Lakes, Meadows & Monuments of the Eastern Sierra

Day 1 – Alabama Hills, Welcome to Mammoth Lakes! (Saturday, September 19)

From our departure points this morning, we’ll travel north by deluxe motorcoach along scenic Highway 395, enjoying an included boxed lunch onboard. As the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada rise beside us, we’ll pass through historic Old West towns like Independence and Big Pine, and catch views of Mount Whitney – the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. In Lone Pine we’ll visit the Museum of Lone Pine Film History. After watching a short film chronicling the history of the movies made in the region, we’ll have time to explore exhibits dedicated to the glory days of the Western as well as the more recent blockbuster films shot in the region. A museum guide will then join us onboard the motorcoach as we venture into the Alabama Hills to see this unique landscape of rounded rocks and eroded hills created by eons of wind-blown sand, rain and snow. The rounded features of the Alabama Hills contrast beautifully with the jagged Sierra peaks just behind them, making this region one of Hollywood’s favorite backdrops for decades. Our guide will point out iconic filming locations – from the classic “shootouts” of Tom Mix, Hopalong Cassidy, Gene Autry, and the Lone Ranger to scenes from modern hits like Star Trek, Gladiator, Iron Man and Django Unchained. This evening we’ll arrive in Mammoth Lakes (elevation 7,881 feet) and begin a four-night stay at The Village Lodge, nestled in the heart of the Village at Mammoth. Each cozy villa of this upscale lodge features a separate living area, fireplace, and private balcony. Enjoy the evening at leisure with dinner on your own at one of the restaurants just steps away. (Lunch)

Day 2 – Mammoth Lakes, Devils Postpile (Sunday, September 20)

This morning we’ll travel the short distance to the historic Mammoth Mountain Inn to enjoy an included breakfast. Joined by a knowledgeable local guide, we’ll then venture to Devils Postpile National Monument. This geologic wonder features thousands of striking hexagonal basalt columns, formed 100,000 years ago when a massive lava flow cooled slowly and cracked into perfect geometric shapes. You’ll be amazed by the sheer scale of these symmetric formations, which tower up to 60 feet high. Please note that visiting Devils Postpile requires an easy, one-mile walk along a flat trail. This afternoon we’ll board Mammoth Mountain’s Panorama Gondola for a scenic ride to the summit of Mammoth Mountain (11,053 feet elevation). Enjoy time at leisure to absorb the breathtaking 360-degree views of the High Sierra and learn about the region’s fascinating volcanic and geologic history. We return to our lodge for a relaxed afternoon at leisure before gathering for an included dinner at a locals’ favorite this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3 – June Lake Loop, Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes (Monday, September 21)

After an included breakfast at the Mammoth Mountain Inn, we’ll travel north along the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway with a local guide to explore the stunning June Lake Loop – a majestic horseshoe-shaped route surrounding four brilliant, glacier-carved lakes. After an included boxed lunch and brief sightseeing in the town of Lee Vining, we’ll continue to Mono Lake. This ancient oasis in the dry Great Basin is estimated to be over a million years old and serves as a vital habitat for millions of migratory birds. Along the lake’s picturesque southern shoreline, we’ll admire the surreal tufa towers – striking calcium carbonate spires and knobs that were dramatically exposed as water levels receded over time. On our journey back to Mammoth Lakes, we’ll stop to explore the dramatic Earthquake Fault, the plunging cascades at Twin Falls Overlook, and the panoramic Twin Lakes Vista. We’ll return to our lodge with the evening at leisure and dinner on your own. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 4 – Yosemite National Park (Tuesday, September 22)

Following an included breakfast at the Mammoth Mountain Inn, we’ll travel north to the eastern gateway of Yosemite National Park. Accompanied by a local guide, we’ll journey across the rugged crest of the Sierra Nevada via Tioga Pass – the highest highway pass in California at a breathtaking 9,943 feet. This spectacular high-altitude drive is easily one of the most magnificent alpine routes in North America. Preserved in 1890, Yosemite National Park protects a legendary expanse of pristine lakes, subalpine meadows, and granite peaks. We’ll enjoy an included boxed lunch while exploring serene, less-traveled high country, making memorable stops at the expansive Tuolumne Meadows, the sweeping granite vistas of Olmsted Point, and the sapphire waters of Tenaya Lake – the undisputed jewel of Yosemite’s alpine lakes. We return to our lodge with the evening at leisure. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 5 – Bishop, Manzanar National Historic Site, Journey Home (Wednesday, September 23)

Following an included breakfast, we’ll travel south along the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway, paralleling the the Sierra Nevada. We’ll stop at Erick Schat’s Bakkery in Bishop, famous for its original sheepherder’s bread, which has been baked here using traditional methods since 1938. Prior to enjoying an included boxed lunch in Lone Pine, we’ll visit Manzanar National Historic Site. In 1942, the United States government ordered the forced relocation and incarceration of more than 110,000 Japanese American men, women, and children, confining them to remote, military-style camps like the one that stood here. On a driving tour, we’ll see the original sentry posts, the poignant cemetery monument, and the remnants of historic buildings, rock gardens, orchards, and the hospital grounds. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the powerful exhibits at Block 14, featuring a meticulously recreated mess hall, barracks, and a latrine. We then continue south, arriving back at our departure points this evening with lasting memories of our incredible journey through California’s Eastern Sierra. (Breakfast, Lunch)

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. 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.