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Best of the West Road Trip: California, Utah & Vegas Bright Lights

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US$1,876
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Multi Share (Per Person)
 Trip Length
13 Days
 Trip Starts
Los Angeles
 Trip Finishes
Los Angeles
13 Day Best of the West Road Trip: California, Utah & Vegas Bright Lights Itinerary (G Adventures)
Countries Explored: USA
Trip Style
Roamies
Departures
Accommodation
Camping
Max. Group Size
13
Pace
Moderate
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
NUNCHW

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 13 Day Best of the West Road Trip: California, Utah & Vegas Bright Lights. Want the the ultimate U.S. road trip? Coming right up. Spend 13 days seeing the best of the west as you travel through four states, six national parks, and along historic Route 66. Treat your eyes (and your soul) to stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Chill out with the laid-back beach vibes of Santa Monica. Look way, way, way up at the towering granite rocks in Yosemite. And explore the infamous Death Valley and the legendary Joshua Tree National Park. Just under read more two weeks is all you need for this quintessential U.S. adventure — ready to hit the open road?

Itinerary

Welcome to sunny Southern California! Your day starts early, taking in all the must-see sites of The City of Angels, before driving along the Pacific Coast Highway. On your morning tour of Los Angeles, you'll check-off all the places you've seen in the movies: Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive, the famous Hollywood sign, and of course Sunset Boulevard. You'll leave the sprawling metropolis to drive up the coast, with a stop in Santa Barbara for lunch. Set up camp in Santa Margarita before zipping over to San Luis Obispo for dinner on your own. Stay: Santa Margarita KOA

On the road again....okay, so technically its only Day 2, but we wanted to get you singing along. Explore the coast of California today on a drive up Highway 1 to San Simeon to watch the Elephant Seals sunbathe on the beach. Oh, to be an elephant seal lounging on the Cali beach all day, every day. Alas, you are not an elephant seal, so head just a bit further north to Ragged Point for an epic view and killer hike to the beach. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or renting a bike to find the perfect spot to watch a sunset over the Pacific. Life is your oyster. Stay: Santa Margarita KOA (B/L)

We hate to drag you away from the beach, but it's time to strap on a bum bag and the sun cream, it's hiking time. Yosemite is waiting for you, so pack up camp after breakfast and hit the road. Road trip inland towards one of the most popular National Parks in the USA. Once you arrive in El Portal to set up camp, you'll get your first introduction to the park through Yosemite's Arch Rock entrance and along the Merced River. Stay: Indian Flats Campground (B)

Ready for more? Of course you are. Everywhere you look in Yosemite National Park is picture perfect. Snap shots of it's famous waterfalls and giant sequoia trees, and catch a glimpse of climbers scaling El Capitan. Explore its landscapes however you want, with several hikes to choose from: The Mist Trail, Yosemite Falls, or Nevada Falls just to name a few. What will you find as you explore the trails of one of the U.S.'s most famous parks? Want to cover more ground? Opt to rent a bike and cruise the valley floor. Stay: Indian Flats Campground (B/L)

Another day, another epic adventure in the U S of A. Pack up your campsite in Yosemite and hit the road. Today you'll get glimpses of some of the most stunning natural views in the Southeastern US. The drive from Yosemite National Park to Bishop is full of insta-perfect shots. Today you'll drive across Yosemite, through El Portal to Tuolumne Grove, with a hike to see the famous giant Sequoia trees. After lunch, you'll hike the Lembert Dome Trail then travel over Tioga Pass landing in Bishop in the early evening to prep your camp site for a night under the stars. Stay: Brownstown Campground (B/L)

Get low before you roll high! Drive through the infamous Death Valley, the hottest, driest, and lowest park in North America, before making your way to Las Vegas for the evening. Death Valley is a bucket-list place to visit when you're in the Southeastern United States. Known for it's salt flats, colorful rocks, and high temps, you'll spend a morning seeing these spots (plus Furnace Creek, Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point) then head off to Las Vegas. Walk The Strip, take in a show, or roll the dice — or do it all! Just remember: what happens on a Roamies trip, stays on a Roamies trip. Stay: Golden Nugget Las Vegas (B/L)

Depart from Las Vegas first thing in the morning and head out with your fellow Roamies to Bryce Canyon National Park. Around 1:00 pm (we lose 1 hour at the Utah border-but don't worry, we'll get it back soon), stop in Cedar City where you'll have time to grab lunch on your own. Arrive to Bryce Canyon in the early afternoon and spend a few hours hiking, exploring and gazing at the crazy rock formations known as hoodoos. Hike the Navajo Loop & Queens Garden trail to get more up close with these cool geological features. Pitch your tent and make dinner at camp with your fellow Roamies. Stay: Ruby's Inn RV Park & Campground (D)

