Best of California's National Parks
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Experience Overview
Visit three of California’s iconic national parks on a seven-day adventure that’ll leave you with memories of sweeping mountainscapes and star-strewn skies. Come face-to-face with Yosemite’s diverse landscapes, exploring sprawling meadows, waterfalls, thick forest and granite peaks like the Half Dome and El Capitan – all with a local leader to take you beyond the typical photo stops. Gaze up at the mighty General Sherman and General Grant trees in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks – photos can’t capture the awe-inspiring feeling of standing beneath these ancient giants. Connect with the landscape more deeply when you join an expert from the Yosemite Conservancy after dark for a stargazing experience.
Highlights
- Experience three of California’s most iconic national parks – Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon – in one epic week-long adventure.
- Spend two days exploring Yosemite National Park's granite peaks, waterfalls and valley trails with an expert local leader, experiencing one of America's most celebrated national parks well beyond the roadside viewpoints.
- Walk beneath ancient, giant sequoias that have stood for thousands of years – including General Sherman. Nothing quite prepares you for the scale of these mighty beasts!
- Join a Yosemite Conservancy naturalist for a stargazing experience where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the landscapes, wildlife and stories that make Yosemite so extraordinary.
- Spend more time soaking up California's spectacular wilderness, with your accommodation, transportation and national park logistics all taken care of.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2634
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: SSSG
Starts: Las Vegas, United States Of America
Finishes: San Francisco, United States Of America
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (3), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4172 ($596 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Nevada! Las Vegas will be your gateway to the grandeur of the Golden State. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm, giving you plenty of time to bathe in Vegas’ glow. It’s recommended that you arrive a day or two early to really experience the city, allowing time to do the classics (think casinos, drive-through weddings and live shows) as well as scratching below the surface to see Las Vegas’ diverse neighbourhoods and thriving arts scene.
Optional Activities:
- Las Vegas - Bellagio Fountains - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leaving Sin City in the dust, you’ll road trip across state lines, getting a look at some of the most iconic landscapes of the American West. Cross the Mojave Desert, then watch as the arid plains transform into the lush green of California’s agricultural valleys before giving way to the peaks of the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Enjoy the scenery during the drive, getting your first glimpse of the diversity of California’s landscapes, which you’ll get to know more closely over the next few days. Settle into your accommodation in the afternoon. Tonight, join your group for an included dinner at a local restaurant – here’s to the adventure ahead, through mighty mountains and towering sequoias!
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll experience the best of the Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Guided by your leader, you’ll explore both parks on foot, driving between stops. Feel small as you stand in the shadow of giant sequoias that have towered over these landscapes for thousands of years. Stand next to the staggering General Sherman – the largest tree in the world by volume. Standing at a height of 83 m (275 ft), this tree is estimated to be 2200 years old. You’ll also see General Grant, which has been dubbed the Nation’s Christmas Tree. Feel the grandeur of the other specimens of Sequoia as you explore the rest of the Giant Forest – the ancient giant sequoia tree can only be found here, on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. The experience of witnessing the sheer scale of these trees in person is unmatched. Closer to the ground, the forest is filled with sugar pines, incense cedars and white firs. You’ll also take in views of the canyons and mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevada throughout today’s adventures. You may even drive through a tree at Tunnel Log, peer into Tharp’s Log and spot wildlife like marmots, black bears and bighorn sheep.
Included Activities:
- Sequoia National Park
- Sequoia National Park - Leader-led hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your bucket list is going to get a little shorter today – venture into the world-famous Yosemite National Park for your first day of exploring. Get acquainted with the park’s awe-inspiring landscapes during a guided hike. Your leader will choose the best route based on today’s weather conditions. With a local by your side, you’ll get to see the best of the park on foot, going beyond the roadside viewpoints to walk among the landscape itself. Strewn with dramatic waterfalls, gigantic granite outcrops, sheer cliffs, lush meadows and dense forests of sequoia and pine, this is one of the most spectacular spots in the country. Your leader will teach you about the ecologically diverse landscape along the way. You’ll also drive up to Glacier Point for a view you won’t soon forget, looking down over the valley and across to the iconic Half Dome. After sunset, witness Yosemite as few visitors do as you join a naturalist from the Yosemite Conservancy for a guided stargazing experience. The park’s minimal light pollution makes it an excellent place to see the stars. Your naturalist guide will point out constellations, sharing their astronomical insights and local stories that’ll help you get to know Yosemite beyond the landscapes you’ve seen today. For the next two nights, you'll be staying in a hotel just a few minutes from the park's main entrance.
Included Activities:
- Yosemite National Park - Stargazing with Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist
- Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
- Yosemite National Park - Leader-led hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Get under the skin of Yosemite with another day of exploration. In the morning, head to Yosemite Valley for leader-led walks around some of the park’s best trails. This afternoon, choose from a range of optional activities to experience Yosemite your way. If you’re up for something active, you might choose to join your leader for a challenging yet rewarding hike along the Mist Trail to Nevada Falls for fabulous views. Or maybe hire a bicycle and pedal along the designated (and flat) paths through the valley. In summer, the waters of the Merced River are calmer, making it the perfect time for some scenic rafting. From the river, you can see rocks like El Capitan and the Half Dome beyond the wooded banks. Once you’ve seen the sights, regroup to cap off the day with a pizza picnic in the park for dinner. Share stories from your adventures with your group as you soak up the atmosphere of the park by night.
