Active Tours & Trips in California
4.6 stars on(9,397 reviews)- Choose from 11 California tours
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10 best active California tours
Compiled by
MelissaCalifornia travel expert at TourRadar
California's diverse landscapes unfold from Trail Canyon to Telescope Peak's summit. The historic Eureka Goldmine and ancient charcoal kilns dot the 17+ miles of challenging terrain through Panamint Mountains' camping areas.
Duration 4 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wildland Trekking From
- NZ$2,826
Yosemite's John Muir Trail leads to spectacular hiking adventures through Tuolumne Meadows' alpine lakes and Vernal Falls. The massive General Grant Tree stands guard in Sequoia's Grant Grove, while coastal paths wind through Point Lobos State Park.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Cambria, Big Sur Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Southwest Adventure Tours From
- NZ$9,212
California's thrilling trails beckon, from the steep ascent to Gaylor Lakes Basin to Mount Hoffmann's 2,020-foot summit climb. The dramatic Pohono Trail soars 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, leading to Lembert Dome's panoramic Cathedral Range views.
Duration 5 days Destinations Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wildland Trekking From
- NZ$6,671
Challenging trails await at Panther Gap, rising 2,500 feet above the Pacific. Paddle through Humboldt Bay alongside 316 bird species and ancient archaeological sites. Venture into Bull Creek's primeval forest, home to 300-foot redwood giants.
Duration 6 days Destinations Eureka Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Bicycle Adventures From
- NZ$7,432+$1,003 upfront costs
Death Valley's terrain varies from the 600-foot Ubehebe Crater to the Star Wars-famous Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Dramatic elevation changes span from Dante's View at 5,500 feet to Badwater Basin at -282 feet. Professional guides lead hiking and cycling routes through painted badlands.
Duration 6 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park Age Range Ages 21+ Operator Bicycle Adventures From
- NZ$6,762+$913 upfront costs
The challenging Snow Creek Trail leads upward to Indian Rock's natural arch, descending past 2,425ft Yosemite Falls. Pristine California streams provide camping spots near hidden viewpoints of Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon.
Duration 4 days Destinations Yosemite National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wildland Trekking From
- NZ$2,835
California's iconic wilderness unfolds with 3,660-foot climbs and dramatic descents. The summit of Sentinel Dome rewards with panoramic views of Mount Clark and Half Dome. Professional guides handle all logistics during this 4-day expedition with pristine camping locations.
Duration 4 days Destinations Yosemite National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wildland Trekking From
- NZ$2,941
The Eastern Sierra rises from Lee Vining, ascending 2,680 feet past historic railway tracks. Five pristine alpine lakes, including Thousand Island Lake, offer two nights of camping while following sections of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail.
Duration 6 days Destinations Sierra Nevada Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wildland Trekking From
- NZ$3,836
Kings Canyon's wilderness stretches from Road's End past Mist Falls and Buck Peak. Glen Pass towers at 11,978 feet, offering views of 13,126-foot Diamond Peak. Pristine alpine lakes provide perfect spots for swimming and fishing.
Duration 7 days Destinations Fresno, Kings Canyon National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wildland Trekking From
- NZ$4,448
Rock climbing at Half Dome Village and hiking through Mariposa Grove's ancient sequoias showcase California's natural wonders. Cool off in Tenaya Lake, hike to Taft Point's dramatic overlooks, and rest at the upscale Rush Creek Lodge while exploring Yosemite's diverse terrain.
No departure dates availableDuration 6 days Destinations Fresno, Mariposa, San Francisco, Yosemite National Park Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Active Adventures
What our customers ask about Active Tours & Trips in California
What are the best months for Adventure tours in California?
The timing for California Adventure tours depends on the specific region you plan to visit. Yosemite's peak season runs from May through September with comfortable temperatures and clear skies that are perfect for outdoor activities. Death Valley tours work best between October and November when the desert heat becomes bearable. The coastal areas including Big Sur and the Redwoods welcome visitors throughout the year though June brings particularly good weather conditions. Tour operators schedule most of their departures during these favorable periods to ensure the best possible experience. A TourRadar traveler shared during their Yosemite Falls trek: "The May timing was perfect - waterfalls were at peak flow and the weather was ideal for hiking."
What unique wildlife might I encounter on California Adventure tours?
California's natural landscapes support a rich variety of wildlife. Visitors to Death Valley often spot desert bighorn sheep in the rocky terrain while the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge hosts more than 316 bird species along with sea otters and harbor seals. Yosemite's high country is home to marmots and black bears that frequently appear along hiking trails. Some tours take guests to Isla Espiritu Santo where swimming with sea lion pups is possible. Properties like the Ranch at Death Valley and Victorian Village Inn serve as excellent bases for wildlife observation. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Watching sea otters play in Humboldt Bay while kayaking was an unforgettable highlight."
What camping and accommodation options are available on California Adventure tours?
The accommodation options on California Adventure tours range from basic camping to upscale lodging. Yosemite visitors can book rooms at Rush Creek Lodge which provides modern amenities and comfortable spaces. The Telescope Peak Adventure combines traditional campground stays with wilderness camping experiences using provided high-quality equipment. Along the coast guests often stay in historic buildings such as Ferndale's Victorian Village Inn or the Benbow Inn near the Avenue of Giants. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The mix of camping under the stars in Yosemite and comfortable lodge stays provided the perfect balance."
How challenging are the hiking portions of California Adventure tours?
The physical demands of California Adventure tours vary by location and route. The North Dome Traverse in Yosemite includes daily elevation gains reaching 3118 feet while coastal redwood trails offer easier walking conditions. For those seeking a serious challenge Death Valley's Telescope Peak Adventure reaches elevations of 11049 feet. Tour operators provide detailed route information including daily distances and elevation changes. Comfortable accommodations like Rush Creek Lodge help hikers recover between outings. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The Yosemite hikes were challenging but achievable with our guide's expert pacing and support."
What kind of food is provided on California Adventure tours?
Food service on California Adventure tours ranges from backcountry cooking to restaurant dining. Multi-day backpacking excursions include all meals starting with dinner on the first day through lunch on the last with guides preparing quality meals in the wilderness. Lodge-based programs like the Redwoods & Coast Multisport feature local restaurant dining while camping tours offer guide-prepared meals in outdoor settings. Notable dining can be found at properties like the Victorian Village Inn and Rush Creek Lodge. A TourRadar traveler reported: "The quality and variety of meals exceeded expectations especially considering we were in the backcountry."
What's the best California Adventure tour for viewing iconic landscapes?
Each California Adventure tour showcases different remarkable landscapes. The Yosemite Falls and North Dome Traverse offers unique perspectives of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley. Death Valley tours explore Badwater Basin North America's lowest point while the Redwoods & Coast Multisport Tour combines views of ancient sequoias with Pacific coastline vistas. Strategic accommodation choices like Rush Creek Lodge and the Benbow Inn put visitors close to key viewing locations. As one TourRadar traveler put it: "The diversity of landscapes we experienced in one week was incredible - from desert basins to alpine peaks."