11 Days in the American West: CA, NV and UT National Parks
Saddle up for this 11-day road trip through the American West as you hike, horseback ride, and whitewater kayak through California, Nevada, and Utah's national parks — with a Vegas pit stop.
The USA
11 days / 10 nights
$5,780 /person
$5,780 /person
Your trip at a glance
Top Activities
Riding a historic cable car to see the seals of San Francisco's Fisherman’s Wharf
Whitewater rafting along the thrilling South Fork American River
Hiking past Liberty Cap and Half Dome on a guided tour of Yosemite's highlights
Visiting the otherworldly badlands and sand dunes of Death Valley National Park
Experiencing the best of Las Vegas through guided food, art, and culture tours
Welcome to San Francisco!
Riding a Cable Car, E-Biking, and Cruising Between Neighborhoods
Yosemite National Park and Rafting the South Fork American River
Hiking Yosemite Valley and a Day in the Park
Yosemite's High Country and Tioga Pass Road
Show All 11 days
Death Valley National Park and Viva Las Vegas
Hot Spots and Hidden Gems of Las Vegas
Best Bites and Favored Flavors of Downtown Vegas
Horseback Riding in Zion National Park and Your Introduction to Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park and the Red Hoodoo Rock Formations
Until the Next Time!
Yosemite National Park and Rafting the South Fork American River
Overview
After breakfast this morning, it’s time to head to your next destination — Yosemite National Park. To get there, you'll take the scenic route, so as you drive out of the city, you'll make your way into the foothills of the stunning Sierra Nevada. About three hours away, you’ll make your first stop in the Gold Rush-era town of Coloma. Here, you’ll meet an expert outdoors guide for a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure, during which you’ll tour the South Fork’s scenic Lower Gorge in an exhilarating and breathtaking journey by water. When the tour wraps up, you’ll continue on your way to Yosemite, where you’ll check in to your lodge accommodation. After taking some time to refresh and settle in, you’ll have tonight free to soak in the national park ambiance, whether you’re ready to start exploring your surroundings or simply want to unwind by the on-site pool.
Highlights
Whitewater Rafting on the American River
This 15-mile Class III rafting trip follows the South Fork’s Lower Gorge, blending exciting rapids with peaceful stretches to take in the landscape of the Sierra foothills. Along the way, you’ll navigate through more than 30 rapids, pass historic points of interest, and enjoy views of the rugged canyon walls.
Yosemite National Park
Today, you’ll gain your first glimpses of Yosemite, immersing yourself in one of the world’s most famous national park landscapes of all time. As a whole, Yosemite spans nearly 1,200 square miles, peppered with sequoia forests, sprawling meadows, cascading waterfalls, and a diverse array of additional, incredible scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for glimmers of wildlife and prepare for an adventure as you start to experience the nuances of this dramatic terrain.
Accommodations
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite (or similar)
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite is a contemporary mountain resort just outside Yosemite National Park’s Highway 120 entrance. Here, you’ll find spacious rooms, suites, and hillside villas nestled in the park’s distinct environment. Surrounded by lush swaths of forest, the property features rustic-chic designs, outdoor recreation facilities, and family-friendly amenities that include pools, play areas, and nightly programming.
Location:
34001 State Highway 120, Groveland, CA, US, 95321
Phone:
+12093792373
Transportation
Drive from your San Francisco hotel to Yosemite, with stops along the way. The most direct route takes about four hours, but you'll visit Coloma — about three hours away — en route.
San Francisco
Groveland, Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite (or similar)
How it works
Fill out request form
Provide your ideal trip dates and details to be matched with one of our local planning experts.
Meet your expert
Schedule a call with your expert to confirm dates, pricing and any recommended edits to the itinerary.
Book your trip
Once your itinerary is set, it’s time to pay the deposit to secure your trip.
Take-off
Let the journey begin! Your expert will offer real-time support and concierge service while traveling.
Ready to Go?
Let our local experts plan your dream trip.
What's included
Included in the final price
- Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
- On-trip concierge service
- Personalized trip crafting
- Entry and exit information and assistance
- Ten nights of accommodations
- All meals and culinary experiences mentioned in the itinerary
- All activities, tours, experiences, and entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
- All English-speaking local expert guides mentioned in the itinerary
- All transfers, car rental fees, and vehicle services mentioned in the itinerary
Not included in the final price
- International arrival and departure flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not mentioned or listed as optional in the itinerary