This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds
18 to 35s One Week from San Francisco to Vegas
Balance the trendy cityscapes of San Fran and Vegas with the natural beauty of Yosemite
From the uber-cool San Fran to the glitzy Vegas, this seven-day trip balances your week with some epic scenery, chilled-out camping and active adventure – all with a small group after the same experiences you are. Start things off in The City by the Bay, then drive into the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the iconic Yosemite National Park. Spend two full days and three nights there with free time to hike, bike and explore in the gorgeous landscapes, then carry on to Mono Lake and the small town of Bishop. Relax in hot springs or at camp with your new travel friends, then make your way to the lights of Las Vegas for a different vibe – is there a better way to spend a week in California and Nevada?
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Start: San Francisco, USA
End: Las Vegas, USA
- Duration
- 7 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Ages
- Min 18 - Max 35
- Style
- Basic
- Theme
Our themes categorize trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- 18 to 35s
- 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
Why you'll love this trip
- Disconnect in Yosemite National Park as you hike through hushed sequoia groves, stand in awe of Half Dome and sleep under the stars. With two full days and three nights here, there's time to explore with your leader and choose your own adventure.
- See where the day – or night – takes you in Las Vegas as you explore its glitzy, neon-filled streets at your own pace.
- Soak up the independent spirit of San Francisco before your trip starts, ticking the Golden Gate Bridge off your must-see list and maybe wandering through the vintage stores, local cafes and waterfront.
- Check out the otherworldly Mono Lake, formed at least 760,000 years ago, on your way to Sierra Nevada, where you’ll spend a night camping and stargazing.
- Hike, cycle, raft! With loads of free time, you can find the perfect walking trail in Yosemite, soak your muscles in the hot springs of Bishop and find some cool restaurants and bars once the sun goes down in San Fran and Vegas.
Itinerary
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.
Welcome to California! Your adventure begins in San Francisco – The City by the Bay with the super-cool multicultural heart. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, and it’s recommended that you do, maybe check out the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts or just take a self-paced walk along the trendy city streets. Wander through the vintage stores along funky Haight Street or catch the tram down to the waterfront. After the meeting tonight, maybe grab dinner and get to know your group.
Accommodation
- Hostel (multishare) (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This trip doesn't allow time for a visit to Alcatraz, so if you wish to see it, you'll need to make your own arrangements. Tickets must be booked in advance, as they are limited and sell out quickly. We recommend you arrive in San Francisco a day early so you have plenty of time to visit before the welcome meeting.
This morning, you’ll drive into the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the magnificent Yosemite National Park. Passing gorgeous scenery along the way, catch a glimpse of one of Yosemite’s most recognisable features – Half Dome. This massive rock formation has a dramatically sheer face that gives it that distinctive shape. You'll spend three nights camping near Yosemite National Park, with two full days available to explore at your own pace.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
- Breakfast
Included activities
- Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
Optional activities
- Yosemite National Park - Hiking - Free
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Head into the national park this morning and join your leader for an easy, downhill hike at the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. The grove is home to, no surprise, a couple dozen mature giant sequoia trees, including one that’s been carved into a tunnel you can walk through. From there, continue to Yosemite Valley to check out some of the park’s best-known spots. You could see the thundering Yosemite Falls, take in both Half Dome and Merced River from Sentinel Bridge and a whole lot more. The rest of the day is then free for you to explore at your own pace. There are plenty of hikes available, each varying in steepness and difficulty. Maybe hike under the cooling breezes of Nevada Falls (4 to 5 hours) or to the serene Mirror Lake (45 minutes). Keep an eye out for squirrels and bears along the way!
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
- Yosemite National Park - Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
Today is free for you to continue discovering the wonders of the park. Instead of hiking, you might like to hire a bike and explore Yosemite Valley on two wheels. You can also visit the park's museum, photo gallery, shops and restaurants, and in the heat of summer, a relaxing float down the Merced River is highly recommended. Otherwise, there’s no shortage of trails for you to explore, from the famous Mist Trail to the more challenging Four Mile Trail. Your leader will be able to provide recommendations if you need help narrowing down the options!
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
- Yosemite National Park - Hiking - Free
- Yosemite - Cycling in Yosemite Valley - USD12
- Yosemite - River Float Raft Rental (seasonal) - USD30
Settle in for a scenic drive today through the Sierra Nevada, sandwiched between Central Valley and Death Valley. Depart Yosemite via Tioga Pass, stopping at Mono Lake on the way. This ancient, highly saline lake is known for its eerie tufa towers (limestone formations) and the migratory birdlife that flocks here for the huge population of brine shrimp and alkali flies. Snap a few photos, then continue to the town of Bishop, where you’ll camp for the night. In town, maybe go to Erick Schat’s European-style bakery for a delicious treat, or perhaps visit some nearby natural hot springs.
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
- Mono Lake - Visit
Optional activities
- Bishop - Keough Hot Springs - USD15
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
When Tioga Pass is closed due to snow, we will take an alternate route around the Sierras. In this case we will not visit Mono Lake. While it is not possible to predict exactly when the pass will open, in 2025 it opened 26 May, and in 2026 opened 15 May.
