📍 United States

CALIFORNIA PARKS GRAND LOOP: GIANTS, DESERTS AND GRANITE

Granite walls soaring above misty valleys, giant sequoias dwarfing visitors, salt flats shimmering in heat. California's parks, impossible extremes.

≈ 14
Days
896
Km
6
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Climb from San Francisco toward Yosemite and its granite walls, then cross the Sierra to Death Valley's burning expanses. Change scenery at Joshua Tree, boulders and twisted yuccas, before returning to Big Sur and its dramatic coast. Los Angeles closes the loop, between sea, hills and urban energy that never dims.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

San Francisco

golden gate fog cable cars departure

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3 photos
Day 1
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Discover

1
Golden Gate corridor — Read the city’s topography from headlands to bay, then prep logistics for mountain travel.
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Activities

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Evening waterfront walk at the Embarcadero.
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Next stop
Distance: 283.9 km
Travel time: 3h33
2
Day

Mariposa

yosemite gateway gold country historic town

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5 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Yosemite Valley icons — Tunnel View, El Capitan meadows, and the base loop to Lower Yosemite Fall.
2
Glacier Point — High vantage over Half Dome and the valley (seasonal road).
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Activities

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Short sunset stop along the Valley Loop to watch granite glow.
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Next stop
Distance: 194.8 km
Travel time: 2h26
3
Day

Three Rivers

sequoia kings canyon gateway sierra foothills

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2 photos
Day 3
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Discover

1
Sequoia NP — General Sherman Tree approach and the stone steps up Moro Rock.
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Activities

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Stop at Giant Forest Museum for grove ecology and trail updates.
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Next stop
Distance: 237.1 km
Travel time: 2h58
4
Day

Furnace Creek

death valley floor badwater basin extreme

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10 photos
Day 4
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Discover

1
Kings Canyon scenic pullouts if open; then long desert traverse to Death Valley’s Furnace Creek.
2
Zabriskie Point at golden hour — Rippled badlands and soft color gradients.
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Activities

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Night sky session — exceptional desert stargazing.
5
Day

Furnace Creek

death valley floor badwater basin extreme

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10 photos
Day 5
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Discover

1
Badwater Basin boardwalk and Artist’s Drive loop.
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Activities

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Short walk on Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes at cooler hours.
6
Day

Twentynine Palms

joshua tree gateway mojave high desert

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5 photos
Day 6
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Discover

1
Drive to Joshua Tree NP and loop Hidden Valley among boulders and yucca woodlands.
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Activities

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Evening stop at Cholla Cactus Garden for backlit spines.
7
Day

Monterey

cannery row aquarium seventeen mile return

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4 photos
Day 7
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Discover

1
Cross to the Central Coast; optional Pinnacles detour for talus caves if timing allows.
2
Big Sur coast — Bixby Creek Bridge viewpoint.
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Activities

→
Cannery Row waterfront sunset stroll.
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Next stop
Distance: 180.2 km
Travel time: 2h15
8
Day

San Francisco

golden gate fog cable cars departure

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3 photos
Day 8
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Discover

1
Return to San Francisco via Highway 1 segments.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

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🛡️ Travel advice - United States

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Perfect weather across most regions (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and excellent conditions for national parks and cities. Ideal for diverse activities nationwide.

Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures with spectacular fall foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather. Perfect for outdoor activities, cultural events, fewer crowds than summer.

Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but highest crowds and prices. Excellent for northern regions, challenging in southwestern deserts, perfect for beaches and national parks.

Winter (December-February): Variable conditions from tropical Florida to snowy Colorado. Perfect for skiing, southern destinations, indoor attractions, lowest prices outside holiday periods.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 11 and 17 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in United States?

Continental diversity with iconic landmarks, cultural melting pot, and endless possibilities. Experience natural wonders, vibrant cities, and authentic American dreams from coast to coast. The country offers incredible diversity with modern amenities and cultural richness. United States provides life-changing experiences with natural beauty and cultural authenticity.