Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, these parks are renowned for their towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine alpine meadows. Our expertly crafted itinerary blends iconic landmarks with hidden gems, offering a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Our journey begins with an early rendezvous in Los Angeles on the first day, followed by a scenic drive through California’s Central Valley to Sequoia National Park. Here, we’ll stop at the Foothills Visitor Center to learn about the park’s history and ecosystems. Next, we’ll visit the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree by volume on the planet, and take the loop hike to fully appreciate its grandeur. In the afternoon, we’ll hike to the top of Moro Rock, offering panoramic views of the Great Western Divide and the Sierra Nevada mountains. After a day filled with awe-inspiring sights, we’ll return to Visalia for a hotel stay and a Welcome Dinner to kick off our adventure.
Next, we set off for Kings Canyon National Park, where the Sierra Nevada’s most breathtaking scenery awaits. You’ll have the option to enjoy some free time to explore on your own or join us for a partially guided hike. Together, we’ll explore the Big Stump Loop, marvel at ancient sequoia stumps, and visit the included awe-inspiring Boyden Cavern. As we venture into Cedar Grove, you’ll have the opportunity to hike through the tranquil Zumwalt Meadow, witness the powerful cascade of Roaring River Falls, and visit the iconic General Grant Tree, offering both solitude and a deeper connection with nature.
We then journey north to Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias. We’ll begin with a visit to Lower Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, followed by a stop at Tunnel View for panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome. In the afternoon, we’ll explore El Capitan Meadow and Bridalveil Fall, encountering lush meadows, tranquil rivers, and towering cliffs. In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner to set the tone for the adventures ahead.
The following day is dedicated to exploring Yosemite Valley at your own pace. The Mist Trail, renowned for its breathtaking views and challenging terrain, begins at Happy Isles and follows the Merced River to Vernal Fall Footbridge, offering a stunning view of the 317-foot Vernal Fall. The trail then becomes steeper, ascending alongside the waterfall and continuing to Nevada Fall, another 594-foot waterfall. For those seeking a more relaxed day, the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, Ansel Adams Gallery, and Yosemite Museum offer insights into the park’s history, geology, and cultural heritage. Other activities include renting bicycles, taking leisurely strolls through Cook’s Meadow, or relaxing by the Merced River with a picnic.
On the final day, we embark on a scenic drive from Yosemite to San Francisco, passing through the rolling foothills and vast agricultural fields of the Central Valley, one of the world’s most productive agricultural regions. Upon arrival in San Francisco, we’ll conclude our journey with a final group reflection, reminiscing about the incredible landscapes and experiences shared over the past five days. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and awe-inspiring scenery, making it an unforgettable journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world.
Weather permitting. Some activities are not accessible in extreme weather or due to road closures. Every attempt will be made to find comparable activities if these options are not available during your trip.
Highlights
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“We love this tour because it takes us on an amazing five-day journey through Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. The adventure starts in San Francisco and winds through beautiful landscapes to Yosemite, where we’re blown away by stunning waterfalls and towering granite cliffs. We get the freedom to explore Yosemite Valley on our own or tackle the Mist Trail for some epic views.
In Sequoia National Park, we get up close with the gigantic sequoias, including the awe-inspiring General Sherman Tree, and take in the breathtaking vistas from Moro Rock. Kings Canyon National Park is a hidden gem, with its rich history and the peaceful Cedar Grove area, perfect for a quiet moment in nature.
The drive to Los Angeles is a great way to wrap up the trip, especially with the chance to see some classic Hollywood sights. This tour is a fantastic mix of famous spots and hidden treasures, giving us a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. It leaves us with wonderful memories and a newfound love for these incredible national parks.”
