USA Road Trip — Highway 1, Yosemite & Utah - 16 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female65%
- Male35%
Average age
Start / End
- Los Angeles
- Las Vegas
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 13Meals included
30Highlights
- Drive up the coast from Los Angeles to Santa Margarita with stops in Santa Monica and San Luis Obispo
- Visit the strange rock formations in Joshua Tree National Park
- Have a pizza dinner along the rim of the Grand Canyon during sunset
- Explore Yosemite National Park
- Travel down Route 66
- Catch a few waves with a surf lesson in southern California
- Enjoy the dramatic views of the Pacific Coast along the 17-Mile and Half Moon Bay Drives with unforgettable scenery
- Hike through the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park
- Hike in Zion National Park
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Summary
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, 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 to the ocean for some surfing and shopping before experiencing the magic of desert landscapes in the American southwest.
Itinerary
Day 1
Los Angeles/Santa Margarita
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.
Day 2
Santa Margarita/Santa Cruz
Drive up towards Santa Cruze and make a slight detour for the 17-Mile Drive along the Monterey Peninsula for some unforgettable coastal scenery of the Pacific Ocean. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz.
Day 3
Santa Cruz/San Francisco
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.
Day 4
San Francisco/Yosemite National Park
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.
Day 5
Yosemite National Park
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.
Day 6
Yosemite National Park
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.
Day 7
Yosemite National Park/Venice Beach
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.
Day 8
Venice Beach
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.
Day 9
Venice Beach/Joshua Tree National Park
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.
Day 10
Joshua Tree National Park/Grand Canyon National Park
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.
Day 11
Grand Canyon
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.
Day 12
Grand Canyon/Page/Bryce Canyon
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.
Day 13
Bryce Canyon
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.
Day 14
Bryce Canyon/Zion National Park
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!
Day 15
Zion National Park
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.
Day 16
Zion National Park/Las Vegas
This morning opt to get in one last activity in Zion 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.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel (4 nts), participation camping (11 nts).
Meals
Breakfasts: 11, Lunches: 9, Dinners: 10
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
May 26
from £3,262Jun 26
from £3,262Jul 26
from £3,468Aug 26
from £3,468Sep 26
from £3,468
- Save 2%Sat 6 Jun 2026 > Sun 21 Jun 2026Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 13 leftPay Monthly£3,329Best offer£3,262Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
Customer reviews & ratings
Overall my experience with this tour was really good. I liked the people that I met along the way and the tour guides I had where good however I do wish that I had the same guide for the whole trip but I do understand why I didn?t. The accommodations where great and the itinerary was fun and nicely planned out to where we had a lot going on but it felt like we could still sit around the campfire and get to know everyone It was super simple to find and pick the right adventure for me and it was nice for me to know what I was going to do and not have to plan everything myself
Jessica Sep, 2024 VerifiedMost amazing Trip I ever had, great people, great places, great activities. Because the whole trip was awesome
Fabio Aug, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
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