Best of California's National Parks

Trip Type: Explorer

United States Of America | 7 D | 1 - 12 People

Starts From:

NZD 3,960.00 /Person

Bookended by stops in two bustling cities, this seven-day adventure takes you through some of the incredibly diverse landscapes California’s national parks have to offer.

Best of California's National Parks

Bookended by stops in two bustling cities, this seven-day adventure takes you through some of the incredibly diverse landscapes California’s national parks have to offer. Soaring Sequoias that’ll make your jaw drop and Yosemite’s dramatic waterfalls will leave you awe-inspired – all within the same state! As you take in the big sites, you’ll have a local leader filling you in on all the small details, with no story going untold as you leave no stone unturned on this naturally epic escapade.

Itinerary

Welcome to Nevada! Las Vegas will be your gateway to the grandeur of the Golden State. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm, giving you plenty of time to bathe in Vegas’ glow. It’s recommended that you arrive a day or two early to really experience the city, allowing time to do the classics (think casinos, drive-through weddings and live shows) as well as scratching below the surface to see Las Vegas’ diverse neighbourhoods and thriving arts scene.

Leaving Sin City in your dust, you’ll road trip across state lines and through the Mojave Desert today, then around to Sequoia National Park. It’s a long drive, but it’ll give you the chance to see the changing geography of the American west – watch on as the desert gives way to the peaks of the southern Sierras. Settle into your accommodation near Sequoia National Park in the afternoon, and then head out for an included dinner at a local restaurant with your group.

Today is simply about seeing the best of the USA’s Sequoia National Park. After breakfast, you’ll embark on leader-led walks around Sequoia, driving from stop to stop as you get to feel small next to the staggering size of General Sherman, the Giant Forest and other specimens of Sequoia’s towering timber. You may even drive through a tree at Tunnel Log, peer into Tharp’s Log and spot marmots, black bears and recently re-introduced bighorn sheep.

After breakfast, you’ll hit the highway headed for the world-famous Yosemite National Park. To start, get acquainted with the awe-inspiring Yosemite Valley during a guided hike. Strewn with dramatic waterfalls, gigantic granite outcrops and lush meadows, this is one of the most spectacular spots in the country. Your leader will also teach you about the ecologically diverse landscape along the way. After sunset, you’ll join a Naturalist from the Yosemite Conservancy for a guided stargazing program. The park’s minimal light pollution makes it an excellent place to see the stars while learning about astronomy, constellations and local lore.

Today, Yosemite is all yours to explore! In the morning there’ll be leader-led walks around some of the park’s best trails. If it’s a clear day you may also drive up to Glacier Point for a view you won’t soon forget, looking down over the valley and across to the iconic Half Dome. The afternoon is yours to fill how you’d like. You might choose to hike along the breathtaking Mist Trail with its many fabulous views, hire a bicycle and pedal along some of the 12 miles of designated (and flat) path or immerse yourself in the park’s history at the Ahwahnee Hotel. Once you’ve seen the sights, the day will be capped off with a pizza picnic in the park for dinner.

After saying fond farewells to Yosemite, you’ll head west to vibrant San Francisco. Stop to do a walk over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and then check in to your hotel for the night. At sunset, you can hit the water for an optional 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.

Trip Inclusions

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

Transport
Private vehicle

Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights)

Included Activities

Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park - Leader-led hike
Yosemite National Park - Stargazing with Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist
Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
Yosemite National Park - Leader-led hike
Yosemite - Pizza Picnic Dinner
Yosemite National Park - Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point
San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge walk

Trip Highlights

Experience the world-famous Yosemite National Park, taking in the breathtaking scenery as well as the pristine night sky as you go on leader-led walks both day and night.
Walk among the towering timber of Sequoia National Park and see General Sherman, the world’s largest tree by volume, along with the other soaring sequoias that make up the Giant Forest.
Cap off your Yosemite National Park experience with a pizza picnic in the park, breaking bread and sharing stories with your fellow travellers as the sun begins to set.
Where better to end your adventure than in San Francisco, the eclectic and multicultural 'City by the Bay', swapping natural wonders for one that’s man-made as you walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Trip Notes

Some of the best scenery in Yosemite and Sequoia is found on hikes. So, while this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to partake in all activities. You’ll also need to be prepared with hiking shoes, a water bottle and a day pack. You’ll be travelling to desert and mountainous regions where the temperature can vary greatly from day to night. Make sure you pack the appropriate clothing for all weather. This trip includes time spent travelling in a 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. You may also want to check out our Best of Western USA if you have a longer time to explore the region: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/united-states/best-western-usa-152105

Dates & Availability

Departing

Finishing

Booking Enquiry

Destination Details

United States Of America | 7 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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