Drive to the capital of glitz and glam in the heart of the desert this morning – Las Vegas, Nevada. Vegas may be known for its casinos and late-night antics, but there's plenty more to it than meets the eye. After checking into your accommodation, you’re free to explore the bits that take your fancy. Hit the shops, see a world-class stage show, check out the Las Vegas Sphere or simply enjoy the people-watching as you stroll along the Strip. Tonight, maybe grab dinner at one of the buzzing restaurants around town – your leader will have some great recommendations.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
- Las Vegas - Monorail - USD5
- Las Vegas - Eiffel Tower - USD22
- Las Vegas - Mob Museum - USD27
- Las Vegas - Neon Museum - USD20
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Today marks the end of your adventure and with no further activities, you’re free to depart at any time. If you would like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
- Las Vegas - Bellagio Fountains - Free
What's included
Accommodation
- Camping (with facilities) (4 nights)
- Hotel (1 night)
- Hostel (multishare) (1 night)
Activities
3
- Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
- Yosemite National Park - Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
- Mono Lake - Visit
Meals
1
- 1 breakfast
Transport
- Private vehicle
Destinations
- USA
- San Francisco
- Las Vegas
- Yosemite National Park
- Sierra Nevada
Activities
9
- Yosemite National Park - Hiking - Free
- Yosemite - Cycling in Yosemite Valley - USD12
- Yosemite - River Float Raft Rental (seasonal) - USD30
- Bishop - Keough Hot Springs - USD15
- Las Vegas - Monorail - USD5
- Las Vegas - Eiffel Tower - USD22
- Las Vegas - Mob Museum - USD27
- Las Vegas - Neon Museum - USD20
- Las Vegas - Bellagio Fountains - Free
Flights to and from trip
Flights to and from the trip need to be booked separately from your trip, but if you'd like, we can help arrange them for you.
Contact us to talk through available options.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- 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 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.
- Please ensure you bring comfortable walking shoes and clothes as the itinerary involves a lot of walking. To make the most of the trip, it's best to have a moderate fitness level.
- This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. 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.
- You’ll be travelling through deserts and mountains, which means temperatures can vary significantly. Research the weather conditions to determine the best time to travel for you, and come prepared with adequate clothing.
- This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time and it can be part of a longer itinerary if you have more time to explore. You might like to check out 18 to 35s Real San Francisco to LA (SSYSC).
1. 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.
2. A single supplement to have your own room/tent is available on this trip however excludes night 1 (San Francisco) where you will be in shared accommodation.
3. A sleeping bag is required for this trip.
4. Please note that the legal drinking age in the US is 21.
5. We are not able to book airport shuttle services for North America trips. North America has convenient taxi and rideshare options from all airports, as well as public transport systems in major hub cities. Please check the joining and finishing point instructions listed in the Essential Trip Information.
6. Entrance to the National Parks visited on this trip are included in your trip price. Travellers who are not residents of the US and are aged 16 years or older will need to pay Nonresident fees to enter National Parks included in this trip. These fees range from USD 100 to USD 250 per person and will be payable locally and in addition to your trip price. Please see the Money Matters section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
Visa information is provided by Sherpa, a third-party. The "Add connection" feature shows transit visa requirements only and does not include full entry visa needs. Please note, additional service fees apply if you choose to purchase a visa through Sherpa.
Travel and visa requirements
Camping (with facilities) (4 nights), Hotel (1 night), Hostel (multishare) (1 night)
NORTH AMERICA CAMPING
The campsites that we use are selected for either their scenic beauty, their convenient location to places of interest and/or the facilities available. We aim to offer you a selection of different types of campsites.
If you've never camped before - no problem! We provide a complete set of camping and cooking equipment. This includes roomy easy-to-pitch tents, which are shared by only two people and are equipped with thin foam rubber sleeping mats and vinyl floors. Your leader will show you how to pitch a tent on the first day. On many trips we also spend a few nights in reasonably priced hotels/motels/hostels (as per the itinerary).
Remember that sleeping bags and a pillow are not provided. Check out the Packing section for more information.
You'll find the necessary facilities - toilets and in most cases hot showers at our campsites. The showers at some campsites may require a payment (usually no more than US$1-$3 for a quick shower). This is payable locally and is a contribution towards the cost of a limited water supply. Rarely, a campsite may only have cold water available for showers. Some campgrounds may have paid washer and dryer facilities - your leader will be able to advise on opportunities for washing clothing during the welcome meeting.
In all campsites there are strict quiet hours when no loud noise is allowed, typically from 10pm to 7am. This means that all music, singing and noisy group gatherings must stop. We request that all our travellers respect these campsite rules.
For trips where there are lodges/cabins used, couples travelling together may be separated when our rooming arrangements are based on single gender, however in some accommodations the group will be in mixed gender rooms.
Our high-quality camping equipment (including tents) can be affected by bad weather conditions. This can result in some wet and cold conditions inside the tent. Your spirit of adventure and flexibility will help make your adventure trip an exciting and unforgettable experience. On nights where the group is camping, and weather conditions are extreme (such as snow or heavy rain), there may be an opportunity for the group (if everyone agrees) to stay at an alternative location such as a nearby hostel or hotel. When this is the case the upgrade is at your own expense.
Samesun San Francisco
1475 Lombard St, CA 94123,
San Francisco
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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