YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK | CALIFORNIA, USA
The USA is blessed with some of the world’s most stunning scenery, much of it inside its many National Parks. Yosemite National Park is the jewel of the Californian wilderness, where waterfalls, dense forests, winding rivers and an array of wildlife transport visitors back in time.
This short Yosemite side trip is an ideal addition to a stay in San Francisco or a road trip through Californian.
This short Yosemite side trip is an ideal addition to a stay in San Francisco or a road trip through Californian.
|
For an exceptional national park lodge experience that is both relaxed and sophisticated our preferred accommodation at Yosemite National Park is Rush Creek Lodge. Rush Creek Lodge sits just outside the national park boundary off Highway 120, a 45-minute drive from Yosemite Valley.
Driving time from San Francisco to Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite about 3 hours or 166 miles. |
|
Our two day itinerary includes both self guided and guided elements so that you have time to explore at your own pace while not missing out on any of the Parks “must see” attractions.
Day 1
Morning - Glacier Point Tour
Virtually every visitor who comes to Yosemite National Park spends at least some time at Glacier Point, drawn to the breathtaking views. On this two-hour tour, you’ll go from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point—a 3,200-foot elevation gain. Be sure to bring your camera to capture awe-inspiring photos of Yosemite’s famous waterfalls and the distant High Sierra mountains.
Afternoon - Yosemite Valley
This seven square miles is the very heart of the park and the most popular area to visit. The valley contains many of the most famous park features including Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls and El Capitan. We'll provide you with an "in car" audio guide with stories about the history, geology, hikes, animals and cultural highlights along the route.
Optional afternoon activity.
Spend the afternoon rafting in Yosemite. You'll have tons of fun while cooling off and taking in some amazing views. Your trip will include a 3-mile float down the Merced River in a raft that holds 2-4 people.
Morning - Glacier Point Tour
Virtually every visitor who comes to Yosemite National Park spends at least some time at Glacier Point, drawn to the breathtaking views. On this two-hour tour, you’ll go from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point—a 3,200-foot elevation gain. Be sure to bring your camera to capture awe-inspiring photos of Yosemite’s famous waterfalls and the distant High Sierra mountains.
Afternoon - Yosemite Valley
This seven square miles is the very heart of the park and the most popular area to visit. The valley contains many of the most famous park features including Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls and El Capitan. We'll provide you with an "in car" audio guide with stories about the history, geology, hikes, animals and cultural highlights along the route.
Optional afternoon activity.
Spend the afternoon rafting in Yosemite. You'll have tons of fun while cooling off and taking in some amazing views. Your trip will include a 3-mile float down the Merced River in a raft that holds 2-4 people.
Day 2
Tioga Road to Tuolumme Meadows.
Today you'll drive east along the Tioga Road taking in Tenaya Lake and the spectacular Tuolumne Meadows in the park's Sierra Nevada high country. With your "in car" audio guide you'll have all the benefits of a guided tour with the freedom to stop and explore at your own pace.
As you drive along the Tioga Road your guide will point out places of interest and make suggestions on where to stop for hikes and the best photo opportunities like Olmsted Point which has views overlooking the valley.
Stunning Tenaya Lake is an ideal place to stop for lunch or cool off with a paddle or swim.
There is a short 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip hike at Pothole Dome & Tuolumne River. The top of Pothole Dome offers rewarding views looking east across Tuolumne Meadows; the lower section of the hike traverses a series of cascades in the Tuolumne River; and the last section of the loop skirts the western edge of Tuolumne Meadow with views of the surrounding mountains.
We can provide more information to help you plan your second day in Yosemite National park.
Tioga Road to Tuolumme Meadows.
Today you'll drive east along the Tioga Road taking in Tenaya Lake and the spectacular Tuolumne Meadows in the park's Sierra Nevada high country. With your "in car" audio guide you'll have all the benefits of a guided tour with the freedom to stop and explore at your own pace.
As you drive along the Tioga Road your guide will point out places of interest and make suggestions on where to stop for hikes and the best photo opportunities like Olmsted Point which has views overlooking the valley.
Stunning Tenaya Lake is an ideal place to stop for lunch or cool off with a paddle or swim.
