Chock-full of incredible adventures, you’ll explore the best locations in the Southwest and the West Coast of America on this trek. After experiencing the highlights of Yosemite, kick-back on sandy California beaches, be dazzled in Hollywood, maybe hit the jackpot in Las Vegas, hike around Bryce Canyon and go for a swim beneath the stunning red rock cliffs of Zion National Park.  This adventure is a perfect combination of camping and hotel or hostel stays.  Don’t miss the chance to do it all!

Day 0

Welcome to the Green Tortoise!

Meet at the bus loading zone at the intersection of Columbus and Montgomery Street in downtown San Francisco with your e-ticket.  An overnight ride brings us to Yosemite National Park!

The bus departs at 9:00 PM.  

Plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to the departure time. 

Custom Sleeper Coach Drive Night

Day 1

Wake up in the remarkable wilderness of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and enjoy your first Tortoise breakfast.  A short ride along a picturesque road reveals views of El Capitan, Half Dome and cascading waterfalls before we stop to explore Yosemite Valley.  The early arrival allows plenty of time to hike the famous Mist Trail, meander along the Merced River, rent a bike or take a gander at the Ansel Adams Gallery and the famous Ahwahnee Hotel.  

In the evening, head for camp in the Eastern Sierras and enjoy a decadent camp dinner.

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Showers Available at Yosemite Lodge

Day 2

Enjoy the scenic ride to Tuolumne Meadows.  Meander through the subalpine meadow or hike to the magnificent views atop Lembert Dome.  Next, we’ll head to Tuolumne Grove, where you can stand in the presence of giants!  An up-close encounter with the Sequoias will leave you humbled.  

Tonight, celebrate the good times in South Lake Tahoe.  We’ll drive overnight back to the “City by the Bay”.

Custom Sleeper Coach Drive Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Optional Swim

Day 3

Enjoy the scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway.  We’ll hit the beach in Santa Cruz.  You can get an adrenaline rush on the Giant Dipper, one of the oldest roller coasters in the US, or check out the Surfing Museum.  In Monterey, stroll along John Steinbeck’s beloved Cannery Row, wander around Fisherman’s Wharf, or visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Afterwards, we’ll head for our campsite among the Coastal Redwoods of Big Sur.  

Camp Night

Meals Included: Dinner

Optional Swim

Day 4

Hop into the Pacific Ocean at San Simeon State Park.  You may choose to tour the antiquated Hearst Castle.  Admire the local elephant seal colony residing on the coast and watch the endless horizon go by as the road winds along the ocean cliffside to Santa Monica.  Take a walk around the Santa Monica Pier and sink your toes into the manicured sands of the beachfront.  

Hostel Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Optional Swim / Showers Available

Day 5

Meet back up with the bus and head for Venice Beach.  LA’s “city of endless summer” is the best place to go for souvenir shopping along the boardwalk, ogling at Muscle Beach and watching street performances.  Next, we head toward the Hollywood sign for time at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Walk of Fame, and the Kodak Theatre, the site of the Academy Awards.  A short drive brings us to Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley.  Spend a balmy evening at a downtown bistro before we head for Joshua Tree National Park, where we’ll camp alongside giant boulders.

Camp Night

Showers Available

Day 6

Today, we explore the Mojave Desert. Joshua Tree National Park is home to otherworldly, whimsical yucca trees that give the park its name.  You’ll have multiple opportunities to hike and explore the boulder-strewn landscape.  Venture into Hidden Valley and gaze into Skull Rock.  Keep your eyes peeled for our cousin, the massive desert tortoise!  This evening, we’ll make our way to Las Vegas for a jaunt along the famous Strip.    

Custom Sleeper Coach Drive Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 7

Onward to Bryce Canyon National Park! This lesser-visited park is home to a brightly layered landscape rivalling the Grand Canyon. Bryce is not actually a true canyon, but instead a series of amphitheaters that cut into the earth. You can hike to the wind-sculpted “hoodoos,” otherworldly looking spires of rock, that rise alongside the Rim Trail. The trail stretches five miles to Fairyland, Inspiration Point and the Queens Garden.  We camp at Kodachrome Basin State Park this evening and watch the sun set over broad spires jutting from the earth.

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Showers Available

Day 8

Today, explore beneath the towering sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park.  Stretch your legs with an exhilarating hike to Angel’s Landing or take a short walk to witness the water cascading directly from the sandstone arch of Weeping Rock.  Wade through the legendary Zion Narrows, where the north fork of the Virgin River has etched and carved its way through copper-colored sandstone creating a stunning slot canyon.  If you’d simply like to cool your heels, splash around in the crystal clear Virgin River.

Transfer To Las Vegas, Nevada

Meals Included: Breakfast /  Lunch

Optional Swim / Showers Available

*Not ready to go home?  Check out the Western Trek for an even longer adventure!

• 70% of Meals
• Travel by Custom Coach
• National Park Entrance Fees
• Semi-Guided Exploration of Cities and Parks
• Sleeping Pad
• Camping Fees

• • Sleeping Bag  (Rent one from us!)
  • Tent  (You don’t need one.  You can sleep on the bus!)
  • Hostel or Hotel Stay During the Adventure

• • Bike or Raft Rentals
  • Roller Coasters
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Hearst Castle Tour
  • Casino Shows
  • Inner Tube Rental

You’ll be traveling in a custom sleeper coach! 

A sleeping bag is required for this adventure. If you don’t have one, rent one from us upon booking!  Just $15 for the entire trip.

A tent is not required.  You are welcome to sleep on the bus or use one of our pads to sleep beneath the stars.  You may rent a tent from us for $50 (if you really want one).

Our coaches are equipped with a camp kitchen.  No need to bring your own cookware or utensils.  Bring a reusable lunch container to store your packed lunch and a reusable water bottle.

Departure:  9:00 PM – San Francisco California, Columbus and Montgomery St. Bus Loading Zone 

Arrival:  10:30 PM – Las Vegas, Nevada – South Strip Transfer Terminal – Off McCarran International Airport transit hub

Early Arrival Option

(2 days prior to end date):  7:00 PM – Hostel Cat, 1236 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104