Autumn at Yosemite & Wonder Valley Ranch

Day 1 – Welcome to Wonder Valley Ranch!

From our departure points this morning we’ll travel by deluxe motorcoach into California’s fertile Central Valley. Following a morning rest stop and a stop for lunch on your own, we’ll begin our journey from the Central Valley into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Soon we’ll arrive at the Wonder Valley Ranch Resort, the 75-acre all-inclusive western-style guest ranch located in the scenic Wonder Valley east of Sanger. While enjoying a two-night stay at California’s oldest guest ranch, we’ll appreciate the modern accommodations, paved walkways with antique lamps, gorgeous grounds and the attentive service. After our late afternoon arrival, we’ll enjoy a historic tour of the ranch followed by a hosted “happy hour.” Following a scrumptious ranch buffet dinner, we’ll gather around the campfire and recall memories of warm family gatherings while sipping hot cider or cocoa amongst the good company of our fellow travelers. Enjoy a horse-drawn hayride for spectacular views of the night sky (weather permitting) and a magic show. (Dinner)

Day 2 – Kings Canyon National Park, The General Grant Tree

Following an included breakfast at the ranch, we’ll board the motorcoach with our resort guide and travel east into Kings Canyon National Park. After a stop at the Kings Canyon Visitor Center, we’ll continue to the General Grant Grove (elevation 6,600 feet). Protected by the federal government as General Grant National Park in 1890 – one of our nation’s first national parks – this later became part of Kings Canyon National Park. On a leisurely stroll along the 1/3 mile paved loop General Grant Tree Trail, we’ll stand in awe as we walk amongst this mixed conifer and sequoia forest with giant sequoia trees that are 3,000 years old with trunks weighing 1,400 tons! The grove’s most famous and largest tree is The General Grant Tree. The third largest tree in the world at nearly 50,000 cubic feet, this goliath measures 107 feet in circumference – that’s the same width as three lanes of traffic! The tree is almost 300 feet tall and has the largest base diameter of any tree in the world at more than 40 feet! Named in 1867 for General Ulysses S. Grant, The General Grant Tree was proclaimed “the Nation’s Christmas Tree” in 1926 by President Calvin Coolidge, and it was honored as a living national shrine to Americans lost during wars by President Dwight D. Eisen- hower – The General Grant Tree is one celebrated sequoia! Also, along the General Grant Tree Trail is the historic Gamlin Cabin and the Fallen Monarch, a hollow, downed sequoia. Because of its immense girth, it was once used as a stable for the U.S. Calvary’s horses! We return to the resort for an included lunch and an afternoon at leisure to relax and enjoy the resort’s amenities and activities which include a pool and hot tub, a lake for fishing and canoeing, tennis, horseshoe pits, a game pavilion, horseback riding (additional fee) and more. This evening, enjoy a hosted “happy hour,” included dinner and original entertainment at the resort. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 – Welcome to Yosemite National Park!

Following an included breakfast at the ranch, we’ll travel north through the Sierra Nevada foothills towards Yosemite National Park, stopping in Fish Camp for a memorable ride through the Sierra Nevada Forest’s majestic tall trees aboard the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. This historic, three-foot narrow gauge steam train with open cars allows for stunning views and a trip back in time as you are transported on the same route that logging trains used to travel through the Sierra Nevada. Following an included boxed lunch, this afternoon we’ll continue into Yosemite National Park, home to a grand collection of picturesque waterfalls, peaceful meadows and historic structures amongst a pine forest and unique, glacier-shaped cliffs and rock faces. At Tunnel View we’ll get our first view of the spectacular Yosemite Valley including one of the west’s most photographed landmarks, Half Dome. Opposite Half Dome, towering 3,593 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor, El Capitan is the undisputed king of the granite monoliths – in fact it’s Earth’s largest single piece of granite! We continue to our destination: Yosemite Valley, the prized jewel of Yosemite National Park and what John Muir called the “Incomparable Valley.” This eight-mile long, geologic marvel is a 4,000-foot deep trough lined by towering cliffs and glacially sculpted, polished rock. We’ll enjoy a two-night stay in the heart of the Yosemite Valley at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, the legendary lodge that is within walking distance of both Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Village. The lodge features an outdoor swimming pool, gift shop, multiple dining options and a bar. The recently renovated rooms feature large windows, a television and wi-fi. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure with dinner on your own at the Yosemite Valley Lodge. The lodge’s iconic Mountain Room restaurant offers striking views of the 2,424 foot high Yosemite Falls. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 4 – Yosemite Valley

Following an included breakfast we’ll enjoy an entire day in Yosemite Valley. At Sentinel Bridge we’ll take in the breathtaking view of Half Dome and its mirrored reflection in the Merced River. We’ll see a number of picturesque and historic buildings, none more famous or spectacular than the Ahwahnee Hotel, an architectural gem combining grandness and intimacy. Take a leisurely walk to the base of Yosemite Falls, impressive not so much in water volume but the sheer height from which it falls. Split into three sections, the cascade plunges 2,425 feet and is the highest waterfall in North America and fifth highest on the planet! Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure with the Yosemite Valley Shuttle providing hop-off-hop-on transportation throughout Yosemite Valley including Yosemite Village where you’ll find the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, The Ansel Adams Gallery of photographic art, the Village Store and a variety of historic buildings. (Breakfast)

Day 5 – Basque Meal, Journey Home

After an included breakfast, we’ll begin our journey home, making several rest stops along the way. In Fresno we’ll enjoy an included, traditional Basque meal at a locals’ favorite. This family-style lunch includes fresh bread, homemade soup, a variety of sides, fried chicken, charbroiled lamb chops, ice cream and house wine and is a memorable finale to a spectacular journey. This afternoon we continue south returning to our drop-off points this evening with many fond memories of our time in California’s spectacular Sierra Nevada. (Breakfast, Lunch)

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your understanding, flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. While these have always been necessary traits for travelers, they are needed now more than ever! Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary. Now more than ever, our 30 years of knowledge and tour planning experience helps us navigate a unique travel environment on your behalf. You can put your trust in us knowing we are experts in travel planning and will do everything possible to provide wonderful new experiences and create amazing new memories for our guests while on the road with us.