Wild Western USA

11 Days | Explore the Grand Canyon and Yosemite on an American road trip

5 out of 5 based on 9 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
CHF  2,455

Get a dose of national parks, cities and the iconic Route 66 on this 11-day adventure through the USA’s wild west. Start with a side of glitz and glam in Los Angeles, then swap the concrete jungle for the cactus gardens of Joshua Tree National Park and explore the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Spend three nights near Yosemite National Park, uncovering highlights like Half Dome, the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias and Yosemite Falls, then head to the coast and move through constantly changing scenery to the City by the Bay, San Francisco. For those who want to hit the wide-open road and see the natural wonder of USA’s west, this extensive LA to San Fran adventure is just the ticket.

Trip overview

Map of Wild Western USA including United States Of America
Start
Santa Monica, USA
Finish
San Francisco, USA
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
USA
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 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
SSRVC
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
  • Explore the unusual rock formations, striking desert cactus gardens and unexpected oases of Joshua Tree National Park.
  • Spend two nights soaking up all that the Grand Canyon National Park has to offer, with trips to the South Rim, Granite Rapids and Monument Canyon.
  • Road trip along the historic Route 66, also known as the 'Mother Road', and get a dose of old-school Americana at the eccentric town of Seligman.
  • Swap natural wonders for the world-class dining, shows and museums of Las Vegas for two nights – there's more to the city than just the bright lights!
  • Spend three nights camping near Yosemite National Park with two full days of exploration. Join your leader on hikes to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, Yosemite Falls and more.
  • Where better to end your adventure than in San Francisco, multicultural 'City by the Bay'. With the option to extend your visit a couple of days, you won’t be wanting to go home just yet.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Your accommodation on this trip will be a combination of camping and budget hotels. On the days you’re camping, this will be a participatory trip – meaning you should be prepared to help with activities like setting up camp, food prep and washing up. We’ll provide tents, sleeping pads and camp cookware, but you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.
  • That teamwork also extends to our optional food kitty of approximately USD 20 per day, run to cover the cost of meals. The kitty is optional and for your convenience, so if you've got specific dietary requirements you can opt out and purchase (and cook) your own food.
  • From the steep hiking trails of Yosemite to the towering hills of 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 if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.
  • You'll be travelling in a private vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. 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.
  • You’ll be travelling through deserts and mountains, which means temperatures can vary significantly from hot to cold. Research the weather conditions to determine the best time to travel for you, and come prepared with adequate clothing.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of Wild Western USA including United States Of America

Inclusions

Meals

1 breakfast

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (6 nights), Hotel (3 nights), Hostel (1 night)

Activities
  • Joshua Tree National Park - Entrance Fee
  • Grand Canyon National Park - Entrance
  • Grand Canyon - Leader-led South Rim tour
  • Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
  • Visit to Mono Lake
  • Yosemite National Park - Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
Optional activities
  • Grand Canyon - IMAX Movie - USD15
  • Grand Canyon - Half Day bike rental - USD35
  • Las Vegas - Monorail - USD5
  • Las Vegas - Neon Museum - USD20
  • Las Vegas - Bellagio Fountains - Free
  • Las Vegas - Mob Museum - USD27
  • Las Vegas - Eiffel Tower - USD22
  • Bishop - Keough Hot Springs - USD15
  • Yosemite - Cycling in Yosemite Valley - USD12
  • Yosemite National Park - Hiking - Free
  • Yosemite - River Float Raft Rental (seasonal) - USD30

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6:00pm on Day 1 in Los Angeles and finishes on arrival in San Francisco at approximately 5pm on Day 11.

2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 1 (Los Angeles) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

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

5 out of 5 based on 9 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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Mark · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 01 Oct 2024

Natalie · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 11 Oct 2024

Richard · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 04 Oct 2024

Ingrid · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 20 Sep 2024

Karen · Traveled June 2024
Review submitted 25 Jun 2024
Wild Western USA
From
CHF  2,455