National Parks & Bright Lights image
Operated by G Adventures

National Parks & Bright Lights

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

The adventure

From the Golden Gate Bridge to glowing canyon walls at sunset, this trip captures the beauty of the cities and wilderness of the western US. It’s perfect for the traveller looking to breathe in the scent of the sequoias of Yosemite by day but wanting the comforts of a hotel at night. Prepare yourself for otherworldly hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park and desert scenery in Death Valley – the lowest spot on the continent – before taking an optional helicopter ride above the incomparable Grand Canyon. You won’t just visit the west coast, you’ll live it.

At a glance

Duration
15 days
Route
San Francisco → Los Angeles
Countries
United States
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

National Parks & Bright Lights 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 dayArrivalThere are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting. We highly recommend booking pre-tour accommodation to fully experience this fascinating city.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting. We highly recommend booking pre-tour accommodation to fully experience this fascinating city.
Day 2On the way out of San Francisco
Captivating view of San Francisco's famous Victorian houses with city skyline in the background.San Francisco
On the way out of San Francisco, take in some final sights. Stop at the Golden Gate Bridge, where on a clear day you can see the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge to one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. Drive past some iconic attractions of the city as we head the towards the Sierra Nevadas. Stop to try some of the region's best produce en route to Yosemite National Park.
Map showing San Francisco
Day 3Discover Yosemite's peaksHead to the Yosemite Valley. Take short hikes to majestic waterfalls, clear lakes, beautiful meadows or walk amongst giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park. If lucky, spot black bears, deer or coyotes with a keen eye.
Head to the Yosemite Valley. Take short hikes to majestic waterfalls, clear lakes, beautiful meadows or walk amongst giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park. If lucky, spot black bears, deer or coyotes with a keen eye.
Day 4Enjoy the morning to explore Yosemite's iconic features…Head to the Yosemite Valley. Take short hikes to majestic waterfalls, clear lakes, beautiful meadows or walk amongst giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park. With a keen eye, you may be lucky enough to spot black bears, deer or coyotes.
Head to the Yosemite Valley. Take short hikes to majestic waterfalls, clear lakes, beautiful meadows or walk amongst giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park. With a keen eye, you may be lucky enough to spot black bears, deer or coyotes.
Day 5Visit a land of extremes in Death Valley NP
Visit a land of extremes in Death Valley NP. Explore Las Vegas and stroll along the famous Vegas Strip. Opt to take a VIP party limo experience or take in a show.
Day 6Enjoy a full free day to explore Las Vegas
Enjoy a full free day to explore Las Vegas. Wander the strip, do some shopping, and refuel at one of the many bars or restaurants. Opt to take in a glitzy Las Vegas show or to head out on a day trip to the Hoover Dam.
Day 7Visit Zion
Stunning aerial view of Zion National Park's rugged canyons and vibrant landscape under a clear blue sky.Zion
Visit Zion, Utah's oldest national park. Explore towering cliffs and massive canyon walls. Hike diverse and exciting trails. Head to Bryce Canyon.
Map showing Zion
Day 8Explore Bryce Canyon National Park on trails among…
Stunning panoramic view of Bryce Canyon in winter with snow-covered hoodoos and clear blue skies.Bryce Canyon
Explore Bryce Canyon National Park on trails among the amphitheatres and multi-coloured rock pinnacles called hoodoos before heading to Lake Powell. Opt for a barbecue dinner and a sunset horseback ride (seasonal).
Map showing Bryce Canyon
Day 9Visit the Glen Canyon Dam and take…Antelope Canyon
Capture of Antelope Canyon's dramatic sandstone formations with natural light streaming through.Antelope Canyon
Visit the Glen Canyon Dam and take a short hike to Horseshoe Bend, shaped by the Colorado River. Discover one of the most majestic places on earth, Monument Valley. Explore on a 4x4 tour led by a Navajo guide.
Map showing Antelope Canyon
Day 10Depart in the morning and stop for lunch…Grand Canyon
Stunning aerial view of Tarn Gorge with cliffs and river in La Malène, France.Grand Canyon
Depart in the morning and stop for lunch at a G Adventures supported Navajo food truck project. Enter the park and drive along the south rim, stopping at Desert View to take in the grandeur of the canyon. Continue into the park and opt to take a short hike into the canyon (weather permitting) or wander along rim trail to admire the views. Enjoy sunset at the edge of the Grand Canyon watching the way the light changes the colours.
Map showing Grand Canyon
Day 11Travel to Sedona for lunch and check out…
Travel to Sedona for lunch and check out the stunning landscape with a short hike overlooking the red and orange cliffs. Continue on and stop for dinner and to get some kicks on historic Route 66. After dinner, arrive to Lake Havasu City for the night.
Day 12Make a quick stop to see a bit…
Make a quick stop to see a bit of London spanning across the Colorado River. Then head to Joshua Tree National Park, for a hike amongst the boulders and yuccas. Continue to San Diego, where sun, sand, food, and fun all await in this beautiful beach city.
Day 13Enjoy free time to explore or just sit…
Enjoy free time to explore or just sit back and relax in the sun and sand.
Day 14Cruise through Orange County and along the incredible…Los Angeles
Vibrant long exposure of Downtown Los Angeles skyscrapers at night, showcasing the city skyline.Los Angeles
Cruise through Orange County and along the incredible Pacific coastline to Los Angeles. See the stars on the most famous sidewalk in Hollywood on an orientation to the area. Drive through Beverly Hills and check out Rodeo Drive.
Map showing Los Angeles
Day 15Departure dayDepartureWe highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this famous city.
We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this famous city.

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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