-turn directions. All of these resources are available to download for offline use, which is recommended as cell service can at times be spotty within the National Park.

You will be provided with trip specific contact information in addition to 24/7 telephone support from Macs Adventure should you require assistance.

Accommodations

We specifically hand-picked your accommodations in comfortable mountain lodges and cabins to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay while exploring Yosemite.

All accommodations are conveniently located only a short walking distance to restaurants. Additionally, each offers individual character and welcoming hospitality.

Single Rooms & Solo Travelers

This trip is based on two people sharing a room. If you’d like separate rooms, a single supplement is required. If you would like to request a twin room (same room with two separate beds), please notify us during booking so we can request this option.

This trip is not available to solo walkers.

Meals

Breakfast is included each morning at your accommodations.

Lunches and dinners are not included in this trip. For lunches, you can find markets, cafés, or restaurants located within each town for dining out or to purchase a packed lunch to take with you on hikes. For dinner, you can dine at local restaurants all within a short walking distance from your night’s stay.

Included

3 Nights at hand-selected mountain lodges and hotels
3 Breakfasts
Detailed pre-departure information pack
Macs Adventure Navigation App for mobile phone
24/7 telephone support
Yosemite National Park Entrance fees
Private van transfers every day
Driver Gratuities
Arrival and departure transfer to the Bay Area

Excluded

Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
Additional nights before, during or after the trip
Personal equipment
Travel Insurance
Flights

Extras

Additional nights along the route
Upgrade to Yosemite Valley Lodge

When To Go

The best time to visit Yosemite and Lake Tahoe is between June and September for clear skies, warmer weather, and drier trails. June is also a great month to visit (winter season depending), as wildflowers are in full bloom or in September when fall foliage is at its peak. This trip is available to start on any day of the week from June to October, during the peak summer and fall season. As these locations are year-round tourist destinations, we suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalized to ensure availability for specific dates.;

Note, due to the potential of a heavy snow winter in the Sierras, some of the higher elevations hikes for this trip may be impacted by snow into late June, and possibly as late as early July. Please call your Macs representative with any questions about the current snow-pack conditions and trip availability.

Weather and Climate

As weather patterns in the mountains are often unpredictable and can change suddenly, hikers should be prepared for hiking in the rain, mud, and on the rare occasion, snow, should there be an early or late snow season that year.

Getting to the Start

Your trip starts and ends with an included transfer to and from the Bay Area. There are two major airports that you can fly into to start this trip. San Francisco International, or Oakland International.

Your private transfer is very flexible and can pick up you and your fellow walkers anywhere in the Bay Area. Please speak with your Adventure specialist about your requested pick up location and drop off location.

Please note that we can't do a pick up directly from any of the airports, however, we can meet you and your group at one of the nearby airport hotels.

Getting Around

Your trip includes a private transfer every single day. You will have the same professional driver, who is also a regional expert, and van with you throughout your trip. Your driver will be able to make suggestions for photo stops, points of Interest, or restroom breaks throughout your drives.

For additional transportation services outside the provided itinerary, such as a taxi to a specific restaurant or location, please speak with your private driver on arrival on the trip.

General Information

There is a minimum of 4 people needed to book this trip and a group maximum of 13. Please enquire with a sales specialist about custom pricing for groups larger than 4.

You will have a private transfer each day of this trip with the same van and driver. Your driver is a regional expert and can make suggestions for alternative hikes, restaurants, as well as other activities and things to do along your route. Your transfer will be more than happy to stop for photo opportunities as well as share interesting facts about the region you are traveling through.

Equipment

Our pre-departure information pack has detailed advice and a packing list on what to bring. This includes warm and cold hiking gear, hiking boots, rain gear, and lots of other specifics.

Please be prepared by packing all the necessary items for a comfortable trip. If you have any questions about what to take, we'd be happy to share our own top tips and advice.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance helps protect your travel investment, your belongings, and most importantly you, from unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip. For more information, please visit our travel insurance page by clicking this link.

When is the best time of year?

What personal equipment do I need?

What if I become ill during my trip?

How is cell service in the park?