Golden West to Utah Parks: 6-Day Coastal Cities, Sequoias & Desert Canyons Road Tour
Hit the Pacific Coast, stand beneath thousand-year-old sequoias and watch desert rockwork glow at sunrise on this efficient six-day road tour from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. It’s a fast-paced, scenic sweep of cities, coast and national-park masterpieces.
The Experience
Before You Go
Layer for big elevation swings
Temperatures can vary from cool coastal fog to chilly high-elevation mornings in Sequoia and warm desert afternoons—dress in layers you can add or shed quickly.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Desert stretches and canyon hikes are dry—refill at hotels or visitor centers to stay hydrated throughout long transfer days.
Arrive at viewpoints early
Beat the midday crowds and harsh light at Bryce and Zion by scheduling photo stops at sunrise or early morning.
Comfortable walking shoes and motion-sickness prep
Short hikes and uneven trails at park stops require stable footwear; pack meds or ginger candies if you’re prone to car sickness during long drives.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Red Canyon pullouts on the drive to Bryce (great short photo stops)
- •Calico Ghost Town’s restored mining exhibits—good 30–60 minute detour for history buffs
Wildlife
- •Mule deer in Zion and Bryce
- •California sea lions around Monterey and Fisherman’s Wharf
Conservation Note
Visitors should stick to trails and carry out trash; parks use limited parking and timed-entry measures in peak season to reduce crowding and protect fragile desert and forest habitats.
The route threads Spanish missions, Gold Rush-era coastal ports and mining towns—each stop reflects different waves of settlement and resource extraction in the West.
Photographer's Notes
- • Sunrise Point and Inspiration Point — Bryce Canyon
- • The rim trail above Emerald Pools — Zion; Ocean Avenue overlook — Carmel/Monterey
What to Bring
Sturdy day hiking shoesEssential
Good traction and ankle support for short trails, rim walks and uneven park surfaces.
Layered clothing and lightweight jacketEssential
Temperature swings from coast to high-elevation parks make layers the best strategy.
Refillable 1L water bottleEssential
Keeps you hydrated in desert and canyon environments; easy to refill at hotels and visitor centers.
Compact camera or smartphone with extra battery
Low light at sunrise/sunset and long days drain batteries—bring a backup to capture hoodoos and cityscapes.
Common Questions
What meals are included?
Continental breakfast is included on five of six mornings; other meals are on your own so plan for lunches or dinners during city stops.
How much walking is required?
Expect short, guided walks at each major stop—typically 15–90 minutes on mostly paved or well-marked trails; no strenuous backcountry hikes are required.
Are park entrance fees included?
Some park admissions listed as included for specific stops; confirm exact inclusions on your booking confirmation or with the operator prior to travel.
Is the tour suitable for children and seniors?
Yes—the itinerary notes suitability for all fitness levels, but long coach days can be fatiguing; consider mobility needs for steps and short hikes.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from Los Angeles (meeting at a hotel entrance) and concludes with a drop-off in Las Vegas—check your booking for exact meeting and end locations.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refund for cancellations 6+ days before departure; 50% refund for 2–6 days; no refund within 2 days—operator may cancel for bad weather or insufficient travelers.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
6 days
Location
Los Angeles, California
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers comfortable with several short walks (15–90 minutes) and long coach transfers; minimal endurance required
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