Golden West to Red Rocks: 6-Day California Coast, Sequoia, Bryce & Zion Road Tour
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
Appropriate for travelers in average fitness who can handle multiple short walks, some stair/steep viewpoints, and several long coach rides; expect short hikes of 30–150 minutes.
Overview
From Pacific bluffs to red-rock amphitheaters, this six-day road tour moves fast: coast towns and San Francisco, ancient sequoias in the Sierra, and the hoodoos of Bryce before the Virgin River narrows of Zion. Perfect for travelers who want maximum landscape variety with hotel comfort.
Golden West to Red Rocks: 6-Day California Coast, Sequoia, Bryce & Zion Road Tour
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The bus eases out of Los Angeles with the Pacific on one side and the city’s glass towers shrinking behind — a slow unfurling of coastline, vineyards and silent mountains that sets the tone for six days of rapid-change landscapes. You’ll trade the salt air of Santa Barbara for the fog-washed view from San Francisco’s Fort Point, then climb into the Sierra to stand beneath cathedral trunks of Sequoia before the desert bakes and the rock columns of Bryce and Zion rearrange your sense of scale.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Stay hydrated at altitude
Bryce’s rim reaches ~8,000–9,000 ft; drink water before hikes and pace yourself to avoid altitude fatigue.
Layer for big temperature swings
Coastal mornings can be cool and desert afternoons hot — a light fleece and wind shell cover most conditions.
Sun protection is non-negotiable
Bring SPF 30+, a wide-brim hat and sunglasses — UV exposure intensifies at higher elevations and on reflective canyon walls.
Comfortable shoes with traction
Trail surfaces at Bryce and Zion can be uneven and loose; trail shoes or light hiking boots reduce slips and sore feet.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mule deer or bighorn sheep in park meadows
- Western scrub-jay and occasional California sea lions along the coast
History
The route crosses lands long inhabited by Tongva and Chumash peoples on the coast and Paiute communities in the high desert; historic sites here also reflect Gold Rush and mining-era settlement patterns.
Conservation
Parks encourage Leave No Trace and water conservation — stick to trails, pack out trash and follow seasonal restrictions to protect fragile soils and slow erosion.
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Adventure Hotspots in Los Angeles
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Daypack (20–30 L)
Holds water, layers, camera and snacks for park walks and viewpoints.
Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots
Provides grip on rocky trails and comfort during sustained walking.
Sun hat & SPF 30+ sunscreen
Protects against strong sun on coastal cliffs and high-elevation rims.
summer specific
Insulating mid-layer (fleece)
Helpful for cool mornings in coastal fog and chilly evenings in the mountains.
spring specific