Best of the West Road Trip: California, Utah & Vegas Bright Lights

G Adventures · 13 days

4.8

2 Reviews

Duration

13 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Want the the ultimate U.S. road trip? Coming right up. Spend 13 days seeing the best of the west as you travel through four states, six national parks, and along historic Route 66.

Includes

Activities

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Yosemite National Park
All national park fees
Los Angeles Sightseeing With CEO
Coastal free time in Avila
Guided visit and hikes in Yosemite National Park
Sightseeing in Yosemite through Tioga Pass Tuolumne Meadows Lembert Dome Tenaya Lake, and Mono Lake
Death Valley National Park visit
Free time in Las Vegas
Bryce Canyon National Park visit and hike
Zion National Park visit and guided hike
Horseshoe Bend hike
Grand Canyon National Park visit
Joshua Tree National Park visit
Visit Route 66
Free time in Santa Monica
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Camping (10 nts), hotel (1 nt), hostel (1 nt).

10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.

Group Leader

1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Highlights

Cruise through the dazzling neighbourhoods of LA
Sleep along the Pacific Coast in Avila
Stargaze in Yosemite National Park
Hike through the harsh landscapes of Death Valley
Witness the grandeur of Zion
Wander through the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon
Hike to view the impressive Horseshoe Bend
Stare in awe at the utter vastness of the Grand Canyon
Walk among the giant boulders in Joshua Tree
Travel along historic Route 66
Sit back and relax near the Santa Monica Pier

Trip Details

Duration

13 days

Transportation

Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Los Angeles, United States

Finishes

Los Angeles, United States

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 35 Year Olds Only, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Los Angeles/Santa Margarita

Welcome to sunny Southern California! Your day starts early, taking in all the must-see sites of The City of Angels, before driving along the Pacific Coast Highway. On your morning tour of Los Angeles, you'll check-off all the places you've seen in the movies: Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive, the famous Hollywood sign, and of course Sunset Boulevard. You'll leave the sprawling metropolis to drive up the coast, with a stop in Santa Barbara for lunch. Set up camp in Santa Margarita before zipping over to San Luis Obispo for dinner on your own.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Right after the welcome meeting hop in the van and begin the adventure! Drive through the city with your CEO as the lead and see the infamous Rodeo Drive and the glitz of Hollywood, Sunset Blvd, and Beverly Hills. The orientation tour will last about an hour and a half. Then, the group will continue driving north up the coast to Santa Barbara where there will be free time for lunch on your own in this charming coastal city.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. The group will meet early on day 1 before beginning the journey along the coast.Accommodation - Santa Margarita KOA

Day 2: Santa Margarita

On the road again....okay, so technically its only Day 2, but we wanted to get you singing along. Explore the coast of California today on a drive up Highway 1 to San Simeon to watch the Elephant Seals sunbathe on the beach. Oh, to be an elephant seal lounging on the Cali beach all day, every day. Alas, you are not an elephant seal, so head just a bit further north to Ragged Point for an epic view and killer hike to the beach. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or renting a bike to find the perfect spot to watch a sunset over the Pacific. Life is your oyster.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Think epic views and winding roads with the ocean's surf pounding on one side and rising cliffs walling you in on the other. Today's drive is all about Highway 1! See some of the best spots along this famous route with a stop in San Simeon to watch the resident Elephant Seals basking in the sun. Stretch those legs with a hike to the beach near Ragged point, where you will enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back towards Santa Margarita.Free_time - Spend a free afternoon on the coast. Opt to relax on the beach or rent a bike to pedal through town and along the water.Accommodation - Santa Margarita KOA

Day 3: Santa Margarita/Yosemite National Park

We hate to drag you away from the beach, but it's time to strap on a bum bag and the sun cream, it's hiking time. Yosemite is waiting for you, so pack up camp after breakfast and hit the road. Road trip inland towards one of the most popular National Parks in the USA. Once you arrive in El Portal to set up camp, you'll get your first introduction to the park through Yosemite's Arch Rock entrance and along the Merced River.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes. Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Along the way to Yosemite the group will make a stop in Fresno. There will be time for you to grab lunch on your own before finishing the drive west.Accommodation - Indian Flats Campground

Day 4: Yosemite National Park

Ready for more? Of course you are. Everywhere you look in Yosemite National Park is picture perfect. Snap shots of it's famous waterfalls and giant sequoia trees, and catch a glimpse of climbers scaling El Capitan. Explore its landscapes however you want, with several hikes to choose from: The Mist Trail, Yosemite Falls, or Nevada Falls just to name a few. What will you find as you explore the trails of one of the U.S.'s most famous parks? Want to cover more ground? Opt to rent a bike and cruise the valley floor.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Spend a full day in this magnificent park. There are several hikes to choose from like, The Mist Trail, Yosemite Falls, and Nevada Falls to name a few. Immerse yourself in the landscape and soak in all of the sites, sounds, and smells of one of the oldest national parks in the U.S.Free_time - Spend the day as you please and take advantage of free time to further explore this magnificent park with its granite rock formations and many waterfalls. Opt to hike the many trails or rent a bike and pedal through the valley floor of Yosemite. Your CEO will be available to help you decide which activities are best for you.Accommodation - Indian Flats Campground

