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Adventure + Reset
Small Group Yosemite Adventure
Where Wonder Returns and the Noise Falls Away
Towering granite cliffs. Ancient forests. Waterfalls cascading from hanging valleys high above the valley floor. Spend five unforgettable days exploring Yosemite's most iconic landscapes while reconnecting with nature, meaningful community, and a quieter rhythm of life. Small group adventure, daily movement, dark skies, deep sleep, and the kind of perspective only wild places can provide.
A Different Pace of Life
Where Granite Walls, Waterfalls, and Wild Places Put Life Back Into Perspective
Cool morning air drifts through the pines as sunlight slowly reaches the granite cliffs high above the valley floor. Water tumbles from hanging valleys carved by ancient glaciers. Giant sequoias stand quietly where they have stood for centuries, their roots anchored deep in the Sierra Nevada.
For five days, you trade screens for mountain views, schedules for trails, and the constant pull of everyday life for something much simpler. You wake with the sun, spend your days exploring some of the most spectacular landscapes in North America, and fall asleep beneath dark skies filled with stars.
Yosemite has a way of reminding you that the world is far bigger, wilder, and more beautiful than the small routines that often consume our attention.
It also has a way of helping you remember who you are when all that noise finally falls away.
A Reset You Can Feel
Maybe You've Been Craving a Little More Space
Life has a way of filling every available moment.
Emails become evenings. Notifications follow you everywhere. Even weekends often feel scheduled, rushed, and crowded by responsibilities. It's easy to move from one week to the next without ever creating enough space to think, breathe, or simply be present.
Then you find yourself standing beside a waterfall, watching sunlight move across a granite wall thousands of feet overhead, and something begins to shift.
The pace slows. Your attention returns to what is happening around you instead of everything waiting for you back home. Conversations become more meaningful. Sleep comes easier. The constant background noise that follows so many of us through modern life begins to fade.
Yosemite doesn't ask you to become someone different.
It simply creates the conditions to reconnect with the person you've always been beneath the distractions.
When Was the Last Time You Truly Unplugged?
Most of us spend our days reacting to something. Emails, text messages, deadlines, notifications, and endless responsibilities compete for our attention from the moment we wake up until we finally fall asleep. Even when we have free time, our minds often remain somewhere else, replaying conversations, planning tomorrow, or scrolling through the next distraction.
Then something begins to shift.
The sound of rushing water replaces the constant noise. Sunlight filters through the pines. Your attention settles into the trail beneath your feet and the landscape unfolding around you. Instead of thinking about where you need to be next, you become immersed in where you are right now.
Your spirit comes alive again. Colors seem brighter. Conversations feel deeper. You find yourself laughing more easily and noticing things that would normally pass unnoticed. It isn't just that you've unplugged from technology. You've reconnected with a part of yourself that has been buried beneath the pace of everyday life.
It's a feeling of presence, clarity, and aliveness that many people haven't experienced in far too long.
You return home feeling clear, focused, energized, and fully present in your life.
Do You Miss Feeling Awe?
As adults, it's easy to spend years moving between the same routines, responsibilities, and familiar surroundings. Life becomes productive, efficient, and predictable. Somewhere along the way, many of us stop experiencing the kind of wonder that once came naturally.
Yosemite has a way of changing that.
Standing beneath granite walls that rise thousands of feet overhead. Watching sunlight dance across Half Dome at sunset. Walking among giant sequoias that were already ancient long before any of us arrived. These moments have a way of stopping you in your tracks and reminding you how extraordinary the world truly is.
For a few moments, the worries, deadlines, and pressures that often feel so important become smaller. Your perspective expands. Your heart opens. You remember what it feels like to be genuinely amazed by something larger than yourself.
It is a feeling of wonder, gratitude, and perspective that many people don't realize they've been missing until they experience it again.
You leave feeling inspired, grounded, grateful, and deeply connected to the world around you.
Why this adventure
Thoughtfully designed for more than just getting away
Every RDY adventure is shaped with intention — the pace, the places, the people, and the quiet spaces in between.
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Experience Yosemite's famous landmarks alongside quieter places many visitors never discover.
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Thoughtfully guided days designed for presence, connection, and immersion—not rushing from stop to stop.
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Fresh mountain air, active days, and peaceful evenings create the conditions for extraordinary sleep.
