18 days tour

Usa Road Trip — California & The Southwest

Usa Road Trip — California & The Southwest

This tour includes:

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventures’ Vaccinated Tours Policy applies:  All travelers must meet the G Adventures requirements for joining their tours.  The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour.  There are some tours and departures that are only ‘Travel-Ready’ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours before the first day of the tour.  Please, double check with the G Adventures Support Team about the requirements of your tour and departure date. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 below** Travel with Confidence & Vaccinated Tours As we continue to see vaccine mandates shifting and countries evolving COVID-19 policies, we have continued to monitor and adjust our policies in line. Based on this, we will be making some adjustments to our Vaccinated Tours and Travel with Confidence policy in 2023. Tours departing on or after March 31, 2023 we will no longer be requiring all travellers to be vaccinated to travel with G Adventures. However, we still strongly recommend that all travellers are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to travelling. As per our existing policy, it is the travellers responsibility to ensure they are aware of and adhere to the regulations of the country they are visiting. Please remember to ensure that your travellers have adequate travel insurance to protect them should their travel plans change, this should include trip disruption and COVID-19 coverage. Our National Geographic Journeys, National Geographic Family Journeys and G Expedition will remain fully vaccinated for all departures . You can read more about these policies here: https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  Leading up to March 31, 2023 our tours will continue to be Vaccinated Tours and you can look for the Vaccinated Tours icon to indicate which departures are vaccinated and which will not require a vaccination as we move forward with this change. You can find more information on our Travel with Confidence landing page https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  or as well as on Sherpa.  Thank you for your continued support as we navigate these updates. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 above**

Guide

1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nts), glamping (2 nts), participation camping (9 nts).

Meals

11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners

Transport

Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.

Others

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Hike in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. San Francisco orientation tour. Yosemite National Park visit. Nevada and Vernal Fall hike. Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. Surf lesson. Visit to Joshua Tree National Park. Drive along Route 66. Hike in Grand Canyon National Park. Visit to Horseshoe Bend. Bryce Canyon National Park visit. Zion National Park visit. Free time in Las Vegas. Death Valley National Park visit. Entrance fees to all national parks and monuments with hiking and walking excursions. Self-inflating mattresses and dome tents. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Others

1. Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may continue after this tour ends. 2. An essential part of your trip is participation - from putting up your tent (while camping) or packing it away in the morning, to helping with meal preparation and cleaning up - it is all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your CEO will do all the meal planning, but we do ask the clients to help with the preparation and washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun! All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. All tents have built-in insect nets. Comfortable, self-inflating mattresses are also provided, which are approximately 4cm thick. 2. Proper sleeping bags are necessary for this tour. Evening temperatures can reach -9°C - 0°C. Please ensure that your sleeping bag is rated to (-17°C for spring and fall trips and 0°C for trips June - Sept). If you prefer, you can purchase a proper sleeping bag on the first day of the trip. Prices range from $60-$150USD. 3. In order to cover the vast distance in North America to be able to visit several different parks and cities along our trip, we will have a couple of long driving days. 4. All walks and hikes proposed in this itinerary are moderate to strenuous level. You may choose to participate or not, but exploring our national parks on foot is part of our way of travelling. It’s a healthy way to discover North America’s beauty and landscape. 5. The American West is generally known for warm weather, but temperatures do vary significantly in the mountain and desert areas especially. The day time temperature could exceed 30 C, while the night time temperatures do regularly decrease to single digits, or even possible below freezing. Please be prepared for such extreme conditions. 6. Please note that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21. Many bars and clubs will ask for ID at the door, therefore listening to live music in certain bars or spending a night out in Las Vegas is not possible when you are under the legal age, even if you don’t plan on consuming alcohol. Drinking laws are strictly enforced and our CEOs are unable to help those under age obtain alcohol of any kind. While this should not stop those under legal drinking age from booking a tour, it is important to note that if a traveller is under-age there are certain optional nighttime activities that they may not legally be able to participate in. When trying to book the right trip, we recommend that travellers under legal drinking age take this into consideration when booking a tour that visits several big cities. 7.ANGELS LANDING Please note that while the trail to Angels Landing is not included in this itinerary, it is available to be done independently. If you’re interested in continuing to the top, you must apply ahead of time for a permit via the National Park’s lottery system at this website .Santa Monica - Santa Monica Farmers Market Los Angeles - Santa Monica Pier Visit (Free) San Francisco - Cable Car Ride San Francisco (7USD per person) - Bike Rental San Francisco (8-32USD per person) - Sunset Sailing San Francisco (Mon-Wed) Yosemite National Park - Yosemite National Park Hike (Free) - Yosemite Bike Rental (30-40USD per person) Venice Beach - Beach Bike Rental - Surf Board Rental Grand Canyon National Park - Bright Angel Trail Hike (Free) Grand Canyon - Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Page - Antelope Canyon Tour (80USD per person) Bryce Canyon National Park - Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Hike (Free) Zion National Park - The Narrows Hike (Free)

Optional

Santa Monica - Surfing and Paddle Board Rentals - Santa Monica Farmers Market Los Angeles - Santa Monica Pier Visit (Free) San Francisco - San Francisco City Tour - Cable Car Ride San Francisco (7USD per person) - Bike Rental San Francisco (8-32USD per person) - Sunset Sailing San Francisco - Fisherman’s Wharf Visit (Free) - Haight-Ashbury Visit (Free) Yosemite National Park - Yosemite Bike Rental (12USD per person) - Yosemite National Park Hike (Free) Hermosa Beach - Hermosa Beach Bike Rental - Surf Board Rental Grand Canyon - Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour (284-309USD per person) Grand Canyon National Park - Bright Angel Trail Hike (Free) Lake Powell - Lake Powell Kayaking Bryce Canyon National Park - Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Hike - Horseback Riding Bryce Canyon (65-90USD per person) Zion National Park - The Narrows Hike Hildale - Sunset Buggy Ride Tour - Horse Trail Ride

