Vegas & California - National Parks & Highway 1 Adventure

One minute you’re hiking through the most impressive scenery in the lower 48 and the next moment find yourself cruising down the Pacific coast taking in the highlights of Highway 1. It’s possible on this 14-day journey from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. You’ll witness the orange, red, and yellow hues of the southwest on hikes through Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon. You’ll stare in wonder at the mighty Horseshoe Bend carved by the Colorado River, traverse Monument Valley on a Navajo guided jeep tour, crane your neck to see the tops of the tallest trees in the world in Sequoia, and bask in the sun along the west coast as you journey south from San Francisco to LA. See the landscapes that have inspired writers, musicians, artists, and other fellow travellers for centuries and fall head over heels for their beauty.

Day 1 Las Vegas/Zion National Park
After a brief welcome meeting with your CEO, hit the road from Las Vegas and drive to Zion National Park. Get settled into your hotel and opt to explore the area a bit or enjoy dinner at your leisure. Then, rest up for tomorrow’s full day of exploring.

Day 2 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 travellers.

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, relax at your hotel as you reflect on your day in this wonderful piece of paradise.

Day 3 Zion National Park/Bryce Canyon National Park
Depart Zion in the morning and travel with the group to Bryce Canyon National Park. Once in the park enjoy free time to hike through the wild and weird rock formations fondly known as hoodoos. Visit Inspiration Point, hike the rim trail. Opt to hike the Queen’s Garden and Navajo loop trails or take in the incredible view with a walk along the rim. Head back to the park after dinner for sunset. At night look up and see the magic of the stars in a place that has been designated an International Dark Sky Park.

Day 4 Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley
We'll jet off this morning to Page, Arizona, the gateway to famous Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.

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.

Afterwards, visit Horseshoe Bend for a short hike to stand atop the steep cliffs overlooking the natural bend in the Colorado River. Today’s adventure will end in Monument Valley where you will have time to relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

Day 5 Monument Valley/Grand Canyon National Park
This morning you’ll be treated to a sunrise Navajo guided jeep tour of Monument Valley. Admire the majesty and magnetic atmosphere of this special place before continuing on toward the Grand Canyon. En route, stop for lunch at a family-owned Navajo food truck, before arriving at the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon just in time for a spectacular sunset.

Day 6 Grand Canyon National Park
Marvel at the out-of-this-world views as you get up close and personal with the Grand Canyon today. Spend a full day exploring and 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.

If you wish to see this natural wonder from a bird’s eye view with an experience you’ll never forget, opt to book the Grand Canyon helicopter tour.

Day 7 Grand Canyon/Las Vegas
Head to Las Vegas from the Grand Canyon this morning where you can spend time in this vibrant city. Explore the strip, grab something to eat, see a glitzy show, or test your luck gambling in one of the casinos.

Day 8 Las Vegas, Death Valley and Bakersfield
In the morning, the group will depart Las Vegas and head to Death Valley. You’ll 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 Furnace Creek, Badwater Basin, and Zabriskie Point. In the evening, settle into your hotel and get some rest for tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 9 Sequoia National Park
Spend the day travelling to Sequoia National Park, home to granite cliffs and ancient giant trees. Once you arrive, set out on a short afternoon hike to explore and stare up in wonder at the tallest trees in the world. Walk the half mile down to General Sherman to see the world’s largest tree at 83 meters (275 feet) high. Trek through the Giant Forest on Congress Trail to see more of these colossal trees. Later, we head to the hotel in Visalia

Day 10 Sequoia National Park
Immerse yourself in Sequoia with a full day to hike in the park. Visit Grant Grove for more opportunities to marvel at these rare giants among the forest. If you’re looking for 360-degree views head up the 2 mile round-trip Buena Vista Peak trailhead to see the High Sierra and the valley below.

Day 11 Yosemite National Park
Hit the road again and travel north through the Sierras to the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. Head straight into the park to take in iconic sights like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall.

Day 12 Yosemite National Park
It’s all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite today. From the valley floor, take the park shuttle system to one of the most iconic trails in the park. Hike alongside the Merced River to climb the Mist Trail, getting sprayed by the waters of Vernal Fall. See the water rushing over the edge before crossing the river and climbing the steps to Nevada Fall. From the top enjoy views of the High Sierra including Half Dome, Liberty Cap, and Mount Broderick.

Later, enjoy free time to walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, Bridalveil Fall Trail, relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan, or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley.

Day 13 Yosemite National Park/San Francisco
Leave Yosemite in the morning and drive across the Central Valley with the group to San Francisco. Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights. We will drive to the bohemian neighborhood of Haight Ashbury for lunch, followed by a drive through the Golden Gate park. What trip to San Fran would be complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge? Depending on time, step foot on this famous red suspension bridge or find a great viewing point to take some photos. There is free time in the evening to explore the colorful Fisherman's wharf.

Day 14 San Francisco/Monterey
Wake up in San Francisco and spend the morning as you wish. Grab a coffee at a local cafe, take a walk, or hop on a cable car and coast up and down the city's many hills. Then the group will drive to the coastal town of Monterey where you'll have free time. Head to the Monterey Aquarium, walk down by the water to visit Old Fisherman's Wharf, or visit Cannery Row to check out art galleries and other boutique shops.

Day 15 Monterey/Santa Maria
Drive down the idyllic Highway 1 from Monterey to Santa Maria. Along the way stop and walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and take in the stunning views of the Pacific Coast and McWay Falls.

Continue on down the coast to Santa Maria and spend time in the largest city of Santa Barbara County, known for its wineries and barbecue. Opt to window shop, sip a glass of wine or two, or simply hangout in the sunny climate of this Southern California city.

Day 16 Santa Maria/Los Angeles
Leave the hills and vineyards of Santa Maria behind and continue driving south to Los Angeles where the tour ends on arrival.