Feeling Small in the Best Possible Way
Lifting your eyes toward the granite walls soaring thousands of feet overhead, it’s hard to comprehend the scale of the landscape surrounding you. Water tumbles from distant cliffs. Sunlight dances across polished stone. The valley seems to stretch endlessly in every direction, shaped by forces so vast and ancient they are difficult to imagine.
The concerns you carried with you from home begin to loosen their grip. Deadlines, obligations, and the constant noise of modern life feel smaller here. Not because they disappear, but because the landscape expands your perspective. Standing among cliffs that have stood for millions of years, the world feels larger again.
Something deep within begins to settle. Your breathing slows. Your shoulders soften. For the first time in a long time, there is nowhere else you need to be.
Fully Present
Cool mist drifts across your skin as water crashes over granite sculpted by countless seasons of snowmelt and spring runoff. The scent of pine lingers in the air. Sunlight filters through the trees, warming the trail beneath your feet while distant waterfalls echo through the canyon.
Without realizing it, your attention begins to shift. The endless stream of notifications, responsibilities, and mental checklists that usually occupy your thoughts slowly fades into the background. Your senses awaken. Colors appear richer. The air feels cleaner. Every step draws you deeper into the experience unfolding around you.
You find yourself noticing things that normally pass unseen. The movement of clouds across the cliffs. The sound of wind moving through the trees. The rhythm of your own breath. Your spirit comes alive in a way that feels both familiar and long forgotten, as though a part of yourself has quietly been waiting for this moment all along.
The Quiet Return of Wonder
Gazing across the valley as the last light settles across Half Dome, the landscape seems to glow from within. Shades of gold and amber slowly give way to deep blues and violet shadows while the Sierra stretches endlessly toward the horizon. Conversations grow quieter. Cameras lower. Everyone seems drawn into the same moment.
A feeling of wonder returns effortlessly.
The kind of wonder that once came naturally before life became crowded with routines, responsibilities, and familiar surroundings. Watching the granite cliffs catch the final light of day, you feel it stirring again. Possibilities feel larger. The world feels larger. A quiet sense of awe flows through you, awakening something that has remained hidden beneath the pace of everyday life.
Beneath a Sky Full of Stars
Firelight dances beneath the pines while stars slowly emerge overhead, appearing one by one until the night sky is crowded with more than you ever see back home. The day’s adventures give way to stories shared around the circle. Laughter drifts through the cool mountain air. Someone recalls a moment from the trail and suddenly everyone is smiling again. The mountains grow quiet around you. The conversations grow deeper.
There is nowhere to rush off to. Nothing demanding your attention. Only the warmth of the fire, the scent of pine carried on the evening breeze, and the simple joy of sharing the experience with people who no longer feel like strangers.
Long after the details of the day begin to fade, these evenings remain among the memories people speak about most often.
What Remains
Wrapped in the stillness of the forest, something begins to settle within you. Days spent moving through the mountains and evenings spent beneath dark skies awaken a quieter rhythm that feels both familiar and long forgotten. Sleep comes easily. Your mind grows still. The constant noise that seemed unavoidable back home slowly fades into the distance. A sense of wonder returns. A sense of perspective returns. A sense of connection returns.
Leaving Yosemite, you carry home more than photographs and memories. You carry the feeling of standing beneath waterfalls, gazing across endless granite valleys, and watching the stars emerge above the pines. You carry the realization that the calm, clarity, and aliveness you found here were never truly lost.
They were simply waiting for enough space to emerge once again.
Signature Experiences
The moments that make this journey unforgettable
Standing Beneath Yosemite's Waterfalls
Cool mist settles across your skin as thousands of gallons of water tumble through granite canyons carved over millennia, awakening your senses and reminding you what it feels like to be fully present.
Watching the Sierra Glow at Sunset
Golden light spills across Half Dome and the surrounding peaks while the valley below slips into shadow, filling you with a sense of wonder that feels both familiar and long forgotten.
Walking Among Ancient Giants
Running your hand across the deeply furrowed bark of a giant sequoia, you can't help but feel connected to something far older, wiser, and more enduring than yourself.
Evenings Beneath the Pines
Firelight flickers beneath a canopy of stars while laughter, conversation, and shared memories drift through the cool mountain air, creating the kind of connection that stays with you long after the journey ends.
Day by Day
A Quick Look at the Journey
A simple overview of how the adventure unfolds, from arrival to the final morning.
