WELCOME TO MY TRAVEL GUIDES!

WELCOME TO MY TRAVEL GUIDES!

NAVIGATION

NATIONAL PARKS

CITIES

ISLANDS

COUNTRIES

OTHER

Day 1: Arrive in Fresno

• Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall (3.2 miles + hike from parking lot = around 3.7 mi)
• If Mist Trail is closed, you can access Vernal Fall through the John Muir Trail there and back. However, this will just about double the distance. We were average hikers and did it just fine. There are some hard parts but very doable.
  
• Hike Vernal Falls and Clarks Point via Mist and John Muir Loop. (4.5 miles + hike from parking)
  
• Hike Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail (6.5 miles + hike from parking lot)
• After hiking, stop at Tunnel View or Glacier Point for Sunset
  

• Fly into Fresno Airport in California
• Pick up rental car - start drive to Wawona
• Stop in Oakhurst for Groceries (closer to destination so food doesn't spoil)
• Arrive in Wawona
• Recommendation for accommodation/cabin: Redwoods Yosemite
  

Day 2: Yosemite Falls

• Drive to trailhead (50 min from Wawona - beautiful easy drive)
• Stop at Tunnel View along the way for an amazing first view of Yosemite
• Choice of doing Upper or Lower Yosemite Falls OR both ;)
• UPPER FALLS 6.6 miles | 5.5-6 hrs
• Classification: Hard. Steep incline and lots of switchbacks. However, you do not need to make it all the way to the top to see amazing views of the falls.
• LOWER FALLS 1.2 miles | 30 mins
• Classification: Easy. Great hike for all ages.

PRO TIP: If visiting with snow/ice on the ground, purchase microspikesfor Upper Falls. They will be NEEDED. This hike is likely not doable when there is heavy snow on the ground as it gets very dangerous the last 1/4 mile and in some areas along the way, even with microspikes.

Day 4: Yosemite Valley

• Drive to Yosemite Valley (50 mins from Wawona)
• Park near Yosemite Lodge
• Hike Cook's Meadow Loop Trail 2 miles | 40 mins; however, it took us about 2 hours because it was so beautiful we kept stopping to take photos
• Classification: Easy. Anyone can do this hike. Tons of great photo opportunities.
  
• After, hike Mirror Lake Paved Trail
  
• 2 mils | 40 mins
  
• Classification: Easy. Great hike for families or to add at the end of your trip when you are feeling tired
• Check out the gift shop in Yosemite on your way out of the park
  

Day 3: Vernal + Nevada Falls

• Drive to trailhead (50 mins from Wawona)
  
• Park in nearest parking lot to Vernal Falls (Near Curry Village)
  
• There are a few different ways to hike Vernal and Nevada Falls. You can hike one or the other, or both.
  

Day 5: DEPART

• Drive back to Fresno (1.5 hr) and catch your flight home

PRO TIP: There is literally nothing worth visiting in Fresno so there is no need to plan flights around having time to check out the city.

GUIDE TO SEDONA

Friday: Arrive in Sedona

Head over to Slide Rock State Park

• Entry fee: $30 per car
  
• Sedona's natural water slides. A perfect place to cool off in the summer!
  
• Tips:
  
• Bring shorts as the rocks can leave scratches on your bum. It does not hurt to go down the slides, however, you will notice them appear later in the day.
  
• Get there early if you can! The parking lot will fill. It is a larger lot but this is a very popular activity in the summer. There is additional parking on the side of the road about .25 mile up. Recommend to arrive around 10am.
  
• Bring sunscreen & lots of water!
  
• There is a market in case you forget something.
  
• Bring a tube to float!
  
• It is slippery, bring water shoes and be careful!
  

Dinner at Mooney's Irish Pub

• Fish & chips, burgers, bangers & mash, wings + more!
  
• Moderately priced ($-$$)

Looking for the best sunset spot in Sedona? Check out one of the following!

• Red Rock Scenic Byway
  
• Airport Mesa trail
  
• Little Sugarloaf Mountain

Suggested to either rent a car or drive to Sedona so you have transportation

Grab lunch at The Hudson

• Pro Tip: Make reservations in advance as it can get quite busy
  
• Amazing views of the Red Rocks, even from inside!
• Moderately priced ($$)
• We LOVED the chicken sandwich and the burger. The fries are so good too!
  

Check into hotel around 3-4pm

• Recommendation: Best Western Plus Arroyo in a Red Rock View room.
  
• Walking distance to all shops/restaurants and close to the trailheads.
  

Pink Jeep Tour

• Make sure to reserve in advance to confirm availability. Click the links below for recommendations.
  
• The Outlaw Trail Jeep Tour of Sedona
  
• Private Soldier Pass Trail Jeep Tour from Sedona
• Private Sedona Lil Rattler Jeep Tour

Dinner at the Vault Uptown

• Perfect spot for dinner with a great view of the red rocks in Sedona!
  
• Moderate to higher prices ($$-$$$)

Sunday: Explore Downtown

Saturday: Slide Rock

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out after.

Visit the shops around Sedona

• Sedona Crystal Vortex
  
• Zonies Galleria
  

Grab Breakfast

• Either at the hotel (included) or Pump House Station Urban Eatery
  
• Items between $15-18 at Pump House
  

Subway Cave via

Boynton Canyon Trail

• 4.4 miles | 2
• 4.8 stars on All Trails
• Moderately challenging. Amazing views of the famous Subway Cave
• Tip: It is easier to climb up to the left near the Birthing Cave rather than up the Subway Cave.

Oak Creek Trail

• 1.3 miles | 25 min
• 4.4 on All Trails
• Perfect trail that gives you the opportunity to swim in Oak Creek. Pack sunscreen, a floatie, water and some snacks and you will find yourself chilling at this spot for hours

Devils Bridge

• 3.9 miles | 2 hours
• 4.7 stars on All Trails
• Moderately challenging, very popular hike. Recommend getting their early to avoid crowds.

SEDONA PT. 2

Best Hikes

Soldier Pass Trail

• 4.5 miles | 2
• 4.7 stars on All Trails

Seven Sacred Pools

• 5 miles | 2.5 hours
• 4.8 stars on All Trails

Cathedral Rock

• 1.2 miles | 30 min
• Challenging hike. Great views of the red rocks.

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