Basix
Epic American West
16 Days | Take a road trip, camping, hiking and hitting the big cities of America’s West
location_on 16 days
location_on
Start
San Francisco, United States
location_on
Finish
San Francisco, United States
tour
Trip Code
NA-USI-SSYGC-CA-
how_to_reg
Min Age
18
diversity_3
Trip Size
1 - 12
trending_up
Physical Rating
airport_shuttle
Transport
Private vehicle
bed
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (10 nights), Hotel (3 nights), Hostel (multishare) (2 nights)
From £2,954(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
verified
Discover Utah’s natural wonders at Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park – home to red-walled cliffs, towering hoodoos and vast horizons.
verified
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.
verified
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.
verified
Sleep under the stars in Monterey and along California’s Central Coast, getting close to Mother Nature as you join the communal camping experience.
verified
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?
verified
By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Friends and Family 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?
verified
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.
verified
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.
verified
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!
verified
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
- DAY 1San Francisco
- DAY 2Yosemite National Park
- DAY 3Yosemite National Park
- DAY 4Yosemite National Park
- DAY 5Sierra Nevada / Keough Hot Springs
- DAY 6Las Vegas
- DAY 7Las Vegas
- DAY 8Zion National Park
- DAY 9Bryce Canyon National Park
- DAY 10Grand Canyon National Park
- DAY 11Grand Canyon National Park
- DAY 12Joshua Tree National Park
- DAY 13Los Angeles
- DAY 14Central Coast
- DAY 15Monterey Area
- DAY 16San Francisco
Inclusions
airport_shuttle Transport
Private vehicle
bed Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (10 nights), Hotel (3 nights), Hostel (multishare) (2 nights)
festival Activities
circleYosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
circleVisit to Mono Lake
circleZion National Park - Entrance Fee
circleBryce Canyon National Park - Entrance Fee
circleGrand Canyon National Park - Entrance Fee
circleJoshua Tree National Park - Entrance Fee
circleVisit Santa Monica Pier
circleCalifornia Coastal Highway 1
circleLos Angeles - Venice Beach
circleBig Sur - Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
circleSan Francisco - Leader-led city tour
circleHalf Moon Bay
circleSanta Cruz Boardwalk
museum Add on activities
circleSan Francisco - Adventure Cat Bay Cruise - USD45
circleYosemite National Park - Hiking - Free
circleYosemite - Cycling in Yosemite Valley - USD12
circleYosemite - Raft Rental (seasonal) - USD30
circleLas Vegas - Monorail - USD5
circleLas Vegas - Eiffel Tower - USD22
circleLas Vegas - Mob Museum - USD27
circleLas Vegas - Neon Museum - USD20
circleLas Vegas - Limo (per group) - USD300
circleLas Vegas - Helicopter Tour of The Strip - USD104
circleLas Vegas - Big Apple Express roller coaster - USD15
circleLas Vegas - Fremont Street Zip Line - Free
circleLas Vegas - Bellagio Fountains - Free
circleZion National Park - Walks - Free
circleBryce Canyon National Park - Hiking - Free
circleGrand Canyon - IMAX Movie - USD15
circleGrand Canyon - Hiking - Free
circleJoshua Tree National Park - Hiking - Free
circleColorado River - Swimming - Free
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
No availability found
Important notes
verified
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.
verified
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.
verified
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.
verified
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.
verified
5. A sleeping bag is required for this trip.
verified
6. Please note that the legal drinking age in the US is 21 and in some parts of Canada it's 19.
verified
7. Tipping your Leader: While it may not be customary in your home country, tipping it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry in North America. As a guideline, US$10-20 per person per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your leader on your trip. Tipping is always appreciated.
Reviews (0)
No review found