Yosemite & Sequoia National Parks

Land of Giants

Date
September 20-25, 2024 | Fri / Wed – 6 Days

Location
Fresno | Sequoia National Park | Kings Canyon National Park | Sierra National Forest | Yosemite National Park

Ambassadair Trip #8793

Overview

The dramatic landscape of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks testifies to nature’s diversity—huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, and the world’s largest trees. The two parks lie side by side and are managed as one national park. Giant sequoias grow only on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada in California, between 4,000 and 8,000 feet in elevation. Giant Forest is the largest of the unlogged giant sequoia groves, and contains more exceptionally large sequoias than any other grove, and hosts the largest living sequoia, the General Sherman Tree. Experience the awe and wonder that comes from being surrounded by the colossal trees in a land of giants.

Experience the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, and the awe of the largest trees in the world in Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. Within Yosemite National Park you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, clear streams, ancient giant sequoias, and a vast wilderness. Rivers and glaciers have carved into solid granite creating spectacular rock formations, for which Yosemite Valley is famous. Gaze up from the valley floor to appreciate the enormity of Half Dome and El Capitan and explore some of the 800 miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of paved paths. The park’s multiple eco-systems from oak woodlands to alpine zones reach from 3,000 feet to over 13,000 feet in elevation.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

Guided tours in Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks
Marvel at the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world!
Experience Mariposa Grove—home to the Giant Sequoias
Narrated Steam train ride in the Sierra National Forest
Stay at Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite’s south entrance
Stay at Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park
Free time to explore Yosemite National Park at leisure

PACKAGE INCLUDES

Roundtrip commercial air from Indianapolis to Fresno, California
Escorted
5 nights accommodations
Breakfast daily
3 lunches, 2 dinners
Sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
Ground transportation
Hotel baggage handling

NOTE:

This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking, possibly on uneven terrain, is required. Some of the most unique sightseeing can be restrictive to motorcoaches.

Itinerary

Fri, Sept 20: Fly to Fresno, California. Transfer to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and check in for two nights at the Wuksachi Lodge located right inside the park. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the lodge. (Meals: Dinner)

Sat, Sept 21: This morning, meet your Sequoia guide for an informative tour around the park. At 6,600 feet in elevation the Grant Grove area was originally General Grant National Park, created in 1890 to protect giant sequoias from logging. Take a gentle, well-graded stroll to see the Fallen Monarch, literally once a “log” cabin, and the General Grant Tree, thesecond largest tree in the world, and was named a “National Shrine” by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956, to the people who served, fought, and gave their lives to keep America free. Explore the National Parks visitor center after lunch at the Grant Grove Restaurant located within the park. Then take a walk to the General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree in the world by trunk volume, measuring over 36 feet in diameter at the base. Drive along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway for an incredible view of the dynamic landscape of one of America’s deepest canyons. (B,L)

Sun, Sept 22: This morning, take a guided tour of the Forestiere Underground Gardens, an incredible attraction of passageways and tunnels carved, dug, and chipped away by one man over forty years. This afternoon, enjoy an al fresco barbeque-style lunch at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad station, then board the train for a narrated ride on the rails! Hear about the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company’s logging operations, discover the trees of the Sierra National Forest. After the ride, transfer to Tenaya Lodge, located near the south entrance of Yosemite National Park, and check in for three nights. Relax in the comfort of the lodge with a stunning, natural backdrop and discover the plethora of amenities and extra options available for your enjoyment. (B,L,D)

Mon, Sept 23: Transfer to Yosemite Village and take a guided Yosemite Valley Floor tour, which provides a unique look at the park. Learn about the history, geology, plant, and animal life while viewing some of the park’s most famous sites including Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, and Tunnel View. Visit the south end of park including the Mariposa Grove—home to the Giant Sequoias, before returning to the lodge for a delightful evening meal. (B,L)

Tue, Sept 24: The day is yours to do as you please! Partake in various optional activities at the lodge, such as renting a mountain bike or fishing pole, taking a hike to discover your surroundings, testing your skills on the rock-climbing wall, or taking an archery lesson. Choose to take park transportation back to Yosemite Village to spend more leisure time exploring, or simply enjoy your last day relaxing. (B)

Wed, Sept 25: Check out of Tenaya Lodge and transfer to Fresno Airport and fly home. (B)

Hotels

Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park.
Located within the heart of Sequoia National Park this striking stone-and-cedar mountain lodge is surrounded by a mighty sequoia forest and soaring Sierra peaks. Highlights: mini refrigerator, in-room coffee maker • complimentary WiFi Internet access in the main lodge • main restaurant with expansive windows overlooking the beautiful scenery.

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, Fish Camp, California

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, Fish Camp, California
Located near Yosemite National Park’s south gate, this Four-Diamond resort is nestled on 48 acres in the southern High Sierra and framed by noble evergreen forest. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker, refrigerator • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar • indoor/outdoor pool and hot tub • fitness center.

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