What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 4 days of hiking and 6 nights of lodging in Rush Creek Lodge Transportation to/from day hikes throughout the duration of the trip All meals from breakfast on Day 2 through dinner on Day 5 Guides emergency gear and water purification. Permits What’s not included: Transportation to/from Yosemite National Park Dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 6 Alcoholic beverages Single supplement Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional Single travelers requesting a shared accommodation will need to pay a “forced single supplement” when there are no other travelers of the same sex also requesting shared accommodations.

How fit do I need to be?

The best thing about this camping tour in Yosemite is that it is suitable for all skill levels. You will hike 2-7.2 miles/ 3-11.5 km per day, totaling about 27 miles/42 km. You don’t need previous experience of multi-day hikes but you should be at a fairly good level of fitness. You need to be able to hike for 4 full days, carrying just a daypack with things you’ll need throughout the day. You will shuttle out daily from your campsite to selected hiking destinations. Along the way, your professional and knowledgeable guide will share the history of Yosemite as well as information about the geology, natural history, plants, and animals of the area. This is a top-choice for first-timers to Yosemite!

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Daypack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag) Duffle bag for your clothes and personal items Hiking poles — optional Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Comfortable hiking clothes Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Mosquito head net Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. Single travelers are welcome but will need to pay a “forced single supplement” when there are no other travelers of the same sex also requesting shared accommodations. Hiking and lodging in Yosemite can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

You will meet your guides at Rush Creek Lodge in Yosemite National Park at 7 pm on Day 1 for orientation and introductions. To get to Rush Creek Lodge in Groveland, CA, most people fly into Fresno/Yosemite International Airport (FAT) , 2.5 hours away. Other options include coming from Sacramento (3 hours away) or San Francisco (4 hours away). From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service. The public roads are maintained year-round—except for the eastern entrance on Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park). Cars are welcomed in Yosemite National Park, and visitors pay an entrance fee of $35. There is free parking in Yosemite but it is limited.

Safety measures in Yosemite National Park, California

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Yosemite National Park, please refer to the California Department of Public Health . If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Rush Creek Guest Lodge and Pool Area Kim Carroll

YOSEMITE | CALIFORNIA

Yosemite National Park Lodging & Hiking Tour

5.00 ()

Season

May through October

Duration

6 days

Accommodation

Rush Creek Lodge

Difficulty

Guide

Lasting Adventures

Questions, additional dates, private groups

Book a call

From $5,870 () / 6 days

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Lodging made for comfort
Reviews
Things to know

Step into the heart of California’s wilderness with our 4-day lodge-based Yosemite tour, designed for the adventurous ones. Picture hiking the iconic Mist Trail, where the spray of waterfalls kisses your face, igniting a sense of awe. Feel the thrill as you go up Mt. Hoffman, taking in sweeping vistas before wandering through the ancient giants of Mariposa Grove. And let’s not forget the jaw-dropping views from Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome, and Taft Point! Experience Yosemite in comfort and style on this unforgettable journey, with expert guides leading the way.

Adventure highlights

Lodging with style

Explore Yosemite the traditional way and return each evening to your comfortable lodge with modern amenities and excellent meals
Perfect for families and first-timers

All skill levels are welcome: easily reach towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, and lush forests
Authentic and rewarding wilderness experience

Let a knowledgeable guide teach you about the geology, natural history, plants, and animals

Available itineraries

Yosemite National Park Lodging in the King Room

If you're looking for a change of scenery, join this lodge-based hiking tour of Yosemite and enjoy the views as you visit some of its most iconic locations. You will stay in a Lodge King Room designed to comfortably fit parties of up to 4 people. With a stylish sitting area, private deck with forest and/or sunset views, and private bathroom with shower, you can relax and recharge after a day of hiking and exploration. Rooms have one king bed and one queen-size sofa bed.

This private Yosemite hiking tour includes lodging the night before and the night after your 4 days of hiking. Obtaining reservations in and around Yosemite can be extremely difficult and sometimes impossible, so your guides schedule these rooms in advance to save you some time and make the experience even better. In case you don’t need the pre- or post-trip lodging, let us know and we can reduce your price accordingly. There will be a 7 pm orientation with your guides for those who have checked in.