Included Activities:
- Yosemite - Pizza Picnic Dinner
- Yosemite National Park - Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point
Optional Activities:
- Yosemite Valley Bike Rental Half Day (37 USD)
- Yosemite - River Float Raft Rental (seasonal) (45 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After saying fond farewells to Yosemite, swap the rugged wilderness of the Sierra Nevada for vibrant waterfront city life – it’s time to head west to San Francisco. Say hello to this energetic city by going for a walk across its most iconic landmark – the Golden Gate Bridge. Then, check into your hotel for the night. At sunset, you can hit the water for an optional catamaran cruise to see the bay from a different perspective, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island – this is the perfect farewell to a sun-kissed Californian adventure. Why not head out for dinner with your fellow travellers tonight to celebrate the journey you’ve shared.
Included Activities:
- San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge walk
Optional Activities:
- San Francisco - Sunset catamaran cruise (90 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned today, your adventure ends this morning. If you’d like to spend more time exploring San Francisco, and it’s highly recommended you do, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
John - Traveled, October 2025
Absolutely loved this trip. We got to hike mountains, see so many places, tour guide and group members were all great! Half the group wanted to do strenuous hiking whilst the other half wanted to do light walking and sight seeing and the tour guide was able to accommodate both groups! Keep in mind is a 2 on the physical rating so its less of a strenuous hiking trip and more light walking.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2025
Lisa - Traveled, September 2025
This trip was well organized and allowed for the flexibility of our group while seeing some of the most treasured iconic national parks in the western US. Our guide was exceptionally accommodating and knowledgeable. All of the accommodations were clean and met our various needs. The physical activity level of this itinerary is right is the middle.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2025
Ilaria - Traveled, September 2025
Both my Intrepid trips (Hiking Utah and Best of California National Parks) exceeded expectations. The itineraries were amazing and the parks breathtaking, but what truly made them special were the guides: Alex and Chloe. Their passion, knowledge, and personal touches turned unforgettable landscapes into binding experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2025
Joanne - Traveled, September 2025
As a first time solo traveller I found Intrepid excellent. The group ranged from 19 to 70 year old. The guid and accommodation to a high standard.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2025
Jordan - Traveled, August 2025
A fearless journey far and wide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/21/2025
Pallavi - Traveled, June 2025
This trip is a good to see highlights of sequoia and Yosemite National parks. The spatial of an extra hour in sequoia to see part of Congress trail would help. In Yosemite need to plan the free day to maximize your time. The mirror lake doesn’t gave much water in summer and autumn. Vernal falls, el captain were good too visit on the free day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/29/2025
Carol - Traveled, May 2025
Had a lovely trip with Intrepid to a couple of National Parks in California. Our guide, Wes, was exceptional, very knowledgeable and patient with all. Would highly recommend trips with Intrepid- this was my 5th, first one by myself and I felt very comfortable traveling as a single.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/26/2025
Andrea - Traveled, May 2025
This trip was a great insight to two of the big California parks! Beautiful sights, and Brittni was amazing!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2025
John - Traveled, April 2025
The Best of California’s National Parks was outstanding. Our mid-April departure provided excellent weather and showed the Parks at a dramatic state with spectacular waterfalls and blue skies. Our leader Bradlay guided us through the landscape and cared for all our needs. Many thanks.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/26/2025
Jayne - Traveled, April 2025
I recently experienced a fabulous week in the Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks with Intrepid leader, Bradlay, and it was a very special adventure. I would highly recommend this week in the natural beauty of the parks. Thanks Bradlay! Thanks Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2025
Lauren - Traveled, October 2024
We did this trip as part of the larger 10 day Best of Western USA. Long driving days but the parks were beautiful. The accomodation for this part of the trip was fairly standard. Chris did a good job overall- knowledgeable, enthusiastic and a good driver - but the tips being asked for were not what were posted on the website. Instead of $10-20 a day pp the guide asked for about $30pp per day. I was also disappointed he did not readily share group photos, only saying he would share them once we left a review. We did not get to walk on Golden Gate Bridge and the last day was rushed as Chris had to go start another tour and hurried us to finish up. Overall a great trip with lots of different options for all ages and fitness levels but a few things need ironing out.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2024
Donna - Traveled, October 2024
Excellent trip to California redwood/sequoia forests. Guide was informative and fun
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2024
Danny - Traveled, September 2024
Very Nice Journey in a short Time of Best of California!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2024
Zhenxu - Traveled, September 2024
It was a great trip overall and our tour leader was excellent. The view was amazing and our group had been well taken care of. However, I did not receive any travel details and accommodation arrangements before the trip started, which made the first day a bit difficult. It would be nice if more meals had been included. Also we spent most of the day on the road on the first day and the last day, which means not many activities planned on these two days.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2024
Andrew - Traveled, July 2024
This tour is fantastic, the tour guides are amazing and generous with their time and effort, definitely recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2024
Mary Grace - Traveled, July 2024
Adventuring through the national parks with Bradley was the experience of a lifetime. Can't recommend it enough!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2024
