Where to Watch the 2023 Solar Eclipse
On October 14th, 2023, North, Central and South America will witness an incredible astronomical event…
California is a land of extremes. There’s Yosemite Falls: at 2,425 feet, it’s the 5th highest waterfall in the world. There’s Tomales Bay: the state’s largest unspoiled coastal embayment. The tallest living organism on Earth, the giant sequoia, makes California its home, as does the world’s longest living entity, the Bristlecone Pine. California is also home to the rolling hills and vineyards of the West Coast's wine country in Napa and Sonoma, and to the iconic granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park.
Our California adventure vacations offer ways to actively explore the natural wonders of this great state. Hike among the towering sequoias, marvel at the grandeur of El Capitan, and chase waterfalls on your Californian adventure!
Check out our incredible adventures exploring the highlights and hidden gems of North America!
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
The best time to visit California for an Adventure Vacation is June to August because the weather is favorable and the parks put on their best show of wild beauty.
If you're heading to Yosemite National Park, the summer months are a great time to visit. Thanks to the spring runoff, the park’s waterfalls are especially stunning in early June. By July and August, most of the park’s roads are usually open, and you’ll find the best options for hiking because most of the trails are accessible.
We love exploring California – especially it’s incredible national parks. If you’re planning a trip California or Yosemite, Death Valley, or Joshua Tree National Parks, we have some tips for items you should pack on your adventure vacation.
California is home to some of the most epic hiking trails in the country. Whether you’re just hiking for a few miles or the entire Pacific Crest Trail, you’ll want to have a pair of good-quality hiking boots. But, if you don’t own hiking boots, please don’t buy a pair the day before you leave! For maximum comfort “break in” your boots first. This will ensure that you don’t suffer from painful blisters on your trip.
From the waves in the Pacific to the alpine lakes in Yosemite, there are plenty of places to swim in California. If you’re a fan of getting in the water, you won’t want to be get caught in this state without a swimming suit! You can even swim in Death Valley – the driest place in the continental U.S.
California is a very eco-conscious state. For example, California was the first state to ban grocery stores from handing out plastic bags for free. We recommend packing a fast-drying, lightweight bag that folds into itself. It’s also important to pack a reusable water bottle – especially if you’re visiting Death Valley. (Note: We’ll hook you up with these goods if you’re on any of our trips!)
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Every year, more than 200 million travelers visit California. Many of those visit our favorite national parks, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, and Yosemite, and many of those end up missing out on what we think are some really neat things. Below are some of the tried-and-true must-dos that we hope you’ll have time for!
While John Muir has been dead for some time now, this Scottish-American naturalist’s legacy is very much alive thanks to his significant role in the establishment and preservation of Yosemite National Park. If you have a chance, learn a little about this remarkable man who devoted his life to making sure that others could fully appreciate this special place. The more you know about John Muir, the more you’ll be able to see the park through his eyes and fully enjoy its wealth of beauty and nature.
While in Death Valley, don’t miss what photographers refer to as the “golden hour.” You’ll be in awe of the magic that takes place as the sun sets over the Mesquite Sand Dunes. Sunrise is also a great time to photograph this ever-shifting sea of sand that has features you’ll probably never see again.
Cell service in both Yosemite and Death Valley is spotty or non-existent in many places. Don’t schedule any important calls or plan on Instagramming while you’re traveling in these parks! If you’re worried about not being able to use Google Maps, pack a GPS or pick up a map at a visitors’ center.
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As members of the Active Adventures family, Austin Adventures offers booking assurance that allows you to secure your spot with a deposit now and pay the rest later. Plus, if your plans change or you can’t travel, you can transfer your booking or request a refund on any additional funds paid (less deposit) up to 90 days from your original trip start date.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.
