Join TOD for the adventure of a lifetime as we explore California’s most iconic national parks. From dramatic cliffs to ancient forests and stunning deserts, you’ll experience nature at its wildest. Whether you love hiking, photography, or simply soaking in the scenery, this unforgettable tour puts you front and center in California’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Day One - Welcome to San Jose
Welcome to vibrant San Jose! Known for its thriving tech culture, stunning Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, and delightful Mediterranean climate, this city is the perfect place to begin our adventure. After you’ve settled into your hotel room, we’ll gather for dinner at a local restaurant—a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other and chat about our exciting itinerary. Day Two - Pinnacles National Park - Home of the Condors
After breakfast, we'll bid farewell to San Jose and set off for the stunning Pinnacles National Park. Nestled in central California, this park is famous for its dramatic volcanic spires and mysterious talus caves, making it a truly unique destination to explore. Pinnacles is also the only national park that serves as a release site for captive-bred California Condors. At the Visitors Center, we'll dive into the fascinating history of the park, discover the remarkable geologic formations, and learn about the inspiring efforts to conserve these magnificent birds.
After a leisurely lunch on your own, we'll continue our adventure, heading east across California's picturesque heartland and into the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. Our destination: the world-renowned Yosemite National Park. Once we've checked in for our three-night stay, we'll gather together for dinner.
B, D
Day Three - Yosemite Valley
After breakfast, we’ll set out for a fun-filled day exploring Yosemite Valley. We'll hop aboard an open-air tram, where a park ranger will share fascinating stories about the history, flora, and fauna of this world-famous park. As we wind our way through the valley, we’ll marvel at cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, and sweeping deep valleys. The tram makes several stops at Yosemite’s iconic landmarks, including the awe-inspiring El Capitan—a massive granite monolith with sheer cliffs soaring 3,600 feet into the sky—and the legendary Half Dome. You’ll have plenty of chances to hop off, stretch your legs, and snap some photos! For a truly unforgettable sight, we’ll visit Tunnel View, known for offering one of the most stunning panoramic vistas in the entire park. We’ll enjoy some free time and lunch on our own in what John Muir fondly called “Nature’s Greatest Cathedral.” In the evening, we'll gather together to share stories and pictures while enjoying dinner.
B, D
Day Four - Glacier Point
After breakfast, get ready for an unforgettable journey as we ascend 3,500 feet on a guided tram tour into the majestic High Sierra Mountains. This excursion offers some of the most spectacular scenery Yosemite has to offer, with sweeping 360-degree views of the valley floor below. You’ll be treated to breathtaking, top-down perspectives of iconic landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Nevada Falls. After the tour, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure in the park. Don’t miss a short hike up Sentinel Dome for panoramic views of the entire park, or a visit to Taft Point to admire its dramatic granite fissures and sweeping vistas. For those interested in history, the Geology Hut and other interpretive structures offer insight into Yosemite’s rich past, while ranger programs and a seasonal store add even more charm to your visit. In the evening, we will meet for dinner to recount the exciting adventures of the day.
B,D
Day Five - Sugar Pine Railroad - Yosemite - Fresno
Today marks our final day in Yosemite National Park, and what better way to wrap up our journey than with a nostalgic ride on a historic logger steam train! We will step back in time on the Sugar Pine Railroad and travel through the majestic woods of the Sierra National Forest. Settle into your choice of open-air or covered cars, all pulled by classic Shay steam locomotives—the very engines that once powered logging operations through these rugged mountains.
As the train chugs along, you'll be treated to stunning views, the rhythmic sounds of the steam engine, and fascinating narration that brings the area's rich history to life. Midway, you'll have the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and snap some pictures. After lunch, we’ll continue on to Fresno and check into our hotel. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your leisure—perhaps sampling some local favorites!
B,L
Day Six - Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
After breakfast, we set off to explore the wonders of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Our knowledgeable guide from the Sequoia National Institute will be with us every step of the way, sharing fascinating insights into the park’s natural history, geology, and ecology. Today promises plenty of awe-inspiring moments as we stand beneath the giant sequoia trees—including the famous General Sherman Tree, the largest tree by volume in the world. We’ll also visit the General Grant Tree, known as the Nation's Christmas Tree, which proudly stands as the second-largest sequoia in Grant Grove.
As we drive through the breathtaking expanse of Kings Canyon, we’ll be treated to views of towering granite walls, sparkling waterfalls, and majestic mountain peaks. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for local wildlife—we might spot black bears, cougars, or deer along the way! After a day spent wandering among giants, we'll make our way to Bakersfield, where we'll check into our hotel. Tonight, feel free to choose your own spot for dinner and relax after a day filled with giant natural wonders.
B,L
Day Seven - Alabama Hills
Today, we venture off the beaten path to uncover one of California’s hidden treasures—the Alabama Hills and the charming town of Lone Pine. Nestled beneath the towering peak of Mount Whitney, the tallest point in the contiguous U.S., this area is a feast for the imagination. The landscape is truly other-worldly: think vibrant red rock arches, whimsical window formations, and rolling, rounded weathered boulders, all framed by the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The geological story here is just as captivating—the hills are sculpted by ancient forces of uplifting and erosion, creating a striking contrast with the glacially-carved ridges of the nearby Sierras. What most folks don't know is that the Alabama Hills have provided the dramatic backdrop for more than 700 film and TV productions, from classic Westerns to modern blockbusters like Iron Man, Gladiator, Star Trek V, and The Lone Ranger. We’ll continue our journey with a scenic ride through Death Valley National Park, where our hotel and a group dinner await.
B,D
Day Eight - Death Valley
After breakfast, we'll meet our local guide and set off to explore Death Valley National Park. This incredible landscape holds some jaw-dropping records, including the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth—a scorching 134 degrees back in July 1936, and as the driest spot in North America. Today we'll soak in the views at Zabriskie Point, where we'll be treated to sweeping panoramas of the colorful Mojave Desert badlands. We’ll wander the remarkable Badwater Basin Salt Flats, the lowest point on the continent, and stroll along the rolling Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Our scenic journey continues with a scenic drive where the landscape is painted with splashes of red, pink, green, and purple, all thanks to the natural oxidation of minerals.
After a day of exploration, we'll gather at our hotel this evening for a farewell dinner, swapping stories about the amazing sights and experiences we’ve shared.B,D
Day Nine - Homeward Bound
After breakfast, we will head to the airport to catch our flight home.
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