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California & Southwest 12D

A perfect loop starting in the foggy hills of SF, hitting the granite peaks of Yosemite, the neon of Vegas, the red rocks of Utah, and the rugged Pacific coast.

12days
30stops
DAY01

Ferry Building → Twin Peaks

Overnight in Twin Peaks
  1. 10:00
    Ferry Building· start
  3. 13:00
    Mission District
  5. 17:30
    Twin Peaks· overnight
Local Eats
  • La Taqueria · The gold standard for Mission-style burritos. No rice, all flavor.
  • Gott's Roadside · Modern tray-service at the Ferry Building. Great burgers and shakes.
Today's Budget
Hotel in SF
$250
DAY02

Groveland → Yosemite Valley

Overnight in Yosemite Valley
  1. 12:00
    Groveland· start
  3. 15:30
    Tunnel View
  5. 17:00
    Yosemite Valley· overnight
Campsite · Yosemite Valley
Campsite details not verified yet
Road Grub
  • Iron Door Saloon · Oldest saloon in California. Hearty pub food in Groveland.
Fees
Park Entry
$35
DAY03

Mist Trail → Glacier Point

Overnight in Glacier Point
  1. 07:30
    Mist Trail· start
  3. 14:00
    Glacier Point· overnight
Park Eats
  • Degnan's Kitchen · Easy deli sandwiches and pizza in the heart of the Valley.
Daily Spend
Snacks/Supplies
$40
DAY04

Tenaya Lake → Mammoth Lakes

Overnight in Mammoth Lakes
  1. 11:00
    Tenaya Lake· start
  3. 15:00
    Mono Lake
  5. 17:30
    Mammoth Lakes· overnight
Mountain Fuel
  • Whoa Nellie Deli · Famous fish tacos inside a gas station at Tioga's end.
  • Mammoth Brewing · Great local beers and solid pub food in a mountain setting.
Transport
Gas
$60
DAY05

Alabama Hills → Las Vegas

Overnight in Las Vegas
  1. 09:00
    Alabama Hills· start
  3. 13:00
    Badwater Basin
  5. 18:00
    Las Vegas· overnight
Desert Dining
  • Alabama Hills Cafe · Classic diner breakfast in Lone Pine. Huge portions.
  • Lotus of Siam · Incredible Thai food off the Vegas strip. Book ahead.
Budget
Vegas Hotel
$180
DAY06

Valley of Fire → The Narrows

Overnight in The Narrows
  1. 10:00
    Valley of Fire· start
  3. 14:00
    Springdale
  5. 16:00
    The Narrows· overnight
Zion Eats
  • Oscar's Cafe · Massive burgers and Mexican food in Springdale.
Fees
Zion Entry
$35
DAY07

Zion-Mt Carmel Hwy → Navajo Loop

Overnight in Navajo Loop
  1. 09:00
    Zion-Mt Carmel Hwy· start
  3. 13:00
    Navajo Loop· overnight
Local Treats
  • Bryce Canyon Pines · Famous for their homemade pies. Get the boysenberry.
Fees
Bryce Entry
$35
DAY08

Antelope Canyon → Horseshoe Bend

Overnight in Horseshoe Bend
  1. 11:00
    Antelope Canyon· start
  3. 17:30
    Horseshoe Bend· overnight
Page Eats
  • BirdHouse · Excellent fried chicken and local beers in Page.
Activities
Antelope Tour
$100
DAY09

Desert View Watchtower → Mather Point

Overnight in Mather Point
  1. 11:00
    Desert View Watchtower· start
  3. 15:00
    Mather Point· overnight
Iconic Dining
  • El Tovar Dining Room · Historic lodge dining with canyon views. Fancy but worth it.
Fees
Park Entry
$35
DAY10

Seligman → Joshua Tree

Overnight in Joshua Tree
  1. 10:30
    Seligman· start
  3. 17:00
    Joshua Tree· overnight
Roadside Eats
  • Delgadillo's Snow Cap · Hilarious Route 66 burger joint in Seligman.
  • Pappy & Harriet's · Legendary BBQ and live music in Pioneertown.
Transport
Gas
$70
DAY11

Hidden Valley → Santa Barbara

Overnight in Santa Barbara
  1. 08:00
    Hidden Valley· start
  3. 16:00
    Santa Barbara· overnight
Coastal Bites
  • Santa Barbara Shellfish Co · Fresh seafood at the very end of Stearns Wharf.
Budget
Hotel in SB
$300
DAY12

McWay Falls → San Francisco

  1. 11:00
    McWay Falls· start
  3. 14:00
    Bixby Bridge
  5. 19:00
    San Francisco
Final Meal
  • Nepenthe · Famous terrace with the best views in Big Sur.
Transport
Gas
$80
Heads Up
  • Day 5: 5h 30m driving — plan rest stops
  • Day 12: 6h driving — plan rest stops
  • Book Antelope Canyon early
  • Check Tioga Pass status
  • Pack for all climates