Meals: –
Today you will be picked up by your guide at Rush Creek Lodge at 8 am, so grab your breakfast early. After morning stretches, start off towards the Happy Isles trailhead and hike the famous Mist Trail. This hike takes you right up next to two of Yosemite’s most well-known waterfalls, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and along the eastern edge of the aptly named Panorama Cliff. As you complete your loop, return to the valley via the famous John Muir Trail, offering new perspectives of the waterfalls you just visited. Following the hike, drive back to Rush Creek Lodge for an evening of dinner and relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast, lunchbox, dinner
Driving: 45 minutes each way
Hiking: 7.2 miles/ 11.6 km
In the morning, shuttle to the May Lake parking lot where you will have the option to summit Mt. Hoffman at 10,850’. This is the geographical center of Yosemite as well as John Muir’s favorite view in all of Yosemite. On your way back, you will have a chance to take a dip in May Lake. Return to the lodge in time for dinner and s’mores at the campfire circle by the outdoor pool.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Driving: 60 minutes each way
Hiking: 6 miles/ 9.6 km
This will be one of your busiest days! After an early morning breakfast, head to the famous Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia trees located by the park’s southern boundary. This is the largest grove in Yosemite and home to over 500 mature trees. After touring the grove, head to a picnic lunch in Wawona and continue your travels to the famous Glacier Point, where you will spend time taking in the views and learning about the history of this famous landmark. Hike from the Glacier Point to the summit of Sentinel Dome at 8,122 ft/ 2476 m for an amazing 360-degree view. After descending Sentinel Dome, you will have the option of hiking to Taft Point for a magical sunset before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Driving: 105 minutes each way
Hiking: 9 miles/ 14.5 km
After breakfast at Rush Creek, our guides will shuttle you back along the scenic Tioga Pass Road to one of the largest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada: Tuolumne Meadows. At 8,600 ft/ 2620 m, Tuolumne Meadows offers you a chance to hike and explore at an alpine level. Hike 1.6 miles / 2.6 km to the top of Lembert Dome for an amazing view of this glacially formed meadow before backtracking 1.3 miles/ 2 km to Dog Lake for lunch and a swim. Hike further down the Tuolumne River before returning to the Visitor Center to catch the shuttle. If time permits, you could stop at the Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias for a 2.5 mile/ 4 km hike to enjoy this historic grove. Get back to your lodging where you can debrief, relax and have dinner on your last evening in Yosemite.

Meals: Breakfast, lunchbox, dinner
Driving: 75 minutes each way
Hiking: 6 miles/ 9.6 km
Those staying for a final night can have that one well-needed morning to sleep in, and perhaps, follow your late morning with a scheduled massage at Rush Creek (optional, not included in our price).
Although we do our best to follow this itinerary; it can and will change for matters out of our control. Should weather, fire, group desires, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered.

Meals: –
This is a sample itinerary only. Although we do our best to follow this itinerary; it can and will change for matters out of our control. Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. Also, as a group you can work with your guide to develop new daily itineraries by request.

Yosemite National Park Lodging in the Villa

Join us on this lodge-based guided tour of Yosemite and explore some of its most iconic landmarks. Spend your days hiking to amazing waterfalls, cliffs and meadows, and rest in a hillside villa that hosts up to 6 people. This stunning lodging features an entry foyer, private bathroom, a master bedroom with a king bed, second bedroom with two twin beds, a large sitting area with a queen sofa bed and cast iron gas fireplace. In the evenings, watch the stars from your expansive private deck and relax in comfy beds.

This private Yosemite hiking tour includes lodging the night before and the night after your 4 days of hiking. Obtaining reservations in and around Yosemite can be extremely difficult and sometimes impossible, so your guides schedule these rooms in advance to save you some time and make the experience even better. In case you don’t need the pre- or post-trip lodging, let us know and we can reduce your price accordingly. There will be a 7 pm orientation with your guides for those who have checked in.