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Usa Road Trip — California & The Southwest

  • Day 1 Day 1: Los Angeles/Santa Margarita (1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Los Angeles/Santa Margarita (1D)

      Group will depart Los Angeles in the morning and drive to Santa Monica. Walk the iconic Santa Monica pier this morning or spend some time cruising the shoreline. Not in the mood for the beach? That’s cool, maybe consider visiting the Santa Monica farmers market to stock up on all sorts of local goodies. Grab a quick bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica and travel northwest to San Luis Obispo for a quick detour to see the chewing gum alley and to grab any last minute provisions before heading to our campsite for the night.


      Meals Included:
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 06:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Santa Monica Visit
      - Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Day 2 Day 2: Santa Margarita/Santa Cruz (1B, 1L, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Santa Margarita/Santa Cruz (1B, 1L, 1D)

      Today is all about Highway 1. Devote the entire day to seeing the best of the best along this famous route. Stop to see Elephant Seals, walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and make stops in Carmel and Monterey en route to the next destination. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 06:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Visit & Highway 1 Stops

      Additional Notes: Due to road damage, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park will be closed until further notice. Alternative routes and stops will be added between Santa Margarita and Santa Cruz during this time.
  • Day 3 Day 3: Santa Cruz/San Francisco (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Santa Cruz/San Francisco (1B)

      Head out from camp in the morning and continue up Highway 1 towards Half Moon Bay. Your CEO will take you on a brief orientation of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
      Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco’s most iconic highlights then hit the town on your own or join a sunset sail under the Golden Gate Bridge.

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 04:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Half Moon Bay Drive
      - San Francisco Orientation
  • Day 4 Day 4: San Francisco/Yosemite National Park (1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: San Francisco/Yosemite National Park (1D)

      Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you 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.


      Meals Included:
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 07:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Tuolumne Grove
      - Yosemite National Park Visit
  • Day 5 Day 5: Yosemite National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Yosemite National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

      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.

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch
      - Dinner

      Included Activities:
      - Yosemite National Park Visit
  • Day 6 Day 6: Yosemite National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Yosemite National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

      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.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch
      - Dinner

      Included Activities:
      - Yosemite National Park Visit
      - Vernal and Nevada Falls Hike
  • Day 7 Day 7: Yosemite National Park/Venice Beach (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Yosemite National Park/Venice Beach (1B)

      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.

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 05:30 Hr(s)
  • Day 8 Day 8: Venice Beach
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: 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.


      Included Activities:
      - Surf Lesson
  • Day 9 Day 9: Venice Beach/Joshua Tree National Park (1L)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Venice Beach/Joshua Tree National Park (1L)

      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.


      Meals Included:
      - Lunch

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 03:45 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Joshua Tree National Park Visit
      - Joshua Tree NP Hike
  • Day 10 Day 10: Joshua Tree National Park/Grand Canyon National Park (1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Joshua Tree National Park/Grand Canyon National Park (1D)

      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.


      Meals Included:
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 09:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Grand Canyon Sunset
      - Grand Canyon Sunset Pizza
  • Day 11 Day 11: Grand Canyon (1B, 1L, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Grand Canyon (1B, 1L, 1D)

      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.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch
      - Dinner

      Included Activities:
      - Grand Canyon Hike

      Additional Notes: Opt to book the Grand Canyon helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view during a 45 to 50 minutes flight over the canyon.
  • Day 12 Day 12: Grand Canyon/Page/Bryce Canyon (1B, 1L)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Grand Canyon/Page/Bryce Canyon (1B, 1L)

      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.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 03:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Horseshoe Bend Hike
  • Day 13 Day 13: Bryce Canyon (1B, 1L, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Bryce Canyon (1B, 1L, 1D)

      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.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch
      - Dinner

      Included Activities:
      - Bryce Canyon National Park Visit
  • Day 14 Day 14: Bryce Canyon/Zion National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Bryce Canyon/Zion National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

      We pack up early this morning and move on towards Zion and our Glamping tents! Located in a private canyon away from civilization, but close to Zion National Park this location is made for outdoor enthusiasts who also like to be pampered a little. On route to camp 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. Maybe hike the Water Canyon trail or enjoy camp and put on a cornhole tournament as a group. The only rule is to have a good time!


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 02:30 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Visit
      - Zion Glamping Adventures
  • Day 15 Day 15: Zion National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Zion National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

      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 our Glamping tents. Once it gets dark get ready to sit around the campfire and roast some marshmallows as a group.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch
      - Dinner

      Included Activities:
      - Zion National Park Visit
      - Zion Glamping Adventures

      Additional Notes: Please note that while the trail to Angels Landing is not included in this itinerary, it is available to be done independently. If you’re interested in continuing to the top, you must apply ahead of time for a permit via the National Park’s lottery system at this website: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/angels-landing-hiking-permits.htm.
  • Day 16 Day 16: Zion National Park/Las Vegas (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: Zion National Park/Las Vegas (1B)

      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.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 03:30 Hr(s)
  • Day 17 Day 17: Death Valley National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 17: 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.


      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 02:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Death Valley National Park Visit
  • Day 18 Day 18: Ridgecrest/Los Angeles
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 18: Ridgecrest/Los Angeles

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


      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 02:45 Hr(s)
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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but you’re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

You’ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if you’re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 18 / Max: 39

This experience is only available for adults within this age range.

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