Day 5: Yosemite National Park/Bishop

Another day, another epic adventure in the U S of A. Pack up your campsite in Yosemite and hit the road. Today you'll get glimpses of some of the most stunning natural views in the Southeastern US. The drive from Yosemite National Park to Bishop is full of insta-perfect shots. Today you'll drive across Yosemite, through El Portal to Tuolumne Grove, with a hike to see the famous giant Sequoia trees. After lunch, you'll hike the Lembert Dome Trail then travel over Tioga Pass landing in Bishop in the early evening to prep your camp site for a night under the stars.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Tuolumne Grove trail is a 2 hour round-trip hike down to see a couple dozen mature Giant Sequoias, including one you can walk through. These are some of the oldest and largest living entities on the planet. It’s an experience you are sure to remember. Elevation at trailhead: 6,200 feet (1,860 meters)Activity - Dig in for this challenging hike to the dome's summit and be rewarded with excellent views of the Tuolumne Meadows and the surrounding area. The effort’s all worth it!Accommodation - Brownstown Campground

Day 6: Bishop/Las Vegas

Get low before you roll high! Drive through the infamous Death Valley, the hottest, driest, and lowest park in North America, before making your way to Las Vegas for the evening. Death Valley is a bucket-list place to visit when you're in the Southeastern United States. Known for it's salt flats, colorful rocks, and high temps, you'll spend a morning seeing these spots (plus Furnace Creek, Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point) then head off to Las Vegas. Walk The Strip, take in a show, or roll the dice — or do it all! Just remember: what happens on a Roamies trip, stays on a Roamies trip.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Death Valley is one of America’s most extreme locations – from sand dunes and desert, to badlands, towering peaks, and a basin that actually registers below sea-level, this is sure to be an unforgettable stop. Hottest. Driest. Lowest. There’s a bit of everything here on the border of California and Nevada.Free_time - Enjoy yourselves on a free evening in the lights and glitz of Las Vegas! Opt to explore The Strip, grab a bite to eat, or search for a fun place to toast your adventures with your newest Roamies!Accommodation - Golden Nugget Las Vegas

Day 7: Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park

Depart from Las Vegas first thing in the morning and head out with your fellow Roamies to Bryce Canyon National Park. Around 1:00 pm (we lose 1 hour at the Utah border-but don't worry, we'll get it back soon), stop in Cedar City where you'll have time to grab lunch on your own. Arrive to Bryce Canyon in the early afternoon and spend a few hours hiking, exploring and gazing at the crazy rock formations known as hoodoos. Hike the Navajo Loop & Queens Garden trail to get more up close with these cool geological features. Pitch your tent and make dinner at camp with your fellow Roamies.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Stop in Cedar City to break up the drive. Stretch those legs and opt to grab some lunch at a place of your choosing, then finish the drive to Bryce Canyon, where you will spend the afternoon exploring this park.Activity - See a sight like no other at this giant forest of stone made up of collection of massive natural amphitheaters. This park contains hundreds of thousands of eroded spires, pinnacles, and other shapes as far as the eye can see.Activity - Trek through the most popular trail in Bryce Canyon to see its famous hoodoos - tall, thin spires of rock that seem to magically balance upon their dusty, red rock base. Begin your hike at Sunrise Point and make your way toward Queen Victoria, the trail's namesake rock formation. Continue through the amphitheater on Navajo Loop past Wall Street or Thor's Hammer, depending on trail conditions. Exit at Sunset Point before walking the Rim Trail back to our starting point. Soak in the views one last time - you'll want to take it all in. Hiking distance: 4.6km (2.9 mi) Elevation change: 183m (600 ft).Accommodation - Ruby's Inn RV Park & Campground

Day 8: Bryce Canyon National Park to Zion National Park

Wake up with the birds chirping and make breakfast at camp. Pack a lunch for the day then drive to Zion National Park. Once there it's time to explore! You'll board the national park shuttle to take you into the park and explore your heart out. There are a couple different trail options, the main ones being The Emerald Pools, The Narrows, Scouts Lookout and Watchman Trail. Grab your hiking books, your new best buddy and get out there! Enjoy your packed lunch whenever you choose! Later, travel back to East Zion for a chill evening with your fellow Roamies at the camp site. Once it gets dark, get ready to sit around the campfire, roast some marshmallows and stare up at the stars. First one to see a shooting star wins an extra s'more!

