California National Park Discovery — G Adventures | TripFinder.ca
GOperated by G Adventures
California National Park Discovery
From
CAD 2,949
Duration
7 days
Countries
United States
Activity
moderate
Group size
Max 13
The adventure
From the world’s largest trees to the lowest point of elevation in the United States, this trip packs a punch! Head out on a week-long adventure from Las Vegas and take in the majesty of a few of California’s most alluring national parks. Visit a land of extremes in Death Valley, drive down lonely roads that seem to unravel in a straight line forever, try to wrap your arms around the famous Sequoias in Sequoia National Park, and tap into your inner John Muir as you witness the breathtaking views of Yosemite. There’s no doubt that this is a week filled with must-sees, all you have to do is pack up and go!
◆In the morning, after a brief orientation with your CEO the group will depart Las Vegas and head to Death Valley. You’ll 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 Furnace Creek, Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point. Learn about Borax mining and if there's time, stop at the sand dunes. In the evening, settle into your hotel in Bakersfield and get some rest for tomorrow’s adventure.
◆
Spend the day traveling to Kings Canyon National Park in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, famous for being one of the deepest canyons in North America, where the air feels timeless. Upon arrival, we will stop at the Kings Canyon Visitor Center to learn about the park’s geology, ecology, and human history. Continue to Grants Grove to hike among the giant sequoias, including the world-renowned General Grant Tree, taking a moment to marvel at these ancient sentinels and the perspective they offer on our place in the universe. Next, you’ll enjoy a 360-degree view as you head up the two-mile round-trip Buena Vista Peak trail to see the High Sierra and the valley below. If energy allows, loop along a nearby grove trail for a few more giants and a serene forest atmosphere, then find a quiet overlook or return to a familiar viewpoint to reflect on the vastness of the landscape and our small, awe-filled place within it.
◆Immerse yourself in Sequoia National Park, home to granite cliffs and ancient giant trees. Once you arrive, set out on a short afternoon hike to explore and stare up in wonder at the tallest trees in the world. Walk the half mile down to General Sherman to see the world’s largest tree at 83 meters (275 feet) high. Trek through the Giant Forest on Congress Trail to see more of these colossal trees. Later, we head back to our hotel in Visalia.
◆Hit the road again and travel north through the Sierras to the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. Head straight into the park to take in iconic sights like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall.
◆It’s all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite today. From the valley floor, take the park shuttle system to one of the most iconic trails in the park. Hike alongside the Merced River to climb the Mist Trail, getting sprayed by the waters of Vernal Fall. See the water rushing over the edge before crossing the river and climbing the steps to Nevada Fall. From the top enjoy views of the High Sierra including Half Dome, Liberty Cap, and Mount Broderick.
Later, enjoy free time to walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, Bridalveil Fall Trail, relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan, or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley.
◆Leave Yosemite in the morning and drive across the Central Valley with the group to San Francisco. Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights. We will drive to the bohemian neighborhood of Haight Ashbury for lunch, followed by a drive through the Golden Gate park. What trip to San Fran would be complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge? Depending on time, step foot on this famous red suspension bridge or find a great viewing point to take some photos. There is free time in the evening to explore the colorful Fisherman's wharf.
◆Spend a free morning in the city searching for the best place to have breakfast before departing. The tour ends mid morning.
At a glance
Duration
7 days
Route
Las Vegas → San Francisco
Countries
United States
Activity level
moderate
Style
Culture & History, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Max 13
Ages
12+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
United States
Day 1In the morningLas Vegas
Las Vegas
In the morning, after a brief orientation with your CEO the group will depart Las Vegas and head to Death Valley. You’ll 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 Furnace Creek, Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point. Learn about Borax mining and if there's time, stop at the sand dunes. In the evening, settle into your hotel in Bakersfield and get some rest for tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 2Spend the day traveling to Kings Canyon National…
Spend the day traveling to Kings Canyon National Park in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, famous for being one of the deepest canyons in North America, where the air feels timeless. Upon arrival, we will stop at the Kings Canyon Visitor Center to learn about the park’s geology, ecology, and human history. Continue to Grants Grove to hike among the giant sequoias, including the world-renowned General Grant Tree, taking a moment to marvel at these ancient sentinels and the perspective they offer on our place in the universe. Next, you’ll enjoy a 360-degree view as you head up the two-mile round-trip Buena Vista Peak trail to see the High Sierra and the valley below. If energy allows, loop along a nearby grove trail for a few more giants and a serene forest atmosphere, then find a quiet overlook or return to a familiar viewpoint to reflect on the vastness of the landscape and our small, awe-filled place within it.
Day 3Immerse yourself in Sequoia National Park
Immerse yourself in Sequoia National Park, home to granite cliffs and ancient giant trees. Once you arrive, set out on a short afternoon hike to explore and stare up in wonder at the tallest trees in the world. Walk the half mile down to General Sherman to see the world’s largest tree at 83 meters (275 feet) high. Trek through the Giant Forest on Congress Trail to see more of these colossal trees. Later, we head back to our hotel in Visalia.
Day 4Hit the road again and travel north through…
Hit the road again and travel north through the Sierras to the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. Head straight into the park to take in iconic sights like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall.
Day 5It’s all about getting active and exploring…
It’s all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite today. From the valley floor, take the park shuttle system to one of the most iconic trails in the park. Hike alongside the Merced River to climb the Mist Trail, getting sprayed by the waters of Vernal Fall. See the water rushing over the edge before crossing the river and climbing the steps to Nevada Fall. From the top enjoy views of the High Sierra including Half Dome, Liberty Cap, and Mount Broderick. Later, enjoy free time to walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, Bridalveil Fall Trail, relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan, or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley.
Day 6Leave Yosemite in the morning and drive across…San Francisco
San Francisco
Leave Yosemite in the morning and drive across the Central Valley with the group to San Francisco. Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights. We will drive to the bohemian neighborhood of Haight Ashbury for lunch, followed by a drive through the Golden Gate park. What trip to San Fran would be complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge? Depending on time, step foot on this famous red suspension bridge or find a great viewing point to take some photos. There is free time in the evening to explore the colorful Fisherman's wharf.
Day 7Spend a free morning in the city searching…
Spend a free morning in the city searching for the best place to have breakfast before departing. The tour ends mid morning.
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