Compare Death Valley National Park Quick Escape by MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek) vs Best of California by G Adventures
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 4 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 1,999 | $ 2,804 |
| Price Per Day | $ 500 | $ 312 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 3 Dinners |
2 lunches |
| Description |
Experience the land of America’s greatest extremes at Death Valley National Park, where the tallest peaks in the country surround the lowest depths. Though home to the highest temperature in America on record in the summer, autumn transforms the valley into a balmy climate for our hiking adventures. |
Desert heat, pine forests, and coastal breezes are the main features of this trip through some of the best scenery that the American West has to offer. Travel to a land of extremes in Death Valley, tip your head back to see the tops of the tallest trees in the world in Sequoia National Park, witness the majesty of Yosemite from the famous Tunnel View, and hit the coast of California from San Francisco to Los Angeles. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss, so pack a bag, lace up those hiking boots, and hit the road. |
Day 1: Pick up in Las Vegas and transfer to Death Valley National Park
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Furnace Creek Ranch
We set out from Las Vegas across the Mojave Desert, following the footsteps of the original ‘49ers. These settlers’ dreams of California gold often transmuted into occupations much less romantic, but far more profitable. When we descend into the vast majesty of Death Valley itself, we’ll explore Harmony Borax Works. These preserved remains of the largest borax mine in Death Valley hold testament to the hard work and tenacity of early pioneers. Afterward, we check into our comfortable lodging at Furnace Creek Ranch, an oasis amidst the valley’s parched sands.
Day 2: Hike Golden Canyon and visit Badwater
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Furnace Creek Ranch
Our morning hike begins just down the road from Furnace Creek in Golden Canyon. As the sun rises higher, the truly golden rock walls brighten around us. We top out with a gorgeous view of the valley from Zabriskie Point before descending for lunch. Later on, we arrive at Badwater itself, an enormous salt flat resting 282 feet below sea level. We venture out across the salt flats and marvel at the power of nature as we imagine the prehistoric lake that rested in this desert over 10,000 years ago. We detour on our drive back to see a rainbow of colors hidden in the foothills at Artist’s Palette before returning to Furnace Creek.
Day 3: Hike Mosaic Canyon and Salt Creek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Furnace Creek Ranch
Today we journey north from Furnace Creek to explore Mosaic Canyon. Here, a surprising array of colors and textures appear as we journey between the jagged rock walls. After we emerge from this unexpected gem, our guides introduce us to the Devil’s Cornfield, where we hike over the expansive salt flats to Salt Creek. This highly saline waterway manages to sustain life. Tiny desert pupfish thrive happily in an environment most animals would find toxic. Play on Mesquite Sand Dunes as the setting sun illuminates the valley to end the day.
Day 4: Hike Dante's View and transfer to Las Vegas
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
After a last hearty breakfast at Furnace Creek Ranch, we expand our horizons even further atop Dante’s View. This massive peak in the Funeral Range looms high over Badwater, where we can pick out the tiny figures of others retracing our steps on the salt flats. Across Death Valley towers 11,000-foot Telescope Peak, backed by the distant hulk of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. These mountains are home to Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous U.S., less than 100 miles from Badwater. As we hike across the ridgeline from Dante’s View, we take in the grand beauty of the valley and wonder at the natural forces that have placed such extremes side by side.
Day 1 Las Vegas, Death Valley and Bakersfield
In the morning, after a brief orientation with your CEO 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. Learn about Borax mining and if there's time, stop at the sand dunes. In the evening, settle into your hotel in Bakersfield and get some rest for tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 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.
Please note that your flight must depart no earlier than 14:00.
