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Epic 8-Day US National Park Adventure Itinerary

Viewed by 83 travelers

Day 1: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day with delicious French toast and fresh fruit in this charming, family-owned café.
Taxi or public transport to Mama's, then walk to Fisherman’s Wharf.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39

Stroll around this iconic area, watch sea lions, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Walk along the waterfront.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Boudin Bakery

Try the clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl; a San Francisco classic.
A short walk from Pier 39.
USD15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Leave the bustling city for Yosemite’s enchanting nature.
Drive via CA-120 E.
USD40 (fuel), 4 hours

5:30PM

Check-in at Yosemite Valley Lodge

Unpack your bags and enjoy views of Yosemite Falls right outside your window.
Walk from parking area to the lodge.
USD200, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Mountain Room Restaurant

Savor a delightful meal with a view of the falls; try the seasonal salmon.
Located in the Yosemite Valley Lodge.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Yosemite Adventures

Yosemite National Park, California

7:30AM

Breakfast at the lodge

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast buffet featuring local ingredients.
At Yosemite Valley Lodge.
USD30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Hike to Yosemite Falls

Experience stunning views and the roar of one of North America's tallest waterfalls.
Follow the marked hiking trail.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch Picnic

Pack a picnic lunch from the lodge and enjoy it amidst nature.
Take your lunch to a scenic spot near the falls.
USD15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Glacier Point

Drive or hike to Glacier Point for breathtaking panoramic views of Yosemite Valley.
Drive via Glacier Point Road.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Mariposa Grove

Walk among the giant sequoias, some over 2,000 years old.
Drive to Mariposa Grove parking area.
Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at the lodge

Dine on seasonal dishes while reflecting on your magnificent day in nature.
At Yosemite Valley Lodge.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park, California

7:00AM

Breakfast at the lodge

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast to fuel your next adventure.
At Yosemite Valley Lodge.
USD30, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Sequoia National Park

Set off for Sequoia National Park, home to some of the largest trees in the world.
Drive via CA-41 S.
USD40 (fuel), 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit General Sherman Tree

Stand in awe of the towering giant sequoia, the largest tree by volume.
Follow the signs in the park.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Wuksachi Lodge

Enjoy a hearty meal at this lodge located in the heart of the park.
Head to Wuksachi Lodge, a short drive away.
USD25, 1 hour

1:00PM

Hike the Congress Trail

Take a scenic hike through the sequoia grove to see even more majestic giants.
Start at the General Sherman parking area.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Check-in at Wuksachi Lodge

Relax and recharge in your cozy lodge room surrounded by nature.
Walk from the parking area to the lodge.
USD150, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at the Lodge

Indulge in delicious meals featuring local ingredients at Wuksachi Lodge's restaurant.
At the lodge.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Death Valley Exploration

Death Valley National Park, California

6:00AM

Breakfast at Wuksachi Lodge

Enjoy an early breakfast before heading to your next stop.
At Wuksachi Lodge.
USD30, 1 hour

7:00AM

Drive to Death Valley National Park

Embark on your journey to one of the hottest places on Earth.
Drive via CA-99 S and CA-190 E.
USD40 (fuel), 4 hours

11:00AM

Arrive at Furnace Creek Visitor Center

Stop by to gather maps and information about the park.
In Furnace Creek.
Free, 30 minutes

11:30AM

Visit Badwater Basin

Explore the lowest point in North America, with stunning salt flats stretching out before you.
Drive to Badwater Basin parking area.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Inn at Furnace Creek

Dine in the historic inn’s restaurant with refreshing desert dishes.
At Furnace Creek.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Zabriskie Point

Take in the breathtaking views of the rugged landscape unique to Death Valley.
Short drive from Furnace Creek.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Check-in at The Inn at Furnace Creek

Relax in your comfortable room in the heart of Death Valley.
Walk from parking to the inn.
USD200, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Inn Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful meal featuring local ingredients with stunning views.
At The Inn at Furnace Creek.
USD50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Death Valley National Park

