Compare Grand Circuit Inn-based by Wildland Trekking vs USA Road Trip- The Best of Cali by G Adventures

Day 1

Shuttle to the North Rim: 4-hour drive from Flagstaff

Hiking Mileage: 1.5-4.0 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 600-1441 feet

Accommodations: Grand Canyon Lodge

On this Grand Canyon hiking tour, we'll pick you up at your hotel in Flagstaff and begin our drive to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. En route we'll cross the Little Colorado River and then the Colorado River near Lee's Ferry, where the Old Navajo Bridge (built in the 1920's) is suspended 467 feet above the water. Your guide will drop you off so you can walk across the historic bridge and snap pictures of this amazing spot, which marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon. Occasionally we see California Condors perched on the rafters beneath the bridge.

After eating breakfast at the Old Navajo Bridge, we'll continue on our journey to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park and the famous Grand Canyon Lodge. We'll check in to our rooms, then enjoy the lodge and its massive picture windows before hiking to Bright Angel Point, one of the most impressive views in the Canyon. After a hearty lunch we'll hike down the famous North Kaibab Trail to Coconino Overlook, another one of the most impressive overlooks in the Canyon.

Once the hiking is done we'll continue back to the Grand Canyon Lodge, where we'll shower and meet up for a wonderful dinner overlooking the depths of the Grand Canyon from the Lodge restaurant's spectacular picture windows.

Day 2

Hiking Mileage: 2-6 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 1,200 - 2,500 feet

Accommodations: Grand Canyon Lodge

After a big breakfast we'll drive a short distance to our trailhead. Today's hike is on a beautiful trail that winds through the pine trees and aspen of the high North Rim (8,000 feet) past ancient fossil beds to the edge of the Canyon. Elk, deer, coyotes, fox, mountain lions, and even half-breed wild buffalo roam these forests and meadows regularly. The plant life is rich and lush, which is an amazing contrast to the desert ecosystems we'll be gazing down at inside the Canyon (and later walking through off the South Rim). Once we reach the edge of the Canyon, we'll traverse the North Rim to a stunning viewpoint. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the depths of the Canyon, explore this incredible area by extending our hike along the Rim, and then return on the same trail.

We’ll have a nice sunset dinner this evening cooked by your guide at a spectacular view point called Point Imperial.

Day 3

Shuttle to the South Rim: 4-hour drive from the North Rim

Hiking Mileage: 3-6 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 1,200 - 2,500 feet

Accommodations: Grand Canyon Squire Inn

We'll check out of our rooms and drive again over the Colorado River at Lee's Ferry. We'll turn west and enter the Park from the East Entrance this time, where we'll stop at the famous Desert View Watchtower. This amazing structure is a replica of a Native American tower found in the same location by early explorers centuries ago.

After driving along the famous Desert View Drive, we'll reach the jumping off point for our amazing hike on the Grandview Trail! As the name implies, phenomenal views abound on this hike! You can see for more than 100 miles on a clear Grand Canyon day from the top. Originally used by native peoples of the Grand Canyon, the Grandview Trail as we know it today was built as access to the Last Chance Mine when copper was discovered on Horseshoe Mesa in 1890. Along with prehistoric sites, much of the old mining operation remains, including the original miner's cabin walls and fireplace.

After our hike we'll check in to our hotel, have another hearty dinner at one of the South Rim's historic rim-side restaurants, enjoy showers, and relish in some much-deserved relaxation time.

Day 4

Hiking Mileage: 6 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 2,040 feet

Accommodations: Grand Canyon Squire Inn

After breakfast we’ll make our way to the Hermit Trailhead. Built by the Santa Fe Railroad as a route to Hermit Camp, the Hermit Trail leads us through fossil beds in the limestone and sandstone formations to Waldron Basin. From the high desert valley of Waldron, we will continue hiking along the top of the Red Wall with incredible views into a deep, seemingly bottomless canyon. One of the great highlights of this hike are the 260+ million year old reptile prints, complete with the swish of the creature's tail, permanently etched in a slab of sandstone next to the trail. Our hike's turnaround point is Dripping Springs, a desert spring that drips from the ceiling of a sandstone alcove, nourishing the desert with water.

Tonight's meal is a celebratory sunset dinner prepared by your guide at a remote spot on the South Rim (weather permitting). We'll enjoy a short walk along the Rim either before or after our meal as the sun dips behind distant ridgelines and the Canyon's shadows grow long across the landscape. The outdoor dinners on this tour tend to be long-remembered by our guests.

Day 5

Hiking Mileage: 6 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 1,700 feet

Shuttle to Flagstaff: 1.5 hours

On our final morning we'll get an early start, check out and head to the South Kaibab Trail, which descends the spine of the spectacular Cedar Ridge and allows for BIG Grand Canyon views as the ridge drops off on both sides and in front of you. It is the trail to do if you’re looking for some of the best panoramas in the Grand Canyon. These panoramas and the moderate nature of the hiking make the South Kaibab Trail one of the most photographed trails in the country. Possible sightings of California Condors and truly fascinating geologic history will round out the day.

It's a relatively short shuttle drive back to Flagstaff after today's hike, during which time you can relax and reminisce over the last 5 amazing days.

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.

Due to road damage, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park will be closed until further notice. Alternative routes and stops will be added between Santa Margarita and Santa Cruz during this time.

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/Los Angeles

In the morning travel to Los Angeles. The adventure ends upon arrival.