Mountains, Deserts and Moonscapes
8 DAYSStarting from $4,290 per person
This unforgettable 8-day Mountains, Deserts and Moonscapes Expedition will take you to the most remote and spectacular corners of this otherworldly state. After a brief intro to San Francisco, you’ll drive to Yosemite National Park, to hike, stargaze and picnic in some of the most picturesque surroundings on the planet. Next explore the contrasting habitats of saline Mono Lake and freshwater June Lake before taking a detour to Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest to see the world’s oldest living trees. Top it all off with two full days exploring surreal Death Valley, the lowest point in North America and the hottest spot on the planet!
Trip at Glance
Highlights
- Explore the fabled Yosemite Valley by car and on foot. Embark upon an epic guided trek through this spectacular Park, and enjoy a picnic surrounded by wild flowers.
- Experience the contrasting ecosystems of briny Mono Lake (a surreal way station for migratory birds) and picture-postcard June Lake.
- Get up close and personal with the oldest living trees on the planet at Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, an off-the-beaten-path gem of a State Park.
- Spend two full days exploring the otherworldly desert landscapes of Death Valley, getting to know the geology and history of the lowest point in North America and the hottest place on the planet.
- From San Francisco to Yosemite and June Lake to Death Valley you will sleep in style and comfort, and dine on excellent locally procured and prepared produce.
- Enjoy the freedom that comes with having your own rental car and the benefits of being shown arround each destination by a local expert (we call them ‘docents’) who knows the place inside out.
- The circuit starts in San Francisco and ends in Los Angeles, so take the chance to explore California’s two great cities – or combine the trip with another SA Expeditions adventure.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Pricing includes everything from your international arrival to your departure, with the exception of flights and a few lunches and dinners.
Welcome to California! Today is a transit day. After your plane glides in for a landing over the waters of the San Francisco Bay, you will take a shuttle to claim your rental car before driving into the City by the Bay. Take the afternoon to explore or relax in your iconic SF Hotel. Rest up for the adventure to come or hit the town to experience some of San Francisco’s famous nightlife.
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