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Explore cities, deserts, forests and valleys on this action-packed adventure through America’s West

Cities, deserts, forests, canyons, valleys and the gambling capital of the world make up this larger-than-life journey through America’s West. Start slowly in the City by the Bay before lacing up your boots (and filling up your water bottle) and hiking through some of the most spectacular national parks this part of the world has to offer: Yosemite, Sequoia and Joshua Tree. Stay hydrated in Death Valley (it’s one of the hottest places on earth), gamble in Vegas, scramble to Angel’s Landing in Zion (not for the faint-hearted) and take a perfect picture as the sun sets over the Grand Canyon. This is America in all its rugged, dusty, splendid glory.

Start
San Francisco, United States
Finish
San Francisco, United States
Destination
United States
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
SSKNC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 13

Why you'll love this trip

  • Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch is a true retreat from the bright lights of the city. Unwind as your hosts cook up gourmet meals in the heart of the wilderness

  • For something a little different, visit Jack London State Historic Park, which celebrates the life and home of the legendary writer among stunning scenery

  • Yosemite National Park feels like something out of the film 'The Land Before Time'. While other tour groups breeze through in a day, you'll spend two nights in the park, allowing for a full day of hiking and exploring

  • Explore the spectacular red desert formations of Monument Valley during a sunset jeep ride. End a day of adventure sharing tacos and stories by the campfire with members of America’s largest recognised tribe - the Navajo. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about Native American culture and history

  • Spend two nights at the Grand Canyon, allowing for plenty of free time to explore the canyon and partake in adventurous optional activities such as hiking or a helicopter flight

  • An Urban Adventure tour around San Francisco’s Chinatown and North Beach areas offers a unique introduction to this exciting city. Learn to make your own fortune cookie, explore the city's oldest temple and discover the history of the Beat Generation

Is this trip right for you?

  • Road tripping is the ultimate way to see the US, and scenic drives are a big part of this adventure’s focus. It's a very big country, so on a short trip expect to spend a lot of time driving in the van, rather than lots of time in each destination. Distances may be much longer than what you're used to (especially if coming from Europe). Long driving days though, while a little cramped, are perfect for soaking up the spectacular scenery, getting to know your fellow travellers, and breaking out that new book or album.

  • Los Angeles is one of the most car-heavy cities in the world and so, along with San Francisco, traffic can be hectic – especially during the holiday period. Take any delays in your stride and get your best car game ready to play.

  • Be prepared for a mix of extreme temperatures. Bryce Canyon is deceptively high and can see flurries of snow, while Zion National Park is usually hot and sunny. Death Valley is extremely hot and dry (it's the hottest recorded place on Earth after all), so hiking in summer isn’t recommended.

  • Our vans do have air-conditioning, but it has to work pretty hard to keep a full group cool, so you may be hot. At other times of the year, it can be quite cold, especially at night. Be prepared for all weather conditions, especially outside of the July/August summer months. Pack warm clothes for the cold, sun protection and layers for the heat. It’s best to carefully consider the season and weather conditions to determine the best time to travel for you.

  • The accommodation at Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch is mixed and some rooms have outdoor bathrooms. Groups may be split between the main house, outdoor cabins, or even teepees. The leader will manage the rooming so that people who have a problem with using outdoor bathrooms receive rooms inside.

  • Some travellers have reported feeling unsafe in San Francisco due to the large number of homeless people. Unfortunately homelessness is a fact of life in San Francisco and the problem is widespread throughout the city. It is very likely that you will see homeless people on the street during your time in the city, and while it can appear intimidating, they are mostly harmless.

Map of America's Western Wonders including United States Of America
monument valley
grand canyon usa
redwoods of the big sur
Vegas sign, USA

Itinerary
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Welcome to the San Francisco, USA. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for today's welcome meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. This evening head out with the group on an Urban Adventures tour, which includes a guided walk through San Francisco's famous Little Italy and North Beach districts and dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • San Francisco - Dinner Urban Adventure
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Notes: As there's very little time spent in San Francisco on this trip, we recommend you arrive a few days early to see the sights. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Consider doing our one-day sightseeing tours of San Francisco: urbanadventures.com.

This trip doesn't allow time for a visit to Alcatraz, so you'll need to make your own arrangements if you want to see the island prison. Tickets must be booked in advance, as they sell out quickly and numbers are limited. You can make your reservations online at alcatrazcruises.com or by calling +1415 981 7625 between the hours of 8 am and 7 pm, Pacific Standard Time (USA). We recommend reserving your tickets for the day before the tour commences.