**Sample Itineraries: Please note that due to rapidly-changing conditions beyond our control (weather, crowds, traffic) and the small size of our vehicles/groups, we allow our guides the flexibility to tailor your itinerary to best suit the needs of the group. While we guarantee that we’ll do our best to provide you with all of the highlights within this Yosemite Highlights Tour itinerary (conditions permitting), we do not guarantee them in this specific order. **
Our journey begins with an early morning rendezvous in Los Angeles, where we’ll embark on a scenic drive through California’s Central Valley, a region famed for its agricultural bounty. As we travel, the urban landscape gradually gives way to vast expanses of fertile fields, dotted with orchards and vineyards that showcase California’s rich farming heritage. Along the route, we’ll pass through charming small towns, each with its unique character, offering a glimpse into the heart of the state’s rural life.
Our first stop is Sequoia National Park, where we’ll visit the Foothills Visitor Center. Here, you’ll gain insights into the park’s rich history, from its early preservation efforts to the unique ecosystems that thrive in this diverse landscape. The Visitor Center provides an excellent introduction to what lies ahead, setting the stage for the remarkable sights we’ll encounter throughout the day.
Next, we venture to one of the park’s most iconic landmarks—the General Sherman Tree. This colossal sequoia, the largest tree in the world by volume, stands as a testament to the ancient, enduring nature of these forests. We’ll take a loop hike around the tree, allowing you to fully appreciate its grandeur and the surrounding grove of giant sequoias. The peacefulness and majesty of this grove offer a profound connection to nature and a moment to reflect on the wonders of the natural world.
In the afternoon, we’ll tackle the hike to Moro Rock, a granite dome that offers one of the most breathtaking views in the park. The ascent to the top, via a series of steep stairs carved into the rock, rewards you with panoramic vistas of the Great Western Divide and the Sierra Nevada mountains. The sweeping views from Moro Rock are truly awe-inspiring, providing a sense of the vast wilderness that stretches out before you.
After a day filled with exploration and natural wonders, we’ll make our way back to Visalia, where comfortable accommodations await. In the evening, we’ll gather for a Welcome Dinner, a chance to unwind, share our first impressions, and look forward to the adventures that lie ahead. This dinner not only marks the end of a remarkable first day but also sets the tone for the camaraderie and shared experiences that will define our journey.
On Day 2 of our journey, we’ll explore the captivating landscapes of Kings Canyon National Park, starting with a visit to Big Stump Grove, where we’ll walk among the remnants of ancient sequoias, offering a glimpse into the park’s rich history and the impact of early logging. Next, we’ll visit the iconic General Grant Tree, also known as the “Nation’s Christmas Tree,” one of the largest living trees on Earth. An optional stop at the nearby Visitor Center is available for those interested in learning more about the park’s ecology and history.
Our adventure continues with an included one-hour guided tour of Boyden Cavern, a hidden gem within the park. As we venture underground, you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning limestone formations, including intricate stalactites and stalagmites, set in a cool and mysterious subterranean environment.
We then head to the Cedar Grove area, renowned for its scenic beauty, where you’ll have the option to join a guided hike. Our expert guide will lead you through some of the most picturesque trails, sharing insights into the diverse flora, fauna, and geological features that make this area so special. Alternatively, you can enjoy some free time to explore Cedar Grove at your own pace, whether you prefer a peaceful walk along the Kings River, a more challenging hike, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views. This part of the park offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility.
Today, we journey north to Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and diverse ecosystems. Our drive will take us through the scenic foothills of the Sierra Nevada, where rolling hills covered in oak woodlands give way to towering pine forests, offering picturesque views and plenty of opportunities to stop and appreciate the landscape.
Our day begins with a stop to pick up lunch, ensuring we’re well-prepared for a full day of exploration. Once inside Yosemite National Park, we’ll head to Glacier Point, where we’ll be treated to some of the most breathtaking views the park has to offer. From this vantage point, you can see nearly the entire Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra. Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America, cascades down in three tiers, plunging a total of 2,425 feet from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall; creating a mesmerizing sight and a thunderous roar that echoes throughout the valley.
