Compare Thunder Creek - Ruby Mountain by Wildland Trekking vs USA Road Trip- The Best of Cali by G Adventures
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 3 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 970 | $ 2,252 |
| Price Per Day | $ 323 | $ 250 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Camping |
| Physical Level |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners |
| Description |
With turbulent creeks, mountain forests, and panoramic views of dramatic peaks and Ross and Diablo Lakes, this three-day hike is a great introduction to North Cascades National Park. We start with a short but steep day up to our campground near Fourth of July Pass, and have a chance on day 2 to summit Ruby Mountain before returning to camp. On our last day we will retrace our steps back to the trailhead. |
California is the land of dreamers and schemers and we schemed up quite the adventure for you. Start in LA and travel north to San Francisco along Highway 1 on this short nine-day trip. Then, head inland to see mighty Yosemite National Park and all of the beautiful hikes and views that landscape has to offer before driving back to southern California for an included surf lesson. Sounds like a win in our book! |
Day 1
Shuttle to the trailhead: 3 hours
Hiking Mileage: 4.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
This multi-day North Cascades National Park hiking trip begins with a pick up at your hotel in Seattle, and then a scenic drive into the North Cascades. When we arrive at the trailhead, we will get our packs and gear sorted out and start following Thunder Creek. Our trail starts off level, but we will begin climbing after not too long, winding our way through forests with occasional glimpses of Ross Lake and jagged peaks through the trees. We will make our camp near Fourth of July Pass, and enjoy a gourmet meal in the depths of the North Cascades.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,800 feet
Elevation Loss: 3,800 feet
Today is our layover day, so we will leave our camp set up and just take daypacks on a short but steep ascent of Ruby Mountain. A solid footpath with intermittent scrambling will take us to the summit and to 360 degree views of the North Cascades, Ross Lake and Diablo Lake. We will soak up the views on the summit over lunch, take time to relax, and eventually start descending back to camp and a restful night.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 4.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
Shuttle to Seattle: 3 hours
On our final day, we will bid farewell to our home of two nights and being descending back towards the trail head. We will notice the plants change as we lose elevation, and as the alpine views fade away we will return to tumbling creeks and, finally, Diablo Lake. We will soak our feet in the lake one last time, eat lunch by the vehicle, and then drive back to Seattle and your hotel.
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.
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.
