Saturday · Aug 1
Touch down in San Francisco
sea level · the week begins low
- Morning
Gilsons fly into SFO
We'll pick you up! Settle in and shake off the flight.
- Midday
Tunnel Top Park
Golden Gate views and room for the kids to run.
- Evening
Provision & pack
Groceries ordered, bags staged — mountains tomorrow.
Sunday · Aug 2
Over the Tioga Pass
cresting Tioga Pass · 9,943′
- Morning
Pick up cars, head east
~6 hrs via Yosemite's Tioga Pass — one of the great American drives.
- En route
Scenic stops & stretch breaks
Tenaya Lake beach, Tuolumne Meadows, Lembert Dome, and Mono Lake's otherworldly South Tufa.
- Evening
Arrive at the house
Keys, bunks, and a slow first night at 8,000 feet.
Monday · Aug 3
Up the mountain
Panorama Gondola · 11,053′
- Morning
Courthouse run
Larry & Kyle head down to pick up the ceremony paperwork — back around 12:30–1:00.
- Midday
Kevin & Allie arrive from Reno
Driving down the 395 — the scenic way in, with a stop-by-stop route below. See the drive
- Afternoon
Day at the Mammoth Mountain Resort
Something for every pace, from the summit to the base:
- Panorama Gondola — ride to 11,000+ feet for a 360° Sierra view.
- Mountain bike down — Larry & Kyle bomb the trails from the summit to the base.
- Adventure Center — mini golf, the playground, climbing wall, ropes course, and other kid-sized fun at the base.
- Evening
Holly arrives
Into Mammoth for the evening — join whatever's happening.
- Evening
Sunset stroll
An easy golden-hour walk to catch the light. Trail TBD. See the trails
- Evening
Pizza & game night at the house
Back to the house to refuel and play.
Tuesday · Aug 4
Choose your adventure
your day, your pace · 8,000′
- Morning
Choose your morning
Pick one — or mix and match at your own pace.
- Meadow walk in the basin — flat, easy, and gorgeous if you'd rather keep it mellow.
- E-bike the Lakes Basin path — a gentle paved cruise past the lakes; bikes delivered by Black Tie. See the rides
- Wander Mammoth Village — coffee, shops, and people-watching.
- Optional hikes — anything from an easy shoreline amble to a moderate alpine climb. See the trails
- Optional · afternoon
Lunch at Mammoth Brewing
A bite together before L + K head off for their vows.
- Leaving 2:30 PM
We slip away to say our vows
Just the two of us, somewhere in the pines — we'll be back after dinner.
- Evening
Sami & Larry Sr. arrive from Reno
Driving down the 395 — the scenic way in, with a stop-by-stop route. Join whatever's happening once they're here. See the drive
Wednesday · Aug 5
Boat day
Convict Lake · 7,850′
- Morning – afternoon
You: pick your pleasure
However you like to spend a mountain day:
- Via Ferrata — climb a cliff face clipped to steel cables and iron rungs, helmet and harness supplied. Guided routes from easy to airy, with a suspension bridge in the middle. Kevin, Allie & Kyle are going at 10:00 AM — book ahead if you want in.
- Golf at Sierra Star — California's highest course at 8,000 ft.
- A day on Lake Mary — rent a pontoon, kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, or canoes from the little marina and drift beneath Crystal Crag; fishing poles welcome aboard.
- Choose a hike from our recommended trails. See the trails
- Departing 1:00 PM
Boat day at Convict Lake
Private pontoon on a glassy alpine lake ringed by 12,000-foot peaks. Lunch on the water. Life vests for all sizes at the marina.
- Optional · evening
Wild hot springs soak
For anyone who's interested — steaming pools in an open valley under big desert sky, and we'll watch the sunset from the hot tubs.
- Evening
Aunt Jody & Uncle Tom arrive
Join whatever's happening.
The main event
Thursday · Aug 6
The wedding
Minaret Vista · 9,265′ · the crest of the week
- Optional · morning
Brunch hike
Short, gentle, gorgeous. Location TBD. See the trails
- Noon
Get ready & glammed up
At the basecamps — take your time, steam your wedding looks, and the girls get their hair & makeup done. Details & timing TBD.
- 2:30 PM
Shuttles depart for Minaret Vista
Leaving from the Snow House — we’ll all ride up to the overlook together.
- 4:00 – 4:30 PM
Ceremony at Minaret Vista
The vows, with the Minarets behind us.
- 4:30 – 5:30 PM
Cocktail hour
Family photos and couple portraits happen during this hour. A bubbles station and water for everyone to enjoy in the meantime.
- 7:00 PM
Dinner at The Brasserie
A three-course, prix fixe dinner. Each course offers 3–4 selections — choose one from each.
Friday · Aug 7
Lake lounging & a special dinner
Horseshoe Lake · 8,960′ · our last full day
- 11:00 AM
Beach day at Horseshoe Lake
Sandy shoreline, shallow entry — ours until whenever, on an all-day rental.
- All set up for you — beach toys provided, towels and loungers waiting when you arrive.
- Sun warning — it's forecast to be hot, and the sun works harder up here (we're a mile and a half closer to it). Wear your sunscreen; we'll have plenty on hand, including the kids' kind.
- McLeod Lake hike — the trailhead is right at the beach. An easy 1.8-mile loop, about 350 ft of climbing, to a still lake under Mammoth Crest if you want to slip away for an hour.
- 6:00 PM
A special dinner at the Snow House
Our last night all together — gather at the Snow House. Casual attire — wear whatever you're comfortable in.
Saturday · Aug 8
Homeward bound, hearts full
back to sea level
- Morning
Slow breakfast, pack up
- Midday
Everyone heads home
Back over the pass to SFO, down the 395 to Southern California, or out through Reno airport — stop wherever calls to you.
