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12-Day National Parks Tour of Mid to Northern California: Exploring Yosemite, Lassen Volcanic, and Redwood National Parks

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Day 1: Arrival and Yosemite Intro

Yosemite National Park, California, USA on September 23, 2025

8:00am

Arrival and Check-in

Arrive at Yosemite National Park and check into your accommodation such as Yosemite Valley Lodge, ideally situated for exploring the park.
USD$250, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at Degnan's Kitchen

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee to fuel up for the day.
USD$15, 1h

10:30am

Yosemite Valley Visitor Center & Lower Yosemite Falls

Visit the Visitor Center to get park information, followed by a walk to Lower Yosemite Falls, a stunning and easily accessible waterfall.
USD$35 (park entrance fee per vehicle), 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Base Camp Eatery

Casual dining spot offering sandwiches, salads, and pizzas inside Yosemite Village.
USD$20, 1h

2:30pm

Mirror Lake Hike

A gentle 2-mile hike to Mirror Lake offers reflections of Yosemite’s granite cliffs and peaceful scenery.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at The Ahwahnee Dining Room

Experience classic American cuisine in a grand historic setting with spectacular views.
USD$50, 1.5h
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Day 2: Yosemite Hiking

Yosemite National Park, California, USA on September 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Mountain Room Restaurant

Start your day with breakfast featuring local ingredients and views of Yosemite Falls.
USD$18, 1h

8:30am

Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls

One of Yosemite’s iconic hikes, the Mist Trail climbs alongside waterfalls with breathtaking views. Permit fees included in park entrance.
Free, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch picnic at the fall viewpoint

Enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Yosemite’s waterfalls.
USD$15, 1h

3:30pm

Rest or short stroll along the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail

A flat trail that offers serene forest and meadow views; perfect to unwind after a long hike.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Curry Village Pavilion

Casual dining at Curry Village with pizza, burgers, and cold drinks to relax after the day.
USD$25, 1h
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Day 3: Yosemite Iconic Sights

Yosemite National Park, California, USA on September 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your lodge

Light breakfast to prepare for a full day exploring iconic Yosemite landmarks.
Included with lodging, 1h

8:00am

Visit Glacier Point

Drive or take shuttle to Glacier Point for panoramic views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra. Open 7am-7pm.
USD$35 (included in park entrance), 2h

11:00am

Explore Taft Point and Sentinel Dome Hike

Approximate 5-mile round trip hike offering breathtaking cliff views and sunset spots. Suitable for experienced hikers.
Free, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Degnan’s Deli

Casual deli offering fresh sandwiches and salads in Yosemite Village.
USD$20, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Mariposa Grove to see Giant Sequoias

Explore the ancient Giant Sequoias on family-friendly trails; the grove closes at 7pm in September.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Ahwahnee Dining Room

Fine dining with classic cuisine in a historic setting.
USD$55, 1.5h
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Day 4: Yosemite Leisure

Yosemite National Park, California, USA on September 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Base Camp Eatery

Casual breakfast with good variety of options.
USD$16, 1h

9:30am

Biking the Yosemite Valley Loop

Rent bikes in Yosemite Village and enjoy a scenic 12-mile loop through forests and meadows.
USD$30, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court

Quick meals with a variety of choices including burgers, salads, and wraps.
USD$20, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Yosemite Lodge or Optional Photography Workshop

Take time to rest or join a guided photography workshop (check for availability and pricing).
Optional USD$50, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Curry Village Pizza Deck

Casual outdoor setting with pizza and beverages.
USD$25, 1h
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Day 5: Yosemite to Lassen Volcanic

Yosemite to Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA on September 27, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Checkout

Have breakfast, then pack up and prepare for the drive north to Lassen Volcanic National Park.
USD$18, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Approximately 4.5-hour drive (180 miles). Plan for stops to stretch and refuel.
USD$0, 4.5h

1:00pm

Arrival and Lunch in Chester, CA

Stop for lunch at The Forks Eatery offering hearty sandwiches and local specialties.
USD$20, 1h

2:30pm

Check into accommodation near Lassen

Settle in at lodging such as the Drakesbad Guest Ranch or nearby Chester accommodations.
USD$150, 1h

4:00pm

Lassen Volcanic National Park Visitor Center

Visit the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center to learn about the park's geothermal features. Open 9am to 5pm.
USD$30 (vehicle entrance fee), 1h

5:30pm

Short hike at Bumpass Hell Trailhead

Explore one of the park’s main geothermal areas via an easy 3-mile roundtrip hike (closes at sunset).
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Forks Eatery or local restaurant

Enjoy laid-back local dining with American comfort food.
USD$30, 1h
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Day 6: Lassen Hiking & Geothermal

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA on September 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation or local diner

Simple and energizing breakfast to prepare for hiking.
USD$15, 1h

8:30am

Hike to Lassen Peak Summit

Challenging 5-mile roundtrip hike rewarding with panoramic volcanic views from the summit. Trail usually opens by early summer and closes with snow.
Free, 5h