There is a short 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip hike at Pothole Dome & Tuolumne River. The top of Pothole Dome offers rewarding views looking east across Tuolumne Meadows; the lower section of the hike traverses a series of cascades in the Tuolumne River; and the last section of the loop skirts the western edge of Tuolumne Meadow with views of the surrounding mountains.
We can provide more information to help you plan your second day in Yosemite National park.
Yosemite & Beyond
South of Yosemite, discover Sequoia National Park, a park named after the giant trees that tower into the sky, or sample the summer sports of Mammoth Lakes and Lake Tahoe. For something totally different visit Death Valley – at 282 feet below sea level, it is one of the hottest places on earth.
We can arrange a tailor-made itinerary including accommodation at Rush Creek Lodge, car hire and guides. Please contact us for more information and a tailor-made quotation.
South of Yosemite, discover Sequoia National Park, a park named after the giant trees that tower into the sky, or sample the summer sports of Mammoth Lakes and Lake Tahoe. For something totally different visit Death Valley – at 282 feet below sea level, it is one of the hottest places on earth.
We can arrange a tailor-made itinerary including accommodation at Rush Creek Lodge, car hire and guides. Please contact us for more information and a tailor-made quotation.
YOUR BOOKING IS ATOL & TTA PROTECTED
|
We're ATOL Protected so there's no chance of you loosing your money or being stranded abroad.
Book with a Travel Trust Association (TTA) member and be confident in the most complete consumer protection system the market has to offer.
Book with a Travel Trust Association (TTA) member and be confident in the most complete consumer protection system the market has to offer.
What our customers say...
"Wonderful efficient but friendly service"
★★★★★
Even when I felt we were being a pain when changing our minds Alex assured me that it was no trouble. Everything went very smoothly.
We are happily using them again to book a trip next year.
Trusted Customer
"Quite simply, Brilliant!"
★★★★★
Absolutely fantastic service. Special mention to Alex who organised everything. 5 Star service!
Recommended and will use again.
Trusted Customer
"Quality service with that personal touch"
★★★★★
Could not ask for more.
Sue in Aldershot
"Very helpful and knowledgeable travel company"
★★★★★
Rob & Alex were very helpful and knowledgeable with nothing to much trouble. Despite me asking multiple questions on a regular basis whilst we made our choice, I never once felt that they didn’t have time for me and wanted to help us make the right choice getting the holiday we desired.
I would have no hesitation in recommending or booking again in the future.
Darren in King’s Lynn
"Nothing was too much trouble"
★★★★★
An amazing weekend. It certainly was luxury in every way. Nothing was too much trouble, friendly, helpful, always there if you needed anything. Highly recommended.
Sue in Shoreham by sea
"Top notch professional and personal service"
★★★★★
The customer service and knowledge is exemplary. They have advice and options for all your requirements. I was buying as a present and they could not have been more accommodating.
Trusted Customer
"The peak of customer service"
★★★★★
These guys make you feel like their one and only customer. Superb customer service and attention to detail. The whole trip went off without a hitch. This is the second time we have traveled with them and the offering remains at the highest level.
Trusted Customer
"First class"
★★★★★
Used before and never let you down. This was a honeymoon and very special.
Andy in Bury
"An excellent business run by very helpful and professional people"
★★★★★
All I can say is you supply an excellent quality and value for money service and I would recommend you and your products knowing you back up what you say you will do.
Tony in Basildon
"A great experience"
★★★★★
Everything was very organised. Made our trip a great experience. Will take a hell of a lot of Beating.
Alex was brilliant throughout the booking and the actual trip.
Trusted Customer
"Amazing knowledge and expertise"
★★★★★
From start to finish the booking process and planning element of the trip was effortless.
Everything was explained clearly and everyone one of our expectations was met.
Andy, Sheffield
"Amazing"
★★★★★
Rob and the team are so helpful and incredibly efficient, always happy to answer any random queries or accommodate your requirements.
Their knowledge in arranging such a trip was invaluable and made it effortless on my behalf.
Clare in Northampton
"Truly unforgettable"
★★★★★
This was a special trip to mark my 50th Birthday and I can honestly say it was truly unforgettable. Rob and his team are very good at what they do and everything was first class.
