Best of Scenic California

There are no planned activities today until the evening welcome meeting, so check out the strip or get tickets to a show for this evening.

See the spectacular landscape of Death Valley on the drive into the park. Continue through Twenty Mule Team Canyon, see the eroded rock salt at the Devils Golf Course. Then descend to the lowest point of elevation in North America on a visit to Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level. (B)

In the morning head to the otherworldly landscape of Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Explore the shifting dunes and then contine o to Father Crowley Vista Point which is an easy hike, but involves epic views. Afterwards the group will drive around the Sierra Nevada mountains to Sequoia National Park. (B)

Immerse yourself in Sequoia National Park for a full day. Visit General Sherman, the world’s largest known living tree with a naturalist from the Parks Conservancy. In the afternoon the group will hike the Big Tree Trail and learn all about the history and of these trees and what the future holds for their protection. Tonight, head back out into the park for some stargazing with a local expert. (B)

Today’s drive is nothing short of mesmerizing as the scenery changes from the looming sequoias to one of the deepest canyons in the U.S. You’ll drive from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove and experience the awe of Kings Canyon. (B)

We recommend viewing the documentary Free Solo prior to your trip or downloading this film on your devices to watch during today's drive. Watch as free climber Alex Honnold grapples with the route, his body and his mind to conquer this almost 3000 foot rock face. (B/L/D)

Yosemite National Park was carved by glaciers and became a protected state park in 1864. It wasn’t until 1890 that this area would officially reach National Park status. 95% of the park’s hiking is in the backcountry, but there are still plenty of hikes throughout the valley that are easily accessible through the shuttle system. Hike amid giant Sequoias, granite cliffs, and flowing waterfalls. (B)

Travel from Yosemite’s bold landscape through the Central Valley towards San Francisco. Stop at a local farm stand en route to try some of the freshest produce in the region. Then, cruise over the Bay Bridge into one of the coolest cities in America. Take some time to settle into the hotel before embarking on a guided driving tour of the city. From the views at Twin Peaks to walking across a portion of the Golden Gate Bridge there’s no shortage of landmarks to see or things to do. In the evening there is an optional sunset sail in the San Francisco Bay which departs from Fisherman’s Wharf. A great way to cap off this adventure. (B)

Depart at any time. (B)