Yosemite and California’s National Parks
Look across Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point, stand beneath the world’s largest trees and step onto the salt flats of Death Valley. This nine-day journey reveals California’s striking variety, from waterfalls and granite formations to ancient sequoias, red-rock terrain and desert vistas.
You’ll spend two full days exploring Yosemite National Park, including an open-air tram tour through the valley and a guided ascent into the high Sierra. A three-night stay at Yosemite View Lodge gives you time to settle in along the banks of the Merced River.
Continue to Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks to see General Sherman and General Grant, then travel through the Alabama Hills beneath Mount Whitney. Your journey concludes with a guided exploration of Death Valley, including Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point.
Highlights of Yosemite and California’s National Parks
- Spend two full days exploring Yosemite National Park
- View Half Dome, El Capitan and Nevada Falls from Glacier Point
- Tour Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks with an expert guide
- Ride the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
- Stand beneath General Sherman and General Grant.
- Explore the red-rock formations of the Alabama Hills
- Visit Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point with a Death Valley expert
DAY 1: WELCOME TO CALIFORNIA!
Arrive into the Bay Area for dinner and an overnight stay. D
DAY 2: SIERRA NEVADA
Travel through Central California into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, America’s longest continuous mountain range. Visit the Mariposa Museum & History Center for an inside look at one of the area’s most historically significant towns. Continue east and check in for a three- night stay at Yosemite View Lodge on the banks of the Merced River. B, D
DAY 3: YOSEMITE VALLEY
Explore the incomparable beauty of Yosemite Valley aboard an open-air tram and discover views of waterfalls, deep valleys, and rock formations. With such spectacular scenery–it’s easy to grasp why Yosemite is one of the nation’s most photographed parks! Enjoy leisure time in what John Muir called “Nature’s Greatest Cathedral.” B, D
DAY 4: GLACIER POINT
Ascend 3,500 feet on a guided tram tour into the high Sierra for the most spectacular scenery Yosemite has to offer. Take in 360-degree views of the valley floor below and marvel at the top-down views of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Nevada Falls. Spend time at the top, exploring the paths that lead from one breathtaking view to next. After the tour, enjoy an afternoon at leisure in the park. B, D
DAY 5: SUGAR PINE RAILROAD
Enjoy a final look at the beauty of Yosemite as you travel the scenic Wawona Road into Sierra National Forest. The sounds and scenes from the era of steam powered railroad logging come to life aboard the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. After a delicious lunch, continue to the Fresno area for an overnight stay. B, L
DAY 6: SEQUOIA/KINGS CANYON
It’s time to explore Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with a guide from the Sequoia Field Institute. These parks are home to giants: immense mountains, deep canyons, and huge trees. Behold the largest tree in the world, General Sherman, more massive than 10 blue whales combined! Visit General Grant, designated as the nation’s Christmas Tree by Calvin Coolidge in 1929. After a day among giants, continue to Bakersfield for an overnight stay. B, L
DAY 7: ALABAMA HILLS
Travel to one of California’s best kept secrets, the town of Lone Pine, where an other- worldly red rock landscape sits beneath the tallest peak in the contiguous U.S., Mount Whitney. A scenic drive takes you into Death Valley National Park and an overnight stay at The Ranch Resort at Death Valley. B, D
DAY 8: DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
With a park expert, explore the locations that make Death Valley perhaps our most misunderstood National Park. Step out onto the salt flats of Badwater Basin, the lowest elevation on the continent, and marvel at the landscape of the Mojave Desert from Zabriskie Point. Overnight in Las Vegas. B, D
DAY 9: RETURN HOME
Return home with memories of Yosemite’s granite landmarks, California’s giant sequoias and the dramatic desert terrain of Death Valley. B
QUALITY ACCOMMODATIONS:
Night 1: Hyatt Place, San Jose Airport, CA
Nights 2-4: Yosemite View Lodge, El Portal, CA
Night 5: Doubletree, Fresno, CA
Night 6: Four Points, Bakersfield, CA
Night 7: The Ranch at Death Valley, CA
Night 8: Doubletree, Las Vegas Airport, NV
Dates:
Sep 11-19, 2027
Sep 29-Oct 7, 2027
Price Per Person:
Double: $3,647
Single: $4,755
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
Call for pricing
Depart/Return:
Depart: San Jose, CA
Return: Las Vegas, NV
Inclusions:
Free airport shuttle
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, Hyatt Place San Jose Airport, starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport any time on Day 9.
Airport Transportation
Our starting hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from the San Jose International Airport.
Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
High of 90°, low of 55°
Time Zone
Pacific
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron and ironing board, coffee maker, and WiFi. In most cases they also offer a fitness room and swimming pool.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Dress on tour is casual. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, view Travel Protection Information.
