6 Days: High Sierra Loop Through Yosemite, Mammoth & Eastern Sierra
This loop connects Yosemite Valley's iconic drama with the quieter, rawer beauty of the Eastern Sierra: high mountain passes, pristine trout lakes, and excellent regional restaurants and spas. Best for hikers and luxury seekers who want both.
What to expect
- Sunrise hike to Glacier Point; Yosemite Valley spreads 3,000 feet below.
- Drive Tioga Pass to 11,638-ft elevation; stop at stunning viewpoints.
- Fish or kayak at Crystal Lake or Convict Lake near Mammoth.
- Hike part of the John Muir Trail (day hikes only; no backpacking required).
- Spa treatment and farm-to-table dinner at a high-altitude lodge.
Day by day
Fly into Fresno; drive 2.5 hours to Yosemite Valley; check into a lodge (book The Majestic or Yosemite Valley Lodge ahead).
Orientation walk: Yosemite Village, Bridalveil Fall viewpoint, Valley Loop Trail.
Dinner at the Majestic Dining Room (if staying there) or Curry Village Pizza Deck.
Early start: Glacier Point Road (only open June–Oct); hike Sentinel Dome (2.2 mi, 2 hrs) for Half Dome views.
Return to valley; afternoon hike Mist Trail to Vernal Fall (5.5 mi, 3–4 hrs).
Return to lodge; dinner at Sosyal (Mediterranean) in Yosemite Village.
Drive Tioga Pass Road (9.9 mi, 30 min); stop at numerous overlooks; pass 11,638-ft Tioga Pass.
Arrive Mammoth Lakes; check into Mammoth Mountain Lodge or High Country Resort.
Explore Mammoth village; dinner at Burgers Restaurant or upscale Five Cabin (reservation essential).
Hike Crystal Lake trail (4 mi roundtrip, 2 hrs); turquoise water and mountain views.
Drive to Convict Lake; optional canoe or kayak; walk the shoreline for wildlife photography.
Dinner at the Convict Lake Resort Restaurant (reservations crucial); sunset views over the Sierra.
Drive to Reds Meadow; day hike part of the JMT to Shadow Lake (6 mi roundtrip, 3 hrs).
Return to Mammoth; spa treatment at Mammoth Springs Resort & Spa.
Relaxed dinner at Wobbly Elm Bistro; wine bar atmosphere.
Breakfast at Looney Bean Coffee; pack, drive north 2 hours toward Yosemite again or head to Fresno airport.
Stop at Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve for surreal tufa tower photography.
Arrive Fresno or return to San Francisco; depart.
Palcation builds the whole plan in seconds: flights, stays, food and a day-by-day itinerary you can share and budget.
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