Trip Style | Activity Level | Crowd Factor | Total Driving | |
Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Red Rock Canyon | Hiking, Nature & Outdoors | High | Sparse | 1100 miles |
Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon | Hiking, Nature & Outdoors | Moderate | High | 1350 miles |
California's Central Coast | Beach, Nature, Small Towns | Moderate | Moderate - High | 750 miles |
American Southwest National Parks | Nature & Outdoors, Hiking | High | Moderate - High | 800 miles |
Itinerary #1: Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Red Rock Canyon
Escape the city and reconnect with nature while exploring the incredible arid landscapes unique to California. This stunning loop takes you first to Joshua Tree, where you will discover the desert flora and scenic hiking of this incredible national park. Travel back in time with a stay in the Old West-style Pioneertown to complete your experience.
From there, you'll continue on to explore the sandy dunes of Mojave National Preserve before arriving in Death Valley National Park. This area's otherworldly landscapes are unlike any others. From badlands to salt flats, take in this spectacular scenery up close and admire stunning sunrises across the horizon. Finish off your trip admiring the colorful rock formations of the aptly named Red Rock Canyon and a couple of nights amongst the bright lights of Las Vegas before heading home.
Highlights: Hiking, Nature & Outdoors | Suggested Duration: 6 - 8 Days | Total Driving: 1100 miles
Itinerary #2: Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon
On this classic road trip, you'll visit an array of must-see places in the Southwest. Start off heading to Las Vegas, although known for its bright lights and nightlife, it's just a short drive away from the beautiful Red Rock Canyon. Spend the day hiking through the park and exploring its unique colors.
From there, continue on to the Grand Canyon, one of the most frequented national parks. Its scenic hikes and incomparable lookout points make for a remarkable and memorable experience. Round out your trip with a visit to Page, Arizona, home to the picturesque Antelope Canyon, whose wavy walls will leave you mesmerized. Stop by Horseshoe Bend for an incredible lookout before finishing off your trip back in Vegas.
Highlights: Hiking, Nature & Outdoors | Suggested Duration: 6 - 8 Days | Total Driving: 1350 miles
Itinerary #3: California's Central Coast
Journey up the scenic Pacific Coast Highway and take in all that California's coastline has to offer on this 6-day road trip. Set out from Los Angeles and first make your way to sunny Santa Barbara to enjoy an afternoon amidst its laidback atmosphere. Continue on up the coast and spend the day riding ATV's in Pismo Beach and admiring the incredible architecture of Hearst Castle before stopping in San Luis Obispo.
From here, drive up the coast and pass through picturesque Big Sur, stopping for hikes and admiring its breathtaking lookout points before reaching the quaint seaside city of Monterey. On your way back down towards Los Angeles, stop in Paso Robles for wine tasting, and discover the charming small towns of Solvang and Los Olivos bordering the beach city of Santa Barbara.
Highlights: Beach, Nature, Small Towns | Suggested Duration: 6 - 8 Days | Total Driving: 750 miles
Itinerary #4: American Southwest National Parks
Make your way through some of America's most scenic national parks on this 8-day road trip from Las Vegas. Journey first to the Grand Canyon and admire its sweeping views and incomparable hikes. From there, continue on to Page, Arizona to visit the fascinating and picturesque canyon walls of Antelope Canyon.
Spend a day hiking through the unique geological formations in Bryce Canyon National Park before continuing on your way to the stunning Zion National Park. Traverse gorges and admire sweeping views in this stunning park before making your way back to Las Vegas. This road trip takes you through the best of the best.
Highlights: Hiking, Nature & Outdoors | Suggested Duration: 8 - 10 Days | Total Driving: 800 miles
More California Trips
Looking for more ways to explore all of what California has to offer? Check out some of these top itineraries for ideas: