Yosemite & the Merced River
Tour Map
Daily Itinerary
June 16: Fresno to Yosemite National Park
Meet your naturalist guides and drive straight to Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove. Spend all day in the grove of giant, ancient trees, hiking or walking, and enjoying a picnic lunch. Settle into historic accommodations near the grove. Wawona Hotel (B,L,D)
JUNE 17: Yosemite National Park
Hike with a naturalist guide through the region’s photogenic landscape of waterfalls, high peaks, rushing streams, dense forests, and lush meadows. Meet a park historian at Pioneer Village to learn of the extraordinary history of this magnificent park. Wawona Hotel (B,L,D)
JUNE 18: Yosemite National Park
Walk out to Glacier Point, 3,200 feet above the Yosemite Valley, where a breathtaking vista stretches for miles, encompassing forests and meadows, cliffs and domes, and high mountains in the distance. Then drive through the Wawona Tunnel to the breathtaking Yosemite Valley. Bridelveil and Yosemite Falls plunge to the valley floor with a roar. Scan for rock climbers inching their way up the sheer face of El Capitan. As we explore, naturalist guides explain the massive geologic forces that formed these features. Learn of the tribes who called this valley home and the conservationists who followed. After the day of exploring we head to our accommodations in nearby El Portal. Yosemite View Lodge (B,L,D)
JUNE 19: Merced River
We begin our 2-day trip on the Merced River today. Spring on the Merced is a snapshot of the reawakening Yosemite wilderness. With its expanse of burly pine forests, jutting rock, colorful wildflowers, and sandy beaches, the Merced runs through a sun-soaked paradise at the edge of Yosemite. We start with a rollercoaster of whitewater waves and then alternate with calm stretches along a picturesque canyon. We all share in the paddling with the instruction of an expert river guide. No rafting experience required. We camp very comfortably along the river, enjoying the quiet, scenic wilderness. Deluxe River Camp (B,L,D)
June 20: Fresno to Yosemite National Park
More fun awaits on the river today as we spend the morning floating another unique stretch of the river. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the river bank before our return through Yosemite. We arrive at our luxurious final accommodations by late afternoon. At a festive farewell dinner we share stories of our adventure. Tenaya Lodge (B,L,D
JUNE 21: Transfer to Fresno
Catch breakfast at the hotel and shuttle to the airport for connections home. (B)
Special Tour Notes
The itinerary for the days in the park may vary based on weather conditions. Hikes will be chosen based on the interests and abilities of the group. Planned hikes are 2-3 hours on relatively level ground, but there may be opportunities for a longer, more vigorous hike.
The raft trip is appropriate for rafters of all levels. We will be in paddle rafts with each person joining in the paddling under the instruction from an experienced river guide. A great opportunity for first-timers. Minimum age of 12.
All camp gear is included for the overnight on the river including tents, sleeping bags, thick pads. Outhouse facilities are available at camp. You’ll be surprised by the fabulous food cooked at camp by our river guides.
