Yosemite National Park plus optional Kings Canyon/Sequoia NP Add on
I may be biased but I think everyone should stand in Yosemite valley and do a nice slow 360 at least once in their life; and more than once would be even better. Apparently, I’m not alone. A LOT of people visit Yosemite every year and though the major draws - Yosemite Valley and Half Dome - can create a bit of a frenzied environment at peak season, if you time things right, even these ‘not to miss’ places can be visited and appreciated with the serenity and respect I think they deserve.
I’ve been lucky enough to watch the sunrise from the top of Half Dome several times and I keep going back every year I can secure a permit. It’s a place you never forget. And if we’re lucky enough to get one in 2025, six of us (including the guide) will hike overnight to get to the top and watch the sunrise while sipping a hot beverage. (If we’re REALLY lucky, we’ll get two permits and can have up to twelve.) Typically, there are few or no other hikers when we arrive; we stay for an an hour or so and then leave it for others see. And this is the by far the best way to view Yosemite Valley from the top of Half Dome - quietly, with a few friends, all taking in the majesty that this amazing place has to offer.
And if, after several days exploring the scenic places around Yosemite, you still yearn for something more, join me for a few bonus days in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. (They're two parks that actually border each other making them like one really big park.) Unlike Yosemite, Kings Canyon/Sequoia is much less visited though no less spectacular. And while there are some iconic selfie spots that you won’t want to miss - like the immense General Sherman sequoia which is the largest living tree on earth - the real highlight is miles and miles of hiking trails in the Sierra Nevadas with multiple swimmable lakes and a canyon that’s actually deeper than the Grand Canyon. It also has a vibe that’s much less touristy than Yosemite and much more ‘summer camp/back packer.’
Accommodations:
Yosemite: Private House in Mariposa, CA
Kings Canyon/Sequoia: Private House in Sanger, CA
Dates: August 9 - 13, 2025 (Half Dome PERMIT PENDING) or August 9-16, 2025 with Kings Canyon Add on
Cost: Yosemite Only - $1,243*
Yosemite + Kings Canyon - $2,022*These prices are estimated for planning purposes at this time. Final pricing will be determined closer trip date and could be slightly higher or slightly lower. If the final pricing is more than 10% higher than this price, you’ll have the option of receiving a full refund including initial deposit.
Price includes: accommodations, pickup/dropoff at Fresno airport, all transportation after pickup, park entry, park permits and guiding services.
Price does NOT include: transportation to Fresno, CA, meals, drinks or souvenir shot glasses from the park gift shop.
Deposit: $300 - Holds your spot and is fully refundable until 90 days before the first day of the trip. .
Next Payment Due May 9: $471/$861
Final Payment Due June 9: $472/$861
Once made, each payment is nonrefundable, however, if you do need to cancel due to unexpected occurrences, you’re welcome to send someone in your place. We will also attempt to find a replacement for you and if we do, we’ll be glad to refund you minus deposit.
