8:00 a.m. — The adventure begins in the lobby of our Los Angeles hostel. After meeting your guide and fellow travelers, we’ll dive straight into the highlights of LA with a sightseeing tour that covers the city’s most iconic spots.

Stops include Hollywood, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Dolby Theatre, Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, and Rodeo Drive—a perfect introduction to the energy and culture of Southern California.

After lunch, we leave the city behind and head east through the desert toward the Colorado River and Lake Havasu, crossing into Arizona. This is where the road trip vibes really kick in. Tonight’s campsite is also the legendary location of our famous APA trucker hat photo, taken by one of our travelers over 15 years ago!

With warm desert temperatures and clear skies, setting up a tent is optional—most nights here are perfect for sleeping under the stars.

🍽 Dinner included
🏕 Camping night
🚐 Drive time today: ~5 hours

Included activities:
• Los Angeles sightseeing tour

Optional activities:
• Swimming at Lake Havasu

After a morning swim and a little more time on the SUP boards, it’s time to say goodbye to Lake Havasu as we hit the road and head toward classic canyon country. We’ll make an early start to maximize our time, traveling north and arriving at Grand Canyon National Park around lunchtime.

Known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is every bit as impressive as you imagine. You’ll have the entire afternoon to explore at your own pace—walk along the rim, visit the information plaza, or even hike down into the canyon itself for a closer look.

As the day winds down, we’ll regroup for sunset at a special viewpoint along the South Rim, one of the most memorable moments of the trip and a true Western Sun highlight.

🍽 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
🏕 Camping night
🚐 Drive time today: ~3.5 hours

Included activities:
• London Bridge
• Grand Canyon National Park

Optional activities:
• Walking & hiking
• Sunset with the group
• IMAX Movie ($14)
• Helicopter flight ($319–$349)

Leaving the canyon behind, we make our way across the desert with a stop in the famous small town of Seligman, Arizona—better known as the birthplace of Route 66. This historic town inspired Radiator Springs in the Disney movie Cars and is the perfect place to soak up classic Americana and snap a few iconic photos.

From Seligman, we continue on to Las Vegas, where your guide will give you an introductory city tour to help you get familiar with Sin City. As we drive the full length of the Las Vegas Strip, your guide will share the city’s history, point out must-see landmarks, and give you plenty of insider tips on how to make the most of your time here.

Las Vegas may be known as the gambling capital of the world, but there’s far more to do than hit the blackjack tables. From world-class shows and free attractions to shopping, amusement rides, day clubs with incredible pools, and legendary nightlife, these two days are yours to explore the city however you like.

🏨 2 hotel nights
🍽 1 breakfast & 1 lunch included
🚐 Drive time (Day 3): ~4 hours

Included activities:
• Route 66 stop in Seligman
• Las Vegas city tour

Optional activities:
• Shopping on the Strip & outlet malls
• Sunbathing or swimming by the hotel pool
• Casino gambling & clubbing (21+)
• Limo party (~$40)
• Las Vegas shows ($60–$180)
• Skydiving: $219 (tandem)

Today we continue west, leaving the lights of Las Vegas behind as we head deep into the Mojave Desert and Death Valley National Park. This is one of the most extreme environments on Earth, where summer temperatures can average around 110°F (43.5c)—and you’ll definitely feel it.

Throughout the day, we’ll explore several different parts of the park, including vast sand dunes, shimmering salt flats, and Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. Death Valley also holds the record for the hottest place on Earth, making this an unforgettable and otherworldly landscape to experience firsthand.

By late afternoon, we’ll cross the desert and arrive at our campsite on the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Tonight’s camp is a welcome contrast—set in a lush grove of cottonwood trees with cooler air and plenty of space to relax after a big day in the heat.

🍽 Lunch & Dinner included
🏕 Camping night
🚐 Drive time today: ~5 hours

Included activities:
• Death Valley National Park

Optional activities:
• Warm springs (top secret!)

We’ll get an early start today as we head into one of the crown jewels of the American West—Yosemite National Park. We’ll spend the majority of the day here, giving you plenty of time to explore the park at your own pace.

Yosemite offers something for everyone, from short, easy walks to longer, more strenuous hikes, as well as swimming spots along the Merced River. There are even bikes available to rent, with over 12 miles of paved trails winding through the valley. Your guide will help you choose the activities that best match your energy level and interests.

Throughout the day, you’ll be treated to iconic views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls—the tallest waterfall in North America—and El Capitan, a towering 3,000-foot granite wall that dominates the valley. This day is all about making the most of your time in one of the most spectacular national parks in the world.

🍽 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
🏕 Camping night
🚐 Drive time today: ~4 hours

Included activities:
• Yosemite National Park

Optional activities:
• Walking & hiking
• Sunbathing & swimming
• Visitor center, museum & art gallery
• Bike rental ($30 / half day)

We’ll get an early start once again as we make our way toward San Francisco, arriving in the city in time for lunch. The afternoon is spent exploring the city’s most iconic sights on a guided sightseeing tour.

Highlights include the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Twin Peaks, the famous Painted Ladies at Alamo Square, Chinatown, City Hall, and Fisherman’s Wharf—a perfect mix of classic landmarks and local culture.

In the evening, there’s an optional sunset sailing trip beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, an unforgettable way to bring the adventure to a close. If you’re still feeling energized, San Francisco’s nightlife offers an endless variety of bars and clubs to celebrate your final night with the group.

🏨 Hostel night
🍽 No meals included
🚐 Drive time today: ~4 hours

Included activities:
• San Francisco sightseeing tour

Optional activities:
• Cable car ride ($8)
• Sunset sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge ($85)

Today marks the official end of the Western Sun Adventure. No activities are planned, giving you complete freedom to enjoy your final day in San Francisco at your own pace.

If you’re flying out later in the day, the hostel is happy to store your luggage while you head out to explore. San Francisco is an incredibly fun and walkable city, and we highly recommend staying an extra night or two if your schedule allows—you’ll love it here.

If you do need to fly home today, we suggest booking an afternoon flight. This gives you time to enjoy one last day in the city while your luggage is safely stored for free. A popular option for today is visiting Alcatraz Island, which makes for a great final experience to share with others from your group. Alcatraz tickets must be booked on your own, either online in advance or once you arrive in San Francisco.

However you choose to spend the day, it’s the perfect way to wind down after an unforgettable week on the road.

🧳 No accommodation provided today

Optional activities:
• Walking & shopping
• Alcatraz tour ($53.25 — must be booked independently)