415-549-8049 REQUEST A QUOTE

Mountains, Deserts and Moonscapes

8 DAYS Starting 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!

REQUEST QUOTE

Trip at a 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.

Related Tours

Baja California Nature Tour

On this 7-day Baja California Nature Tour, you’ll first be treated to spectacular nature and wildlife opportunities in Mexico’s central Baja...

VIEW ITINERARY

Baja California Nature Tour

7 days starting from $4,290 per person

Mexico City to Puebla & Oaxaca

Embark on a true cultural expedition via this Mexico City to Puebla & Oaxaca tour. Begin by experiencing the far reaches of urban Mexico City...

VIEW ITINERARY

Mexico City to Puebla & Oaxaca

10 days starting from $5,590 per person

Pacific Coast Highway Adventure

Traverse breathtaking seaside cliffs and charming coastal hamlets on this 8-day Pacific Coast Highway Adventure along one of America’s most fabled...

VIEW ITINERARY

Pacific Coast Highway Adventure

8 days starting from $3,790 per person

“I had a terrific time traveling with SA and want to thank them so much for organizing such a seamless and extremely fun expedition. Much appreciated, especially when you’re thousands of miles from home. They nailed it!”
— Spencer Michelson

5 days ago

“SA Excursions planned the perfect trip to us. The trip went flawlessly and the accommodations were amazing. I would highly recommend this company.”
— Carrie Burrows

6 days ago

“One of my best friends and I are so glad we used SA Expeditions to go to Antartica. SA's Mikey Blount helped us put together a trip of a lifetime! Mikey is friendly, knowledable, and easy to communicate with. He'll have suggestions on how to...”
— Annie Hsu

7 days ago

“SA Expeditions put together a trip of a lifetime to Patagonia for my sister and I. Everything was planned so well, from transfers, excursions, to various bucket list areas ending with a Tango show that was the perfect ending. Every guide, driver...”
— Laura Baron

24 Dec, 2024

“Just back from Peru adventure and Amazon cruise. Claudia had all of my connections, land and air, and sightseeing events beautifully arranged. The guides, both on land and on the Arias, were fantastic. Such a learning experience.Now it's time to...”
— heather currens

08 Dec, 2024

“Great recommendations from our travel advisor for our Cost Rica trip November 2024. Pre-trip phone calls were helpful and appreciated. Recommendations for excursions were spot-on. All of the guides and drivers were so friendly and informative. We...”
— Wendy Moreland

07 Dec, 2024

“SA Expeditions and Jackie Becker, the person who put our trip together did a wonderful job! At every point of contact, we felt taken care of. Our birding guide in Ecuador and city guide in Quito were knowledgeable and enjoyable. It was important...”
— Ken Bock

30 Nov, 2024

“Jackie Becker and SA Expeditions did an amazing job for us, from start to finish. The trip really exceeded our expectations especially Jordan.Sayed our guide in Egypt was very knowledgeable and entertaining. and his English was fantastic. Some of...”
— Dale Montgomery

27 Nov, 2024

“Excellent trip to Machu Picchu, highly recommended”
— Mitchell Hall

16 Nov, 2024

“Yes, SA is actually THAT good:)We just returned from a 2-week trip to South America and it was absolutely incredible in every way.Transitions were seamless and every person we met along our journey was far beyond gracious and kind. The guided...”
— Chris Nelson

13 Nov, 2024

VIEW ALL REVIEWS
TRIP PLANNING MADE EASY. TALK TO A DESTINATION EXPERT TODAY. INQUIRE NOW