11 Days | Explore the Grand Canyon and Yosemite on an American road trip
Get a dose of a classic USA on this 11-day wild western adventure. Stroll among the bizarre flora of Joshua Tree National Park, peer over the edge of the Grand Canyon and people-watch on the sandy boardwalks of Santa Monica. Trek and explore Yosemite, marvel at the size of Half Dome, and then head on to the coast as you move through constantly changing scenery through to the City by the Bay, San Francisco. For those who just want to hit the wide open road and see the natural wonder of USA’s west, this extensive LA to San Fran adventure is just the ticket.
Trip overview
- Start
- Santa Monica, USA
- Finish
- San Francisco, USA
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- USA
- 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 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- SSRVC
- Road trip along historic Route 66, also known as the 'Mother Road', stopping in quirky Seligman for a dose of old-fashioned Americana.
- Hike through beautiful Joshua Tree National Park among desert cactus gardens and unusual rock formations.
- The Grand Canyon National Park takes time to really discover – you'll spend two nights in the park, unlike on most trips, so there's a full day to explore properly and see the mighty canyon up close.
- Lose yourself among the bright desert lights of Las Vegas and the Strip, and remember, what happens in Vegas...
- Spending three nights in Yosemite National Park means two full days of exploration. With so many options on what to do, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
- Where better to end your adventure than in San Francisco, the eclectic, multicultural 'City by the Bay'. With the option to extend your visit a couple of days, you won’t be wanting to go home just yet.
- With a knowledgeable leader getting you from place to place, all you’ve got to worry about is snapping the best photo and getting the most out of your wild western road trip.
- This is a participatory trip. That’s a fancy way of saying you’re not just along for the ride – you’re part of a team! You know the phrase ‘the more you put in, the more you get out’. Well that’s extra true on this trip. 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 – everyone knows there’s nothing worse than trying to put up a tent on your own!
- That teamwork also extends to our optional food kitty of approximately USD 10 per day, run to cover the cost of meals. This kitty saves you worrying about stuff like where to get food or what exactly sales tax is, and actually helps keep your costs down. Instead of paying individually as you go, it means we can bulk purchase items and cook our own food – though there’s always the chance to use it for the occasional pizza night! 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.
- You'll be travelling in a van with your group, so conditions may feel a little cramped. It’s simply the best way to get around, and you might even make some long-term friends.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Inclusions
1 breakfast
Private vehicle
Camping (with facilities) (6 nights), Hotel (3 nights), Hostel (1 night)
- Joshua Tree National Park - Entrance Fee
- Grand Canyon National Park - Entrance
- Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
- Visit to Mono Lake
- Colorado River - Swimming - Free
- Joshua Tree National Park - Hiking - Free
- Grand Canyon - Hiking - Free
- Grand Canyon - IMAX Movie - USD15
- Las Vegas - Big Apple Express roller coaster - USD15
- Las Vegas - Mob Museum - USD27
- Las Vegas - Monorail - USD5
- Las Vegas - Bellagio Fountains - Free
- Las Vegas - Eiffel Tower - USD22
- Yosemite - Cycling in Yosemite Valley - USD12
- Yosemite National Park - Hiking - Free
- San Francisco - Sunset catamaran cruise - USD45
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6:00pm on Day 1 in Los Angeles and finishes on arrival in San Francisco at approximately 5pm on Day 11.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 1 (Los Angeles) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
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