Best of California's National Parks

Intrepid Travel · 7 days
Best of California's National Parks
Best of California's National Parks
Best of California's National Parks
Best of California's National Parks
Best of California's National Parks
Best of California's National Parks
Best of California's National Parks
Best of California's National Parks
Best of California's National Parks
Best of California's National Parks
Best of California's National Parks
Best of California's National Parks
Best of California's National Parks
Best of California's National Parks
7 Days
From AUD $4395
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (16 reviews)

Best of California's National Parks

Best of California's National Parks

Intrepid Travel · 7 days
4.7
16 Reviews
View Map
Duration

7 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Bookended by stops in two bustling cities, this seven-day adventure takes you through some of the incredibly diverse landscapes California’s national parks have to offer.

Highlights

  • Experience the world-famous Yosemite National Park, taking in the breathtaking scenery as well as the pristine night sky as you go on leader-led walks both day and night.
  • Walk among the towering timber of Sequoia National Park and see General Sherman, the world’s largest tree by volume, along with the other soaring sequoias that make up the Giant Forest.
  • Cap off your Yosemite National Park experience with a pizza picnic in the park, breaking bread and sharing stories with your fellow travellers as the sun begins to set.
  • Where better to end your adventure than in San Francisco, the eclectic and multicultural 'City by the Bay', swapping natural wonders for one that’s man-made as you walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Trip Details

Duration

7 days

Transportation

Private vehicle

Guide Language

English

Starts

Las Vegas, United States Of America

Finishes

San Francisco, United States Of America

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Las Vegas
Welcome to Nevada! Las Vegas will be your gateway to the grandeur of the Golden State. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm, giving you plenty of time to bathe in Vegas’ glow. It’s recommended that you arrive a day or two early to really experience the city, allowing time to do the classics (think casinos, drive-through weddings and live shows) as well as scratching below the surface to see Las Vegas’ diverse neighbourhoods and thriving arts scene.

Optional Activities:

  • Las Vegas - Bellagio Fountains - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Sequoia National Park
Leaving Sin City in your dust, you’ll road trip across state lines and through the Mojave Desert today, then around to Sequoia National Park. It’s a long drive, but it’ll give you the chance to see the changing geography of the American west – watch on as the desert gives way to the peaks of the southern Sierras. Settle into your accommodation near Sequoia National Park in the afternoon, and then head out for an included dinner at a local restaurant with your group.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Sequoia National Park
Today is simply about seeing the best of the USA’s Sequoia National Park. After breakfast, you’ll embark on leader-led walks around Sequoia, driving from stop to stop as you get to feel small next to the staggering size of General Sherman, the Giant Forest and other specimens of Sequoia’s towering timber. You may even drive through a tree at Tunnel Log, peer into Tharp’s Log and spot marmots, black bears and recently re-introduced bighorn sheep.

Included Activities:

  • Sequoia National Park
  • Sequoia National Park - Leader-led hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Yosemite National Park
After breakfast, you’ll hit the highway headed for the world-famous Yosemite National Park. To start, get acquainted with the awe-inspiring Yosemite Valley during a guided hike. Strewn with dramatic waterfalls, gigantic granite outcrops and lush meadows, this is one of the most spectacular spots in the country. Your leader will also teach you about the ecologically diverse landscape along the way. After sunset, you’ll join a Naturalist from the Yosemite Conservancy for a guided stargazing program. The park’s minimal light pollution makes it an excellent place to see the stars while learning about astronomy, constellations and local lore. For the next two nights, you'll be staying in a hotel just a few minutes from the park's main entrance.

Included Activities:

  • Yosemite National Park - Stargazing with Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist
  • Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
  • Yosemite National Park - Leader-led hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Yosemite National Park
Today, Yosemite is all yours to explore! In the morning there’ll be leader-led walks around some of the park’s best trails. If it’s a clear day you may also drive up to Glacier Point for a view you won’t soon forget, looking down over the valley and across to the iconic Half Dome. The afternoon is yours to fill how you’d like. You might choose to hike along the breathtaking Mist Trail with its many fabulous views, hire a bicycle and pedal along some of the 12 miles of designated (and flat) path or immerse yourself in the park’s history at the Ahwahnee Hotel. Once you’ve seen the sights, the day will be capped off with a pizza picnic in the park for dinner.

Included Activities:

  • Yosemite - Pizza Picnic Dinner
  • Yosemite National Park - Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: San Francisco
After saying fond farewells to Yosemite, you’ll head west to vibrant San Francisco. Stop to do a walk over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and then check in to your hotel for the night. At sunset, you can hit the water for an optional catamaran cruise around the bay, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island – this is the perfect farewell to a sun kissed Californian adventure. If you like, head out with your fellow travellers for one last dinner.

Included Activities:

  • San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge walk

Optional Activities:

  • San Francisco - Sunset catamaran cruise (90 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: San Francisco
With no activities planned today, your adventure ends this morning. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $4,395
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 7 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Bookended by stops in two bustling cities, this seven-day adventure takes you through some of the incredibly diverse landscapes California’s national parks have to offer.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 12 Apr 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
John
Traveled, October 2025

10/26/2025

Absolutely loved this trip. We got to hike mountains, see so many places, tour guide and group members were all great! Half the group wanted to do strenuous hiking whilst the other half wanted to do light walking and sight seeing and the tour guide was able to accommodate both groups! Keep in mind is a 2 on the physical rating so its less of a strenuous hiking trip and more light walking.

5.0
Lisa
Traveled, September 2025

09/25/2025

This trip was well organized and allowed for the flexibility of our group while seeing some of the most treasured iconic national parks in the western US. Our guide was exceptionally accommodating and knowledgeable. All of the accommodations were clean and met our various needs. The physical activity level of this itinerary is right is the middle.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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