California & Southwest Road Trip: San Francisco to Las Vegas via Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Death Valley & the Grand Canyon (Sept 20–Oct 3, 2025)
Take the Alcatraz Island ferry and self-guided audio tour of the former prison; reservation required and tours sell out—morning slots recommended. Check ferry operator for exact boarding time; typical ferry departs Pier 33.
Sightseeing cruise that goes under/near the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz for different perspectives—book an afternoon cruise for good light and fewer morning crowds.
Visit Macy's and nearby Union Square boutiques for clothes, souvenirs and department-store shopping—stores typically open 10:00am on weekdays, check exact holiday hours.
Quick hotel breakfast or Café in Oakhurst before the drive into Yosemite; fuel up—it's a scenic 1–1.5 hr drive to the south entrance depending on where you start.
Enter Yosemite through the South Entrance toward Mariposa Grove; have your park pass ready—Yosemite vehicle entrance is typically USD35 (valid 7 days).
Visit Mariposa Grove to see massive sequoias including well-known specimens; trails and shuttle operate seasonally—check National Park Service for shuttle times (grove open daytime).
A scenic, moderately strenuous hike (round trip ~5–6 miles depending on options) with waterfalls and great views; allow 3–5 hours and bring water and layers—trail access in Wawona area, check park trail conditions before starting.
Walk the paved trail to the General Sherman Tree—the largest known living single-stem tree on Earth by volume; the short loop is accessible and very photogenic.
Early breakfast to drive into Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon; the drive offers scenic vistas—plan for ~30–60 minutes driving inside park roads depending on start point.
Short loop to the General Grant Tree — an awe-inspiring sequoia and a national shrine; trails are generally open daylight hours but check for closures.
Return to lodging to rest or begin the longer drive toward the east side of the Sierra preparing for the Death Valley stretch—fill up on gas and supplies.
Long drive into Death Valley—start early to avoid midday heat; plan water, sunscreen and extra fuel. Park entry is usually free (some parks charge), but check current fee structure—many Death Valley sites open at sunrise/sunset for best light.
Short scenic drive to Oatman, a historic mining town famous for wild burros roaming Main Street and staged gunfight re-enactments—stops are free but small shops sell Route 66 souvenirs.
Early sunrise at Hopi Point provides expansive views across the canyon—arrive before dawn for best vantage and cooler temps; parking available at rim walk areas.
Drive or shuttle to Mohave Point for deep-canyon views and great photographic angles; shuttle buses operate on scheduled routes—check park shuttle times.
Drive-through wildlife park where you can see North American animals from your car and then walk the Fort Bearizona area; park typically opens around 9:00am—verify seasonally.
Self-guided walk across Hoover Dam, visitor center exhibits and photo stops—guided tours require reservations and the visitor center is typically open daily (check current hours and tour availability).
Ride the High Roller at The LINQ for elevated Strip views (open late; evening rides recommended for city lights). Consider an option with a Happy Half Hour cabin (extra cost).
Half-day guided city tour covering The Strip highlights, iconic hotels, and a stop at Fremont Street for vintage Vegas vibes—tours typically start mid-morning and last 3–4 hours; check operator for exact departure times.
Dine at one of the Palazzo's restaurants and optionally attend a Vegas show (Cirque du Soleil, headliner concerts, or magic shows). Show times vary—book tickets in advance.
Return vehicle to the rental center or head to McCarran/Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport for departure; arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights.