18 Days | Explore the wild west coast on this 18-day adventure through California, Utah, Arizona and Nevada





Fall in love with the rugged and diverse American West on this 18-day adventure, from the granite peaks and pine forests of Yosemite National Park, the crystal clear water of Lake Tahoe, the sun-baked dunes and canyons of Death Valley, glitzy Las Vegas and peaceful Zion. Walk amid the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park, gaze in awe at the Grand Canyon, sit by a Navajo campfire in Monument Valley and see the unique vegetation of Joshua Tree National Park, all on the ultimate National Parks adventure.
Trip overview

- Start
- San Francisco, United States
- Finish
- Los Angeles, United States
- Theme
- Explorer
- 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
- Comfort
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- SSKUC
- Beginning in the eccentric city of San Francisco, explore the sights of the bay on a sunset catamaran cruise, sailing around the infamous Alcatraz Island and beneath the legendary Golden Gate Bridge.
- There's no better way to experience Lake Tahoe than by skimming over its clear blue water in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
- Featuring sequoia forests, granite cliff faces and cascading waterfalls – get the most out of your Yosemite experience by spending three nights in the park, meaning two full days of exploration.
- With undulating sand dunes, water-sculpted canyons, extinct volcanic craters and fields of wildflowers that blossom in the spring: Death Valley is a geological paradise.
- From flashy Las Vegas continue to the red rocks of Zion National Park and the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon.
- Admire the oasis of Emerald Pools during a hike past waterfalls and lush vegetation in Utah’s Zion National Park.
- Ride a jeep through Utah's iconic Monument Valley, and then share stories and a meal by the campfire with members of Navajo Nation.
- Be amazed by the size and beauty of the Colorado River’s Horseshoe Bend, then travel to the Grand Canyon where you’ll be left gobsmacked by its steep red-rock escarpments and gorges.
- Explore a city that’s home to dreamers, fortune seekers, and celebrities in the City of Angels: Los Angeles.
- Less time spent in a vehicle; more time to explore each destination. This trip has been carefully designed to give you the best experience of a region by reducing the number of one-night-only stops, giving you extra time in the places that matter.
- Death Valley in the summer is extremely hot and dry. It does hold the record as the hottest place on earth after all. Hiking at this time of year isn't recommended. Although our private vehicles do have air conditioning, it has to work pretty 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.
- Some of the best scenery in Yosemite is found on hikes. So, while this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to partake in all activities.
- This trip includes time spent travelling in a 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.
- If you wish to spend more time in San Francisco or Los Angeles, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
Inclusions
10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Private vehicle
Hotel (14 nights), Lodge (3 nights)
- San Francisco - Sunset catamaran cruise
- San Francisco - Driving tour & Golden Gate Bridge
- Lake Tahoe - Kayak/Stand-up Paddleboard Rental
- Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
- Yosemite National Park - Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
- Yosemite - Pizza Picnic Dinner
- Yosemite National Park - Leader-led hike
- Death Valley National Park
- Zion National Park - Entrance Fee
- Bryce Canyon National Park - Entrance Fee
- Monument Valley Tribal Park - Entrance
- Monument Valley - Jeep Tour and Navajo Dinner
- Horseshoe Bend
- Grand Canyon National Park - Entrance
- Joshua Tree National Park - Entrance Fee
- Yosemite - Cycling in Yosemite Valley - USD12
- Yosemite National Park - Hiking - Free
- Yosemite - Raft Rental (seasonal) - USD30
- Lone Pine - Museum of Western Film History - USD5
- Zion National Park - Walks - Free
- Zion - Narrows Hiking Gear Rental - USD30
- Zion National Park - River tubing (seasonal) - USD24
- Bryce Canyon National Park - Hiking - Free
- Grand Canyon - Hiking - Free
- Grand Canyon - IMAX Movie - USD15
- Grand Canyon - Hiking Guide - USD200
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 3:00 PM on Day 1 in San Francisco. This trip ends on Day 10 in Los Angeles.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Please note that the legal drinking age in the US is 21 and in some parts of Canada it's 19.
4. During the months from November to June the Tioga Pass can sometimes be closed due to snow. During these months we will need to find an alternative route of the pass is closed which means we will be unable to pass through the Eastern Sierras. The alternative route will be to go around the West Side of the mountains through Fresno visiting Death Valley on the way to Las Vegas.
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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