Compare Rocky Mountains Backpacking – North Inlet by REI Adventures vs USA Road Trip — Highway 1, Yosemite & Utah by G Adventures

Day 1: Meet at Denver REI for orientation before heading to the national park.

Our trip begins today at 1pm at REI's Denver store. Here we meet our guides and fellow travelers, have a chance to go over the gear list and pick up any last minute items. Be sure to bring your pack and gear, as we will depart in our van from here. Following a scenic drive up and over the Continental Divide to our site in the Rockies we pitch our camp. After the tents are erected, we will gather for a rundown of the trip itinerary, distribution of group items, gear check, as well as packing tips and demonstration. While the guides prepare dinner we get to know each other in eager anticipation of our adventure. Camp dinner and all camping fees are included tonight.

Day 2: Backpack to a remote, wooded site near North Inlet where our campsite awaits.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Backpacking: 7 miles; elevation gain: 800'.

We depart our camp after breakfast for a short drive to our starting point on the shores of Grand Lake on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Beginning at an elevation approximately 8500', we make our way into the park's backcountry where lush meadows lead to soaring peaks. Civilization is just a few miles away, but we might as well have stepped back in time and fallen in stride with the explorers of yesteryear. We stride along the rocky trails that follow the course of this glacial valley, stopping often to soak in the views of our new home. As you walk, be sure to visually inspect every meadow and rocky out cropping as this area abounds with moose, elk, and the comical and entertaining marmot. Our destination today are the pines near a lively stream where the jagged peaks and pine ridges frame the sky where the clean air and soft, natural sounds welcome us to our home for the next two nights.

Day 3: Hike up the side of the valley to stunning overlooks and two alpine lakes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Hiking: 8 to 10 miles with multiple options; elevation gain: 2,000 to 2,600'.

Today, wearing only light day packs, we explore the Park's array of natural destinations. Fantastic manifestations of geological history and current processes of nature await us around every bend or rise in the trail, impressive treasures we enjoy mostly alone; we can relish not having to fight tourists fumbling with cameras to capture the stunning beauty. We'll explore beautiful alpine lakes nestled in mountain cirques, delighting in taking a less-traveled path. Despite the grandeur of your surroundings, take time to examine the intricate details of this harsh alpine environment, from the colorful lichen, wildflowers and cute pika seeking out a life here, to the evidence of powerful winter avalanches. Tonight we return to the same camp for another great meal and evening under the stars. Those with an interest in fishing can try their luck next to camp in a creek teeming with cutthroat trout (licenses and equipment not provided).

Day 4: Backpack through a glacial valley and drive Trail Ridge Road.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Backpacking: 7 miles; elevation loss: 800'.

Wake up to the quietness our mountain hideaway offers, and savor a few moments over a steaming cup of coffee as the dew dries and steams in the morning sun. After breaking camp, we once again tread through the ancient glacial valley following the free flowing water that will eventually find its way into homes throughout the western United States—we have been camping and exploring in the literal birthplace of the mighty Colorado River. Arriving at the trailhead does not mean the trip is over as we take a different route back to Denver across the Rockies on Trail Ridge Road. Stunning vistas of glacier valleys, Longs Peak, and immense alpine tundra fields open up as we savor every bend in this famous highway. Herds of elk, distant lakes, and endless views unfold along the way. The glory of Rocky Mountain National Park unfolds for us, beckoning to us for further exploration. We arrive back to Denver around 6pm where we bid our farewells to our newfound friends. If flying out tonight, flights out of Denver shouldn't be made earlier than 8pm.

Day 1 Los Angeles/Santa Margarita

Group will depart Los Angeles in the morning and drive to Santa Monica. Walk the iconic Santa Monica pier this morning or spend some time cruising the shoreline. Not in the mood for the beach? That's cool, maybe consider visiting the Santa Monica farmers market to stock up on all sorts of local goodies. Grab a quick bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica and travel northwest to San Luis Obispo for a quick detour to see the chewing gum alley and to grab any last minute provisions before heading to our campsite for the night.

Day 2 Santa Margarita/Santa Cruz

Today is all about Highway 1. Devote the entire day to seeing the best of the best along this famous route. Stop to see Elephant Seals, walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and make stops in Carmel and Monterey en route to the next destination. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz.

Day 3 Santa Cruz/San Francisco

Head out from camp in the morning and continue up Highway 1 towards Half Moon Bay. Your CEO will take you on a brief orientation of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights then hit the town on your own or join a sunset sail under the Golden Gate Bridge.

Day 4 San Francisco/Yosemite National Park

Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you 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 5 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 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 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 10 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 11 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 12 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 13 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 14 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 15 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 16 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.