A Family Adventure Road Trip from Berkeley to Phoenix, Arizona via Death Valley and Zion National Park

Day 1: Starting the Adventure

Berkeley, CA

7:00AM

Breakfast at La Mediterranee

Start your day with a delicious Middle Eastern breakfast featuring their famous Moroccan eggs.
Drive from Berkeley towards Yosemite, approximately 3 hours.
USD20, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Arrive at Yosemite National Park

Explore the beauty of Yosemite with its breathtaking views and natural wonders.
Follow signs to Yosemite Valley for parking.
USD35 (entrance fee for a vehicle), All day

12:00PM

Lunch at Degnan's Kitchen

Enjoy a hearty lunch at Degnan’s with options like sandwiches and burritos made from fresh local ingredients.
Located within Yosemite Village, just a short walk from the valley.
USD15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Hiking in Yosemite

Take a family-friendly hike on the Mirror Lake Trail, which offers stunning views and is suitable for all ages.
Access the trailhead from the parking area.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Wildlife Spotting

Spend the late afternoon looking for wildlife such as deer and various birds in their natural habitat.
Walk through designated viewing areas in the park.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Mountain Room Restaurant

Relish a family dinner while enjoying views of the granite cliffs of El Capitan.
Located within the park near Yosemite Falls.
USD30, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Star Gazing

End the day with stunning stargazing, with Yosemite's clear skies offering a perfect backdrop.
Find a quiet spot away from lights for the best views.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Exploring Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Ahwahnee Dining Room

Indulge in a luxurious breakfast at this historic hotel with fantastic views.
Located within the park near the entrance.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Yosemite Falls

Walk to the iconic Yosemite Falls and capture stunning family photos.
Short, easy walk from the parking area.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Junior Ranger Program

Engage the kids in an educational Junior Ranger program where they learn about the park's ecology.
Sign up at the visitor center.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Grill at Curry Village

Enjoy a casual lunch with options like burgers and salads in a relaxed setting.
Curry Village is a short drive within the park.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Glacier Point

Drive or hike to Glacier Point for one of the most spectacular views of the park.
Access via car from Yosemite Valley.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Base Camp Eatery

Wind down your day with a relaxed dinner option serving wholesome family-friendly meals.
Located in Yosemite Valley.
USD20, 1 hour

8:00PM

Campfire Storytelling

Gather around a campfire for fun family storytelling or roasting marshmallows under the stars.
Check for available campfire sites in your lodging area.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Heading to Death Valley

Yosemite National Park, CA to Death Valley National Park, CA

7:00AM

Breakfast at Wawona Campground

Enjoy a picnic-style breakfast in the outdoors surrounded by nature.
Pack and enjoy breakfast at your campsite.
USD10, 1 hour

8:00AM

Depart for Death Valley

Head out early to start the drive to Death Valley, taking approximately 5 hours.
Take CA-41 S and merge onto CA-190 E.
Free, 5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Oasis at Death Valley

Stop for a refreshing lunch at a restaurant within the park, offering a variety of dishes.
Located in Furnace Creek.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Furnace Creek Visitor Center

Learn about the unique environment and history of Death Valley at the visitor center.
Located at Furnace Creek.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Badwater Basin

Explore Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and enjoy spectacular salt flats.
Short drive from the visitor center.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Last Kind Words Saloon

Spend a relaxing evening dining in the historic atmosphere of this western-style saloon.
Located at Furnace Creek.
USD25, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Star Gazing

Experience breathtaking night skies in Death Valley, renowned for having some of the clearest views of stars.
Find a quiet area for the best view.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Zion National Park Adventure

Death Valley National Park, CA to Zion National Park, UT

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Oasis at Death Valley

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at the hotel's dining room before heading out.
Located within Furnace Creek.
USD25, 1 hour

8:30AM

Depart for Zion National Park

Begin your journey to Zion, with a scenic drive lasting approximately 3 hours.
Take CA-190 E to I-15 N, continue to UT-9.
Free, 3 hours

11:30AM

Arrive at Zion National Park

Welcome to Zion, where you'll be greeted by towering cliffs and stunning landscapes.
Stop at the park entrance for entrance fees.
USD35 (entrance fee for a vehicle), 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Red Rock Grill

Enjoy delicious American fare with patio views of the stunning scenery.
Located at the Zion Lodge within the park.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Riverside Walk

Take a leisurely family-friendly hike along the Riverside Walk, leading to the stunning Narrows.
Access the trail from the Temple of Sinawava.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Zion Shuttle

Hop on the park shuttle for a convenient ride to several popular hiking trailheads and viewpoints.
Available throughout the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Oscar’s Café

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with a menu featuring southwestern cuisine just outside the park.
Located in Springdale, UT.
USD25, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Stroll in Springdale

Take a short evening stroll in Springdale, Pokémon Go or explore local shops for souvenirs.
Walkable main street area.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 5: Final Stretch to Phoenix

Zion National Park, UT to Phoenix, AZ

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before setting off for the day.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Zion Canyon Visitor Center

Gather information and maps for your drive today, ensuring that you don’t miss any stops.
Located within the park.
Free, 1 hour

9:30AM

Depart for Phoenix

Hit the road for Phoenix with a scenic drive lasting approximately 4.5 hours.
Take I-15 S to US-93 S.
Free, 4.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at El Palacio in Kingman

Stop at this local favorite for authentic Mexican cuisine and refreshing drinks.
Convenient stop along the route.
USD20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Continue to Phoenix

Resume your journey to Phoenix, with the anticipation of arriving at your destination.
Follow US-93 S to I-10 E.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Arrive in Phoenix

Welcome to Phoenix! Take time to settle in and explore nearby attractions if time allows.
N/A
Free, 1 hour
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