Meals: –
Today you will be picked up by your guide at Rush Creek Lodge at 8 am, so grab your breakfast early. After morning stretches, start off towards the Happy Isles trailhead and hike the famous Mist Trail. This hike takes you right up next to two of Yosemite’s most well-known waterfalls, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and along the eastern edge of the aptly named Panorama Cliff. As you complete your loop, return to the valley via the famous John Muir Trail, offering new perspectives of the waterfalls you just visited. Following the hike, drive back to Rush Creek Lodge for an evening of dinner and relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast, lunchbox, dinner
Driving: 45 minutes each way
Hiking: 7.2 miles/ 11.6 km
In the morning, shuttle to the May Lake parking lot where you will have the option to summit Mt. Hoffman at 10,850’. This is the geographical center of Yosemite as well as John Muir’s favorite view in all of Yosemite. On your way back, you will have a chance to take a dip in May Lake. Return to the lodge in time for dinner and s’mores at the campfire circle by the outdoor pool.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Driving: 60 minutes each way
Hiking: 6 miles/ 9.6 km
This will be one of your busiest days! After an early morning breakfast, head to the famous Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia trees located by the park’s southern boundary. This is the largest grove in Yosemite and home to over 500 mature trees. After touring the grove, head to a picnic lunch in Wawona and continue your travels to the famous Glacier Point, where you will spend time taking in the views and learning about the history of this famous landmark. Hike from the Glacier Point to the summit of Sentinel Dome at 8,122 ft/ 2476 m for an amazing 360-degree view. After descending Sentinel Dome, you will have the option of hiking to Taft Point for a magical sunset before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Driving: 105 minutes each way
Hiking: 9 miles/ 14.5 km
After breakfast at Rush Creek, our guides will shuttle you back along the scenic Tioga Pass Road to one of the largest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada: Tuolumne Meadows. At 8,600 ft/ 2620 m, Tuolumne Meadows offers you a chance to hike and explore at an alpine level. Hike 1.6 miles / 2.6 km to the top of Lembert Dome for an amazing view of this glacially formed meadow before backtracking 1.3 miles/ 2 km to Dog Lake for lunch and a swim. Hike further down the Tuolumne River before returning to the Visitor Center to catch the shuttle. If time permits, you could stop at the Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias for a 2.5 mile/ 4 km hike to enjoy this historic grove. Get back to your lodging where you can debrief, relax and have dinner on your last evening in Yosemite.

Meals: Breakfast, lunchbox, dinner
Driving: 75 minutes each way
Hiking: 6 miles/ 9.6 km
Those staying for a final night can have that one well-needed morning to sleep in, and perhaps, follow your late morning with a scheduled massage at Rush Creek (optional, not included in our price).
Although we do our best to follow this itinerary; it can and will change for matters out of our control. Should weather, fire, group desires, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered.

Meals: –
This is a sample itinerary only. Although we do our best to follow this itinerary; it can and will change for matters out of our control. Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. Also, as a group you can work with your guide to develop new daily itineraries by request.

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Meet your guide

5.00

Lasting Adventures

Hiking & Backpacking Guides

Operating since 1997, the non-profit Lasting Adventures, Inc. is the #1 backcountry outfitter in Yosemite National Park. Their small group backpacking trips are all-inclusive as they provide free use of quality gear provided to them by corporate partners such as Gregory, Big Agnes, and Leki. In addition to supporting you along the trail and while in camp, their professional guides take care of making high-quality and delicious meals and other camp chores. Their guides and outdoor educators are the key ingredients to our success at Lasting Adventures. While they all come from different backgrounds, they also all share a passion for adventure, fun, American National Parks, and sharing outdoor experiences with others to create memories that last a lifetime.

Lodging made for comfort

Every night you will stay at the Rush Creek Lodge in rooms of your own choosing. Your options include a King Room which hosts 4 or a Hillside Villa perfect for 6 participants.

Room amenities in Rush Creek include the usual air conditioning, free wifi and even an Alexa entertainment device. You will sleep in comfortable Sealy beds and luxurious, hypoallergenic feather pillows and when you wake up, feel free to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of gourmet Keurig coffee brew or complimentary tea. At the end of the day, relax your tired muscles with Earth Therapy bath products.

