Are you on a mission to see the best scenery on the west coast? Well, we certainly have the trip for you. This 13-day adventure will get you up close and personal with not one, but five of some of the most popular national parks in the United States. Embark on hikes in Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Yosemite all while enjoying yourself and making memories with your newest travel buddies. We think it’s time to treat yourself to something special, something that will allow you to get back out there and experience the beautiful world we live in. It’s easy to have the time of your life camping in the desert, eating pizza along the rim of the Grand Canyon, seeing the wild landscapes of Yosemite, and surfing along one of southern California’s beaches. The hardest part won’t be deciding if you should go, it will be when you have to come home.
Day 1: San Francisco/Yosemite National ParkThe 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.
Day 2: Yosemite National ParkEnjoy 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.
Day 3: Yosemite National ParkToday 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.
Day 4: Yosemite National Park/Hermosa BeachBid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Hermosa 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.
Day 5: Hermosa BeachLive 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.
Day 6: Hermosa Beach/Joshua Tree National ParkDepart 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.
Day 7: Joshua Tree National Park/Grand Canyon National ParkDrive 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.
Day 8: Grand CanyonGet 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.
Day 9: Grand Canyon/Page/Bryce CanyonJourney 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.
Day 10: Bryce CanyonAfter 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.
Day 11: Bryce Canyon/Zion National ParkWe 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!
Day 12: Zion National ParkIt’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.
Day 13: Zion National Park/Las VegasThis 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.