Day
1
Sacramento, Evergreen Lodge
light
Arrive & Settle Into the Mountains
Your first evening beneath Yosemite's star-filled skies.
Towering pines, fresh mountain air, and the slower pace of life at Evergreen Lodge welcome you to Yosemite. After settling into your cabin, we'll gather as a group for introductions, a gentle yoga practice,…
Day
2
Hetch Hetchy
active
Waterfalls & Wild Places
Standing beside the thundering waters of Wapama Falls.
The sound of rushing water grows louder with every step as we explore the spectacular landscapes of Hetch Hetchy. Towering granite walls, panoramic reservoir views, and the cool mist of Wapama Falls create a…
Day
3
Yosemite
active
Granite Domes & Endless Views
Watching Yosemite Valley unfold from high above the valley floor.
Today we explore some of Yosemite's most iconic viewpoints, including Sentinel Dome, Taft Point, and Glacier Point. Vast panoramas stretch across the Sierra while sheer granite cliffs drop away beneath your feet. Every turn…
Day
4
Yosemite
active
Nevada Falls and Half Dome
A day of challenge, accomplishment, and unforgettable Yosemite memories.
Today offers two unforgettable ways to experience Yosemite. Guests seeking a challenge may take on the iconic Half Dome ascent, one of North America's most celebrated day hikes. Others will enjoy a spectacular journey…
Day
5
Yosemite
light
Until Next Time
Leaving with a quieter mind, a fuller heart, and unforgettable memories.
The final morning arrives a little too quickly. Coffee, breakfast, and a few last moments beneath the pines provide time to reflect on the adventures, friendships, and memories created throughout the week. As we…
Gather Around the Table
Mountain Meals & Meaningful Conversation
Some of the best moments of the week happen between the adventures.
A warm breakfast shared beneath the pines before heading into the mountains. A trail lunch surrounded by granite cliffs and rushing waterfalls. An evening meal filled with laughter, reflection, and stories from the day. Throughout the week, meals become more than simple opportunities to refuel. They become moments to slow down, connect, and fully savor the experience unfolding around you.
After a day spent exploring Yosemite's spectacular landscapes, conversations flow easily. New friendships deepen. The pace softens. By the end of the week, many guests discover that some of their favorite memories were made not only on the trail, but around the table with people who shared the journey alongside them.
Lunch Beside the Falls
Cool mist drifts through the air while water rushes over polished granite nearby. Surrounded by towering cliffs and the sounds of the wilderness, even a simple trail lunch becomes a moment to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor where you are.
Evenings Together
As the last light fades beyond the Sierra, stories and laughter flow easily around the table. What begins as a group of travelers gradually becomes a community connected by shared experiences and unforgettable memories.
Where you'll stay
Lodging That Supports the Journey
Rest well between full days of exploration, connection, and discovery. Your lodging is selected to support the rhythm of the experience — comfortable, welcoming, and close to the landscapes and moments that make this adventure memorable.
The scent of pine lingers in the cool evening air as you walk back to your cabin after another day in Yosemite. Boots are dusty. Legs are pleasantly tired. Somewhere nearby, laughter drifts from the fire pit while the first stars begin appearing overhead.
Tucked among towering pines just outside Yosemite National Park, Evergreen Lodge feels less like a hotel and more like a mountain gathering place. It’s where we return each evening to share stories from the trail, enjoy a great meal, and settle into the slower rhythm that naturally emerges after a full day outdoors.
Mornings begin with coffee beneath the trees before setting out for waterfalls, granite domes, and hidden corners of the Sierra. In the evenings, the pace softens. The noise of everyday life feels far away. Conversations stretch a little longer. The night sky grows darker. Your body remembers what it feels like to spend an entire day moving through nature.
One of the unexpected gifts of Yosemite is how deeply people sleep here. Fresh mountain air, physical activity, cool evenings, and the absence of constant distractions create the perfect environment for rest. Many guests tell us they haven’t slept this well in years.
Cozy mountain cabins nestled among towering Sierra pines
ire pits, gathering spaces, and dark skies that invite connection and stargazing
Convenient access to both Yosemite Valley and the quieter wilderness of Hetch Hetchy
Is This Adventure Right For Me?
Every RDY adventure is designed to be welcoming, supportive, and clearly guided — but each trip has its own rhythm, activity level, and personality. Use this section to understand whether this journey fits what you’re looking for right now.
