YOSEMITE-KINGS CANYON-SEQUOIA HIKER An Inn-to-Inn, Hiking Adventure
Explore three of the Nation’s finest national wonders, Yosemite, King’s Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, located along the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada.Encompassing 14,000-foot peaks, alpine lakes, and stands of giant sequoia trees, these parks provide a stunning landscape where mountains extend into a seemingly endless sky.This trip has been created with plenty of flexibility to accommodate a wide range of individual interests and abilities. We have chosen non-technical day hikes for the reasonably athletic, and that best reflect the variety and scenic beauty that make up these extraordinary parklands. So join us for a week of active days and luxurious nights that is sure to quench your appetite for adventure and relaxation.
ITINERARY
DAY1 Hike Redwood Mt. Loop, Wuksachi Lodge The group assembles at 9 a.m. in Fresno at the Chateau Inn.After a shuttle to Kings Canyon National Park, we will break in our hiking boots exploring the majesty and solitude of Redwood Mountain Grove.We are treated with superb views into the depths of Redwood Canyon and the spectacular alpine peaks of the Great Western Divide. Tonight we enjoy the backcountry ambience of the Wuksachi Lodge, nestled between Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Redwood Mt. Loop [up to 6.25 miles; 1,400 feet of elevation gain/loss]
DAY 2 Hiking to Mist Falls, Wuksachi Lodge We begin our hike through the glaciated canyon of the South Fork of the Kings River.We will pass old-growth forests, cascading rapids, until we reach Mist Falls, an incredible display of water and mist falling down the canyon’s face. After our hike, we spend another evening at Wuksachi Lodge where, this evening, you are free to explore the wonderful mountain scenery of white fir, incense cedar, sugar pine, and of course, giant sequoias. Mist Falls [8 miles; 1,500 feet of elevation gain, then loss]
DAY 3 Hike High Sierra Trail, Sierra Sky Ranch For a real taste of solitude, we will hike deep into the backcountry of Sequoia National Park.Our hike begins at the beautiful Crescent Meadow where brilliant wildflowers adorn its lush grounds.John Muir is said to have called this lovely, grassy open area the “gem of the Sierra.” The High Sierra Trail's incredible and breathtaking views make this a favourite trail of the Sierra’s backcountry enthusiasts. Along Lewis Creek lies our peaceful mountain hideaway for the next two evenings, Sierra Sky Ranch. High Sierra Trail [up to 11 miles out and back; 800 feet of elevation gain, then loss]
DAY 4 Hiking to Taft Point, Sierra Sky Ranch In 1864, President Lincoln declared Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove to be public parks in order to protect this region.By 1890 John Muir’s campaign to further protect the region was successful when it was declared a national park. We start today off with a beautiful stroll through Mcgurk Meadows and the adjoining Ponderosa pine filled forests. This delightful hike leads us to Taft Point, which offers some of the most breathtaking views to be found anywhere in the world. Be sure to bring your camera because you will definitely want to capture today’s hike on film. Mcgurk Meadow to Taft Point [up to 8.5 miles,700 feet of elevation gain]
DAY 5 Hike Panorama Trail, Yosemite View Lodge You couldn’t ask for a better way to see the majestic splendour that Yosemite has to offer than by hiking the Panoramic trail. Cascading waterfalls, granite monoliths and breathtaking views to the valley floor abound on this little-known trail. With magnificent, yet different views around every corner, your eyes will be overwhelmed by all the visual stimuli! Panorama Trail [10 miles, 2700 feetelevation change] Moderate Option [Yosemite Falls Trail] Easy Option [Mirror Lake Trail 4.5 miles]
DAY 6 Yosemite Valley, Fresno We will travel into Yosemite Valley on one of California’s most beautiful and scenic byways.We have a number of options today, hike the many trails that dot the valley floor, horseback ride to Mirror Lake, stand amongst the provocative valley walls, or shop at the valley’s numerous gift shops.Our trip concludes at approximately 5:30 p.m. in Fresno. Hiking [distances up to the individual] Fresno Shuttle [2 - 3 hours]
TRIP DETAILS
Inn Trip: 6 days/5 nights Trip Level: Moderately Easy, with 3 days of Moderate Options Gateway City: Fresno, CA Meeting Time & Place: 9:00 a.m., Chateau Inn. Please plan to arrive at the inn at the designated meeting time, and not earlier, for the convenience of the innkeeper.We recommend that you have a big breakfast before you arrive, and that you come prepared to hike following the orientation.For your comfort, we suggest that you wear comfortable hiking boots with ankle support and wool socks coupled with a thin liner sock. Trip Conclusion: 5:30 p.m., Chateau Inn, Fresno, CA. Trip Fees Include: All meals (lunch Day 1-lunch Day 6), all accommodations (double occupancy), all national park fees, T-shirt, water bottle, support vehicle, professional naturalist guides, and historical information packet. Trip Notes: Exploring this region can involve daily shuttles of up to several hours.While we always request the best rooms at each hotel in the parks, no single group is guaranteed its exact request due to each park's popularity.