Wake up with the birds chirping and make breakfast at camp. Pack a lunch for the day then drive to Zion National Park. Once there it's time to explore! You'll board the national park shuttle to take you into the park and explore your heart out. There are a couple different trail options, the main ones being The Emerald Pools, The Narrows, Scouts Lookout and Watchman Trail. Grab your hiking books, your new best buddy and get out there! Enjoy your packed lunch whenever you choose! Later, travel back to East Zion for a chill evening with your fellow Roamies at the camp site. Once it gets dark, get ready to sit around the campfire, roast some marshmallows and stare up at the stars. First one to see a shooting star wins an extra s'more! Stay: Zion Ponderosa Ranch (B/L)

If you stayed up late with your new friends, you can sleep in the van. Today we wake up early to drive to Grand Canyon National Park, with a couple awesome pit stops along the way. The first stop is at Horseshoe Bend. This geological masterpiece was sculpted by the Colorado River. Go on and walk to the overlook, hike along the rim and stare down into the flowing river far below. Snap some photos with your friends and just enjoy the moment. Continue onwards to our next national park of the trip. En route, stop for lunch at a Navajo-inspired restaurant and trading post. Arrive at the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon—one of the world's Natural Wonders— and set up camp for the next two nights just in time for a spectacular sunset. Stay: Mather Campground (B/L)

After having breakfast and packing a lunch, get those water bottles ready because today is dedicated to the Grand Canyon. Starting from the South Rim, there are so many 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. You got this! Sit down for a picnic lunch in the park then maybe choose to rent a bike, or if you're feeling really adventurous, opt to take a legendary helicopter ride over the canyon. The choice is yours! After a full day in the park, sit down for an unforgettable pizza dinner along the rim of the Grand Canyon as the setting sun lights the sky. Stay: Mather Campground (B/L/D)

Road trip! Get your kicks, because its time to drive along one of the most famous roads in history: Route 66. After you eat breakfast and break down camp, we head out and cruise south west toward Joshua Tree National Park. We'll stop in Seligman along Route 66 and then continue to Kingman, where you will have free time to grab lunch on your own. Throughout the drive, we will take short stops to admire the Mojave Desert, and the funky dessert trees that gave Joshua Tree it's name. Arrive to the camp site in the early evening and after setting up, you will have the night free to explore Pioneer Town. Watch the sky light up in flames during an incredible desert sunset and maybe throw down a blanket to watch for shooting stars tonight in one of California's clearest skies. Stay: Joshua Tree Lake Rv & Campground (B)

After another night under the stars, pack away your camping gear, have some breakfast at camp, and drive to one of the LA's most famous beaches for a day of fun. You'll have the entire afternoon free to explore Santa Monica and do whatever you please with your fellow Roamies. Opt to lounge on the beach, have some of the worlds best ice cream, take a ride on the pier, or just people watch with a spicy margarita at an open air bar. Whatever you choose, make it count! Tonight we'll stay at an awesome, hip hostel in Santa Monica. Stay: Joshua Tree Lake Rv & Campground (B)

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Trip Inclusions

  • Cruise through the dazzling neighbourhoods of LA.
  • Sleep along the Pacific Coast in Avila.
  • Stargaze in Yosemite National Park.
  • Hike through the harsh landscapes of Death Valley.
  • Witness the grandeur of Zion.
  • Wander through the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon.
  • Hike to view the impressive Horseshoe Bend.
  • Stare in awe at the utter vastness of the Grand Canyon.
  • Walk among the giant boulders in Joshua Tree.
  • Travel along historic Route 66.
  • Sit back and relax near the Santa Monica Pier.

