Compare San Francisco, the Grand Canyon and National Parks of the West by Newmarket Holidays vs USA Road Trip — Yosemite, Canyons & Camping by G Adventures

Day 1:

Fly to San Francisco, meet your Tour Manager and transfer into the city. You'll rest and relax after the journey, and perhaps venture out to enjoy your first evening in one of America's most attractive cities.

Day 2:

This morning's optional guided tour includes Union Square, quirky North Beach, 1960s hangout Haight-Ashbury and stylish Nob Hill. You'll then head across the photogenic Golden Gate Bridge to the bay-side artists' town of Sausalito. Return by Bay Ferry, taking in the sight of infamous prison-island Alcatraz.

This evening, why not head for bustling Chinatown or to Fisherman's Wharf's shops, bars and restaurants? Perhaps board the 'little cable car' to 'climb halfway to the stars' - or at least the enjoyable ride from Market Street over Powell and Hyde.

Day 3:

Leaving your heart behind in customary fashion, board the coach to journey south, this morning, towards Steinbeck's 'Cannery Row' - fishing town Monterey. Take in the gorgeous 17-Mile Drive and visit exclusive Carmel-by-the-Sea, where Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood was once mayor.

You'll then head inland toward the historic towns and rugged landscape of 'mining country', where the desperate days of the California Gold Rush were played out in the 19th Century.

Day 4:

An unforgettable day awaits, as you journey into the breathtaking Yosemite National Park. After the opportunity to take in the scenery - from plunging waterfalls and forested valleys to towering El Capitan and Half-Dome - you'll continue over the heights of Tioga Pass to stay in mountain resort Mammoth Lakes.

Day 5:

In the air-conditioned comfort of your coach, take in otherworldly Death Valley's landmarks Artist's Palette, Marble Canyon and Zabriskie Point. You'll stay overnight at Furnace Creek Ranch, one of only two 'oases' in the National Park. You might opt for a horseback tour while others enjoy a carriage ride, and don't miss the chance to star gaze here tonight.

Day 6:

Today's journey continues through the desert landscape to Nevada - and your first experience of Las Vegas, the extraordinary man-made entertainment capital. An optional helicopter flight offers the chance to view the night-time spectacle from the air.

Day 7:

Today is free to enjoy more of Vegas' countless attractions. Check out the 'mega-resorts' of the Strip and Downtown, with their gaming rooms, shopping malls and restaurants, or join today's optional excursion to an 'engineering wonder of the world', the Hoover Dam. This evening don't miss the optional dinner show 'The Rat Pack is Back'.

Day 8:

Leaving Las Vegas, drive through another stunning landscape into southern Utah, passing from desert scrubland into wooded hills. Spend the afternoon in beautiful Zion National Park, where forests and waterfalls are a lush contrast to the desert's desolation.

Day 9:

Catch your breath today as you take in the surreal rock formations of Bryce Canyon. Millions of years of erosion by ice and water have left hundreds of weird, towering red, yellow and orange pinnacles, and these resemble nothing else on Earth.

Day 10:

The towering rock walls and deep river valleys of the Capitol Reef National Park are not only spectacular but were also once the hiding place of outlaws Butch Cassidy and the 'Hole in the Wall' Gang. For the next two nights, stay in a mesa-dotted landscape straight out of a western movie.

Day 11:

Another stunningly scenic day awaits, as you explore the staggering Canyonlands National Park, with its extraordinary Island in the Sky sandstone butte towering 1500 feet above the ancient valley. Rest and relax this evening in the resort hotel, enjoying an included traditional 'cowboy cookout' with food and entertainment.

Day 12:

Rising from the flat desert floor, Monument Valley's towering red sandstone mesas are among the most iconic of all American images. Today, you'll journey through landscapes made famous by countless western movies, and the likes of John Ford and John Wayne.

Day 13:

An unforgettable day awaits as you travel across Arizona to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, formed over millennia by the Colorado River. You'll have the chance to take an optional helicopter flight for even more stupendous views.

Day 14:

Make the short journey back into California, where an optional excursion will introduce Palm Springs - millionaires' playground, desert-city and former home of a host of Hollywood stars. You'll also journey to the heights above on the world's longest revolving cable-car.

Day 15:

Enjoy a day of rest and relaxation in the California sunshine. Perhaps take the chance to explore Palm Springs and enjoy some shopping in the iconic shops and boutiques.

Day 16:

Enjoy a brief visit to the star-studded streets of Hollywood, where landmarks include Mann's Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. After this final highlight of a memorable tour, you'll transfer back to Los Angeles Airport and your return overnight flight.

Day 17:

Arrive back in the UK, at the end of a truly wonderful holiday.

Day 1 San Francisco/Yosemite National Park

The adventure begins this morning with the 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 2 Yosemite National Park

Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. Up for more of a challenge? Test your endurance on a more challenging hike like Upper Yosemite Falls or Four Mile. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan.

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 3 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 4 Yosemite National Park/Hermosa Beach

Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Hermosa Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea.

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 5 Hermosa 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 Hermosa 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 6 Hermosa 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 7 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 8 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.

Opt to book the Grand Canyon helicopter ride for a bird's-eye view during a 45 to 50 minutes flight over the canyon.

Day 9 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 10 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 11 Bryce Canyon/Zion National Park

We pack up early this morning and move on towards Zion and our Glamping tents! Located in a private canyon away from civilization, but close to Zion National Park this location is made for outdoor enthusiasts who also like to be pampered a little. On route to camp 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. Maybe hike the Water Canyon trail or enjoy camp and put on a cornhole tournament as a group. The only rule is to have a good time!

Day 12 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 our Glamping tents. Once it gets dark get ready to sit around the campfire and roast some marshmallows as a group.

Day 13 Zion National Park/Las Vegas

This morning opt to get in one last activity at our Glamping site 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.