This morning hit the road out of San Francisco and drive north to the beautiful Sonoma Valley wine region. The small town of Sonoma was the site of the rebellion, which paved the way for California's independence from Mexico. Enjoy lunch, a wine tasting and an optional winery tour at a local vineyard. Explore the historic buildings and scenic trails of nearby Jack London State Park - the area the famous writer and adventurer once called home. Spend the second night of the trip in Sonoma.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sonoma - Jack London State Historic Park
  • Sonoma - Wine Tasting
  • Sonoma - Picnic lunch
Optional Activities
  • Sonoma - Jack London Cottage - USD4
Meals Included
  • Lunch

Today is a long day of driving (approximately seven hours), as you head east to Yosemite National Park where you'll spend the next two nights. Featuring sequoia forests, granite cliff faces and waterfalls, the scenery in this World Heritage-listed park is amazing to explore.
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Yosemite National Park - Entrance
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Enjoy a free day to explore Yosemite National Park. There are plenty of hikes to do, each varying in difficulty. Perhaps take a 4-5 hour hike to the top of Nevada Fall or a short and easy walk to the serene Mirror Lake. Keep an eye out for squirrels (and perhaps even a bear) along the way. You might like to hire a bike and cycle around Yosemite Valley, stopping by the park's museum, photo gallery, shops and restaurants on the way. In the heat of summer, float down the Merced River on a raft and enjoy a few drinks at the local cafe.
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Yosemite - Cycling in Yosemite Valley - USD12
  • Yosemite National Park - Hiking - Free
  • Yosemite - Raft Rental (seasonal) - USD30
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Continue driving through national parkland today, on your way south to Sequoia National Park. Today is a long day of driving (8-9 hours in total), but the spectacular scenery will keep you distracted. Feel small as you explore the Giant Forest of sequoias and redwoods, which contains approximately half of the planet's largest trees. The General Sherman tree is not only the largest living tree in the world, but also the largest living organism.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sequoia National Park
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Leave the forest for the desert today as you drive south to Death Valley (approximately six hours). On our first night here we stay in the town of Lone Pine, not far from the entrance to Death Valley. Here there's the option to visit the Museum of Western Film History, which celebrates the many movies that have been filmed in the area, such as Iron Man, Django Unchained, How The West Was Won, and True Grit.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Lone Pine - Museum of Western Film History - USD5
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

This morning we drive the short distance into Death Valley National Park. Death Valley National Park is a geologically rich area, featuring huge sand dunes, canyons, sculpted rocks, valleys and volcanic craters. Elevations fluctuate from 85 metres below sea level near Badwater Point (the lowest point in the USA) to 3756 metres above sea level at Telescope Peak. Death Valley is extremely hot and dry, so pack plenty of water. Perhaps hike up to Dante's View for amazing vistas over the valley. Check out Ubehebe Crater or find a shady trail through Mosaic Canyon.
After exploring the park, we drive out the other side of Death Valley and spend the night on the Nevada side.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Death Valley National Park
Optional Activities
  • Death Valley National Park - Hiking (seasonal) - Free
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

It's a short three-hour drive through Nevada today, to the glitzy desert city of Las Vegas. This city may be the gambling capital of the world, but if this isn't your thing there's a lot more to do in town. Wander along the Strip past impersonators, billboards and hotels, checking out the Bellagio fountain show. Head to a rooftop amusement park, hit the chain stores or lose all sense of time exploring the gaudy interiors of The Venetian, Caesars Palace and New York-New York hotels. In the evening, join up with the group for an included buffet dinner, Vegas style. If you're up for it, see an after-dinner show or hit up a nightclub.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Las Vegas - Buffet Dinner
Optional Activities
  • Las Vegas - Helicopter Tour of The Strip - USD110
  • Las Vegas - Limo (per group) - USD300
  • Las Vegas - Big Apple Express roller coaster - USD15
Meals Included
  • Dinner

Use a free day in Vegas to see a show, further explore the casinos along the Strip or take part in an activity such as a rollercoaster ride.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting in the hotel lobby at 6 pm to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and to meet any new travellers that will be joining the group. Please ask your leader for the exact day, time and location of this meeting.

