California Dreaming: Yosemite, Death Valley & Coastal Camping
California Dreaming: Yosemite, Death Valley & Coastal Camping
California Dreaming: Yosemite, Death Valley & Coastal Camping
7 Days Starting in Los Angeles, USA and ending in Las Vegas, USA
Visiting: Los Angeles, Avila, Yosemite National Park, Las Vegas
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26004
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 13
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Camping, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the ultimate adventure with the "California Dreaming: Yosemite, Death Valley & Coastal Camping" tour. Begin your journey in the vibrant neighborhoods of Los Angeles, then cruise along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway to Avila Beach. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Yosemite National Park, with its majestic waterfalls and giant sequoias, and explore the rugged terrain of Death Valley. Cap off your trip with a night of excitement in the dazzling city of Las Vegas. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and urban thrills, with camping under the stars and guided hikes through some of America's most breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Los Angeles/Avila
Location: Los Angeles
Accommodation: Avila Hot Springs
Accommodation Name: Avila Hot Springs
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 to Avila Beach. 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 Avila before zipping over to San Luis Obispo for dinner on your own.
Additional Information: Please note your arrival flight should land no later than 6:00 AM in order for you to be on time to your 8:30 AM Welcome Meeting.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
ACTIVITY: MORNING 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 to Avila.
Day 2: Avila
Location: Avila
Accommodation: Avila Hot Springs
Accommodation Name: Avila Hot Springs
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 Avila Beach, taking a soak in the public hot springs or renting a bike to find the perfect spot to watch a sunset over the Pacific. Life is your oyster.
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 Avila.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend a free afternoon in Avila. Opt to soak in the local hot springs, or rent a bike to pedal through town and along the water.
Day 3: Avila/Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Indian Flats Campground
Accommodation Name: Indian Flats Campground
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
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.
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.
Day 4: Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Indian Flats Campground
Accommodation Name: Indian Flats Campground
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
ACTIVITY: FULL DAY 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: FULL DAY 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.
Day 5: Yosemite National Park/Bishop
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Brownstown Campground
Accommodation Name: Brownstown Campground
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
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!
Day 6: Bishop/Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation: Golden Nugget Las Vegas - Carson Tower
Accommodation Name: Golden Nugget Las Vegas - Carson Tower
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
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: EVENING 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!
Day 7: Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Parting is such sweet sorrow. Say farewell to your fellow Roamies after what would have been an epic final night. Depart at any time, but be sure to stay in touch with your new friends.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
What's Included
-
Welcome Moment
Meet Your CEO and Group
-
Discover Moment
Yosemite National Park
-
National Park Fees
All national park fees are included
-
Los Angeles Sightseeing
Guided sightseeing tour with CEO in Los Angeles
-
Coastal Free Time
Free time to explore the coast in Avila
-
Yosemite National Park
Guided visit and hikes in Yosemite National Park
-
Sightseeing in Yosemite
Sightseeing through Tioga Pass, Tuolumne Meadows, Lembert Dome, Tenaya Lake, and Mono Lake
-
Death Valley National Park
Visit to Death Valley National Park
-
Free Time in Las Vegas
Free time to explore Las Vegas
-
Transport
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What's Not Included
-
Arrival Flight
Arrival flight should land no later than 6:00 AM on Day 1
-
Dinner on Day 1
Dinner on your own in San Luis Obispo on Day 1
-
Lunch in Santa Barbara
Lunch on your own in Santa Barbara on Day 1
-
Optional Activities
Optional activities such as bike rentals in Yosemite and Avila
-
Evening Meals
Evening meals not included unless specified
Accommodation
Camping (5 nts), hotel (1 nt).
Transport
Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.
Meals Included
5 breakfasts, 4 lunches
Group Size
Max 13
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Meals
All included meals will be prepared from goods bought en route from supermarkets, local shops and markets. Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes. If a meal is not included your CEO will provide suggested options to the group.
Mode of Transport
Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes camping for 5 nights and a hotel stay for 1 night.
-
What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 5 breakfasts and 4 lunches. All included meals will be prepared from goods bought en route from supermarkets, local shops, and markets. Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, and if time allows, a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, consisting of a variety of continental and local dishes.
-
What activities are included in Yosemite National Park?
In Yosemite National Park, you will have guided visits and hikes, including trails like The Mist Trail, Yosemite Falls, and Nevada Falls. You can also opt to rent a bike and explore the valley floor. Additionally, you will visit Tuolumne Grove to see the giant Sequoia trees and hike the Lembert Dome Trail.
-
What is the transportation mode during the tour?
The tour uses an air-conditioned private vehicle for all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
-
What is the group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 13 people.
-
Are there any special arrangements for solo travelers?
Yes, solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. There is no single supplement for solo travelers joining group trips.
-
What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Some highlights of the tour include visiting the hot-spot neighborhoods of LA, camping at Yosemite National Park, driving over the Tioga Pass, exploring the harsh landscapes of Death Valley, and dancing the night away under the lights of vibrant Las Vegas.
-
What should I do if my arrival flight is late?
Your arrival flight should land no later than 6:00 AM to be on time for the 8:30 AM Welcome Meeting. If your flight is late, you may miss the initial activities planned for the first day.
-
What kind of free time activities are available in Avila?
In Avila, you can spend your free time relaxing on Avila Beach, soaking in the public hot springs, or renting a bike to explore the area and find the perfect spot to watch a sunset over the Pacific.
-
What can I expect during the visit to Death Valley?
During the visit to Death Valley, you will see some of its most famous spots, including Furnace Creek, Badwater Basin, and Zabriskie Point. Death Valley is known for its salt flats, colorful rocks, and high temperatures.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Tuesday
Jul 23, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Aug 06, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.