Wild Western USA

11 Days | Explore the Grand Canyon and Yosemite on an American road trip

5 out of 5 based on 9 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
GBP £2,155

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

Map of Wild Western USA including United States Of America
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
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • 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.

Is this trip right for you?
  • 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.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Itinerary

Map of Wild Western USA including United States Of America

Inclusions

Meals

1 breakfast

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (6 nights), Hotel (3 nights), Hostel (1 night)

Activities
  • Joshua Tree National Park - Entrance Fee
  • Grand Canyon National Park - Entrance
  • Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
  • Visit to Mono Lake
Optional activities
  • 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

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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.

Essential Trip Information

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 9 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Mark · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 01 Oct 2024

Natalie · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 11 Oct 2024

Richard · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 04 Oct 2024

Ingrid · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 20 Sep 2024

Karen · Traveled June 2024
Review submitted 25 Jun 2024
Wild Western USA
From
GBP £2,155