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Adventure Collective Journal

7-Day West Coast Highlights Tour: San Francisco to Las Vegas via Yosemite, Sedona & Antelope Canyon

7-Day West Coast Highlights Tour: San Francisco to Las Vegas via Yosemite, Sedona & Antelope Canyon

From a bay cruise under the Golden Gate to the slot canyons of the Navajo Nation and the neon pulse of Las Vegas, this 7-day tour stitches together the American West’s biggest scenes. Expect glacier-polished granite in Yosemite, red sandstone panoramas in Sedona and Monument Valley, and tight light shafts in Antelope Canyon.

San Francisco, California
7 days (6 nights)
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Travel light — luggage limits enforced

One checked bag plus a small carry-on per person; stick to essentials and quick-dry clothing to stay mobile between hotels.

Hydrate for desert and altitude

Carry at least 1–2 liters in a daypack—temperatures can spike in the Mojave and elevations around Sedona/Monument Valley can cause fatigue.

Sturdy footwear for uneven surfaces

Expect 1.5 miles of walking on uneven sand and rock at Antelope and short paved/unpaved walks in Yosemite; trail runners or light hiking boots are best.

Plan photo timing

Golden hour in Yosemite and sunset at Horseshoe Bend deliver the best light—schedule evening flexibility where possible.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Drive the Oak Creek Canyon scenic pullouts near Slide Rock for quieter red-rock views
  • Look for petroglyph panels at Valley of Fire’s less-visited loops like Mouse’s Tank

Wildlife

  • Mule deer
  • Red-tailed hawk

Conservation Note

The operator partners with One Tree Planted to offset travel impact; visitors should follow Leave No Trace on fragile desert soils and respect tribal lands and access rules.

Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon lie within the Navajo Nation, where landforms are central to living cultural practice; Hoover Dam reflects Depression-era engineering that reshaped the Southwest.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Golden hour (sunrise/sunset), Mid-morning for Antelope Canyon light shafts, Evening for Las Vegas skyline and night photography
Key viewpoints:
  • Tunnel View overlook in Yosemite
  • Horseshoe Bend rim at sunrise or sunset
  • Monument Valley viewpoint near the Visitor Center (Mitten Buttes)
Subjects to capture:Granite cliffs and waterfalls, Slot-canyon textures and light beams, Red-rock buttes and desert panoramas

What to Bring

Sturdy hiking shoesEssential

Provides traction on granite slabs and sandstone ledges during short hikes and canyon walks.

Daypack with 1–2L water capacityEssential

Keeps water, snacks, sun protection, and camera gear accessible during stops and short hikes.

Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+)Essential

Desert stretches have little shade—prevent sunburn and heat-related fatigue.

Warm layer and light rain shell

Coastal mornings and high-elevation evenings can be cool; a packable layer offers comfort.

Common Questions

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour begins at San Francisco Public Library (100 Larkin Street) at 8:30 AM and concludes at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas.

Are entrance fees to national parks included?

Some admissions and guided tours (Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley jeep tour) are included; standard park entrance fees may not be included and should be anticipated at certain gates.

What is the luggage policy?

One checked suitcase plus one small carry-on per person; oversized luggage may not be accepted.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Minimum age is 7 years; the itinerary involves long travel days and some uneven walking, so consider individual stamina.

How much walking is required?

Participants should be able to walk about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) over uneven terrain for attractions like Antelope Canyon and short viewpoint hikes in Yosemite and Sedona.

What is the cancellation policy?

Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

7 days (6 nights)

Location

San Francisco, California

Difficulty

moderate

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness: able to walk 1–2 miles over uneven ground and handle long coach transfers.

Free cancellation available

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