Today, travel across the border into Utah and the spectacular landscapes of Zion National Park (approximately three hours). There's a variety of trails to choose from and you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore among the park's soaring cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Warm up with a gentle walk to the lower end of the Emerald Pools. Continue onto the upper end of the pools, passing a waterfall on the way to Zion's 'beach'. If you're feeling ambitious, perhaps enjoy the park's most famous challenge: Angels Landing. After a strenuous hike along the narrow ridge of the cliffs, you'll be rewarded with a panorama of the red landscape. Please be aware that this isn't for the faint-hearted and requires a moderate level of fitness.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Zion National Park
Optional Activities
  • Zion National Park - Hiking - Free
  • Zion - Narrows Hiking Gear Rental - USD25
  • Zion - River Tubing (seasonal) - USD15
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

In the morning drive to Bryce Canyon, where you’ll have time for a short hike. Millions of years of wind and water erosion have formed the park's distinctive hoodoos - uniquely shaped rock spires rising out of the red desert. Continue onto Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch, where you'll be staying for the next two nights. Today's total driving time will be about four to five hours. In the evening, enjoy an included dinner with the group on the ranch and use the rest of the night to relax.
Accommodation
  • Ranchstay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bryce Canyon National Park
Optional Activities
  • Bryce Canyon National Park - Hiking - Free
Meals Included
  • Dinner

Today is a free day to enjoy at the ranch. After breakfast, perhaps take an optional horse ride or go for a hike in the surrounding Dixie Forest. Otherwise just relax on the veranda and take in the breathtaking scenery. Breakfast and dinner are included at the ranch and are sure to be a highlight. There is a kitchen on site and they specialise in (large) locally-sourced organic meals made from scratch.
Accommodation
  • Ranchstay (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch - Hiking - Free
  • Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch - Horse Riding - USD65
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

In the morning make the six-hour drive to the spectacular Monument Valley. There may be time to visit the cliffs, canyons and domes of Capitol Reef National Park on the way.

Monument Valley is part of the biggest Indian reservation in the USA, home to more than 200,000 enrolled members of the Navajo Tribe. Explore the giant sandstone formations scattered across the desert, witnessing the ever-changing colour of the landscape. In the evening, travel by jeep through the Monument Valley with a Navajo guide. Join the locals for an authentic Navajo dinner around a campfire and listen to their traditional songs and stories.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Monument Valley Tribal Park Entry Fee
  • Monument Valley - Jeep Tour and Navajo Dinner
  • Capitol Reef National Park
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

In the morning, make the 3-4 hour drive to the Grand Canyon, one of the largest canyon systems in the world. This a real highlight of the trip, so you'll be spending two nights here. Perhaps take a stroll along the South Rim Trail or hike to Skeleton Point. There's plenty to see and do during your time here.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Grand Canyon National Park
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today is a free day to explore the Grand Canyon. There are plenty of optional activities to take part in - your leader will provide you with the details. Take a hike around the canyon or if you're feeling extra adventurous, opt for a helicopter flight over the area. In the evening, sit back and enjoy the sunset behind the red peaks.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Grand Canyon - Helicopter flight (45 mins) - USD295
  • Grand Canyon - Hiking - Free
  • Grand Canyon - IMAX movie - USD15
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

In the morning, take the long drive to Joshua Tree National Park (approximately 7-8 hours). Sitting between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, the park is home to striking rock formations, many species of cacti and varied desert wildlife such as coyotes, lizards and bighorn sheep. Spend the night in a nearby hotel.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Joshua Tree National Park
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

After breakfast, take the short (approximately three hours) drive to Los Angeles. On arrival in the afternoon, go on a half-day Urban Adventure sightseeing tour of LA with the group. The rest of the day is free to spend as you please. Perhaps take a stroll around the streets of Hollywood and Beverley Hills, or head to Venice Beach for a dose of sea, sand and eccentric boardwalk characters. It can get really busy at the beach, so watch out for skaters, bikes and skateboarders speeding past.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Los Angeles - Urban Adventure
Meals Included
  • Lunch
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting in the hotel lobby at 6 pm to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and to meet any new travellers that will be joining the group. Please ask your leader for the exact day, time and location of this meeting.

