USA Road Trip: Big Cities & West Coast Parks

5.0Based on
15 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
13 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 39 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Highlights

Hike the amazing Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park.

Catch a few waves with a surf lesson in southern California.

Enjoy a drive down Route 66.

Visit Horseshoe Bend.

Enjoy stargazing and nights sitting around the campfire as a group.

Travel to a land of extremes in Death Valley National Park.

Itinerary

Sun, surf, and soaring cliffs—experience it all on the USA Road Trip: Big Cities & West Coast Parks, a 15-day journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles crafted for young adults with a thirst for adventure. This trip blends city excitement with wild beauty as you visit Hermosa Beach, Page, Yosemite, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and more. Hike misty trails in Yosemite, embark on a full-day Zion exploration, and refuel with beach time, stargazing, and campfire stories. With a moderate activity level and the chance to sample everything from pizza at the Grand Canyon to surfing California’s coast, this tour’s standout feature is its perfect balance of action and downtime—delivering the classic road trip experience with a modern twist.

day 1 - San Francisco/Yosemite National Park

The adventure begins this morning with the drive to Yosemite National Park. Along the way stop for some fresh produce at a farmer’s market in the central valley. Once in the park hike to Tuolumne Grove to see massive Giant Sequoias. Finish the Day with a stop to see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall en route to your camp for the night.

Meal:Dinner
Accomodation:Indian Flats Campground (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 7.0 hr Distance : 225 km
Included Activities:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Yosemite National Park Visit, Tuolumne Grove Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 4 km

day 2 - Yosemite National Park

Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. Up for more of a challenge? Test your endurance on a more challenging hike like Upper Yosemite Falls or Four Mile. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan.
Yosemite Village is a great starting point for launching into your adventure. Your CEO will help you get oriented to visit the Ansel Adams gallery, Ahwahnee Museum and the Yosemite Visitor Center. Here you can start a valley hike or catch a free shuttle around the park.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation:Indian Flats Campground (or similar)
Included Activity:Yosemite National Park Visit
Optional Activities:Yosemite National Park Hike Panoramic vistas, gushing waterfalls, and elusive wildlife await. Bring water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and hike Yosemite NP. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes. , Yosemite Bike Rental

day 3 - Yosemite National Park

Today is all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite. Head out on a hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley.

This park is a hiker’s paradise filled with different options for every skill level. From miles of trekking to short walks featuring amazing views, you won’t have a hard time finding a trail to set out on and enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In the evening relax around the fire and swap stories with your group.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation:Indian Flats Campground (or similar)
Included Activities:Yosemite National Park Visit, Vernal and Nevada Falls Hike Duration : 3.0 hr - 6.0 hr Distance : 4 km
Optional Activities:Yosemite National Park Hike Panoramic vistas, gushing waterfalls, and elusive wildlife await. Bring water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and hike Yosemite NP. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes. , Yosemite Bike Rental

day 4 - Yosemite National Park/Venice Beach

Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Venice Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea.
After the forests of Yosemite the beaches of southern California will be a welcome change for some time to relax and recharge. So suit up, grab a towel, find a volleyball, and live out those California beach fantasies with your friends.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:The Inn At Venice Beach (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle

day 5 - Venice Beach

Live the California dream as you wake up to the distant sound of waves crashing against the sand. Then, suit up and get ready for your surf lesson where you'll learn a thing or two about what it takes to make riding those waves look so easy.

Afterwards, enjoy free time on Venice Beach to lounge in the sun, walk out to the pier, or find a beachfront cafe with a table outside for some people watching. Or choose to rent bikes or surf boards and continue the adventure. Your only dilemma today should be deciding which burrito place you want to eat at.

Accomodation:The Inn At Venice Beach (or similar)
Included Activity:Surf Lesson
Optional Activities:Beach Bike Rental , Surf Board Rental

day 6 - Venice Beach/Joshua Tree National Park

Depart the coast for the desert today, travelling through Los Angeles on the journey eastward to explore Joshua Tree National Park. Climb through the park’s famous rock formations and make sure to get some photos of the park's namesake tree as the sun lights up this desolate landscape.

Meal:Lunch
Accomodation:Super 8 Yucca Valley/Joshua Tree (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.75 hr
Included Activities:Joshua Tree National Park Visit, Joshua Tree NP Hike Duration : 1.0 hr - 2.0 hr Distance : 2 km

day 7 - Joshua Tree National Park/Grand Canyon National Park

Drive down the famed Route 66 today as we cruise further east to the Grand Canyon. Get ready to see breathtaking views with arguably the best sunset you have ever seen overlooking the Grand Canyon. Kick off those shoes, sit back, relax, and enjoy one of nature’s finest performances. Enjoy a cheesy slice of pizza or two overlooking the Grand Canyon during sunset.