This Adventure Is a Great Fit If...
- You feel most alive when you're exploring trails, mountains, waterfalls, and wild places
- You're craving a break from screens, schedules, and the constant pace of everyday life
- You enjoy meaningful conversation, shared experiences, and connecting with like-minded people
- You're excited by the idea of challenging yourself while being supported every step of the way
This May Not Be Ideal If...
- Travelers seeking a luxury resort vacation centered around spas, shopping, and nightlife
- Travelers who prefer sightseeing from a vehicle rather than spending their days actively exploring outdoors
- Travelers who find long hikes, uneven terrain, or several hours of daily movement more stressful than rewarding
- Travelers looking for a highly structured tour rather than an immersive small-group adventure
Physical Requirements
This adventure is designed for active travelers who enjoy hiking and are comfortable spending several hours on the trail each day. Most hikes range from moderate to challenging, with uneven terrain and elevation gain. Guests seeking a significant challenge may opt for the Half Dome ascent, a strenuous 16.5-mile hike with approximately 5,000 feet of elevation gain and a cable-assisted summit.
Pace & Skill Level
Skill Level: Beginner To Intermediate
Adventure Pace: Active Immersive
Elevation Considerations
Maximum Elevation: 8850 ft
Most of the adventure takes place between 4,000 and 7,500 feet. Guests hiking Half Dome will reach the trip's highest elevation at approximately 8,850 feet.
At these elevations, it's common to notice slightly heavier breathing during strenuous activity, increased fatigue, and a greater need for hydration. While Yosemite's elevations are generally not high enough for most travelers to experience altitude sickness or require altitude medication, everyone responds differently to altitude and mountain environments.
Accessibility & Alternative Options
Yosemite offers adventure at a variety of levels. The optional Half Dome ascent is reserved for guests seeking a significant physical challenge, while the Nevada Fall route provides an equally rewarding alternative. Guests are always welcome to enjoy a more restorative day at Evergreen Lodge whenever additional rest feels right.
Still Not Sure? That’s What We’re Here For.
If you’re unsure whether this adventure is the right fit, send us a question before booking. We’re happy to help you understand the pace, preparation, travel style, and group experience so you can feel confident before you commit.
What’s Included
This journey is designed to let you be fully present in the experience — with thoughtful planning, guided support, and the details handled along the way so you can focus on the landscapes, people, and moments that brought you here.
What’s Included
- Four nights accommodations at Evergreen Lodge Yosemite
- Daily guided hiking and outdoor experiences throughout Yosemite National Park and Hetch Hetchy
- Daily yoga, mindfulness, and meditation practices
- Yosemite National Park entrance fees and permits
- Roundtrip transportation from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and throughout the adventure
- All meals from dinner on arrival day through breakfast and lunch on departure day
- Professional guides and experienced RDY Adventure leaders
- Thoughtfully planned RDY Adventures experience
- Pre-trip communication and preparation guidance
- RDY group coordination before and during the adventure
- WhatsApp group for participant questions, updates, and shared tips
- Support from the RDY team to help you understand what to pack and how to prepare
Not Included
- Airfare or transportation to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
- Airfare or transportation to the arrival destination unless specifically listed
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, and optional purchases
- Alcoholic beverages unless specifically listed
- Guide gratuities unless otherwise stated
- Optional activities not listed as included
Adventure Details
Dates, Pricing & Trip Information
Review upcoming departures, trip availability, and important planning details for this experience. Everything is designed to help you prepare with clarity, confidence, and support before your journey begins.
Upcoming Departures
Trip Dates
Jul 26 – Jul 30, 2026
Status
Open
Group Size
9 Travelers
Arrival Airport
Sacramento (SMF)
Destination
Groveland CA
We’ll send detailed arrival guidance, preparation notes, and group communication before the adventure begins.
Pricing
Adventure Investment
Open
Starting at
$2,495
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY — $2,495
Our Double Occupancy option is ideal for solo travelers, friends traveling together, or couples. Accommodations include two twin beds in a shared room within one of Evergreen Lodge’s comfortable cabin-style accommodations. Couples booking together may request a private queen room at the double occupancy rate when available.
SINGLE OCCUPANCY — $2,995
Perfect for travelers seeking additional privacy and personal space, Single Occupancy includes a private room with a queen bed within a shared cabin. Guests enjoy the comfort of their own sleeping space while sharing common areas and a bathroom with other guests.