Welcome to Los Angeles, USA. Meet your group and leader at 7:30 am in the hotel lobby for an important briefing about the trip. Please eat breakfast and pack your bags before the meeting, so that you're ready to leave soon after. Drive north to your first stop of Santa Barbara (approximately 2-3 hours). The traffic around Los Angeles can be very bad so please be prepared for delays. You'll have some free time to explore Santa Barbara before continuing up the coast to Pismo Beach where we stay the night. Spend the rest of the afternoon walking along the beach, swimming in the ocean, or take a trip to the nearby town of San Luis Obispo - the happiest town in the USA. Optional activities here include a visit to the Spanish mission of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Bubblegum Alley, or sample a local brew or wine.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Santa Barbara - Mission - USD8
  • Santa Barbara - Beaches - Free
  • San Luis Obispo - Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa - USD3
  • San Luis Obispo - Bubblegum Alley - Free
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Notes: We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at the welcome meeting this morning, so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader. If you'd like to see the sights of Los Angeles, we recommend you arrive a few days early. We'd be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

This morning jump on Highway 101 and head north towards Monterey. After a picnic lunch at Lover's Point, turn south and drive down Highway 1 as far as possible, stopping at Pfeiffer State Beach for some classic coastline views. The Highway here has been impacted by recent heavy rains and travel will be restricted by maintenance works. Head back to Monterey afterwards. On arrival into town, check in to your hotel and perhaps head out on an optional activity. Perhaps sign up for some whale spotting or visit Steinbeck's Cannery Row. The rest of the evening is free to do as you please.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Monterey - Bike rental - USD20
  • Monterey - Kayak rental - USD30
  • San Luis Obispo - Hearst Castle - USD25
  • Monterey - Cannery Row - Free
  • Monterey - Monterey Bay Aquarium - USD50
Meals Included
  • Lunch
Special Information
ITINERARY CHANGE - HIGHWAY 1 CLOSURE

Due to recent heavy rains, Highway 1 along the California coast has been closed between Ragged Point and Notleys Landing. Mudslides have caused a bridge to collapse and sections of the road have become unstable. It is expected that this closure will remain in effect for the whole year. While this closure is in place, instead of driving along the coast the tour will take Highway 101 inland, past Monterey, and then drive down the coast as far as possible so that you can see some of the Big Sur coast from the north. The rest of the day will then be spent in Monterey.

MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM

At Intrepid we have a strong commitment to animal welfare. We only visit facilities involving wild animals in captivity if the rationale for the sanctuary operation is in the best interests of the animals involved. We have listed as an optional activity a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium in support of the conservation and education programs run by the Aquarium an

Head to San Francisco this morning, arriving into the city around lunchtime (approximately two hours). This afternoon take part in the Temples, Tea and Beatniks Urban Adventure day tour. Make your own fortune cookie in Chinatown, explore the city's oldest temple and discover the Beatniks of North Beach. Your California Coast Express trip comes to an end after the tour, and you're free to depart at anytime. As there's a great deal to do in San Francisco, we recommend you stay a few extra days to make the most of the city.
Included Activities
  • San Francisco - Temples, Tea, & Beatniks Urban Adventure
Optional Activities
  • San Francisco - Adventure Cat Bay Cruise - USD45
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
This trip doesn't allow time for a visit to Alcatraz, so you'll need to make your own arrangements to visit the island prison. Tickets must be booked in advance, as they're limited and sell out quickly. You can make your own Alcatraz reservations online at alcatrazcruises.com or call +1 415 981 7625 between the hours of 8 am and 7 pm, Pacific Standard Time (USA). We recommend booking your tickets for the day after the trip finishes. If you need help booking extra accommodation, our reservations team will be happy to assist (subject to availability). Also consider doing our one-day sightseeing tours of San Francisco through urbanadventures.com.

Meals

3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (13 nights), Motel (4 nights)

Included activities

  • San Francisco - Dinner Urban Adventure
  • Sonoma - Jack London State Historic Park
  • Sonoma - Wine Tasting
  • Sonoma - Picnic lunch
  • Yosemite National Park - Entrance
  • Sequoia National Park
  • Death Valley National Park
  • Las Vegas - Buffet Dinner
  • Zion National Park
  • Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Monument Valley Tribal Park Entry Fee
  • Monument Valley - Jeep Tour and Navajo Dinner
  • Capitol Reef National Park
  • Grand Canyon National Park
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Los Angeles - Urban Adventure
  • San Francisco - Temples, Tea, & Beatniks Urban Adventure

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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on this trip.
2. This trip finishes in San Francisco at approximately 5pm on day 20.

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.
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Reviews

Our America's Western Wonders trips score an average of 4.43 out of 5 based on 7 reviews in the last year.

America's Western Wonders, October 2016

Nicole McFarlane

Review submitted 04 Dec 2016

America's Western Wonders, July 2016

David England

Review submitted 27 Aug 2016

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