USA Road Trip: Big Cities & West Coast Parks

The adventure begins this morning with the 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.

Included Experiences

• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
• Yosemite National Park Visit: Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
• Tuolumne Grove: Tuolumne Grove trail is a 2 hour round-trip hike down to see a couple dozen mature Giant Sequoias, including one you can walk through. These are some of the oldest and largest living entities on the planet. It’s an experience you are sure to remember. Elevation at trailhead: 6,200 feet (1,860 meters)

Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. Up for more of a challenge? Test your endurance on a more challenging hike like Upper Yosemite Falls or Four Mile. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan. 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.

Included Experiences

• Yosemite National Park Visit: Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
• Free Time: Take advantage of free time to further explore this magnificent park with its granite rock formations and many waterfalls.

Optional Experiences

• Yosemite National Park Hike: Panoramic vistas, gushing waterfalls, and elusive wildlife await. Bring water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and hike Yosemite NP. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
• Yosemite Bike Rental: Set your wheels in motion with tandem, hand crank or mountain bikes, and opt to cycle some of the 20km (12mi) of paved trails throughout the valley floor. Bring a water bottle, stop to shoot photos, and enjoy some of the most picturesque spots in Yosemite NP. Choose between a half-day rental or a full-day, and be aware that this activity is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note the price for a half-day bike rental is $30 USD and the price for a full-day bike rental is $40USD. (30-40 USD per person)

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.

Included Experiences

• Yosemite National Park Visit: Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
• Vernal and Nevada Falls Hike: Follow a paved path for a mile (1.6km) up to the Vernal Falls’ footbridge, an almost totally uphill journey, then climb steep steps on the Mist Trail up to Vernal Falls (3.9km roundtrip). Enjoy a spectacular vantage point from the top of the falls. Continue along the John Muir Trail to reach Nevada Falls (8.7km roundtrip), along rocky switchbacks. Return along the John Muir Trail to get back to camp.
• Free Time: Take advantage of free time to further explore this magnificent park with its granite rock formations and many waterfalls.

Optional Experiences

• Yosemite National Park Hike: Panoramic vistas, gushing waterfalls, and elusive wildlife await. Bring water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and hike Yosemite NP. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
• Yosemite Bike Rental: Set your wheels in motion with tandem, hand crank or mountain bikes, and opt to cycle some of the 20km (12mi) of paved trails throughout the valley floor. Bring a water bottle, stop to shoot photos, and enjoy some of the most picturesque spots in Yosemite NP. Choose between a half-day rental or a full-day, and be aware that this activity is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note the price for a half-day bike rental is $30 USD and the price for a full-day bike rental is $40USD. (30-40 USD per person)

Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Venice Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea. 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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Take advantage of your hotel located just across the street from the beach and explore Venice Beach. Walk the beach for sunset, go out for some food at one of the restaurants, or wander to the end of the pier with an ice cream cone in hand.

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 Venice 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.

Included Experiences

• Surf Lesson: Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten with a surf lesson. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards as you glide through the water and dismount in the sand.
• Free Time: Take advantage of your hostel located just across the street from the beach and explore the area. Walk the beach for sunset, go out for some food at one of the restaurants, or wander to the end of the pier with an ice cream cone in hand.

Optional Experiences

• Beach Bike Rental: Rent a bike to peddle along The Strand from Venice Boardwalk all the way through to Hermosa Beach Pier if you’d like, about 30 miles south. Or choose to stay local and ride around in search of cool spots to grab a bite to eat.
• Surf Board Rental: Not ready to be done surfing after this morning's lesson? Well, don't worry because you can get more practice in with this surf board rental. Hire a surf board to catch the waves your way and have some fun in the sun, but don't forget your sunscreen.

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.

Included Experiences

• Joshua Tree National Park Visit: Discover the rugged rock formations and iconic Joshua trees that gave this National Park it's name. Go for a hike, keep a sharp eye out for desert wildlife, and take in the incredible scenery.
• Joshua Tree NP Hike: Hike the trails in Joshua Tree NP, get up close to the iconic trees, climb a rock outcrop and watch for desert wildlife.

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.

Included Experiences

• Grand Canyon Sunset: Head to the rim of the Grand Canyon at sunset. Point your camera in any direction and capture memorable shots as the shifting light plays off the layers of red, yellow, and brown rock. This is truly one of the great wonders. Enjoy the moment.
• Grand Canyon Sunset Pizza: Find a spot to sit and dig in to the most scenic dinner you've ver had! Enjoy some pizza as the sun sets over the Grand Canyon offering breathtaking views while the canyon walls glow red and orange in the fading light. This is truly one of the great wonders. Enjoy the moment.

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.

