11 Days | Explore the Grand Canyon and Yosemite on an American road trip
Get a dose of national parks, cities and the iconic Route 66 on this 11-day adventure through the USA’s wild west. Start with a side of glitz and glam in Los Angeles, then swap the concrete jungle for the cactus gardens of Joshua Tree National Park and explore the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Spend three nights near Yosemite National Park, uncovering highlights like Half Dome, the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias and Yosemite Falls, then head to the coast and move through constantly changing scenery to the City by the Bay, San Francisco. For those who 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
- Explore the unusual rock formations, striking desert cactus gardens and unexpected oases of Joshua Tree National Park.
- Spend two nights soaking up all that the Grand Canyon National Park has to offer, with trips to the South Rim, Granite Rapids and Monument Canyon.
- Road trip along the historic Route 66, also known as the 'Mother Road', and get a dose of old-school Americana at the eccentric town of Seligman.
- Swap natural wonders for the world-class dining, shows and museums of Las Vegas for two nights – there's more to the city than just the bright lights!
- Spend three nights camping near Yosemite National Park with two full days of exploration. Join your leader on hikes to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, Yosemite Falls and more.
- Where better to end your adventure than in San Francisco, 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.
- Your accommodation on this trip will be a combination of camping and budget hotels. On the days you’re camping, this will be a participatory trip – meaning you should be prepared to help with activities like setting up camp, food prep and washing up. We’ll provide tents, sleeping pads and camp cookware, but you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.
- That teamwork also extends to our optional food kitty of approximately USD 20 per day, run to cover the cost of meals. 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.
- From the steep hiking trails of Yosemite to the towering hills of San Francisco, this trip can involve a lot of walking. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.
- You'll be travelling in a private 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’ll be travelling through deserts and mountains, which means temperatures can vary significantly from hot to cold. Research the weather conditions to determine the best time to travel for you, and come prepared with adequate clothing.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024
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
- Grand Canyon - Leader-led South Rim tour
- Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
- Visit to Mono Lake
- Yosemite National Park - Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
- Grand Canyon - IMAX Movie - USD15
- Grand Canyon - Half Day bike rental - USD35
- Las Vegas - Monorail - USD5
- Las Vegas - Neon Museum - USD20
- Las Vegas - Bellagio Fountains - Free
- Las Vegas - Mob Museum - USD27
- Las Vegas - Eiffel Tower - USD22
- Bishop - Keough Hot Springs - USD15
- Yosemite - Cycling in Yosemite Valley - USD12
- Yosemite National Park - Hiking - Free
- Yosemite - River Float Raft Rental (seasonal) - USD30
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.
3. 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.
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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