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





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

- Start
- San Francisco, United States
- Finish
- Santa Monica, United States
- Theme
- 18 to 29s
- 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 29
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- SSYG
Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences
Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time
You book, we donate to help support local communities
- 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 directly support 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.
- 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
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2023
Inclusions
Private vehicle
Camping (with facilities) (8 nights), Hotel (3 nights), Hostel (multishare) (1 night)
- 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
- Joshua Tree National Park - Entrance Fee
- 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
- Joshua Tree National Park - Hiking - Free
- Colorado River - Swimming - Free
Dates and availability
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 3pm on Day 13.
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.
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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