Day 1: Arrival and FOrest Wanderlust
- Check into your cozy Explorer Cabin, Lodge room, or peaceful Cottage at Tenaya and settle into nature-mode.
- In the afternoon, get creative and inspired with the Glass Blowing Experience—a hands-on opportunity to shape molten glass into a keepsake of your trip (available for an additional fee).
- Enjoy a classic meal, Sierra style. Gold Rush BBQ is a casual, family-friendly favorite with smoky flavors and mountain vibes—complete with firepits and lasso lessons.
- Then, take a short drive to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias for a peaceful sunset hike among ancient giants. The golden-hour light through the towering trees is something you’ll never forget.
- Cap off the night with the Sierra Stargazing experience (available for an additional fee), where telescopes and expert guides help you discover planets, constellations, and stories hidden in the sky. It’s a magical way to wind down and settle into the rhythm of the mountains.
Day 2: Yosemite National Park – Your Way
- Get an early start and head into the park with your timed entry reservation. Wander Yosemite Valley and take on one of its most iconic hikes: the Mist Trail. This scenic trail follows the rushing Merced River past emerald pools and up a stone staircase carved into the granite cliffs. With over 600 steps to Vernal Fall and a total elevation gain of about 1,000 feet to the footbridge—or 2,000+ if you continue to Nevada Fall—it’s a thrilling challenge that rewards you with misty views, vibrant rainbows, and the sound of cascading water around every bend.
- Want to take the guesswork out of it? Book a private guided hike with Yosemite 360 Tours and let a knowledgeable local lead the way, tailoring the pace and sharing stories about the park’s geology, flora, and history.
- Back at Tenaya, treat yourself to a well-earned unwind at the Ascent Spa. Whether you choose a soothing massage, a eucalyptus steam, or just quiet time in the relaxation lounge, it’s the perfect way to ease tired muscles and reset your senses before tomorrow’s adventures.
Day 3: Tuolumne Meadows & High-Country Highlights
- Today, trade the valley for elevation and make your way to Tuolumne Meadows—a subalpine paradise of granite domes, flowering meadows, and winding rivers. Take Tioga Road (Highway 120) through the park’s high country. Along the way, stop at Olmsted Point for panoramic views of Tenaya Canyon and Half Dome from an unexpected angle. Continue on to Tenaya Lake—a stunning, glacier-fed lake perfect for a picnic, a quick wade, or just soaking up the serenity.
- Then head to Tuolumne Meadows, where wide-open skies and blooming wildflowers await.
- For added adventure, stretch your legs on a short hike to May Lake—a hidden gem tucked beneath Mount Hoffmann. The 2.4-mile round-trip trail features sweeping views and a pristine alpine lake that feels like your own private retreat.
- Important Note: There are no gas stations between Crane Flat and Lee Vining, and limited services along Tioga Road—so fill your tank and pack snacks or a picnic before you head out.