Day 5: Scenic Drive to Zion

Zion National Park, Utah

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Inn

Have breakfast while enjoying desert views.
At The Inn at Furnace Creek.
USD30, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Zion National Park

Travel to Zion, with picturesque landscapes to enjoy along the way.
Follow CA-190 E and I-15 N.
USD40 (fuel), 4 hours

12:00PM

Arrive at Zion National Park

Stop by Zion Canyon Visitor Center for park information.
In Zion National Park.
Free, 30 minutes

12:30PM

Lunch at Zion Canyon Brew Pub

Taste local brews and enjoy burgers featuring fresh ingredients.
Short drive from the visitor center.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Zion Canyon

Take a scenic drive through the canyon, stopping for panoramic views and photo opportunities.
Drive through the park's scenic route.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at Zion National Park Lodge

Unwind in your cozy lodge room nestled in the park.
Walk from the parking area to the lodge.
USD180, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the Lodge

Enjoy a relaxed meal featuring Zion's stunning vistas.
At Zion National Park Lodge.
USD45, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: A Day in Zion

Zion National Park, Utah

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Lodge

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge.
At Zion National Park Lodge.
USD30, 1 hour

8:00AM

Hike Angels Landing

Prepare for breathtaking views at the top of one of Zion’s most famous hikes.
Follow the marked trail from the Grotto.
Free, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Red Rock Grill

Savor sandwiches and salads while enjoying park views.
Near the visitor center.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore The Narrows

Wade through the Virgin River and marvel at stunning canyon walls on both sides.
Access via the Temple of Sinawava.
Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

Return to the lodge

Head back and relax at the lodge after an exhilarating day.
Walk back to the lodge.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at the Lodge

Enjoy a delightful evening meal surrounded by the beauty of Zion.
At Zion National Park Lodge.
USD45, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Zion National Park

Day 7: Bryce Canyon and Views

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Lodge

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge and prepare for an exciting day.
At Zion National Park Lodge.
USD30, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park

Travel to Bryce Canyon for incredible hoodoo rock formations.
Drive via US-89 N.
USD30 (fuel), 2 hours

10:00AM

Check-in at Bryce Canyon Lodge

Settle into your lodge that overlooks the dramatic landscapes of Bryce.
Walk from parking to the lodge.
USD150, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Sunset Point

Stroll to Sunset Point for a stunning view of the canyon.
Short walk from the lodge.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at the lodge

Savor a meal featuring local ingredients while enjoying canyon views.
At Bryce Canyon Lodge.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Rim Trail Hike

Hike the Rim Trail with incredible vistas of the unique formations.
Start nearby the lodge.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to lodge

Rest and take in the stunning sunset right from your lodge.
Walk back to the lodge.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Ruby's Inn

Take a short drive for hearty dining at Ruby's Inn featuring classic American fare.
Drive to Ruby's Inn.
USD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Bryce Canyon National Park

Day 8: Scenic Drive to Moab

Moab, Utah

7:00AM

Breakfast at Bryce Canyon Lodge

Enjoy breakfast overlooking the dramatic rock formations.
At Bryce Canyon Lodge.
USD30, 1 hour

8:00AM

Check-out and Drive to Moab

Depart for Moab, the gateway to Arches National Park.
Drive via US-89 S and I-70 E.
USD40 (fuel), 4 hours

12:30PM

Arrive at Moab and Lunch

Head to a local eatery, Moab Diner, for comforting American fare.
Drive into Moab.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Moab Information Center

Gather information about attractions in Moab, including Arches and Canyonlands.
Located at the city center.
Free, 30 minutes

2:00PM

Explore Arches National Park

Discover iconic natural stone arches and breathtaking landscapes in Arches National Park.
Drive to Arches National Park entrance.
USD30 (park entry fee), 3 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Red Cliffs Lodge

Relax at your riverside lodge with stunning views of the red cliffs.
Drive to Red Cliffs Lodge.
USD200, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at the lodge

Finish your adventure with a delightful meal at the lodge’s restaurant, complete with local produce.
At Red Cliffs Lodge.
USD50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Moab
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