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12-Day Ultimate Northern California and Sierra Nevada National Parks Adventure

Viewed by 101 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Redwood

Medford and Redwood National Park, USA on September 23, 2025

8:00am

Flight SAT to MFR

Depart from San Antonio International Airport early morning to Medford, Oregon to begin your northern California adventure.
USD150, 2h0m

10:30am

Explore Redwood National Park - Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Take a 1.5-mile loop through ancient coast redwoods with tranquil forest scenery and moderate elevation gain. Ideal for an introduction to the park's giants.
USD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Historic Requa Inn

Enjoy fresh seafood and American classics in a rustic setting near the park. Open 11am-3pm.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park - Fern Canyon

Visit the spectacular Fern Canyon, a unique spot where walls are covered in lush ferns and mosses. A must-see geological and botanical wonder.
USD0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Moonstone Grill

Dine on Pacific Northwest inspired dishes with a cozy ambiance. Open until 9pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Lassen Volcanic

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA on September 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Bakeryette, Eureka

Stop for freshly baked pastries and coffee before the drive. Opens 6:30am.
USD15, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Make the approximately 4-hour drive southeast to Lassen Volcanic National Park taking in scenic vistas.
USD0, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Manzanita Lake Picnic Area

Pack a picnic or grab sandwiches from the nearby General Store and enjoy at the scenic lakefront.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Bumpass Hell Trail

Hike the 3 miles round trip to witness steaming fumaroles, boiling springs, and vivid mineral pools. Open 8am to sunset.
USD0, 3h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Lassen Cafe

Relax with hearty American fare and local wines after your hike. Open until 8pm.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Lake Tahoe Arrival

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada, USA on September 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Lassen Cafe

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast before your drive to Lake Tahoe. Open from 7am.
USD15, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Lake Tahoe

Approximate 3.5-4 hour scenic drive south east towards Lake Tahoe.
USD0, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Soule Domain (South Lake Tahoe)

Enjoy casual sandwich and salad options perfect for a midday break. Open 11am-4pm weekdays.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Sand Harbor Beach

Spend the afternoon at this beautiful sandy beach with clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
USD10 parking, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Edgewood Tahoe

Dine upscale lakeside with spectacular sunset views and premium American cuisine. Reservations recommended.
USD60, 2h
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Day 4: Lake Tahoe Exploration

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada, USA on September 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Red Hut Café

Try classic American breakfast dishes at this popular local spot open daily at 7am.
USD15, 1h

8:45am

Emerald Bay State Park and Eagle Falls

Visit one of the most photographed places in Lake Tahoe and hike the 2-mile out-and-back trail to the scenic Eagle Falls.
USD10 parking, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Beacon Bar & Grill

Sample lakefront dining famous for its burgers and relaxed vibe. Open 11:30am - 8pm.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Kayaking on Lake Tahoe

Rent kayaks and explore the crystal clear waters with rental shops typically open until 6pm.
USD40 rental, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at your hotel or explore local shops

Evening free for leisure or sunset strolls along the shoreline.
USD0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Lake House

Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine in a cozy setting, perfect for a final dinner in Lake Tahoe.
USD50, 2h
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Day 5: Yosemite Arrival

Yosemite National Park, California, USA on September 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Fuel up for the road ahead at a local breakfast spot. Opens early to accommodate travelers.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Approximately 3.5 to 4 hour drive south from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park's Big Oak Flat entrance.
USD0, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court

Convenient dining with classic American fare inside Yosemite Valley. Open 11am-8pm.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and Lower Yosemite Falls Trail

Start your exploration with the informative visitor center followed by an easy walk to Lower Yosemite Falls.
USD0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at The Mountain Room Restaurant

Enjoy spectacular views of Yosemite Falls while dining on local cuisine. Open 5pm-9pm.
USD50, 2h
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Day 6: Yosemite Hiking

Yosemite National Park, California, USA on September 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Degnan's Kitchen

Grab quality coffee and breakfast sandwiches. Open 7am.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls

Experience one of Yosemite’s most iconic hikes with stunning waterfall views. The full hike is challenging but very rewarding. Open daylight hours.
USD0, 4h0m

12:30pm

Pack picnic lunch at Yosemite Village

Pick up supplies for a packed lunch to enjoy amidst nature after your hike.
USD15, 0h45m

