Average rating Hiking in Yosemite; The Grand Traverse

Enjoy the great outdoors, hiking in Yosemite and discovering the famous Yosemite Valley – without carrying a heavy backpack! With horse pack support to carry your loads, this 8-day trip offers stunning views and varied landscape, as well as luxurious food and an unforgettable experience.

The Yosemite area, and especially Yosemite National Park, is one of the best-known parts of the Sierra Nevada mountain Range, stretching through California. Scenic views, granite cliffs, waterfalls and streams are all parts of this UNESCO World Heritage landscape, which has gained its peculiar shape by the movements of the continental plates over millions of years. The area has a large diversity of plants and animals in ‘designated wilderness’ – and what better way to see it all, than to make your way on foot? The summer months are warm and sunny, and rain is rare, making it an ideal time to experience this breathtaking part of the world.

The trip will take you through what is sometimes called the heart of the Yosemite, from south to north of the Yosemite National Park. Along your way, you will see the world-famous Yosemite Valley and its landmark of the Half Dome – a granite dome dominating the landscape of the valley. With horse pack support, your back is freed of weight and your attention can instead turn to the stunning landscape and enjoyment of the hike. Driving back through the front country at the end, you also get to see both El Capitan and Yosemite Falls without having to move a centimetre!

Hiking is a wonderful and relaxed way to experience the back country of the Yosemite mountains, and if you have always wanted to go, but do not feel like carrying your bags around, this trip is ideal for you. Some experience is necessary, since the area is at high altitude and covers several miles per day. It is, however, not too tiring and is also suitable for families with kids 12 years and above. As all food is provided and way above normal camping standards, this is also one for those who like their comforts even when far from home.

Getting there

Fly to San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles or Fresno International Airport. Hire a car and drive from there.

Price includes

Price is per person and includes accommodation (one night in lodge, six in tents), all backcountry meals, camping gear, shuttles to-and from pick-up points. If group size exceeds 10 (max 12) a discount of $300 is applied to your booking.

Comfort level

Down to earth (hostels, camping, huts)

Experience required

A reasonable level of fitness and interest is all that is needed