Nevada Western Discovery

Day 1

Arrive San Francisco Airport, drive into San Francisco and check into hotel. Ride the Cable Car from Fisherman’s Wharf to Chinatown, and back to Lombard Street. Walk through Ghirardelli Square and Pier 39. Overnight in San Francisco.

Total Travel Time: 20 mins

Day 2

Depart San Francisco and cross the famous Golden Gate Bridge on Highway 101 to Sausalito. Explore this eclectic art town along the bay before continuing north on Highway 101 and onto Highway 1 toward Muir Woods National Monument. Enjoy the majestic California Redwoods as you walk along the loop trail of 30 or 90 minutes. Drive back into San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge and visit beautiful Golden Gate Park or take a ferry across to mysterious Alcatraz island. Overnight in San Francisco.

Total Travel Time: 1 hr 35 mins

Day 3

Depart San Francisco on I-80 East toward Sacramento/Reno. Take State Highway 267 from Truckee toward Lake Tahoe and left onto Highway 28 along the shore. As you enjoy the stunning lake views, you will cross from California into Nevada. On your right, you will pass the famous Cal-Neva Resort. Enjoy lunch in Crystal Bay or lakeside at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort. Overnight at Lake Tahoe or continue onto Reno via Mt Rose Highway 431 to enjoy a night in Reno, the Biggest Little City in the World. Overnight in Reno.

Total Travel Time: 4 hrs 30 mins

Day 4

Depart Reno heading east on I-80 to Lovelock and enjoy a unique visit to Lovers Lock Plaza, where more than a thousand locks symbolise true love. Locks can be found at businesses throughout town. Look for an empty spot on a chain and secure your love and throw away the key. From Lovelock continue east on I-80 Winnemucca for lunch and stop by the Winnemucca Convention & Visitors Authority and pick up a Historical Walking Tour map of the area. Continue east on I-80 past Carlin, which serves as the gateway to the “Carlin Trend” area that is home to some of the largest and most productive open pit gold mines in the world. Just 8 miles before Elko, visit the new California Trails Center, which presents the history of the Gold Rush, Western Migration, Pioneers and the Donner Party. Overnight in Elko.

Total Travel Time: 4 hrs 40 mins

Day 5

Start your day in historic downtown Elko, experience the sights and sounds of the Western Folklife Center and learn more of Cowboy poetry and songs. See amazing saddles and leather creations at Capriola’s Saddle Shop. Depart Elko on I-80 East to Highway 93 north to Twin Falls. Continue on 93 north to Craters of the Moon National Monument. Stop at the visitors centre and enjoy the scenic seven-mile scenic drive. Continue on to Highway 33 and Highway 20 to West Yellowstone. Overnight in West Yellowstone.

Total Travel Time: 7hrs 45 mins

Day 6

This morning drive into Yellowstone National Park to explore the geysers, caldrons, paint pots and lakes of Yellowstone. Overnight in Yellowstone National Park.

Total Travel Time: 45 mins

Day 7

Continue to explore Yellowstone in the morning before departing on Highway 89 south alongside stunning Grand Teton National Park to Jackson Hole. Continue on 89 south and then I-15 south to Salt Lake City. Enjoy an evening visit to Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake and learn of the pioneer heritage that shaped the valley. Overnight in Salt Lake City.

Total Travel Time: 7 hrs

Day 8

Depart Salt Lake City on I-15 South. Take I-20 East to 89 South, then Highway 12 to Bryce Canyon National Park. Enjoy an afternoon and evening in and around Bryce Canyon, and views from Rainbow Point, Natural Bridge and Inspiration Point. Overnight at Ruby’s Inn or in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Total Travel Time: 4 hrs 30 mins

Day 9

Depart Bryce Canyon on Highway 89 south to Highway 9 west to the East Entrance of Zion National Park. Enjoy the views of Checkerboard Mesa then continue through the tunnels and enjoy the breathtaking views as you wind down into the valley. Park at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and take the shuttle The Grotto, Weeping Rock and Temple of Sinawava. Depart Zion National Park on Highway 9 west to I-15 south. Drive through the Virgin River Gorge and on to Mesquite, Nevada’s desert golf and spa oasis. Overnight in Mesquite.

Total Travel Time: 3 hrs

Day 10

Depart mesquite on I-15 south to 160 south toward Overton. Stop at the Lost City Museum to learn of the Anasazi Indian culture. Enter Valley of Fire State Park to enjoy the stunning red rock formations and dramatic scenery with stops at Elephant Rock, Mouse’s Tank, and Rainbow Vista. Take the East Entrance from the park back to 169 south and take 167 south on North Shore Drive along Lake Mead. Stop at the Alan Bible Visitor Center to learn about the Lake Mead National Recreation Area before continuing on 93 south to Hoover Dam. A dam tour will bring the natural history and engineering marvels to life as you learn of the monumental achievement of damming the Colorado River and creating Lake Mead. Take Highway 93 back to Boulder City and enjoy a walk through the historic district of this 1930’s town that was built to support the construction of the dam. Continue on Highway 93 to Las Vegas. Overnight in Las Vegas.

Total Travel Time: 3 hrs 15 mins

Day 11

Experience the most exciting city on Earth as you spend the day and night in Las Vegas. Enjoy the canals of The Venetian, the fountains of The Bellagio, and the views of Las Vegas from The Stratosphere. Or take an excursion to visit Grand Canyon National Park or the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. Choose your perfect dining experience at a chef restaurant or enjoy one of the themed restaurants. Enjoy one of the many spectacular Las Vegas shows. Overnight in Las Vegas.

Day 12

Take a morning trip to Red Rock Canyon for some hiking and driving along the scenic loop. Spend your afternoon at the Springs Preserve to learn more of the beginnings of Las Vegas valley, natural surroundings and environmentally friendly moves toward the future. Overnight in Las Vegas.

Total Travel Time: 1 hr 10 mins

Day 13

Depart Las Vegas on I-15 south to Los Angeles. Visit Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the beach of Santa Monica. Overnight in Los Angeles.

Total Travel Time: 4 hrs 30 mins

Day 14

Depart Los Angeles International Airport for your flight home.

This road trip was provided by Travel Nevada.

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