Compare Natural Highlights of California by G Adventures vs 4 day tour from Las Vegas to Death Valley, Yosemite National Parks and San Francisco DYSCAMPPRT by Bindlestiff Tours

Day 1 Las Vegas

Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities today until the evening welcome meeting, so check out the strip or get tickets to a show for this evening.

Day 2 Las Vegas/Death Valley National Park

Enjoy a scenic drive through the desert to Death Valley National Park—the lowest, hottest, and driest place in North America. Experience the extremes of this landscape as you pass through the multi-hued badlands of Twenty Mule Team Canyon and descend into Badwater Basin, cradled 282 feet below sea level. Cap off the day at Zabriskie Point as the sun sets over the distinctive Furnace Creek formation.

Drive through the spectacular landscape of Death Valley. Take in the views of diverse geological features as far as the eye can see. Drive through Twenty Mule Team Canyon to see the different shades of the badlands. Then descend into Badwater Basin, the lowest, hottest, driest point in North America that sits 282 feet below sea level. Continue to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center to get out of the sun for a further look into this unique park. Once the heat of the day has passed, head to the most photographed spot in the park, Zabriskie Point for sunset.

Expect high temperatures of 100°F to over 120°F (38°C to over 49°C). Drink plenty of water and carry extra supplies. Avoid hiking at mid-day.

Day 3 Death Valley National Park/Sequoia National Park

Begin the day searching for animal tracks amid the otherworldly landscape of Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, where shifting sands soar up to 100 feet high. Then discover Father Crowley Vista Point, where an easy hike offers an epic payoff: a sweeping view over Rainbow Canyon and Panamint Valley. Keep an eye out for fighter jets practicing between the cliffs. Continue around the Sierra Nevada mountains to California’s Sequoia National Park.

Day 4 Sequoia National Park

Enjoy a full day to explore the legendary trees of Sequoia National Park. Walk in the shadow of its formidable giants—including General Sherman, the planet’s largest known living single-stem tree—alongside a naturalist from Sequoia Parks Conservancy. On an afternoon hike along Big Tree Trail, hear how, in 1916, National Geographic deeded tracts of giant trees here to the National Parks Service for safekeeping. This evening, return to the park for an evening of stargazing with a local expert; or, if skies are cloudy, set out on a nighttime walk to witness nocturnal life.

In cases where the night sky is cloudy, we will replace the star gazing activity with a nighttime nature walk in the National Park. Embark on a one-mile walk to experience the dramatic changes of the soundscapes and nocturnal biodiversity of the area. This engaging walk will awaken awareness and provide an in-depth experience of Sequoia’s nocturnal plants and animals.

Day 5 Sequoia National Park/Kings Canyon National Park

Embark on a spectacular drive, watching as the scenery changes from towering sequoias to one of the deepest canyons in the United States. On a journey from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove, be awed by the glacially carved Kings Canyon, and keep an eye out for the endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep and other majestic wildlife.

Day 6 Kings Canyon National Park/Yosemite National Park

Head north through the Sierras to the south entrance of Yosemite National Park, a natural wonderland of picturesque valleys and ancient granite formations.

We recommend viewing the documentary Free Solo prior to your trip or downloading this film on your devices to watch during today's drive. This National Geographic film follows the incredible world-first free solo (without ropes or safety features) of Yosemite's iconic El Capitan climbing wall. Watch as free climber Alex Honnold grapples with the route, his body and his mind to conquer this rock face that is about 3,000 feet high.

Day 7 Yosemite National Park

This morning, join a Yosemite Conservancy naturalist on a guided excursion around the park, gaining an insider’s perspective on the human, natural, and geological history of the region. Hike through the heart of Yosemite while hearing about its flora and fauna, and learn how this rugged backcountry became the U.S.’s first protected state park in 1864—and, with the help of John Muir, a national park in 1890. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own; choose your own adventure amid majestic waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, lush meadows, and pristine groves. Keep an eye out for glacial erratics, rock climbers, and a diversity of wildlife. Opt to visit the Ansel Adams Studio or relax by the river with Half Dome as the backdrop.

Carved by glaciers, Yosemite National Park became the first protected state park in the US in 1864. It took until 1890 to gain National Park status, with the work of John Muir. Though 95% of the park is backcountry, there is still plenty to explore via hikes or the shuttle system. Spend the day hiking amongst Giant Sequoias, granite cliffs, and rushing waterfalls and understand why around 4 million people come to the park each year.

Day 8 Yosemite National Park/San Francisco

Pass through the Central Valley of California, stopping at a local farm stand to sample some of the region's best produce. Drive over the Bay Bridge on the way into one of America's most vibrant cities, San Francisco, where your CEO-led guided driving tour of the city begins. Make a visit to Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, walk across a portion of the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, Continue past the Palace of Fine Arts and Union Square en route to our hotel. This evening, consider joining an optional sunset sail in the San Francisco Bay, departing from Fisherman’s Wharf to glide past notorious Alcatraz Island and underneath the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge.

Day 9 San Francisco

Depart at any time.

DAY 1 – DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Heading to California this morning you will embark on a guided tour of Death Valley National Park. Enjoy photo stops and shorts walks at Zabriskie Point, Artist’s Palette, Badwater Basin Salt flats, Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Devil’s Golf Course and the Mesquite Sand Dunes.

After a picnic lunch drive spectacular scenery to the old Gold Rush Historic town of Bishop for your night stop.

DAY 2 – TIOGA PASS TO YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Crossing the Tioga pass* this morning provides an extremely scenic route passing by highlights such as Olmsted Point, Lake Tenaya, Tuolumne Meadows and Mono lake en route to Yosemite Valley. Visit the Valley Visitor Center and exhibits, take a mini tour and get ready for a full day of exploration tomorrow.

* Weather permitting- In the event that the Tioga Pass is closed due to weather, this tour will reroute through Lake Isabella instead of Bishop.

DAY 3 – YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK- FULL DAY

Spend a full day exploring the walks offered in the park. There are countless walks ranging from easy to strenuous or opt for a guided tour with your expert guide to the premier panoramas within the park such as Bridalveil Falls, Lower Yosemite Falls, views of Half Dome and El Capitan. You can also opt for some free time relaxing or cycling along the Merced River.

DAY 4 – YOSEMITE TO SAN FRANCISCO

Today we head to City by the Bay- San Francisco! Your 4 day adventure concludes with a fully guided city tour of this vibrant city. Stops include Fisherman’s Warf, Pier 39, Haight Ashbury and the Golden Gate Bridge. Tour ends approx. 5pm