Ancient Forests of California

Itinerary

2 Nights – San Francisco
1 Night – Lassen Volcanic National Park
3 Nights – Lake Tahoe
3 Nights – Yosemite
1 Night – San Francisco

Optional Extension: Sequoia National Forest

✈️ UK to San Francisco (2 nights):  Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of San Francisco.  From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the historic Alcatraz Island, there’s no shortage of must-see spots. Head to Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf to enjoy fresh seafood and watch the playful sea lions lounging by the docks. Or visit Lombard Street, known for its famously steep hill and winding, hairpin turns.  Golden Gate Park offers lush gardens, peaceful lakes, and world-class museums including the California Academy of Sciences. Another must-do is to ride on the city’s famous cable cars, and no trip would be complete without a stop to admire the Painted Ladies, the beautiful Victorian homes that showcase the city’s rich history.

Once you’ve soaked up some of the city’s culture and charm, you’ll be ready to slow the pace and head for the tranquillity of the great outdoors. Just a short 15-mile drive north of the city lies Muir Woods National Monument, where you’ll find huge coastal redwoods that stretch up to 250 feet high. This peaceful forest offers a welcome contrast to the city buzz, with walking trails that wind through Cathedral Grove and along the banks of Redwood Creek. If you have extra time, explore the scenic trails of the Presidio – a former military base turned sprawling national park at the edge of the city.

🚗 San Francisco to Lassen Volcanic National Park  (1 night): Next you’ll head north to the Lassen Volcanic National Park.  The park’s landscape is shaped by volcanic activity, with bubbling mud pots, sulphur vents, and hot springs — all dominated by Lassen Peak, an active volcano at the heart of the park.   With over 150 miles of trails, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore the lush forests and peaceful, crystal-clear lakes. Make sure you walk the short ‘Devastated Area Interpretive Trail’ that tells the story of the 1915 eruption of Lassen Peak. Along the way, you’ll see enormous lava boulders, scorched earth, and great views of the peak, all signposted to explain how the eruption reshaped the landscape.  If you’d like something longer and more peaceful, follow the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail through the park’s ancient forests, offering breath-taking views.

🚗 Lassen Volcanic National Park to Lake Tahoe (3 nights) Next stop is Lake Tahoe, a stunning alpine lake that straddles the California/Nevada border, surrounded by pine-covered forests and dramatic mountains.  Its 72-mile shoreline offers a variety of experiences from the upscale north shore, the more rugged west shore, the largely undeveloped east shore, and the lively south shore.  The Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine State Park on the west shore is a particular highlight.  Spanning 2,000 acres of alpine forest and two miles of lakefront, the park features the Ehrman Mansion, scenic walking trails, kayaking, paddleboarding, and plenty of swimming spots. Emerald Bay is another of the area’s treasures.  This dramatic cove is framed by granite cliffs and is home to Lake Tahoe’s only island, Fannette Island. Accessible by boat outside of nesting season, Fannette Island holds the remnants of a 1920s teahouse.  Beneath the surface, divers can explore an underwater trail featuring historic sunken barges and boats.

For a taste of local life, explore the pretty town of Truckee on the north shore with its historic downtown and cafes. Also nearby, visit Tahoe City, a charming small town with little boutiques and lakeside restaurants with good access to walking and cycling trails.  For something livelier, head to South Lake Tahoe with its casinos, restaurants, and lakeside beaches. Just a short drive away, Reno, known as ‘The Biggest Little City in the World’ also offers plenty of nightlife and entertainment.

🚗 Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park (3 nights):  From Lake Tahoe, you’ll drive through the stunning High Sierra mountains to reach Yosemite National Park, one of the most breathtaking places in America.  The park covers nearly 750,000 acres of wild, natural beauty, with Yosemite Valley right at its heart. This is where you’ll find iconic landmarks such as the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome, along with spectacular waterfalls such as Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall. For some of the best views, don’t miss Tunnel View and Valley View – perfect for pausing for a moment to take it all in. There are plenty of walking and biking trails for all levels, from easy strolls to challenging climbs. To see the park from above, head up to Glacier Point.  Jutting out sharply, this cliff edge is 3,200 feet above the valley floor, offering incredible panoramic views.

🚗 Yosemite to Sequoia National Park (optional extension): If you want to extend your journey before heading back to San Fran, you can take the drive south from Yosemite to Sequoia National Forest. With a quieter, more off-the-beaten-track experience, this will allow you to go deeper into the Sierra Nevada’s incredible landscapes for a more raw and rugged view of nature. The forest is famous for its Giant Sequoia trees, many of which are over 3,000 years old. The best way to explore the area is by taking one of the many trails that wind through dense pine forests and meadows. Visit Mountain Home Grove, a peaceful area where some of the largest sequoias stand or take a scenic drive to explore other groves and viewpoints.

🚗 Yosemite/Sequoia National Park to San Francisco (1 night):  You’ll wrap up your journey with one last night in San Francisco. Whether you revisit your favourite spots or check out anything you missed the first time around, it’s the perfect way to round off your forest-filled adventure.

✈️ San Francisco to UK: Time to fly back to the UK, soaring over the vast stretches of forests and mountains you’ll have explored during your trip, taking one last look at California’s stunning landscapes.