California National Park Discovery

Starting in Las Vegas, this G Adventures small-group tour sets off across California’s varied landscapes, beginning with a hike in Death Valley, known as the land of extremes and the lowest elevation in the US. The route then passes through Sequoia National Park, where the General Sherman Tree presents a living testament to the size of the world's largest trees — its girth takes a couple of arms to encircle.

Further on, Yosemite’s valley offers dramatic views: granite cliffs rise abruptly, punctuated by waterfalls audible from the valley floor. Alongside the included hikes, there’s some free time in San Francisco to take in landmarks such as its distinctive cable cars or wandering through the city’s neighbourhoods. Travellers should be ready for a couple of long driving days and variable temperatures, given the desert and mountain climates.

This week-long itinerary covers some of California’s most celebrated national parks by coach and light trekking with a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer, who helps coordinate the journey and offers local insight without the formality of a traditional guided tour. The trip balances active days with moments at leisure, all while moving steadily through notable scenery.