Chicago to San Francisco Road Trip image
Operated by G Adventures

Chicago to San Francisco Road Trip

From
Price on request
Duration
16 days
Countries
United States
Activity
easy

The adventure

Remember the country they sing about in "America the Beautiful"? The one with the spacious skies, gleaming alabaster cities, and majestic purple mountains? It’s still out there. Come see it with us. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and outdoorsy folk who want to see the country by day and revel downtown by night, this tour takes you across the Great West, from the City of Big Shoulders through Yellowstone and Yosemite and past herds of grazing bison to the City by the Bay. In a word: Perfect.

At a glance

Duration
16 days
Route
Chicago → San Francisco
Countries
United States
Activity level
easy
Style
National Parks & Wilderness, Overland & Road Trips, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Chicago to San Francisco Road Trip image

Day by day

Explore the breathtaking rock formations and winding river of Smith Rock State Park on a sunny summer day.
Your journey through

United States

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Tour the Miller Brewing Company in Milwaukee…
Tour the Miller Brewing Company in Milwaukee and enjoy a beer tasting, then camp on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Day 3Enjoy a free morning at the largest shopping…
Enjoy a free morning at the largest shopping mall in America – the Mall of America. Afterwards, venture into South Dakota and head into the Great Plains and lands of the Sioux.
Day 4Travel through the Badlands before reaching the Black Hills
Travel through the Badlands before reaching the Black Hills.
Day 5Discover moon-like landscapes on the trails of the BadlandsExplore the spectacular, bizarre, and moon-like landscape at Badlands National Park. Discover Wall Drug, an American roadside wonder before reaching the famous Black Hills in the heart of South Dakota. Then take the scenic route to Custer State Park.
Explore the spectacular, bizarre, and moon-like landscape at Badlands National Park. Discover Wall Drug, an American roadside wonder before reaching the famous Black Hills in the heart of South Dakota. Then take the scenic route to Custer State Park.
Day 6Check out the larger than life ex-presidents…
Check out the larger than life ex-presidents of Mount Rushmore, tour around Crazy Horse Memorial, and stop off at Deadwood en route to Devils Tower in Wyoming.
Day 7Check out the the Little Bighorn Battlefield National…
Check out the the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument en route to the university town of Bozeman, Montana.
Day 8Travel to YellowstoneYellowstone is beyond special. Geysers, waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic beauty are around every corner just waiting to be explored. In fact, Yellowstone National Park is a super volcano with the world’s largest active geyser field, boasting more than 10,000 geysers. The Park is also home to more wild animals than almost anywhere else in the U.S., including roaming bison, gray wolves, elk, black bears, and, of course, the famous grizzly bear.
A mesmerizing view of a steaming geothermal pool in Yellowstone National Park, USA.Yellowstone
Yellowstone is beyond special. Geysers, waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic beauty are around every corner just waiting to be explored. In fact, Yellowstone National Park is a super volcano with the world’s largest active geyser field, boasting more than 10,000 geysers. The Park is also home to more wild animals than almost anywhere else in the U.S., including roaming bison, gray wolves, elk, black bears, and, of course, the famous grizzly bear.
Map showing Yellowstone
Day 9Spend the day exploring the highlights of the Southern LoopYellowstoneTravel through some of the most famous landmarks of Yellowstone, including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, West Thumb, and Yellowstone Lake.
Aerial view of a colorful geothermal spring at Yellowstone National Park with vibrant mineral deposits.Yellowstone
Travel through some of the most famous landmarks of Yellowstone, including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, West Thumb, and Yellowstone Lake.
Map showing Yellowstone
Day 10Cross the Continental Divide en route to Grand…Stop at Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park and take in the tranquil surroundings. In the late afternoon, reach Jackson and marvel at the town square’s elk antler arches. In the evening, enjoy a night out with a true wild western atmosphere at the One Million Dollar Bar.
Stop at Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park and take in the tranquil surroundings. In the late afternoon, reach Jackson and marvel at the town square’s elk antler arches. In the evening, enjoy a night out with a true wild western atmosphere at the One Million Dollar Bar.
Day 11Choose to go whitewater rafting or horseback riding…
Choose to go whitewater rafting or horseback riding during a free morning, then cross the border into Idaho. Stop off at Shoshone Falls en route.
Day 12Sit back and relax during a road trip day
Sit back and relax during a road trip day, crossing into Nevada. Enjoy the bright lights both in and outside the casinos in "The Biggest Little City in the World."
Day 13Arrive to Lake Tahoe after a short drive
Arrive to Lake Tahoe after a short drive. Enjoy a free afternoon for hiking, lake activities or relaxing.
Day 14Marvel at the spectacular views of Yosemite National…
Marvel at the spectacular views of Yosemite National Park's magnificent peaks and granite domes while enjoying one of most scenic drives in California: Tioga Pass!
Day 15Enjoy free time in Yosemite National ParkFull day to explore Yosemite National Park. Hike the many trails Yosemite has to offer and be inspired by this beautiful and amazing landscape. Option to rent bikes in Yosemite Valley.
Full day to explore Yosemite National Park. Hike the many trails Yosemite has to offer and be inspired by this beautiful and amazing landscape. Option to rent bikes in Yosemite Valley.
Day 16Catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge…San FranciscoArrive at one of the most iconic cities in the world: San Francisco. The CEO will point out some popular sites on the drive into town. There's a lot to see and do in San Francisco. We recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation, or pre book a sunset sail off the coast of the city.
Captivating view of San Francisco's famous Victorian houses with city skyline in the background.San Francisco
Arrive at one of the most iconic cities in the world: San Francisco. The CEO will point out some popular sites on the drive into town. There's a lot to see and do in San Francisco. We recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation, or pre book a sunset sail off the coast of the city.
Map showing San Francisco

Discover United States

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Breathtaking view of Delicate Arch in Arches National Park at sunset, showcasing vibrant skies and rugged landscape.
Explore the majestic granite spires of Custer State Park in South Dakota's Black Hills.
Breathtaking view of Monument Valley's iconic rock formations at sunset, showcasing vivid desert landscape.
A tranquil road through a lush forest in Flagstaff, AZ, under a dramatic, cloudy sky.
Stunning view of the rugged terrain in Moapa Valley, Nevada under a clear sky.
Operated by G Adventures

A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.

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