For those interested, there will be an option to join a guided hike to Sentinel Dome, which provides a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding landscape. Depending on the timing and group preference, we may also visit Tunnel View today, where you can witness the iconic landscape of Yosemite, or save this stop for tomorrow morning.
After a day of incredible scenery, we’ll head to our accommodations in Oakhurst, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences. (Please note: Glacier Point is not open early in the season, so this stop is subject to seasonal access.)
This day is dedicated to free time and exploring Yosemite Valley at your own pace. One of the must-do hikes in Yosemite is the self-guided Mist Trail, renowned for its breathtaking views and challenging terrain.
The Mist Trail begins at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley and follows the Merced River. The first segment of the trail is a paved path that leads to the Vernal Fall Footbridge, offering a stunning view of the 317-foot Vernal Fall. The round-trip hike to the Vernal Fall Footbridge is about 1.6 miles. From here, the trail becomes steeper and rockier as it ascends alongside the waterfall. As you climb, you’ll feel the refreshing mist from the waterfall, which can be a welcome relief on a hot day. This section of the trail is where it gets its name, as the mist from Vernal Fall creates a cool, misty atmosphere that is both invigorating and beautiful.
Continuing past Vernal Fall, the trail becomes even more challenging as it ascends a series of granite steps carved into the rock. This strenuous climb leads to the top of Vernal Fall, where you can take a break and enjoy the spectacular views of the valley below. The round-trip hike to the top of Vernal Fall is about 2.4 miles. From here, the trail continues to Nevada Fall, another 594-foot waterfall that is equally impressive. The round-trip hike to Nevada Fall is about 7 miles. The climb to Nevada Fall is steep and rocky, but the panoramic views from the top are well worth the effort.
For those seeking a more relaxed day, you can visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center to learn about the park’s history, geology, and ecology. Nearby, the Ansel Adams Gallery offers a collection of stunning black-and-white photographs capturing the essence of Yosemite’s landscapes. The nearby Yosemite Museum provides insights into the cultural history of the region, including the stories of the Native American tribes who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
Other activities in Yosemite Valley include renting bicycles to explore the valley’s flat and scenic bike paths, taking a leisurely stroll through Cook’s Meadow to enjoy views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome, or simply relaxing by the Merced River with a picnic.
In the evening, we return to our lodgings, reflecting on the day’s wonders and sharing our experiences with fellow travelers.
On our final leg, we embark on a scenic drive from Yosemite to San Francisco. As we descend from the Sierra Nevada mountains, we’ll pass through the rolling foothills and vast agricultural fields of the Central Valley. This part of the drive offers a glimpse into California’s agricultural heartland, known for its orchards, vineyards, and crop fields. The Central Valley is one of the world’s most productive agricultural regions, and you’ll see a variety of crops, including almonds, grapes, and citrus fruits, along the way.
As we continue west, the landscape gradually changes from rural farmland to the bustling urban environment of the San Francisco Bay Area. Upon arrival in San Francisco, we’ll conclude our journey with a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Whether it’s the towering sequoias of Sequoia National Park, the dramatic cliffs of Kings Canyon, or the majestic waterfalls of Yosemite, each moment of this tour will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Join us for this comprehensive experience, showcasing the diverse beauty and rich history of three of California’s most treasured national parks. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and awe-inspiring scenery, making it an unforgettable journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world.
We understand how important quality time with your friends and family is. We also understand the hesitation some customers may have in sharing a vehicle with people they don’t know. While we love the ease of travel & new friendships that shared tours provide, we have adapted to bring our customers more options when it comes to booking a tour.
This tour is now available to book as a private excursion for up to 13 guests. You’ll receive the same itinerary and inclusions that our typical tour would provide, plus personal one-on-one attention from your guide and the ability to choose exactly who you’ll bring with you.
Feeling like making some changes or additions to the itinerary? Contact us and we can create a quote for any custom experience you’d like to partake in anywhere in the 50 states.
Reserve your NorCal Highlights Tour: Los Angeles to San Francisco as a private excursion now!
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