Bright and early this morning you’ll drive to the remote trailhead (7,100 ft. altitude) and drop your gear with the pack team. From here, you’ll take your first steps on the trail toward Knoblock Meadow where you’ll make camp for the night. Explore your surroundings while your guides prepare dinner, and top off your first day trekking with a traditional campfire and some excellent stargazing.

Pack up camp early this morning – you’ll have your sights set on crossing Isberg Pass today (10,500 ft. altitude), after first passing through a high lakes basin. The Isberg Pass will mark the official border of Yosemite National Park. Tonight’s camp will be located at the headwaters of the Merced River, surrounded by picturesque 11- and 12-thousand-foot peaks.

Today’s hike is a grand downhill journey through the creek drainages that eventually form the might “Wild and Scenic Merced River.” Views of the Clark Range will be abundant today, and there are plenty of beautiful meadows, waterfalls, and swimming holes to pepper your day’s hiking – don’t forget a bathing suit! Camp along the Merced River and enjoy another delightful evening of campfires and stargazing.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll continue following the Merced River past the famous high camp and into Echo Valley From here, regain the elevation you lost yesterday as you traverse large granite ridges and enjoy spectacular views of Little Yosemite Valley. Eventually you’ll arrive to Sunrise Creek, positioned just below Cloud’s Rest, to set up camp. Turn in early tonight in preparation for an even earlier start tomorrow.

You’ll be up and out of camp early today to begin making your way to the top of Cloud’s Rest (9,999 ft. altitude). Reaching the summit by late morning, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the stunning views of Tenaya Canyon approximately 4,000 feet below. This afternoon, continue along the trail to scenic Sunrise Lakes where your comfortable camp awaits.

The penultimate day of trekking finds you connecting with the famous John Muir Trail in the Tuolumne region of Yosemite. Pass stunning alpine meadows and otherworldly glaciated peaks on your way to what many guides call “the most beautiful spot in Yosemite:” Cathedral Lake (at 9,600 ft. altitude). Enjoy some leisure time this afternoon to explore several off-trail routes, or simply hang back, go for a dip, and bask in the stunning views from camp.

Enjoy one final hearty trail breakfast before heading out on the last four miles of trail. You’ll arrive to the trailhead at Tuolumne Meadows in Northern Yosemite mid-morning and bid farewell to your camping team. This afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, perhaps taking in some of the more iconic views of the National Park, before enjoying a good night’s rest (and a piping hot shower!) at your hotel.

After a restful night’s sleep in a proper bed, you’ll enjoy one last Yosemite morning. After breakfast, drive back to San Francisco (approximately 4 hours), or onwards to your next California destination.