Trusted Customer
"Efficiently organised with personal touch"
★★★★★
Would not hesitate to use again and would HIGHLY recommend to others.
Trusted Customer
"Fantastic service"
★★★★★
Rob was happy to talk over everything with me. Made me completely confident that this trip will be perfect.
I was made to feel that I could ask any questions I had. Rob was very informative and made sure the booking went smoothly and easily.
All in all. Fantastic service!
Trusted Customer
"An outstanding experience"
★★★★★
My husband and I had the most amazing few days, you did not disappoint! We have already given several people your company name as we would definitely use you again, thank you very very much you made the whole experience outstanding.
Janine in Banchory
"Absolutely amazing experience"
★★★★★
Rob and his team looked after us every step of the way.
James & Sarah in Reigate
★★★★★
Even when I felt we were being a pain when changing our minds Alex assured me that it was no trouble. Everything went very smoothly.
We are happily using them again to book a trip next year.
Trusted Customer
"Quite simply, Brilliant!"
★★★★★
Absolutely fantastic service. Special mention to Alex who organised everything. 5 Star service!
Recommended and will use again.
Trusted Customer
"Quality service with that personal touch"
★★★★★
Could not ask for more.
Sue in Aldershot
"Very helpful and knowledgeable travel company"
★★★★★
Rob & Alex were very helpful and knowledgeable with nothing to much trouble. Despite me asking multiple questions on a regular basis whilst we made our choice, I never once felt that they didn’t have time for me and wanted to help us make the right choice getting the holiday we desired.
I would have no hesitation in recommending or booking again in the future.
Darren in King’s Lynn
"Nothing was too much trouble"
★★★★★
An amazing weekend. It certainly was luxury in every way. Nothing was too much trouble, friendly, helpful, always there if you needed anything. Highly recommended.
Sue in Shoreham by sea
"Top notch professional and personal service"
★★★★★
The customer service and knowledge is exemplary. They have advice and options for all your requirements. I was buying as a present and they could not have been more accommodating.
Trusted Customer
"The peak of customer service"
★★★★★
These guys make you feel like their one and only customer. Superb customer service and attention to detail. The whole trip went off without a hitch. This is the second time we have traveled with them and the offering remains at the highest level.
Trusted Customer
"First class"
★★★★★
Used before and never let you down. This was a honeymoon and very special.
Andy in Bury
"An excellent business run by very helpful and professional people"
★★★★★
All I can say is you supply an excellent quality and value for money service and I would recommend you and your products knowing you back up what you say you will do.
Tony in Basildon
"A great experience"
★★★★★
Everything was very organised. Made our trip a great experience. Will take a hell of a lot of Beating.
Alex was brilliant throughout the booking and the actual trip.
Trusted Customer
"Amazing knowledge and expertise"
★★★★★
From start to finish the booking process and planning element of the trip was effortless.
Everything was explained clearly and everyone one of our expectations was met.
Andy, Sheffield
"Amazing"
★★★★★
Rob and the team are so helpful and incredibly efficient, always happy to answer any random queries or accommodate your requirements.
Their knowledge in arranging such a trip was invaluable and made it effortless on my behalf.
Clare in Northampton
"Truly unforgettable"
★★★★★
This was a special trip to mark my 50th Birthday and I can honestly say it was truly unforgettable. Rob and his team are very good at what they do and everything was first class.
Trusted Customer
"Efficiently organised with personal touch"
★★★★★
Would not hesitate to use again and would HIGHLY recommend to others.
Trusted Customer
"Fantastic service"
★★★★★
Rob was happy to talk over everything with me. Made me completely confident that this trip will be perfect.
I was made to feel that I could ask any questions I had. Rob was very informative and made sure the booking went smoothly and easily.
All in all. Fantastic service!
Trusted Customer
"An outstanding experience"
★★★★★
My husband and I had the most amazing few days, you did not disappoint! We have already given several people your company name as we would definitely use you again, thank you very very much you made the whole experience outstanding.
Janine in Banchory
"Absolutely amazing experience"
★★★★★
Rob and his team looked after us every step of the way.
James & Sarah in Reigate