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Admire monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky. Experience diverse plant and animal life, and wade through water in a narrow slot canyon as the park transitions from desert to forest. Gaze at the awe-inspiring beauty of the high plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls.Free_time - Spend a full day exploring the wonders of Zion. Sit down and enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, and then opt to check out various trails like, the Emerald Pools, the famous Narrows, Scouts Lookout, or Watchman Trails.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle on the drive back to camp in East Zion. Dinner will be on your own this evening, and there are serval meal choices available at the campground restaurant.Accommodation - Zion Ponderosa Ranch

Day 9: Zion National Park/Grand Canyon National Park

If you stayed up late with your new friends, you can sleep in the van. Today we wake up early to drive to Grand Canyon National Park, with a couple awesome pit stops along the way. The first stop is at Horseshoe Bend. This geological masterpiece was sculpted by the Colorado River. Go on and walk to the overlook, hike along the rim and stare down into the flowing river far below. Snap some photos with your friends and just enjoy the moment. Continue onwards to our next national park of the trip. En route, stop for lunch at a Navajo-inspired restaurant and trading post. Arrive at the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon—one of the world's Natural Wonders— and set up camp for the next two nights just in time for a spectacular sunset.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Take a short hike to this spectacular horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River. Stand atop steep orange-coloured sandstone cliffs and look out at Horseshoe Bend. Peer down more than 300m (1,000 ft) at the emerald river below.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Mather Campground

Day 10: Grand Canyon National Park

After having breakfast and packing a lunch, get those water bottles ready because today is dedicated to the Grand Canyon. Starting from the South Rim, there are so many 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. You got this! Sit down for a picnic lunch in the park then maybe choose to rent a bike, or if you're feeling really adventurous, opt to take a legendary helicopter ride over the canyon. The choice is yours! After a full day in the park, sit down for an unforgettable pizza dinner along the rim of the Grand Canyon as the setting sun lights the sky.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the south rim of the canyon for a great first impression. Marvel as the Grand Canyon unfolds before you. Don't get too close. The land drops almost straight down for more than 1,000m (3,280 ft) into the serpentine canyons below! The gorge is filled with rocky buttes, sheer limestone cliffs, and deep canyons all arrayed in a rainbow of colors. Words defy. This is truly one of the most magnificent sights on earth.Activity - Opt to hike along the rim or down into the canyon. Experience breathtaking scenery with spectacular views. Bring lots of water, a hat and plenty of energy. Remember -- hiking down is optional, hiking back up is mandatory! Activity - Find a spot to sit and dig in to the most scenic dinner you've ver had! Enjoy some pizza as the sun sets over the Grand Canyon offering breathtaking views while the canyon walls glow red and orange in the fading light. This is truly one of the great wonders. Enjoy the moment.Accommodation - Mather Campground

Day 11: Grand Canyon National Park/Joshua Tree National Park

Road trip! Get your kicks, because its time to drive along one of the most famous roads in history: Route 66. After you eat breakfast and break down camp, we head out and cruise south west toward Joshua Tree National Park. We'll stop in Seligman along Route 66 and then continue to Kingman, where you will have free time to grab lunch on your own. Throughout the drive, we will take short stops to admire the Mojave Desert, and the funky dessert trees that gave Joshua Tree it's name. Arrive to the camp site in the early evening and after setting up, you will have the night free to explore Pioneer Town. Watch the sky light up in flames during an incredible desert sunset and maybe throw down a blanket to watch for shooting stars tonight in one of California's clearest skies.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Travel the historic Route 66 through the southwest.Activity - Discover the rugged rock formations and iconic Joshua trees that gave this National Park it's name. Go for a hike, keep a sharp eye out for desert wildlife, and take in the incredible scenery.Accommodation - Mather Campground

Day 12: Joshua Tree National Park/Santa Monica

After another night under the stars, pack away your camping gear, have some breakfast at camp, and drive to one of the LA's most famous beaches for a day of fun. You'll have the entire afternoon free to explore Santa Monica and do whatever you please with your fellow Roamies. Opt to lounge on the beach, have some of the worlds best ice cream, take a ride on the pier, or just people watch with a spicy margarita at an open air bar. Whatever you choose, make it count! Tonight we'll stay at an awesome, hip hostel in Santa Monica.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Make a stop at Santa Monica where you can choose to lounge in the sand, rollerblade on the sidewalks, bicycle along the waterfront, or take a walk down the pier. The choice is yours during your afternoon here.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel

Day 13: Santa Monica/Los Angeles

Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time.
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
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.

From
AUD $3479

AUD $2,957

(Tour only)

Offer ends 01 Apr, 2026 Per Person Twin

Duration: 13 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Want the the ultimate U.S. road trip? Coming right up. Spend 13 days seeing the best of the west as you travel through four states, six national parks, and along historic Route 66.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 05 Aug 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

Brent

Traveled, July 2024

08/11/2024

Great time and experience

4.5

Robin

Traveled, August 2024

08/04/2024

I like to being able to see both the national parks and some cities. They appreciated that it was the best of California and not just one section. However, I think it would’ve been nice to spend a little more time in the cities as it seemed like we didn’t get enough of time there. There’s only one thing I really didn’t like, which was the fact that we had to buy all of our lunches, with the exception of the two that were provided. Did with another company all the meals were provided for. Which means we paid for them upfront, didn’t have to worry about buying them every day.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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