1:30pm

Relax and explore Yosemite Village

Browse shops, galleries, and museum exhibits at leisure.
USD0, 2h

5:30pm

Dinner at the Ahwahnee Dining Room

End the day dining in a historic and beautiful lodge with refined menu options. Reservations recommended. Open 5pm-9pm.
USD65, 2h
Find Hotels in Yosemite National Park

Day 7: Kings Canyon Arrival

Kings Canyon National Park, California, USA on September 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Yosemite food outlet

Start early with a quick breakfast before heading out.
USD15, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Kings Canyon National Park

Take approximately 3.5 hour scenic drive south to Kings Canyon National Park via CA-180.
USD0, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Cedar Grove Village

Casual dining options at the village within Kings Canyon. Open midday hours.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

General Grant Tree Trail

Enjoy an easy 0.5-mile trail to see the massive General Grant Tree, one of the largest giant sequoias. Open sunrise to sunset.
USD0, 1h

3:00pm

Boyden Cavern Tour

Take a guided tour through Boyden Cavern to see impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Tours usually run through the afternoon. Check local schedule.
USD15, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at John Muir Lodge dining room

Enjoy a hearty meal in the historic lodge within the park. Open dinner 5pm-8pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Kings Canyon Hiking

Kings Canyon National Park, California, USA on September 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at John Muir Lodge

Start your day with a full breakfast before hiking.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Zumwalt Meadow Loop

A scenic easy 1.5-mile loop hike offering views of the Kings River and towering cliffs. Great for wildlife viewing.
USD0, 2h

11:00am

Drive to Sequoia National Park

Short 1-hour drive south to Sequoia National Park entrance.
USD0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Wuksachi Lodge Restaurant

Dine at the lodge restaurant with mountain views. Open 11am-9pm.
USD30, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Giant Forest and Big Trees Trail

Easy 1.3-mile loop through giant sequoia habitat near the General Sherman Tree.
USD0, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Peaks Restaurant, Wuksachi Lodge

Cozy dinner option featuring regional dishes. Open evenings.
USD40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kings Canyon National Park

Day 9: Sequoia Adventures

Sequoia National Park, California, USA on October 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Wuksachi Lodge

Start early with a first-rate breakfast.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Hike to Moro Rock

Climb the 400-step staircase to the summit for panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada. Open sunrise to sunset.
USD0, 2h

11:00am

Visit Crystal Cave

Take a guided tour inside this magnificent marble cave. Tours require reservations and run through the late morning and afternoon. Check availability.
USD15, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Giant Forest Museum Picnic Area

Enjoy a packed lunch or grab deli items from nearby stores and picnic among towering trees.
USD15, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Crescent Meadow

Walk the peaceful 1.8-mile loop trail through meadows and sequoias, known as the 'Gem of the Sierra.' Open during daylight.
USD0, 2h

5:30pm

Dinner at local cafe or lodge

Opt for a relaxed dinner within park accommodations or nearby eateries.
USD35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Sequoia National Park

Day 10: Reagan Library Travel

Los Angeles and Simi Valley, California, USA on October 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast in Sequoia area

Early breakfast to prepare for the day of travel.
USD15, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

Approximate 5-hour drive southwest to Simi Valley, near Los Angeles.
USD0, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Reagan Library café

Casual lunch offerings onsite for convenience. Open daily 10am-4pm.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

Tour the museum’s exhibits covering Reagan’s presidency, Cold War history, and see Air Force One. Open daily 10am-5pm.
USD25, 3h

5:30pm

Dinner nearby in Simi Valley

Dine at a local restaurant such as Casa Garcia Mexican Restaurant. Open until 9pm.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 11: LAX Departure Prep

Los Angeles, California, USA on October 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Relaxed breakfast before airport transfer.
USD15, 1h

10:00am

Leisure and sightseeing in Los Angeles

Optional visit to exhibits, shopping, or downtown LA for a light day before flight.
Varies, 4h

3:00pm

Early dinner near LAX

Enjoy a casual meal at The Proud Bird Food Hall, offering diverse cuisines near the airport.
USD25, 1h

5:00pm

Check-in at LAX for flight

Allow plenty of time for security and boarding.
USD0, 2h
Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 12: Fly LAX to SAT

Los Angeles to San Antonio, USA on October 4, 2025

7:00am

Flight LAX to SAT

Morning flight from Los Angeles International Airport back to San Antonio International Airport concluding your trip.
USD150, 3h0m
Find Hotels in Los Angeles to San Antonio
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