USA Road Trip: Sin, Surf & Sierras
8 days
From
$ 1699
Duration8 days
For the traveller who wants it all, this desert-to-coast journey delivers in spades. Throw caution to the wind in Las Vegas, then cleanse those chakras with pristine national park hiking. You’ll drive the legendary Pacific Coast Highway for views that are postcard-perfect and finish in Los Angeles for a final burst of movie star glamour. A private vehicle and participation camping offer affordability and flexibility while letting you get to know your fellow travellers, making this a road trip to remember.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 8 daysService level: Camping
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Las Vegas
Please note, Day 1 is an arrival day and there are no planned activities.
This tour leaves Las Vegas in the morning on Day 2; if you would like to spend any additional time here, we recommend booking pre-tour accommodation.
This tour leaves Las Vegas in the morning on Day 2; if you would like to spend any additional time here, we recommend booking pre-tour accommodation.
Arrive at any time.
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour.
Day 2: Las Vegas/Sierra Nevadas
Visit a land of extremes in Death Valley National Park, one of the country's most rugged landscapes; the hottest and driest spot on earth and home to the lowest point in North America. Pass mountains, valleys, badlands, salt flats, dunes, as we drive through the spectacular landscape of this region.
Stop at Zabriskie Point and hike the short distance to the vista, one of the most photographed spots in the park. Take in the views of diverse geological features as far as the eye can see. Next, descend into Badwater Basin, that sits 282 feet below sea level. Continue past Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes en route to Panamint Valley before ending the day surrounded by the peaks of the Sierra Nevadas. Summer itinerary: Travel to Bishop via Tioga Pass viewing Mono Lake and the tufa towers on the way.
Winter itinerary: Continue on to Lake Isabella, where we stay the night.
Note that on Day 3, we intend to use the Tioga Pass, a scenic a route through the Sierra Nevada mountain range that connects Bishop with Yosemite NP. October through May, there's a chance the pass will be closed due to poor weather conditions or even snow. In this case, we use an alternate route, and spend the night in Lake Isabella (instead of Bishop). The status of the road is monitored daily, and our travel plans for the area will be confirmed during the trip.
Stop at Zabriskie Point and hike the short distance to the vista, one of the most photographed spots in the park. Take in the views of diverse geological features as far as the eye can see. Next, descend into Badwater Basin, that sits 282 feet below sea level. Continue past Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes en route to Panamint Valley before ending the day surrounded by the peaks of the Sierra Nevadas. Summer itinerary: Travel to Bishop via Tioga Pass viewing Mono Lake and the tufa towers on the way.
Winter itinerary: Continue on to Lake Isabella, where we stay the night.
Note that on Day 3, we intend to use the Tioga Pass, a scenic a route through the Sierra Nevada mountain range that connects Bishop with Yosemite NP. October through May, there's a chance the pass will be closed due to poor weather conditions or even snow. In this case, we use an alternate route, and spend the night in Lake Isabella (instead of Bishop). The status of the road is monitored daily, and our travel plans for the area will be confirmed during the trip.
Meals: L, D
Day 3: Sierra Nevadas/Yosemite National Park
Morning trip to Mono Lake; walk among the tufa towers (seasonal). Discover Yosemite's peaks, granite domes and giant sequoias. Marvel at majestic waterfalls, lakes and meadows. Keep and eye out for glacial erratics, rock climbers and the diverse wildlife, including black bears, within the park.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Yosemite National Park
Full day to explore Yosemite NP. Use free time to explore Yosemite by foot, bike or shuttle. Hike the many trails Yosemite has to offer and be inspired by this stunning landscape. Opt to rent a bike and cycle in Yosemite Valley.
Carved by glaciers, Yosemite National Park became the first protected state park in the US in 1864. It took until 1890 to gain National Park status, with the work of John Muir. Spend the day hiking amongst Giant Sequoias, granite cliffs, and rushing waterfalls and understand why around 4 million people come to the park each year.
Carved by glaciers, Yosemite National Park became the first protected state park in the US in 1864. It took until 1890 to gain National Park status, with the work of John Muir. Spend the day hiking amongst Giant Sequoias, granite cliffs, and rushing waterfalls and understand why around 4 million people come to the park each year.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Yosemite National Park/San Francisco
Cross over the Bay Bridge to arrive on the peninsula of one of the most iconic cities in the world: San Francisco. Stop on Treasure Island to catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and San Francisco's skyline. Your CEO will point out some popular sites during the drive into town. On arrival, opt to ride a cable car over the steep hills or explore by bicycle.
For our nights in San Francisco, we stay close to the action in a hotel in the city centre. Opt to pre-book the "Sunset Sailing – San Francisco" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Meals: B, L
Day 6: San Francisco
Enjoy a free day to explore San Francisco.
Day 7: Santa Cruz/Morro Bay
Visit Santa Cruz and go for a stroll along the boardwalk. Marvel at the beautiful coastline and mountain ranges of Big Sur along the Pacific coast. Stop to view elephant seals at Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery before catching the sunset on Morro Bay. Crashing waves, rolling fog, and sheer rocky cliffs will make this journey down California's coastal Highway 1 an unforgettable experience.
Meals: D
Day 8: Morro Bay/Los Angeles
Travel along the stunning Pacific coast to the City of Angels. Pass by Santa Barbara as we make our way to Santa Monica. Your CEO will point out a few famous neighborhoods and landmarks on the drive into the City of Angels. Trip ends upon arrival to Los Angeles.
Please note this trip ends on arrival to Los Angeles. There's a lot to see and do in LA, and we recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore Hollywood, Rodeo Drive and other hot spots around the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Yosemite National Park Your Discover Moment: San Francisco
- Death Valley NP Visit
- Yosemite NP Visit
- Santa Cruz Visit
- Pacific Coast Highway Drive
- Elephant Seal Rookery, San Simeon
- Free time in San Francisco
- Entrance fees to all national parks with hiking and walking excursions
- Self-inflating mattresses and dome tents
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Air-conditioned private vehicle, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels/hostels (3 nts, some multi-share), Participation camping (4 nts)