2:00pm

Packed picnic lunch near the peak

Break for lunch with a scenic backdrop of Lassen National Park.
USD$15, 1h

3:00pm

Relax by Manzanita Lake

Easy stroll around the lake, ideal for photography and spotting wildlife.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Broke Down Café

Enjoy homestyle meals at this well-known local spot in Mineral, CA.
USD$25, 1h
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Day 7: Explore Lassen Features

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA on September 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Start with a relaxed breakfast to prepare for exploring geothermal sights.
USD$15, 1h

8:30am

Devils Kitchen Trail Walk

Short 2.5-mile easy hike to the Devil’s Kitchen hydrothermal area with bubbling mud pots and fumaroles.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Visit Sulphur Works

Easily accessible geothermal area with boiling springs and steam vents; a highlight of Lassen.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at nearby Mineral café or picnic

Simple meals or picnic with supplies from local shops.
USD$20, 1h

2:00pm

Lava Beds National Monument day trip (optional)

If interested, drive 1.5 hours north to explore lava tubes and caves; check for operating hours and cave tours.
USD$15, 4h

6:30pm

Dinner at local restaurant in Chester or Mineral

Enjoy a casual meal after a day of exploring natural wonders.
USD$25, 1h
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Day 8: Lassen to Redwood

Lassen Volcanic to Redwood National and State Parks, California, USA on September 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Enjoy breakfast and pack up for the drive to Redwood National Park on the coast.
USD$15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Redwood National and State Parks

Long drive about 5 hours (210 miles) west toward the Pacific coast with several scenic stops possible.
USD$0, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch in Crescent City, CA

Lunch at Good Harvest Café known for fresh organic and local dishes.
USD$20, 1h

2:30pm

Check-in at accommodation like Redwood National Park Cabins or Crescent City Hotel

Settle in for your coastal stay close to the park entrance.
USD$180, 1h

4:00pm

Begin exploration with Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Easy 1.5-mile loop hike through old-growth redwoods showcasing the forest’s grandeur; open year-round.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Chart Room Restaurant

Enjoy seafood and American dishes adjacent to the harbor with sunset views.
USD$40, 1.5h
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Day 9: Redwoods Hiking

Redwood National and State Parks, California, USA on October 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local café

Breakfast featuring coffee and baked goods to start your day energized.
USD$15, 1h

8:30am

Hike the Tall Trees Grove

Take a permit-required scenic 4-mile roundtrip hike to see some of the tallest trees on earth. Permits available at visitor centers.
Free with permit, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch picnic near the grove

Relax with a picnic surrounded by giant redwoods.
USD$15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kuchel Visitor Center and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Learn about park ecology and explore Short trails near the coast and redwoods.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Sea Grill

Enjoy fresh seafood and regional cuisine in Crescent City.
USD$40, 1.5h
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Day 10: Coastal and Prairie Creek

Redwood National and State Parks, California, USA on October 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at accommodation or local diner

Enjoy a light breakfast before coastal adventures.
USD$15, 1h

8:00am

Drive and hike Fern Canyon

Located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, this 1-mile loop features lush canyon walls covered with ferns; open dawn to dusk.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Gold Bluffs Beach walk

Stroll along the sandy beach bordered by towering redwoods; excellent for wildlife and tide pool viewing.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch picnic or return to Crescent City

Either enjoy a picnic lunch in the park or dine back in town.
USD$20, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Stout Grove trail

Short, easy walk through one of the most dense and photogenic old-growth redwood groves.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Chart Room Restaurant

Relax with fresh seafood or American fare by the sea.
USD$40, 1.5h
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Day 11: Redwood Scenic Drive

Redwood National and State Parks, California, USA on October 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local café

Fuel up with a classic breakfast including fresh juices and pastries.
USD$15, 1h

9:00am

Scenic drive along the Redwood Highway (US 101)

Explore various overlooks and pullouts featuring coastal vistas and towering trees, stopping at places like Klamath River Overlook.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Moonstone Grill in Trinidad, CA

Seaside dining with fresh seafood and regional specialties.
USD$35, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Trinidad and Trinidad Beach

Explore this charming coastal town’s beach, ideal for tidepooling and scenic views.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Crescent City for dinner

Evening free to relax or revisit favorite spots.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Sea Grill or local bistro

Enjoy your final dinner on the Northern California coast with fresh dishes.
USD$40, 1.5h
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Day 12: Return to San Francisco

Redwood National and State Parks to San Francisco, California, USA on October 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Check-Out

Have a last morning breakfast and pack for departure.
USD$15, 1h

8:00am

Drive back to San Francisco

Approximately 6-hour drive (320 miles). Plan rest stops along the way.
USD$0, 6h

2:30pm

Arrival in San Francisco

Arrive back in San Francisco to conclude your Northern California National Parks adventure.
Free, N/A
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