Tour Itinerary
DAY 1
Three days of hiking and camping is the focus of our Yosemite Escape Camping Tour. In the morning of the first day, our guide will meet you downtown at the corner of Mason and O'Farrell Streets in front of the Hilton Hotel at 8:15 am. Once out of San Francisco, we cross the Central Valley and through gold country on our way into the mountains. Before reaching Yosemite Valley, we hike down for a picnic* amongst the giant sequoias - the largest living things on Earth.
(*Meals the first day are not included in the tour price. You will have an opportunity to get food en route to the park. Depending upon group interest/logistics you may visit any of the three Sequoia groves)
The hike through the giant sequoias is pleasantly shaded and brings you right up close to these massive wooden monuments, some of which are over one thousand years old and measure up to 30 ft. wide & 300 ft. tall. Continuing into the park on a 1 1/2-hour guided tour, we descend into Yosemite Valley, the most famous and photographed part of Yosemite (thanks to the work of Ansel Adams).
While in the Yosemite Valley, your guide will give you an orientation to the park as well as an explanation of the itinerary and options for the next two days. After some free time in Yosemite Valley, you will head for the campsite to set up camp, ending the day with drinks around the campfire as you decide what to do with your next two days in the park.
Day 2
Rising early, we prepare breakfast and lunch, clean up camp, and head off in the van for a fun day full of hiking, sightseeing, and exploring. Usually the second day is reserved for exploring Yosemite's High Country. A group hike to May Lake and Mount Hoffman is the highlight of this day (depending upon snowpack). May Lake is a picturesque example of a High Sierra lake. If you want more of a challenge, you can continue past May Lake to Mount Hoffman. Located at the geographic center of the park, Mount Hoffman is a non-technical hike that rewards you with a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain landscape. At the end of the day we head back to camp for dinner and time to unwind by the campfire.
Day 3
Day three is a free day, where the itinerary is based on the interests of the group. Normally we head back into Yosemite Valley, where you can choose one of a number of great hikes, rent a bike, or relax in the shade by the emerald green Merced River. After a full day in the park, we head back to San Francisco, arriving around 9pm.
In May, June and early July, you have the option of joining a whitewater rafting trip on the Merced River (depending on snowpack). This Class III-IV adventure can be added to your Yosemite Escape adventure for only $140-160.
CAMPING:
Camping is easy, but cooperation is important. Don't worry if you've never camped before; many people haven't. We supply the camping and cooking equipment necessary for a trip of this nature, using quality tents, camping and cooking equipment (you will need a sleeping bag - see below). Everybody is expected to participate in the set-up and breakdown of camp, and our professional guides are there to ensure a positive camping experience. We camp at comfortable campsites that have hot showers and modern facilities. Swimming is available nearby.
FOOD:
We provide the food, but not the chefs. You guys are the cooks, waiters, dishwashers, and of course the guests. The fare is all-you-can-eat and very tasty, and is a mixture of chicken, beef and vegetarian. Most people eat better with us than they do on the rest of their travels.
Transportation
We use 13 passenger turtle-top mini-coaches and Mercedes Sprinters with air conditioning and stereo for a comfortable ride. Our vehicles are fueled by Biodiesel, a vegetable oil-based diesel fuel, to promote green business. All of our vans tow trailers for your luggage and the camping equipment.
Sleeping Bags
For camping, you will need a sleeping bag. If you don't have one, we will rent one to you for $20 for the two nights.
What to Bring
On our journeys you will need sneakers or hiking boots, shorts, T-shirts, swimwear, sun protection, a water bottle, flashlight, and something warmer in case there is a change in weather.
Weather
June through September Yosemite is hot and sunny. May and October days are warm with cooler nights and occasional showers.
Who Goes
Most of our travelers are young international backpackers. Whether traveling on your own, or with friends, Incredible Adventures is a great way to meet others, see the sights and really explore Yosemite.
INCREDIBLE ADVENTURES CANCELLATION POLICY
Minimum 20% fee charged for any cancellations once the tour is booked.
Cancellations less than 72 hours before trip departure are charged 50% of the total price.
Cancellations less than 24 hours before trip departure are charged 100% of the total price.
No-Shows are not entitled to any refund and so are responsible for the full amount (100%) of the trip price. Customers are considered a No-Show if they cancel the morning of the trip, are not at the designated pickup location at the correct time, or for any other reason miss a tour without informing Incredible Adventures at least 12 hours prior to departure (such as not giving us their hotel info).
IMPORTANT! Your reservation is not guaranteed unless and until you call Incredible Adventures at least 72 hours in advance of the trip departure to confirm.