ROOMMATE MATCH
Traveling solo? Many of our guests do. If you select double occupancy, we’ll thoughtfully match you with another same-gender guest whenever possible. Some of the strongest friendships on our adventures begin as roommate matches.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul
John Muir
FROM THE ROAD
Field Notes & Legends
Questions People Often Ask
A few of the most common questions we hear before people join their first RDY Adventure.
Can I come solo?
Yes. Many people join RDY Adventures on their own. The group is intentionally welcoming, and solo travelers often leave feeling connected to both the experience and the people they shared it with.
How can I request a roommate?
If a shared room option is available, we’ll do our best to pair you with a compatible roommate whenever possible. You can also request a specific roommate during booking or reach out with questions before the trip.
Can I come with a partner, friend, or family member?
Absolutely. Many guests come with a spouse, partner, friend, sibling, or adult family member. These adventures are designed to feel welcoming whether you arrive alone or with someone you already know.
Are kids allowed?
Most RDY Adventures are designed for adults. Some trips may be appropriate for mature teens traveling with a parent or guardian, depending on the destination, activity level, lodging, and group structure. Please ask before booking if you are considering bringing a younger traveler.
What happens after I book?
After booking, you’ll receive trip details, preparation guidance, packing information, and next steps. We also create a WhatsApp group before the adventure so participants can ask questions, receive updates, and share helpful tips with the group.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all RDY Adventures and may be required for some trips. It can help protect you in case of illness, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, or unexpected travel disruptions.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms vary by trip and booking timeline. Please review the specific payment and cancellation details before booking. If you have questions, reach out before reserving your spot so we can help you understand the policy clearly.
Can you accommodate dietary needs?
We do our best to accommodate common dietary needs when we know about them in advance. Please share allergies, restrictions, or preferences during booking so we can plan appropriately with our lodging, restaurant, and catering partners.
How physically demanding is this adventure?
This trip is best suited for guests who enjoy hiking and are comfortable spending several hours on the trail each day. While the hikes are rewarding, they can include elevation gain, uneven terrain, and longer distances. The optional Half Dome ascent is significantly more strenuous and is intended for experienced hikers seeking an additional challenge.
Do I have to hike Half Dome?
Not at all. Half Dome is completely optional. Guests who prefer a less demanding day will enjoy an equally beautiful adventure to Nevada Fall, featuring waterfalls, granite scenery, and iconic Yosemite views.
I've never done yoga before. Is that okay?
Absolutely. Our yoga and mindfulness practices are designed to support recovery, mobility, and relaxation after a day on the trail. No prior yoga experience is required, and all practices can be modified to meet your comfort level.
What is the weather like in Yosemite?
Summer and early fall typically bring warm days and cooler mornings and evenings. Temperatures can vary throughout the week, especially at higher elevations, so layering is the best approach for staying comfortable in changing mountain conditions.
What airport should I fly into?
We recommend flying into Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Roundtrip group transportation between the airport and Yosemite is included with your adventure.
What if I'm traveling alone?
Many of our guests join us as solo travelers. If you select double occupancy, we’ll happily pair you with another same-gender guest through our roommate matching program. If you prefer additional privacy, single occupancy accommodations are also available.
What gear do I need to bring?
A detailed packing list will be provided before the adventure. In general, you’ll want comfortable hiking footwear, layered clothing, sun protection, a daypack, and any personal items that help you feel comfortable on the trail.
Meet Your Adventure Team
The people who guide these journeys matter. Your RDY team is here to create a thoughtful, well-supported experience — from trail days and travel logistics to moments of reset, connection, and discovery along the way.
Kevin Montgomery
Trip Leader
Guiding transformational adventures around the world
Kevin Montgomery is the founder of RDY Adventures, where he creates experiences that blend mindful movement, nature, and meaningful adventure in some of the world’s most inspiring landscapes. His retreats are designed to help people slow down, reconnect, and return home feeling more grounded, energized, and fully alive.
10+ years experience
NOLS Wilderness First Responder
Certified Yoga Instructor
Trained California Naturalist
Read Full Bio
Continue the Journey
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Where Will You Go Next?
Have a question about this adventure?
We’re happy to help you decide if this trip is the right fit. Send us a note and we’ll get back to you shortly.