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your Discover Moment: Yosemite National Park
  • All national park fees
  • Los Angeles Sightseeing With CEO
  • Coastal free time in Avila
  • Guided visit and hikes in Yosemite National Park
  • Sightseeing in Yosemite through Tioga Pass Tuolumne Meadows Lembert Dome Tenaya Lake, and Mono Lake
  • Death Valley National Park visit
  • Free time in Las Vegas
  • Bryce Canyon National Park visit and hike
  • Zion National Park visit and guided hike
  • Horseshoe Bend hike
  • Grand Canyon National Park visit
  • Joshua Tree National Park visit
  • Visit Route 66
  • Free time in Santa Monica
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Camping (10 Nights), hotel (1 Night), hostel (1 Night)
  • Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. We use a combination of hotels and hostels, but most of the nights on tour are spent camping in tents in public and private campgrounds.
  • Please be aware that American campgrounds have various sites available and because of this there will likely be RVs, camper-trailers, popups and tent camping all on one property.
  • Multi-share accommodation, on a single-sex basis (typically 4-6 people per room), is common in the U.S. and is the way you will be spending your hostel night. We have specifically chosen unique accommodations to give local flavor to your trip.
  • Couples: Please note that due to the types of accommodation used in the U.S., couples will likely be split into separate rooms where we use multi-share hostels. Pending availability, couples may be able to pay extra while on tour to have their own room in some destinations.
  • 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

  • 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 2 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
Trip Style: Roamies
Trip Style: Roamies

Roamies trips combine the freedom of backpacking with the ease of group travel, built for curious, social travellers aged 18 to 35. You will explore must-see destinations and stay in top-rated hostels that are central, comfortable, and packed with character. With a small group of like-minded adventurers and a Chief Experience Officer to guide the way, expect a mix of iconic highlights, offbeat discoveries, and plenty of unforgettable moments.

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We’ve been the leaders in small-group adventure travel since 1990. How’d we get here? By listening to our travellers and giving them what they want: flexible itineraries, freedom to explore, smaller groups, safety and peace of mind, and locally based guides who show you your destination in a way you’d miss travelling any other way. Check out how we’re l moreeading the world when it comes to travel.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Wednesday 08 Jul 2026 08 Jul 26 Los Angeles
Monday 20 Jul 2026 20 Jul 26 Los Angeles
Details
Definite Departure
Great Adventure Sale
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,249
US$1,963
Save $286
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 22 Jul 2026 22 Jul 26 Los Angeles
Monday 03 Aug 2026 03 Aug 26 Los Angeles
Details
Definite Departure
Great Adventure Sale
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,249
US$1,963
Save $286
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 29 Jul 2026 29 Jul 26 Los Angeles
Monday 10 Aug 2026 10 Aug 26 Los Angeles
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,149
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Tuesday 04 Aug 2026 04 Aug 26 Los Angeles
Sunday 16 Aug 2026 16 Aug 26 Los Angeles
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,149
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Wednesday 05 Aug 2026 05 Aug 26 Los Angeles
Monday 17 Aug 2026 17 Aug 26 Los Angeles
Details
Definite Departure
Great Adventure Sale
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,149
US$1,876
Save $273
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 19 Aug 2026 19 Aug 26 Los Angeles
Monday 31 Aug 2026 31 Aug 26 Los Angeles
Details
Definite Departure
Great Adventure Sale
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,149
US$1,876
Save $273
Multi Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 08 Jul 2026 08 Jul 26 Los Angeles
Monday 20 Jul 2026 20 Jul 26 Los Angeles
Details
Definite Departure
Great Adventure Sale
Exclusive Savings
Was: $4,096
US$3,755
Save $341
Solo (Own Room)
Wednesday 22 Jul 2026 22 Jul 26 Los Angeles
Monday 03 Aug 2026 03 Aug 26 Los Angeles
Details
Definite Departure
Great Adventure Sale
Exclusive Savings
Was: $4,096
US$3,755
Save $341
Solo (Own Room)
Wednesday 29 Jul 2026 29 Jul 26 Los Angeles
Monday 10 Aug 2026 10 Aug 26 Los Angeles
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,916
Solo (Own Room)
Sold Out
Tuesday 04 Aug 2026 04 Aug 26 Los Angeles
Sunday 16 Aug 2026 16 Aug 26 Los Angeles
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,916
Solo (Own Room)
Sold Out
Wednesday 05 Aug 2026 05 Aug 26 Los Angeles
Monday 17 Aug 2026 17 Aug 26 Los Angeles
Details
Definite Departure
Great Adventure Sale
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,916
US$3,590
Save $326
Solo (Own Room)
Wednesday 19 Aug 2026 19 Aug 26 Los Angeles
Monday 31 Aug 2026 31 Aug 26 Los Angeles
Details
Definite Departure
Great Adventure Sale
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,916
US$3,590
Save $326
Solo (Own Room)
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 Inquire. Additional savings may apply. 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. Pricing and trip details are correct 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 the cruise-line and 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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