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Ultimate Nature Road Trip: Yosemite & Kings Canyon

Viewed by 63 travelers

Day 1: City Exploration

San Francisco, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Indulge in delicious pastries and coffee to start your day right in the vibrant city of San Francisco.
Head to Tartine Bakery located in the Mission District.
$10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Golden Gate Park

Explore the iconic park, visit the Japanese Tea Garden, and enjoy a peaceful morning surrounded by nature.
Drive or take public transportation to Golden Gate Park.
$5 for entrance to Japanese Tea Garden, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ferry Building Marketplace

Savor a variety of gourmet foods while taking in beautiful views of the Bay Bridge.
Head to Ferry Building Marketplace along the Embarcadero.
$15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Embark on a scenic drive to reach the breathtaking Yosemite National Park.
Take Highway 140 for a picturesque journey.
Gas money, 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner and Camp at Upper Pines Campground

Set up camp, cook dinner under the stars, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Yosemite.
Check-in at Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite.
$30 for campsite, Evening
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Day 2: Yosemite Wonders

Yosemite National Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Curry Village

Enjoy a hearty breakfast amidst the stunning views of Yosemite Valley.
Head to Curry Village for a delicious meal.
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hike to Yosemite Falls

Embark on a scenic hike to witness the majestic Yosemite Falls up close.
Start the trail near Yosemite Lodge.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic at El Capitan Meadow

Relax with a picnic while admiring the iconic El Capitan rock formation.
Drive to El Capitan Meadow for a scenic spot.
$10 for picnic supplies, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Mariposa Grove

Discover the giant sequoias at Mariposa Grove, including the famous Grizzly Giant tree.
Drive to Mariposa Grove entrance for the trail.
$10 for entrance fee, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Yosemite Valley Lodge

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the lodge after a day of exploring the natural wonders of Yosemite.
Head to Yosemite Valley Lodge for a delicious meal.
$20, Evening
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Day 3: Kings Canyon Exploration

Kings Canyon National Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cedar Grove Lodge

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cedar Grove Lodge in the heart of Kings Canyon.
Head to Cedar Grove Lodge for a tasty morning meal.
$10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Scenic Drive along Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

Embark on a breathtaking drive along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, marveling at towering cliffs and lush forests.
Take the scenic byway for spectacular views.
Gas money, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kings Canyon Visitor Center

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the visitor center while taking in the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Head to Kings Canyon Visitor Center for a scenic lunch spot.
$10 for picnic supplies, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hike to Roaring River Falls

Embark on a short but rewarding hike to Roaring River Falls, a picturesque waterfall in Kings Canyon.
Follow the trailhead signs to Roaring River Falls.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner and Camp at Sentinel Campground

Set up camp at Sentinel Campground, enjoy a cozy dinner, and stargaze in the tranquil wilderness of Kings Canyon.
Check-in at Sentinel Campground for the night.
$30 for campsite, Evening
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Day 4: Nature Immersion Continues

Kings Canyon National Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Zumwalt Meadow

Savor breakfast surrounded by the natural beauty of Zumwalt Meadow, with towering granite cliffs as your backdrop.
Head to Zumwalt Meadow for a picturesque breakfast spot.
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hike the Mist Falls Trail

Embark on a scenic hike to Mist Falls, witnessing rushing waterfalls and diverse wildlife along the way.
Start the trailhead at Roads End for the Mist Falls hike.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Picnic at Grizzly Falls

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Grizzly Falls, a charming waterfall nestled in the forests of Kings Canyon.
Drive to Grizzly Falls picnic area for a tranquil lunch break.
$10 for picnic supplies, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Boyden Cavern

Explore the underground wonders of Boyden Cavern with a guided tour through intricate limestone formations.
Head to Boyden Cavern visitor center to join a tour.
$20 for tour, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Grant Grove Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Grant Grove Restaurant amidst the towering sequoias of the national park.
Head to Grant Grove for a memorable dining experience.
$20, Evening
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Day 5: Free Day for Relaxation

Kings Canyon National Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Campsite

Relax and enjoy breakfast at your campsite, surrounded by the peaceful serenity of nature.
Take a leisurely morning at your campsite in Kings Canyon.
$10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Nature Walk at Hume Lake

Stroll along the shores of Hume Lake, taking in the tranquility of the crystal-clear waters and surrounding forest.
Drive to Hume Lake for a refreshing nature walk.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Picnic at Grizzly Falls

Return to Grizzly Falls for another peaceful picnic amidst the natural beauty of Kings Canyon.
Drive back to Grizzly Falls picnic area for lunch.
$10 for picnic supplies, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax by the River

Find a serene spot by the river, unwind, and immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of nature.
Drive to a nearby river spot for relaxation.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner and Bonfire at Campsite

Gather around a campfire, enjoy a hearty dinner, and share stories under the starlit sky.
Spend the evening at your campsite, preparing a campfire meal.
$15, Evening
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Day 6: Return to Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, California

8:00AM

Drive to Tunnel View

Start your day with a drive to Tunnel View for an iconic panoramic viewpoint of Yosemite Valley.
Head to Tunnel View for stunning vistas.
Gas money, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall

Embark on a challenging but rewarding hike up the Mist Trail to experience the refreshing mist of Vernal Fall.
Begin the Mist Trail hike from Happy Isles.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Yosemite Village

Grab a casual lunch at Yosemite Village to refuel after your morning adventure.
Head to Yosemite Village for various dining options.
$15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Mirror Lake

Take a leisurely stroll to the peaceful Mirror Lake and enjoy the reflections of Half Dome and surrounding cliffs.
Follow the easy trail to Mirror Lake for a relaxing nature walk.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Ahwahnee Hotel

Indulge in a memorable farewell dinner at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, appreciating the grandeur of Yosemite's architecture.
Head to Ahwahnee Hotel for a fine dining experience.
$30, Evening
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Day 7: Return Journey

San Francisco, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Muir Woods Trading Company

Enjoy a final breakfast amidst the towering redwoods of Muir Woods before your journey back to San Francisco.
Head to Muir Woods Trading Company for a unique breakfast setting.
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Drive through Golden Gate Bridge

Take a scenic drive through the iconic Golden Gate Bridge one last time before concluding your nature-filled adventure.
Drive through the Golden Gate Bridge for a memorable end to your road trip.
Gas money, 1 hour
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