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USA Road Trip: Highway 1, Yosemite & Utah

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Our Price From 5,174 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,036 Per Person
 Trip Length
16 Days
 Trip Starts
Los Angeles
 Trip Finishes
Las Vegas
16 Day USA Road Trip: Highway 1, Yosemite & Utah Itinerary (G Adventures)
Countries Explored: USA
Trip Style
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
13
Pace
Moderate
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
NULG

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 16 Day USA Road Trip: Highway 1, Yosemite & Utah. If you've been craving adventure, we've got a trip that'll definitely hit the spot. Explore the coast of California, six national parks, surf on the beach, glamp in a private canyon, eat pizza along the rim of the Grand Canyon, and walk amid hoodoos — all in just 16 days. Hear the waves crashing along the coast as you journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco, then travel inland to Yosemite National Park to feel the mist of Vernal and Nevada Falls on your face. Let’s keep moving! Head back...read more to the ocean for some surfing and shopping before experiencing the magic of desert landscapes in the American southwest.

Itinerary

Group will depart Los Angeles in the morning and drive to Santa Monica. Walk the iconic Santa Monica pier this morning or spend some time cruising the shoreline. Not in the mood for the beach? That's cool, maybe consider visiting the Santa Monica farmers market to stock up on all sorts of local goodies. Grab a quick bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica and travel northwest to San Luis Obispo for a quick detour to see the chewing gum alley and to grab any last minute provisions before heading to our campsite for the night. Stay: Santa Margarita KOA (D)

Today is all about Highway 1. Devote the entire day to seeing the best of the best along this famous route. Stop to see Elephant Seals, walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and make stops in Carmel and Monterey en route to the next destination. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz. Stay: Santa Cruz /Monterey Bay KOA (B/L/D)

Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights then hit the town on your own or join a sunset sail under the Golden Gate Bridge. Stay: Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf (B)

Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you drive to Yosemite National Park. Along the way stop for some fresh produce at a farmer’s market in the central valley. Once in the park hike to Tuolumne Grove to see massive Giant Sequoias. Finish the day with a stop to see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall en route to your camp for the night. Stay: Indian Flats Campground (D)

Yosemite Village is a great starting point for launching into your adventure. Your CEO will help you get oriented to visit the Ansel Adams gallery, Ahwahnee Museum and the Yosemite Visitor Center. Here you can start a valley hike or catch a free shuttle around the park. Stay: Indian Flats Campground (B/L/D)

Today is all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite. Head out on a hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley. This park is a hiker’s paradise filled with different options for every skill level. From miles of trekking to short walks featuring amazing views, you won’t have a hard time finding a trail to set out on and enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In the evening relax around the fire and swap stories with your group. Stay: Indian Flats Campground (B/L/D)

After the forests of Yosemite the beaches of southern California will be a welcome change for some time to relax and recharge. So suit up, grab a towel, find a volleyball, and live out those California beach fantasies with your friends. Stay: The Inn At Venice Beach (B)

Live the California dream as you wake up to the distant sound of waves crashing against the sand. Then, suit up and get ready for your surf lesson where you'll learn a thing or two about what it takes to make riding those waves look so easy. Afterwards, enjoy free time on Hermosa Beach to lounge in the sun, walk out to the pier, or find a beachfront cafe with a table outside for some people watching. Or choose to rent bikes or surf boards and continue the adventure. Your only dilemma today should be deciding which burrito place you want to eat at. Stay: The Inn At Venice Beach

Depart the coast for the desert today, travelling through Los Angeles on the journey eastward to explore Joshua Tree National Park. Climb through the park’s famous rock formations and make sure to get some photos of the park's namesake tree as the sun lights up this desolate landscape. Stay: Super 8 Yucca Valley/Joshua Tree (L)

Drive down the famed Route 66 today as we cruise further east to the Grand Canyon. Get ready to see breathtaking views with arguably the best sunset you have ever seen overlooking the Grand Canyon. Kick off those shoes, sit back, relax, and enjoy one of nature’s finest performances. Enjoy a cheesy slice of pizza or two overlooking the Grand Canyon during sunset. (D)

Get up close and personal with the Grand Canyon as you spend the day hiking from the South Rim. There are a variety of hikes to choose from that will take you deeper into the canyon where you can really appreciate the size and depth of this national park. Choose whichever trail you wish or do short bursts of multiple hikes, just make sure you bring plenty of water and take your time. (B/L/D)

Journey onwards from the Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona, the site of Lake Powell. There will be free time here. Opt to join a local Navajo guide and explore Antelope Canyon; a stunning natural sandstone slot canyon located on tribal lands. Then, lace up those hiking boots for a visit to Horseshoe Bend, a geological masterpiece that has been sculpted by the Colorado River. Walk to the overlook where you can hike along the rim and stare down into the flowing river far below. Snap some photos with your friends and just enjoy the moment. Finish the day with a picturesque drive to your camp in Bryce Canyon. Stay: Wahweap RV & Campground (B/L)