- Air conditioning
- Alexa and wifi
- Comfy beds and hypoallergenic pillows
- Complimentary coffee and tea
- Linens and towels
- Daily housekeeping
- Daily New York Times Digest
- Hair dryers and irons
- Earth Therapy bath products
- In-room safe

5.00 (1 reviews)

Amazing First Hiking-Camping Experience

cezefo (source: Tripadvisor)

We were a group of 7 family members (ages 22-65 years old), for all of us was our first hiking/backpacking/camping experience. We all have such an amazing yet challenging experience, it was really worthy! Thank you so much to our guides Nicole and Jack for your cheers, your spirit, your cooking, your yoga time, your knowledge and for doing this family trip so great! We really enjoy it!!

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 4 days of hiking and 6 nights of lodging in Rush Creek Lodge
  - Transportation to/from day hikes throughout the duration of the trip
  - All meals from breakfast on Day 2 through dinner on Day 5
  - Guides emergency gear and water purification.
  - Permits
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to/from Yosemite National Park
  - Dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 6
  - Alcoholic beverages
  - Single supplement
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
Single travelers requesting a shared accommodation will need to pay a “forced single supplement” when there are no other travelers of the same sex also requesting shared accommodations.
The best thing about this camping tour in Yosemite is that it is suitable for all skill levels. You will hike 2-7.2 miles/ 3-11.5 km per day, totaling about 27 miles/42 km. You don’t need previous experience of multi-day hikes but you should be at a fairly good level of fitness. You need to be able to hike for 4 full days, carrying just a daypack with things you’ll need throughout the day.

You will shuttle out daily from your campsite to selected hiking destinations. Along the way, your professional and knowledgeable guide will share the history of Yosemite as well as information about the geology, natural history, plants, and animals of the area. This is a top-choice for first-timers to Yosemite!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Daypack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Duffle bag for your clothes and personal items
  - Hiking poles — optional
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  - Comfortable hiking clothes
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Mosquito head net
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
You can leave the cooking to your lodge and your experienced outdoor guides, known for providing tasty and satisfying meals. Each day you will have breakfast and dinner at your accommodation and a lunch box and snacks on trail. Your guides have experience accommodating a variety of dietary choices and concerns. Your lodge has restaurants on-site as well as within a 15 minute drive.

Every night you will stay at the Rush Creek Lodge in rooms of your own choosing. Your options include a King Room which hosts 4 or a Hillside Villa perfect for 6 participants.

Room amenities in Rush Creek include the usual air conditioning, free wifi and even an Alexa entertainment device. You will sleep in comfortable Sealy beds and luxurious, hypoallergenic feather pillows and when you wake up, feel free to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of gourmet Keurig coffee brew or complimentary tea. At the end of the day, relax your tired muscles with Earth Therapy bath products.
- - Air conditioning
  - Alexa and wifi
  - Comfy beds and hypoallergenic pillows
  - Complimentary coffee and tea
  - Linens and towels
  - Daily housekeeping
  - Daily New York Times Digest
  - Hair dryers and irons
  - Earth Therapy bath products
  - In-room safe
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate.
  - Single travelers are welcome but will need to pay a “forced single supplement” when there are no other travelers of the same sex also requesting shared accommodations.
Hiking and lodging in Yosemite can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
You will meet your guides at Rush Creek Lodge in Yosemite National Park at 7 pm on Day 1 for orientation and introductions. To get to Rush Creek Lodge in Groveland, CA, most people fly into Fresno/Yosemite International Airport (FAT), 2.5 hours away. Other options include coming from Sacramento (3 hours away) or San Francisco (4 hours away).

From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service. The public roads are maintained year-round—except for the eastern entrance on Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park). Cars are welcomed in Yosemite National Park, and visitors pay an entrance fee of $35. There is free parking in Yosemite but it is limited.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.

With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Yosemite National Park, please refer to the California Department of Public Health.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits

You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!
- - Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
  - Once the dates are set, you can confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total amount.
  - The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Super Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.