Real San Francisco to LA

13 Days | Traverse California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah, with the right mix of city, country, desert and coast

4.8 out of 5 based on 13 reviews submitted.
18 to 35s
From
CHF  2,355
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This trip is for the 18 to 35 year olds

San Francisco and Los Angeles are two of the most well-known locations in the USA… but what’s in between? This 13-day trip takes you from the shores of San Francisco to the bustling streets of La La Land via Nevada, Arizona and Utah. See desert landscapes, expansive national parks and the world-famous Grand Canyon! If you want to experience the buzz of the big city mixed with the adventure of forests, cliffs and canyons, this trip has all your bases covered. Journey through the west coast on a classic North American road trip with the flexibility to go with the flow.

Trip overview

Map of Real San Francisco To LA including United States Of America
Start
San Francisco, United States
Finish
Santa Monica, United States
Theme
18 to 35s
Destinations
United States
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 18 - Max 35
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
SSYG
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Discover Utah’s natural wonders at Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park – home to red-walled cliffs, towering hoodoos and vast horizons.
  • Check out San Francisco’s highlights at your own pace – an ideal destination to spend some extra time exploring the diverse scenery – and see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Silicon Valley and Napa Valley.
  • Get your fill of incredible landscapes when you explore the desert terrain of Joshua Tree National Park and discover the winding gorges and desolate rock formations of the Grand Canyon.
  • Cover Yosemite’s many trails over two full days and three nights dedicated to the park. You’ll be able to hike and explore until your heart (and camera) is content.
  • Appreciate the spectacle of Vegas as you explore this glitzy, neon-filled city at all hours of the day with plenty of time and flexibility to do as you please – night out, anyone?
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, the Grand Canyon Conservancy. Donations help them protect Grand Canyon National Park and support trail restoration, conservation of native plants and wildlife, and educational programs. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped, but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
  • Although your private vehicles have air conditioning, it has to work hard to keep a full group cool. Expect to feel hot during summer and cold at other times of the year, especially at night. Please consider the season and research the weather conditions to determine the best time to travel for you. Remember to come prepared with adequate clothing.
  • This trip involves either a partial or full camping experience, giving you access to more remote destinations in close proximity and the joy of camping under the night skies beside a campfire. This is a participatory trip – a fancy way of saying you’re not just along for the ride, but you are part of a team! Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and help out with camp activities like food prep and washing up. It’s all about giving your new travel mates a hand, and everyone knows there’s nothing worse than trying to put up a tent on your own!
  • From the steep hiking trails of the various national parks to the hilly San Francisco, this trip can involve a lot of walking. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best to have at least a moderate fitness level.
  • If you are interested in adding a few nights on the California Coast, check out our Epic American West trip: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/united-states/epic-american-west-152108

Itinerary

Map of Real San Francisco To LA including United States Of America

Inclusions

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (8 nights), Hotel (3 nights), Hostel (multishare) (1 night)

Activities
  • Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
  • Visit to Mono Lake
  • Zion National Park - Entrance Fee
  • Bryce Canyon National Park - Entrance Fee
  • Grand Canyon National Park - Entrance Fee
  • Seligman - Route 66
  • Joshua Tree National Park - Entrance Fee
Add on activities
  • San Francisco - Adventure Cat Bay Cruise - USD45
  • Yosemite National Park - Hiking - Free
  • Yosemite - Cycling in Yosemite Valley - USD12
  • Yosemite - Raft Rental (seasonal) - USD30
  • Las Vegas - Monorail - USD5
  • Las Vegas - Eiffel Tower - USD22
  • Las Vegas - Mob Museum - USD27
  • Las Vegas - Neon Museum - USD20
  • Las Vegas - Limo (per group) - USD300
  • Las Vegas - Helicopter Tour of The Strip - USD104
  • Las Vegas - Big Apple Express roller coaster - USD15
  • Las Vegas - Fremont Street Zip Line - Free
  • Las Vegas - Bellagio Fountains - Free
  • Zion National Park - Walks - Free
  • Bryce Canyon National Park - Hiking - Free
  • Grand Canyon - IMAX Movie - USD15
  • Grand Canyon - Hiking - Free
  • Colorado River - Swimming - Free
  • Joshua Tree National Park - Hiking - Free

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6:00pm on Day 1 in San Francisco and finishes on arrival into Los Angeles at approximately 4pm on Day 13 (depending on traffic).
2. In San Francisco the group will be in 8 and 6 person dorms, with shared bathrooms. The hostel will do their best to separate the group by gender, but it's not guaranteed.
3. A Single Supplement to have your own room (or tent) is available on this trip however excludes night 1 (San Francisco) where you will be in shared accommodation.
4. On the last day of the trip: The arrival time into Los Angeles depends on each group, but if you decide to fly out on this day, please don't book a flight before 9 pm.
5. A sleeping bag is required for this trip.
6. Please note that the legal drinking age in the US is 21 and in some parts of Canada it's 19.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 13 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Alice · Traveled September 2023
Highly recommend this trip if you enjoy the outdoors! You will see some amazing natural wonders and get to hike some great trails. Also great to do as a solo traveller as you’ll meet like-minded people!
Review submitted 10 Oct 2023

Lydia · Traveled August 2023
Justin was a fantastic guide, this was my first Intrepid trip and he far exceeded expectations and made it the best trip I have ever been on. Justin was very knowledgable and his passion for adventure made the trip as amazing as it was, he joined us for all activities and was always relaxed and organised. I will be recommending to others and will be booking another trip very soon.
Review submitted 17 Aug 2023

Laura · Traveled May 2023
If Yosemite and Grand Canyon are on your list. This trip is the way to discover and explore them! Amazing experience with lovely likeminded people. Camped under the stars one night and a quick stop in vegas the next to see the madness there!
Review submitted 27 May 2023

Isabel · Traveled August 2022
I loved this trip! It allowed me to see so many amazing places and do so many things in a relatively short amount of time. You form a great sense of community with the other people on the trip, and it’s a great opportunity to meet likeminded people from different backgrounds to you. The camping element helps form those group bonds because you have to work together as a team. This was my first intrepid trip (/any form of group tour) and I would do it all over again :)
Review submitted 13 Sep 2022

Katherine · Traveled August 2022
Great itinerary and Ellen was a great guide. Highlights were the days spent hiking at the Grand Canyon and Yosemite. Only choose the trip if you are outdoorsy and can cope with heat. If you dont like camping or hiking, this is not for you!
Review submitted 03 Sep 2022
Real San Francisco to LA
From
CHF  2,355