After a camp breakfast head out for a short drive into Bryce Canyon National Park. Once in the park, take advantage of your free time to hike through the wild and weird rock formations known as hoodoos. Opt to visit Inspiration Point, hit the rim trail, horseback ride, or hike the Queen’s Garden and Navajo loop trails to see sites like Thor’s Hammer and Wall Street. At night stargaze in a park known for its night skies. Stay: Ruby's Inn RV Park & Campground (B/L/D)

We pack up early this morning and move on towards Zion and our Glamping tents! Located in a private canyon away from civilization, but close to Zion National Park this location is made for outdoor enthusiasts who also like to be pampered a little. On route to camp we will make a stop at the lesser-known Coral Pink Sand Dunes and enjoy a scenic overlook of Utah’s surrounding landscape on the Colorado Plateau. It’s a unique geological feature that you shouldn’t miss. You’ll have free time in the afternoon and evening to become acquainted with your surroundings. Maybe hike the Water Canyon trail or enjoy camp and put on a cornhole tournament as a group. The only rule is to have a good time! Stay: Zion Glamping Adventure (B/L/D)

It’s all about Zion today as you get a chance to wander this beautiful national park in Southwest Utah. Take the shuttle into the park and spend the day exploring and hiking with your fellow travelers. Admire the monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky and remember you can choose to turn around on these hikes at any point. In the evening enjoy leisure time back at our Glamping tents. Once it gets dark get ready to sit around the campfire and roast some marshmallows as a group. Stay: Zion Glamping Adventure (B/L/D)

This morning opt to get in one last activity at our Glamping site if you ran out of time yesterday or simply relax in the wild surroundings. Then the group will drive from Zion to Las Vegas where the tour ends on arrival. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Drive up the coast from Los Angeles to Santa Margarita with stops in Santa Monica and San Luis Obispo.
  • Hike in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
  • Explore Yosemite National Park.
  • Catch a few waves with a surf lesson in southern California.
  • Visit the strange rock formations in Joshua Tree National Park.
  • Travel down Route 66.
  • Have a pizza dinner along the rim of the Grand Canyon during sunset.
  • Hike through the hoodoos in Bryce National Park.
  • Hike in Zion.

  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Stops in Santa Monica and San Luis Obispo
  • Visit to see the Elephant Seals
  • Hike in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
  • San Francisco orientation tour
  • Yosemite National Park visit
  • Surf lesson in southern California
  • Visit to Joshua Tree National Park
  • Drive along Route 66
  • Hike in Grand Canyon National Park
  • Visit to Horseshoe Bend
  • Bryce Canyon National Park visit
  • Zion National Park visit
  • Entrance fees to all national parks and monuments with hiking and walking excursions
  • Self-inflating mattresses and dome tents
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Hotel (4 Nights), glamping (2 Nights), participation camping (9 Nights)
  • Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Most of the nights on tour are spent camping in tents in public and private campgrounds, but we will also use permanent canvas tents, twin-share rooms in hostels, and simple motels.
  • All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied, including comfortable camp mattresses. We supply dome tents that take only 5 minutes to assemble/disassemble. They are good quality, durable, industry-standard, oversized 2-person tents, each with 2 separate and convenient zip-up doors, so that each person has his/her own entrance.
  • We use 2 types of campgrounds in North America: 1. Private campgrounds: These are privately run sites, usually with all services such as fire pits, picnic tables, drinking water, toilets & shower buildings. Some have small outdoor swimming pools and laundry facilities. These campgrounds are typically located near national park entrances or towns.
  • 2. Public campgrounds: These are park-run sites, usually with basic facilities such as fire pits, picnic tables, and drinking water. In some cases, this type of campground doesn’t have showers, only pit toilets and a lake! In other locations, toilet and shower facilities may be located outside the campground, or at times in another location a drive away. Some may have shower fees for onsite facilities ($2-6/shower).

  • 1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout

  • 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners

  • Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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Brochure

18-To-Thirty Somethings

G Adventures 18-To-Thirty Somethings (2023-24)

So you’re thinking of adventuring around the world? Good call. Sure, there’s no one perfect way to do it. But there is “your way.” Want days filled with culture, followed by nights of just going with the flow? Do it. Want to go where the entire planet hasn’t already been, with free time to explore how you want? Make it happen. Want to travel far and...more wide with new friends from far-off places? You do you. Because in your life, you call the shots. Make sure you travel that way, too.

Availability

Wednesday 29 May 2024
Thursday 13 Jun 2024
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Tuesday 18 Jun 2024
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Wednesday 19 Jun 2024
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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