Las Vegas to San Fran: Parks, Canyons, Valleys

Trip Type: Explorer
United States Of America | 8 D | 1 - 12 People
Starts From:

NZD 5,482.00 /Person

Fall in love with the rugged and diverse American West on this eight-day adventure, from the sun-baked desert to Yosemite National Park's granite peaks and pine forests.

Las Vegas to San Fran: Parks, Canyons, Valleys

Fall in love with the rugged and diverse American West on this eight-day adventure, from the sun-baked desert to Yosemite National Park's granite peaks and pine forests. Explore the highlights of the wild west coast and stroll the neon-lit boulevards of Las Vegas, walk through giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove, take scenic drives and hikes to natural wonders like Yosemite Falls, spend some free time to explore Monterey Bay at your own pace, check out coastal parks in California, enjoy dinner at a local winery and end it all with a catamaran cruise in the bay of San Francisco, taking in all the iconic sites from the water during sunset.

Welcome to the glitzy desert city of Las Vegas, Nevada! It may be a gambler’s paradise, but if the tables aren't your thing, there's still plenty to discover in this neon metropolis. Maybe wander along the famous strip, past impersonators, billboards and hotels to the choreographed Bellagio Fountain show. Hit the chain stores or lose all sense of time exploring the gaudy interiors of hotels like The Venetian, Caesars Palace and New York-New York. Your trip starts at 6 pm tonight with a welcome meeting. After, why not join your fellow travellers for an optional dinner and indulge in some nightlife?

This morning, depart Las Vegas and begin your road trip. This is a long driving day and a great opportunity to experience the dramatic change in landscape from the desert to the mountains of California. You'll have plenty of stops to stretch your legs and take photos. Continue around the Sierras to the south, where things get much greener. You’ll spend the night in Fresno, where you’ll have dinner at a local restaurant with your group.

This morning, head north to the world-famous Yosemite National Park – featuring colossal granite cliff faces, cascading waterfalls (depending on the season), and sequoia forests, the scenery in Yosemite attracts travellers from all over the globe. When you arrive, wander through the jaw-dropping Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, home to some of the largest known trees on Earth. These colossal, ancient wonders are adapted for survival – they’re resistant to disease, thanks to a large content of tannin in the wood, and their thick asbestos-like bark means that they can withstand the hottest of forest fires, making them almost indestructible. Make the scenic drive into Yosemite Valley and explore sites like Yosemite Falls and the visitor center, before settling in at a local restaurant in Yosemite Valley for a fun pizza dinner and a cold beer (if you fancy).

Enjoy a full day to explore the spectacular scenery of Yosemite National Park. The breathtaking landscapes have made Yosemite a favourite among hikers for generations, and there are plenty of trekking routes on offer with varying degrees of difficulty. Your leader will choose a hike based on the group’s ability and desires. If you feel like breaking a sweat, the hike to Vernal Falls features plenty of switchbacks and depending on the season, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the cascading waterfall beneath the giant Half Dome. Feel like taking it easy? No problem, there are plenty of gentle trails on offer, too. Keep an eye out for squirrels (and watch for bears!) along the way. Make the winding trip up to Glacier Point for incredible views over the valley, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome – don't forget your cameras today, as this is one of the best places in the park to get amazing photos.

After breakfast this morning, depart Yosemite for coastal California and the haven of Monterey. Your leader will take the group on an orientation walk when you arrive to get your bearings. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace – maybe head to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Tonight, maybe get a recommendation from your leader on one of the best dinner spots in the area or just kick back on the beach and watch the sunset.

Today you’ll head out on a full-day exploration of the glittering coast and the surrounding villages and parks with your group. Make the most of the scenic parks along California Highway 1 and check out Sea Lion Point. Check out the gorgeous local beaches in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, explore tidepools and relax on the white sands, surrounded by turquoise waters and cliffs. Head out on an easy coastal hike for epic views over the ocean, then cap off the day with a visit to a local winery in the Carmel Valley for a wine tasting and dinner with views of the surrounding vineyard.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll follow the coast to Santa Cruz, stopping at the famous pier for some free time to grab lunch, sit on the beach and enjoy the vibes. Visit Half Moon Bay for a short beach walk and then carry on to San Fran. When you arrive, head out on a tour of the city and then check in to your hotel for the night. At sunset, you’ll hit the water for an incredible catamaran cruise around the bay, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island – this is the perfect farewell to a sun kissed Californian adventure. If you like, head out with your fellow travellers for one last dinner.

With no activities planned today, your adventure ends this morning. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

Meals
3 Breakfast(s), 2 Lunch(s), 3 Dinner(s)

Transport
Private vehicle

Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

Included Activities

  • Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
  • Yosemite National Park - Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
  • Yosemite - Pizza Picnic Dinner
  • Yosemite National Park - Leader-led hike
  • Yosemite National Park - Glacier Point
  • Monterey - Leader-led orientation
  • Carmel - Winery Tasting & Dinner
  • Monterey - Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
  • Monterey - California Coastal Highway 1
  • San Francisco - Leader-led city tour
  • San Francisco - Sunset catamaran cruise
  • Start your west coast adventure on the glitzy Strip of Las Vegas – hit the town for a dose of bright lights and the chance to win big!
  • Hike through sequoia forests, granite cliff faces and cascading waterfalls in Yosemite National Park – one of the best places for hiking, walking and wildlife spotting.
  • Enjoy a full day exploring California’s coastal parks, kick back on the gorgeous white sands of secrets coves and end with an evening of wine tastings at dinner at a local winery.
  • End your trip in eccentric San Francisco, exploring the sights of the bay on a sunset catamaran cruise and sailing around the infamous Alcatraz Island and beneath the legendary Golden Gate Bridge.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, the Grand Canyon Conservancy. Donations help them protect Grand Canyon National Park and support trail restoration, conservation of native plants and wildlife, and educational programs. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

This trip includes time spent 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. This trip involves a fair amount of walking. To make the most of the trip, at least a moderate fitness level is needed. You may also want to check out our Ultimate National Parks trip if you have a longer time to explore the region: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/united-states/la-san-fran-ultimate-national-parks-150417

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Destination Details
United States Of America | 8 D | 1 - 12 People
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
United States Of America
Trip Finishes:
United States Of America
Countries Visited:
United States Of America
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