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.
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, search the night sky for shooting stars, and roast s'mores around the fire.
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. Travel to Buena Vista Peak trailhead to continue to explore this park on foot. 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.
Check out Big Stump Grove before taking the iconic drive from Grant Grove with the second largest tree on earth through Kings Canyon to Cedar Grove past granite cliffs and vast valleys. Travel through one of the deepest canyons in the US, that continues to be carved by the Kings River stopping along the way to take it all in. Continue to the end of the road to hike one of the most scenic trails in the park along a cascading river to a 30m (100 ft) waterfall.
Rise early and head out for a final hike in Sequoia National Park. Hike through the trees to the peak of Little Baldy for panoramic vistas of the surrounding Sierra Nevadas. On the road again, travel north through the Sierras to the south entrance of Yosemite National Park and Mariposa Grove. Take the trail through the old growth trees to see the famous Bachelor and Three Graces, and more. Drive further into the park and stop at Tunnel View for iconic sights of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall.
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.
Today we get off the beaten path for a challenging hike full of switchbacks to bring us face to face with the granite domes and slopes that make this park so iconic. Taking the park shuttle, we begin with a mostly flat walk to Mirror Lake. Seasonally, this lake provides a spectacular reflection of Half Dome. We continue on to the beginning of Snow Creek Trail, a steep climb out of the Valley that delivers views of Half Dome, Quarter Domes and Clouds Rest. Opt to turn around at any point, or continue the strenuous climb as the canyon opens to panoramic vistas culminating at Snow Creek Footbridge. Enjoy the rest the day at your leisure. Relax by the water, check out the Ansel Adams Studio, or rent a bike to continue to explore the park.
Drive from the Sierra Nevadas to the San Francisco Bay. Tour ends on arrival. Onward travel should be booked no earlier than 7pm.
