A Family Adventure Road Trip from Berkeley to Phoenix, Arizona via Yosemite, Death Valley, Horseshoe Bend, North Rim, and Sedona

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 bird species 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
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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
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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
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Day 4: Horseshoe Bend & North Rim

Death Valley National Park, CA to Horseshoe Bend and North Rim, AZ

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 Horseshoe Bend

Begin the journey towards Horseshoe Bend, with an estimated drive of 4 hours.
Take CA-190 E and US-95 N toward Page, AZ.
Free, 4 hours

12:30PM

Arrive at Horseshoe Bend

Enjoy this iconic view where the Colorado River bends beautifully around the rock formations.
Park in the designated area and hike the short trail to the viewpoint.
USD10 (entrance fee), 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Big John's Texas BBQ

Savor some hearty barbecue just a short drive from Horseshoe Bend.
Located in Page, AZ.
USD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Head to North Rim of Grand Canyon

Continue on to the North Rim, about 2 hours away where you'll experience its less crowded beauty.
Take AZ-67 N to the North Rim entrance.
USD35 (entrance fee for a vehicle), 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore North Rim

Spend the afternoon enjoying the amazing panoramas and tranquil hikes of the North Rim.
Stop at Bright Angel Point for stunning views.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at North Rim Dining Room

Dine in style at the historic North Rim Lodge with remarkable views.
Located at the lodge in the park.
USD30, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Sunset Viewing

Watch the sun set over the Grand Canyon, a breathtaking experience to conclude the day.
Find a good viewpoint near the lodge.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 5: Sedona & Final Stretch to Phoenix

North Rim, AZ to Sedona, AZ and Phoenix, AZ

7:00AM

Breakfast at North Rim Lodge

Enjoy a hearty breakfast overlooking the canyon before departing.
Dining room located within the lodge.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Depart for Sedona

Drive to Sedona, roughly 2 hours away, noted for its stunning red rock formations.
Take AZ-67 S and AZ-89A S.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Arrive in Sedona

Discover the vibrant town of Sedona, known for its outdoor activities and red rock beauty.
Welcome center located downtown.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at The Secret Garden Cafe

Enjoy a cozy lunch in a beautiful garden setting with local and organic options.
Located in Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village.
USD20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Visit this famous architectural wonder built right into the red rocks, offering beautiful views.
A short drive from downtown Sedona.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Depart for Phoenix

Hit the road for Phoenix, approximately 2 hours away.
Take AZ-179 S to I-17 S.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

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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