Basix
18 to 35s
Epic American West
16 Days | Take a road trip, camping, hiking and hitting the big cities of America’s West
4.5
Excellent
2 reviews
16 days
Start
San Francisco, United States
Finish
San Francisco, United States
Trip Code
SSYGC
Min Age
18
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Transport
Private vehicle
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (10 nights), Hotel (3 nights), Hostel (multishare) (2 nights)
From £3,113(16 days)
Trip Informations
Hit the highlights of some big cities and sleep under the total darkness of an unpolluted night sky on this epic road trip through America’s West. On this 16-day adventure, you’ll start in San Francisco, enjoy three days of exploring Yosemite National Park and all its natural wonders then drive through the scenic Sierra Nevada. Cruise into glitzy Vegas for some nightlife and then get back to nature in Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and the Grand Canyon. Explore at your own pace and see a pretty epic sunset before heading on to Joshua Tree on Route 66. Head to LA – the city of stars – and drive to some of California’s best coastal spots. See Big Sur, Monterey and McWay Falls before ending it all back in San Fran.
Why you’ll love this trip
Discover Utah’s natural wonders at Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park – home to red-walled cliffs, towering hoodoos and vast horizons. 
Behold the beauty of Big Sur as you drive along California’s northern coastline, stopping to see the magical McWay Falls located on a beach that’s closed to public access.  
Cover Yosemite’s many trails over two full days and three nights dedicated to the park. You’ll be able to hike and explore until your heart (and camera) is content. 
Sleep under the stars in Monterey and along California’s Central Coast, getting close to Mother Nature as you join the communal camping experience.   
Appreciate the spectacle of Vegas as you explore this glitzy, neon-filled city at all hours of the day with plenty of time and flexibility to do as you please – night out, anyone? 
By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Tuuur Foundation partner, the Grand Canyon Conservancy. Donations help them protect Grand Canyon National Park and support trail restoration, conservation of native plants and wildlife, and educational programs.
Is this trip right for you?
This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped, but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates. 
Although your private vehicles have air conditioning, it has to work hard to keep a full group cool. Expect to feel hot during summer and cold at other times of the year, especially at night. Please consider the season and research the weather conditions to determine the best time to travel for you. Remember to come prepared with adequate clothing. 
This trip involves either a partial or full camping experience, giving you access to more remote destinations in close proximity and the joy of camping under the night skies beside a campfire. This is a participatory trip – a fancy way of saying you’re not just along for the ride, but you are part of a team! Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and help out with camp activities like food prep and washing up. It’s all about giving your new travel mates a hand, and everyone knows there’s nothing worse than trying to put up a tent on your own!  
That teamwork also extends to our optional food kitty of approximately USD 10 per day, run to cover the cost of meals. This kitty saves you worrying about stuff like where to get food or what exactly sales tax is and helps keep your costs down. Instead of paying individually as you go, it means we can bulk purchase items and cook our own food – though there’s always the chance to use it for the occasional pizza night! The kitty is optional and for your convenience, so if you've got specific dietary requirements you can opt out and purchase (and cook) your own food.
From the steep hiking trails of the various national parks to the hilly San Francisco, this trip can involve a lot of walking. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best to have at least a moderate fitness level.
Itinerary
Inclusions
Transport
Private vehicle
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (10 nights), Hotel (3 nights), Hostel (multishare) (2 nights)
Activities
Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
Visit to Mono Lake
Zion National Park - Entrance Fee
Bryce Canyon National Park - Entrance Fee
Grand Canyon National Park - Entrance Fee
Seligman - Route 66
Visit Santa Monica Pier
California Coastal Highway 1
Los Angeles - Venice Beach
Big Sur - Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
San Francisco - Leader-led city tour
Half Moon Bay
Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Add on activities
San Francisco - Adventure Cat Bay Cruise - USD45
Yosemite National Park - Hiking - Free
Yosemite - Cycling in Yosemite Valley - USD12
Las Vegas - Monorail - USD5
Las Vegas - Eiffel Tower - USD22
Las Vegas - Mob Museum - USD27
Las Vegas - Neon Museum - USD20
Las Vegas - Limo (per group) - USD300
Las Vegas - Big Apple Express roller coaster - USD15
Las Vegas - Bellagio Fountains - Free
Zion National Park - Walks - Free
Bryce Canyon National Park - Hiking - Free
Grand Canyon - IMAX Movie - USD15
Grand Canyon - Hiking - Free
Colorado River - Swimming - Free
Dates and availability
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Important notes
1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1 in San Francisco and finishes on arrival back into San Francisco at approximately 5pm on Day 16.
2. In San Francisco and Los Angeles the group will be in 8 and 6 person dorms, with shared bathrooms. The hostel will do their best to separate the group by gender, but it's not guaranteed.
3. A Single Supplement to have your own room (or tent) is available on this trip however excludes night 1 (San Francisco) and night 13 (Los Angeles) where you will be in shared accommodation.
4. On the last day of the trip: The arrival time into San Francisco depends on each group, but if you decide to fly out on this day, please don't book a flight before 9 pm.
5. A sleeping bag is required for this trip.
6. Please note that the legal drinking age in the US is 21 and in some parts of Canada it's 19.
7. 2024 departures: Highway 1 and Big Sur area parks are currently inaccessible due to landslides and are scheduled to reopen sometime in June 2024. Until the road is reopened you will spend two nights in the Central Coast region on Days 14 & 15 instead of camping near Monterey on Day 15. On Day 15 you will explore the scenic coastal regions near San Simeon, Cambria and Morro Bay.
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