Best of California's National Parks

7 Days | Get among the grandeur of the Golden State’s best national parks

4.7 out of 5 based on 6 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $2,450

Bookended by stops in two bustling cities, this seven-day adventure takes you through some of the incredibly diverse landscapes California’s national parks have to offer. Soaring Sequoias that’ll make your jaw drop and Yosemite’s dramatic waterfalls will leave you awe-inspired – all within the same state! As you take in the big sites, you’ll have a local leader filling you in on all the small details, with no story going untold as you leave no stone unturned on this naturally epic escapade.

Trip overview

Map of Best Of California's National Parks including United States Of America
Start
Las Vegas, 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
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
SSSG
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
  • Experience the world-famous Yosemite National Park, taking in the breathtaking scenery as well as the pristine night sky as you go on leader-led walks both day and night.
  • Walk among the towering timber of Sequoia National Park and see General Sherman, the world’s largest tree by volume, along with the other soaring sequoias that make up the Giant Forest.
  • Cap off your Yosemite National Park experience with a pizza picnic in the park, breaking bread and sharing stories with your fellow travellers as the sun begins to set.
  • Where better to end your adventure than in San Francisco, the eclectic and multicultural 'City by the Bay', swapping natural wonders for one that’s man-made as you walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Some of the best scenery in Yosemite and Sequoia 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. You’ll also need to be prepared with hiking shoes, a water bottle and a day pack.
  • You’ll be travelling to desert and mountainous regions where the temperature can vary greatly from day to night. Make sure you pack the appropriate clothing for all weather.
  • 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.
  • You may also want to check out our Best of Western USA or West Coast Discovery trips if you have a longer time to explore the region:
  • https://www.intrepidtravel.com/united-states/best-western-usa-160262
  • https://www.intrepidtravel.com//united-states/west-coast-discovery-161666

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of Best Of California's National Parks including United States Of America

Inclusions

Meals

2 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Activities
  • Sequoia National Park
  • Sequoia National Park - Leader-led hike
  • Yosemite National Park - Stargazing with Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist
  • Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
  • Yosemite National Park - Leader-led hike
  • Yosemite - Pizza Picnic Dinner
  • Yosemite National Park - Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point
  • San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge walk
Optional activities
  • Las Vegas - Neon Museum Tour - USD29
  • 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 pm on Day 1 in Las Vegas. Please make your own way to the Joining Point listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.

2. Check out of the hotel is at 10am on Day 7 in San Francisco. If you could like to spend more time in San Francisco we can happily request you additional nights - please speak to your booking agent.

3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

4. We are not able to book airport shuttle service 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.

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

4.7 out of 5 based on 6 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.

Filter by rating

Donna · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 13 Oct 2024

Lauren · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 15 Oct 2024

Danny · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 01 Oct 2024

Zhenxu · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 26 Sep 2024

Andrew · Traveled July 2024
Review submitted 29 Jul 2024
Best of California's National Parks
From
USD $2,450