Meal:Dinner
Accomodation:Mather Campground (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 9.0 hr
Included Activities:Grand Canyon Sunset, Grand Canyon Sunset Pizza

day 8 - Grand Canyon

Get up close and personal with the Grand Canyon as you spend the Day hiking from the South Rim. There are a variety of hikes to choose from that will take you deeper into the canyon where you can really appreciate the size and depth of this national park. Choose whichever trail you wish or do short bursts of multiple hikes, just make sure you bring plenty of water and take your time.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation:Mather Campground (or similar)
Included Activity:Grand Canyon Hike Duration : 1.0 hr - 4.0 hr Distance : 1 km
Optional Activities:Bright Angel Trail Hike The hike to Indian Garden is 7km (4.5 mi) one-way and Plateau Point is an additional 2.5km (1.5 mi) one-way. Despite the power of positive thinking, it's practically impossible to hike to the river, so just don't give it a try, okay? This is a difficult hike due to elevation, sun, and heat. Use caution, hikes beyond Indian Garden are not recommended in the summer. Remember: it is always possible to turn back.

day 9 - Grand Canyon/Page/Bryce Canyon

Journey onwards from the Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona, the site of Lake Powell. There will be free time here. Opt to join a local Navajo guide and explore Antelope Canyon; a stunning natural sandstone slot canyon located on tribal lands.

Then, lace up those hiking boots for a visit to Horseshoe Bend, a geological masterpiece that has been sculpted by the Colorado River. Walk to the overlook where you can hike along the rim and stare down into the flowing river far below. Snap some photos with your friends and just enjoy the moment. Finish the Day with a picturesque drive to your camp in Bryce Canyon.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch
Accomodation:Ruby's Inn RV Park & Campground (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.5 hr Distance : 216 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr
Included Activity:Horseshoe Bend Hike Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 1 km
Optional Activities:Antelope Canyon Tour

day 10 - Bryce Canyon

After a camp breakfast head out for a short drive into Bryce Canyon National Park. Once in the park, take advantage of your free time to hike through the wild and weird rock formations known as hoodoos. Opt to visit Inspiration Point, hit the rim trail, horseback ride, or hike the Queen’s Garden and Navajo loop trails to see sites like Thor’s Hammer and Wall Street. At night stargaze in a park known for its night skies.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation:Ruby's Inn RV Park & Campground (or similar)
Included Activity:Bryce Canyon National Park Visit
Optional Activities:Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Hike

day 11 - Bryce Canyon/Zion National Park

We pack up early this morning and move on towards Zion National Park. On route, we will make a stop at the lesser-known Coral Pink Sand Dunes and enjoy a scenic overlook of Utah’s surrounding landscape on the Colorado Plateau. It’s a unique geological feature that you shouldn’t miss.

You’ll have free time in the afternoon and evening to become acquainted with your surroundings. The only rule is to have a good time!

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation:Zion Canyon RV Resort & Campground (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.5 hr Distance : 138 km
Included Activity:Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Visit

day 12 - Zion National Park

It’s all about Zion today as you get a chance to wander this beautiful national park in Southwest Utah. Take the shuttle into the park and spend the Day exploring and hiking with your fellow travelers.

Admire the monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky and remember you can choose to turn around on these hikes at any point. In the evening enjoy leisure time back at camp. Once it gets dark get ready to sit around the campfire and roast some marshmallows as a group.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation:Zion Canyon RV Resort & Campground (or similar)
Included Activity:Zion National Park Visit
Optional Activities:The Narrows Hike

day 13 - Zion National Park/Las Vegas

Today, take the short drive from Zion to Las Vegas. Upon arrival, enjoy free time in Las Vegas. Explore the strip, try your luck at a casino, or take in a glitzy show.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Golden Nugget Las Vegas (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.5 hr Distance : 266 km

day 14 - Death Valley National Park

Drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley and visit the country's hottest, driest, and lowest national park. Death Valley is a land of extremes and you’ll get a sense of the striking contrast of this park’s landscapes with visits to Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point. Then, transfer to the hotel in Ridgecrest and relax this evening.

Accomodation:Clarion Pointe Ridge (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.5 hr - 3.0 hr Distance : 230 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr
Included Activity:Death Valley National Park Visit

day 15 - Ridgecrest/Los Angeles

Wake in Ridgecrest and drive southwest to Los Angeles. Tour ends on arrival to L. A.

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.75 hr
USA Road Trip: Big Cities & West Coast Parks

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What's Included

Accommodation
Hotel (5 nts), participation camping (9 nts).
Meals
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners
Note: Allow USD285-370 for meals not included.
Transport
Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Guide
1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Included activities
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYosemite National Park visit and hikesSurf lesson in southern CaliforniaVisit to Joshua Tree National ParkDrive along Route 66Grand Canyon sunset pizza dinnerVisit to Horseshoe BendBryce Canyon National Park visitZion National Park visitDeath Valley National Park visitEntrance fees to all national parks and monuments with hiking and walking excursionsSelf-inflating mattresses and dome tents

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about USA Road Trip: Big Cities & West Coast Parks

5.0

based on 3 reviews
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A
Anna ChiaraVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

Every day of these two weeks has been an adventure that I will never forget. I am so grateful for every moment I have lived, every place I have been and every person I have met on this tour. I am incredibly happy I have chosen to travel with GAdventures.

L
LeoniVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

It?s a great way to meet new people and make unforgettable memories together - even if you?re more on the introverted side.

S
SonjaVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

I had a great time! I got to see so much of the south west, the national parks and big cities. I learned so much and got to meet some incredible people!

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Smooth, Scenic, and Superbly Organized I joined a 6-Day Marangu Route hike with Kilisa Tours, and the whole experience was seamless. The accommodations in the mountain huts were cozy, and the support staff made sure we were always comfortable. Our guide shared fascinating stories about the mountain s history and wildlife. Everything ran perfectly on schedule, and the company s attention to detail was impressive. I ve done many treks before, but Kilisa Tours stands out for their genuine care and world-class service. Couldn t have asked for more!
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