Included Experiences

• Grand Canyon Hike: Opt to hike along the rim or down into the canyon. Experience breathtaking scenery with spectacular views. Bring lots of water, a hat and plenty of energy. Remember -- hiking down is optional, hiking back up is mandatory!

Optional Experiences

• Bright Angel Trail Hike: Hike towards the heart of the Grand Canyon on the spectacular Bright Angel Trail. Descend into the canyon to experience its natural beauty in a way most visitors miss. Journey to Indian Garden, and depending on group fitness and the season, continue on to Plateau Point.

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.

Included Experiences

• Horseshoe Bend Hike: Take a short hike to this spectacular horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River. Stand atop steep orange-coloured sandstone cliffs and look out at Horseshoe Bend. Peer down more than 300m (1,000 ft) at the emerald river below.

Optional Experiences

• Antelope Canyon Tour: Join a local Navajo guide and explore Antelope Canyon; a stunning natural sandstone slot canyon located on tribal lands. Admire the blue sky above from the bottom of the canyon and make sure you bring your camera to take loads of photos. Book this optional activity on-site with your CEO.

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.

Included Experiences

• Bryce Canyon National Park Visit: See a sight like no other at this giant forest of stone made up of collection of massive natural amphitheaters. This park contains hundreds of thousands of eroded spires, pinnacles, and other shapes as far as the eye can see.
• Free Time: Spend your free time wandering this wonderful national park. Check out the Queen Garden and Navajo loop trails, walk along the rim trail, visit Sunrise point and Inspiration point and take plenty of pictures of the famed hoodoos.

Optional Experiences

• Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Hike: Trek through the most popular trail in Bryce Canyon to see its famous hoodoos - tall, thin spires of rock that seem to magically balance upon their dusty, red rock base. Begin your hike at Sunrise Point and make your way toward Queen Victoria, the trail's namesake rock formation. Continue through the amphitheater on Navajo Loop past Wall Street or Thor's Hammer, depending on trail conditions. Exit at Sunset Point before walking the Rim Trail back to our starting point. Soak in the views one last time - you'll want to take it all in. Hiking distance: 4.6km (2.9 mi) Elevation change: 183m (600 ft).

We pack up early this morning and move on towards Zion National Park. On route, 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. The only rule is to have a good time!

Included Experiences

• Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Visit: Enjoy a visit to an off-the-radar expanse of photographic bliss; Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Hike through the park leaving footprints in the sand and enjoy a scenic overlook of Utah’s surrounding landscape of pink hues and vibrant blue skies on the Colorado Plateau. It’s a unique geological feature that you shouldn’t miss.
• Free Time: Enjoy yourself in Springdale just outside of Zion National Park. Walk back into the park on foot, play some games, or simply relax in the gorgeous surroundings of the canyon.

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 camp. Once it gets dark get ready to sit around the campfire and roast some marshmallows as a group.

Please note that while the trail to Angels Landing is not included in this itinerary, it is available to be done independently. If you’re interested in continuing to the top, you must apply ahead of time for a permit via the National Park’s lottery system at this website: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/angels-landing-hiking-permits.htm.

Included Experiences

• Zion National Park Visit: Admire monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky. Experience diverse plant and animal life, and wade through water in a narrow slot canyon as the park transitions from desert to forest. Gaze at the awe-inspiring beauty of the high plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls.

Optional Experiences

• The Narrows Hike: Known as one of Utah's best slot canyon hikes, The Narrows takes you through towering canyon walls along the Virgin River (and yes, this means walking in water!). Enjoy some of the park's best scenery, stop to take photos, and don't forget to watch your footing. Opt to make your way back at any point. Hiking distance: 6.4km (4 mi) Elevation change: 102m (334 ft).

Today, take the short drive from Zion to Las Vegas. Upon arrival, enjoy free time in Las Vegas. Explore the strip, try your luck at a casino, or take in a glitzy show.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy some free time in Las Vegas to explore the strip, take in a glitzy show, or try you luck at a Casino. Feeling hungry? Grab a bite to eat and people watch because hey, it's Vegas, and you're bound to witness something interesting.

Drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley and visit the country's hottest, driest, and lowest national park. Death Valley is a land of extremes and you’ll get a sense of the striking contrast of this park’s landscapes with visits to Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point. Then, transfer to the hotel in Ridgecrest and relax this evening.

Included Experiences

• Death Valley National Park Visit: Death Valley is one of America’s most extreme locations – from sand dunes and desert, to badlands, towering peaks, and a basin that actually registers below sea-level, this is sure to be an unforgettable stop. Hottest. Driest. Lowest. There’s a bit of everything here on the border of California and Nevada.

Wake in Ridgecrest and drive southwest to Los Angeles. Tour ends on arrival to L.A.