Magnificent West 8-Day Tour: LA to San Francisco, Yosemite, Antelope Canyon & Las Vegas
An eight-day sweep through California’s coast, Yosemite’s granite cathedrals, the redrock desert, and Las Vegas neon. This guided tour combines iconic viewpoints with Navajo-led canyon visits and practical logistics for travelers who want big landscapes without planning every detail.
The Experience
Before You Go
Pack for varied climates
Bring layers—coastal fog, alpine chill, and desert heat can occur within 24 hours; a lightweight insulating layer and wind shell are essential.
Limit luggage
The tour restricts bags to one large piece and a carry-on—pack versatile clothing and plan laundries or re-wear items.
Hydrate and pace hikes
Carry at least 1–2 liters for day excursions; Antelope and Horseshoe Bend involve short walks on uneven ground where heat can spike quickly.
Respect Navajo rules
Antelope Canyon access is on Navajo land—follow guide instructions, stay on paths, and avoid touching fragile sandstone.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •El Matador State Beach pullout on the coastal drive for dramatic sea-stacks
- •Tunnel View at Yosemite for one of the clearest valley panoramas outside the main parking areas
Wildlife
- •Mule deer in Yosemite Valley
- •Desert bighorn sheep and coyotes in the Colorado Plateau and Valley of Fire
Conservation Note
Many sites are fragile—follow Leave No Trace, respect Navajo permit rules at Antelope, and avoid trampling cryptobiotic soil in desert parks to limit erosion and habitat damage.
The route traces Spanish mission country, Gold Rush-era coastal towns, New Deal engineering at Hoover Dam, and lands of the Navajo Nation, each shaping local culture and access to landscapes.
Photographer's Notes
- • Tunnel View (Yosemite) for valley-wide shots
- • Horseshoe Bend rim for sweeping river curves at sunrise
- • Inside Antelope Canyon for slot-wall light beams
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Support and traction for uneven canyon floors, Yosemite trails, and city walks.
Daypack with 1–2L waterEssential
Keeps hydration, snacks, camera, and layers handy during short hikes and stops.
Layered clothing (insulating midlayer + wind shell)Essential
Crucial for coastal chill, mountain mornings, and desert evenings.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF)Essential
Desert and high-elevation sun is intense—protect skin and eyes on exposed viewpoints.
Common Questions
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from Los Angeles (Four Points Sheraton Culver City / LA Farmers Market meet points) and concludes in Las Vegas, typically at Luxor or Treasure Island in the evening.
What is the luggage allowance?
One large suitcase and one small carry-on per person; please plan accordingly for room sharing and limited storage space on vehicles.
Which Antelope Canyon will we visit?
The operator may use either Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon depending on weather and crowd conditions; guides choose the best option the day of your visit.
Is this trip suitable for children?
Minimum age is 7; the itinerary includes long drives and some uneven walking, so consider your child’s stamina and mobility before booking.
Are meals included?
Continental breakfast is included each morning; other meals are at your expense except where noted on specific stops.
What fitness level is required?
A moderate level of fitness is recommended—participants should be able to walk up to 1.5 miles (2.5 km) over uneven terrain to participate in canyon and overlook visits.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
8 days (approx. 7 nights)
Location
Los Angeles, California
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Good general fitness: be able to walk 1–1.5 miles on uneven terrain and manage multiple short hikes and transfers.
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