Best of California National Parks

Los Angeles - Sand to Snow National Monument. Once you have arrived at Los Angeles International Airport, your guide will welcome you. You will then head straight to Downtown Los Angeles for a brief tour of its iconic sites, including the stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall and the lively Grand Central Market.

Next, you make your way to Griffith Observatory, offering unparalleled views of Los Angeles, including the famed Hollywood Sign. Here, you can explore fascinating exhibits or use telescopes to gaze at the sky.

After leaving the city behind, you drive three hours to the remarkable Sand to Snow National Monument—a lesser-known treasure that celebrates Southern California’s rich biodiversity. You will enjoy a guided hike through its scenic trails, experiencing both desert and forest environments. A picnic lunch will then be served amidst these tranquil surroundings.

End the day with a peaceful moment in the wilderness before heading back to your campsite, where you will spend the night.

Sand to Snow National Monument - Joshua Tree National Park. After an early morning breakfast at your campsite, you set off for Joshua Tree National Park. Your drive through the park offers stunning views of its rugged desert landscapes. Begin at Hidden Valley, a natural rock-enclosed area, perfect for exploring its scenic trails and dramatic rock formations.

Next, visit Barker Dam. You can walk the short loop trail here to see a historic dam, surrounded by ancient petroglyphs and a diverse array of desert flora. Continue to Keys View for breathtaking vistas of the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault.

You will then stop at Skull Rock, a natural formation resembling a giant skull, where you can enjoy a quick hike or capture memorable photographs. Before departing, pause for a photo opportunity amidst the park’s iconic Joshua Trees. These unique, twisting shapes create an unforgettable silhouette against the desert sky. You then make your way to your campsite in Joshua Tree National Park.

Driving time: 2 hours

Joshua Tree National Park - Death Valley National Park - Lone Pine. Today, you will embark on a journey from Joshua Tree National Park to Bishop, California, traversing the striking landscapes of Death Valley. Your first stop is Dante’s View, where you can gaze over the valley from a vantage point 5,500 feet above sea level. Next, visit Zabriskie Point for its renowned vistas of the undulating golden badlands.

Continue to Badwater Basin, North America’s lowest point, offering a unique opportunity to walk across expansive salt flats and admire the extraordinary scenery. Your journey continues to Furnace Creek, an oasis amidst the desert, where you can pause for a break or explore the visitor centre.

Conclude your exploration of Death Valley at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, featuring dramatic sand formations ideal for photography or a brief hike. From here, travel towards the Sierra Nevada, ending the day in Lone Pine.

Driving time: Approximately 5 hours

Please note: If the Tioga Pass is still closed we will reroute and enter Yosemite National Park from the west and stay in the Fresno area tonight.

Lone Pine - Yosemite National Park. This morning, you start your journey in Lone Pine, which takes you over the scenic Tioga Pass into the heart of Yosemite National Park, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. As you ascend, you are enveloped by majestic peaks before descending into the park's serene high-country meadows.

Your first stop is Tuolumne Grove, where you enjoy a walk among the towering ancient Sequoias, marvelling at these forest giants. Continuing, you reach a remarkable viewpoint that offers a dramatic first glimpse of Yosemite Valley's iconic granite cliffs and waterfalls.

From this vantage, you can appreciate Yosemite Falls, one of North America's tallest waterfalls, cascading powerfully down the cliffs. This day contrasts the tranquil beauty of Tuolumne Grove with the awe-inspiring vistas of Yosemite Valley. Afterwards, you make your way to your campsite to spend the night under the stars.

Drive Time: Approximately 5 hours

Today, you will embark on a captivating tour of Yosemite National Park, starting with a hike along the Panorama Trail. You begin at Glacier Point, descending through stunning landscapes that offer breathtaking vistas of the park's renowned granite formations, including the iconic Half Dome. As you traverse the trail, you will encounter picturesque waterfalls and lush meadows, capturing the diverse beauty of the park.

Next, visit the peaceful Mirror Lake, where the serene reflection of Half Dome dances on the water's surface, contrasting with the grandeur of the surrounding cliffs. Continue to Tunnel View, one of Yosemite's most celebrated vantage points, where you can enjoy a spectacular panorama of the valley, showcasing El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome in a single, awe-inspiring view.

This tour blends Yosemite’s majestic geological wonders with tranquil, reflective moments in nature. You will camp within Yosemite National Park itself.

Drive Time: Approximately 2 hours

Yosemite National Park - San Francisco. Start your day in the stunning Yosemite Valley, immersing yourself in its natural splendour before heading to San Francisco. Early risers can join a hike along the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, where mist from the waterfall provides a refreshing experience. Alternatively, you may prefer a gentle walk to Lower Yosemite Falls, offering a glimpse of one of the park’s iconic vistas.

After enjoying the tranquillity of the valley, characterised by majestic granite cliffs and verdant meadows, you set off on your journey west. Your scenic drive takes you through undulating foothills before merging onto the bustling highways toward the Bay Area.

As you near San Francisco, the transition from Yosemite's serene wilderness to the city’s vibrant energy becomes strikingly evident. You will conclude your day at San Francisco International Airport in the afternoon.