Trip Information
Number of Nights: 9 night
Seasons: June – October
Start / End: San Francisco
Average Price: $5,400
Detailed Itinerary
Start: 1 night San Francisco, CA
Start your trip by flying into San Francisco, where you’ll have time to explore this iconic city. Once you arrive, settle into your booked hotel, conveniently located to help you make the most of your visit. San Francisco offers a wealth of attractions, from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the historic Alcatraz Island, which you can reach via a scenic ferry ride. Wander through Fisherman’s Wharf to enjoy fresh seafood and street performances, or explore the vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown and Haight-Ashbury for unique shops and local culture. Stroll through Golden Gate Park, home to beautiful gardens and the California Academy of Sciences.
San Francisco to Coloma: 135 miles
1 night Coloma, CA
After collecting your RV, head to Coloma, the historic site where gold was discovered during California’s famous Gold Rush. Here, you can swim in the American River, get accustomed to your RV, and explore the charming gold rush town. For the adventurous, we highly recommend a white-water rafting trip on the American River. With the guidance of an expert, you’ll navigate thrilling rapids and take in breathtaking scenery, making for an exhilarating start to your journey.
Coloma to Lake Tahoe: 75 miles
3 nights Lake Tahoe
Heading up into the Sierras, you’ll spend the next three nights in the Lake Tahoe area, renowned for its stunning lake and surrounding mountain scenery. Lake Tahoe offers a wealth of outdoor activities in the warmer months. Hike trails like Eagle Lake or Mount Tallac for panoramic views, or enjoy water activities on the lake, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Scenic drives around the lake provide breathtaking vistas, and picnicking by the shore is a relaxing way to soak in the natural beauty. Explore the charming towns of South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City for dining, shopping, and local events.
Lake Tahoe to Yosemite: 190 miles
3 nights Yosemite National Park
From Lake Tahoe, travel down the Eastern Sierras, with a chance to visit a historic ghost town and marvel at the unique Mono Lake. Upon arriving in Yosemite National Park, you’ll have three nights to explore this iconic destination. Highlights include the breathtaking views from Yosemite Valley, where you can see landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome. Explore the stunning Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, or hike to Glacier Point for panoramic vistas of the park. Don’t miss the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove, where you can stand among some of the world’s oldest and largest trees.
Yosemite to Bay Area: 190 miles
1 night Bay Area
After soaking up the natural wonders of Yosemite, you’ll travel back through the Central Valley and into the Bay Area for your final night of camping. This route offers a scenic transition from the rugged beauty of the Sierras to the vibrant culture of Northern California. Upon arriving in the Bay Area, you can unwind at a well-equipped campground, enjoying a peaceful evening surrounded by the region’s unique landscapes. Enjoy your last night before heading to return your RV the following morning and flying home.
TOTAL TRIP MILEAGE: 580 miles
End: San Francisco, CA
Trip Extensions
2 nights Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks +$1,080
Adding Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park to your Lake Tahoe and Yosemite road trip is a great way to extend your adventure with more spectacular landscapes and natural wonders. Located in the southern Sierra Nevada, these neighboring parks are renowned for their towering sequoia trees, including the world-famous General Sherman Tree, the largest tree by volume. Kings Canyon features dramatic granite cliffs and deep canyons, while Sequoia offers breathtaking views from spots like Moro Rock and the Crystal Cave. These parks provide a contrast to the alpine scenery of Lake Tahoe and the iconic vistas of Yosemite, enriching your trip with a diverse range of natural beauty.