San Francisco to Los Angeles, USA

This self-launched road trip replicates Intrepid Travel's iconic 13-day San Francisco to LA journey through California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona — at a fraction of the cost. Hire a car between 2–4 friends (or join a rideshare group), book campsites and budget hotels independently, and pay your own national park entry fees. You'll hit every major stop — Yosemite, Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Route 66 and Joshua Tree — without the group tour markup. Estimated costs below are per person based on 2 people sharing a hire car; solo travellers should budget more for transport. All costs are approximate and based on 2025 budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£790

Skip the group tour price tag and road trip the American Southwest on your own terms. This self-launched version of Intrepid's Vegas-to-LA itinerary hits every major stop — Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, Route 66, Joshua Tree and Los Angeles — using a rented car, bookable park passes, and a mix of campgrounds and budget hotels. You'll have total flexibility, save a significant chunk of money, and still tick off some of the most iconic landscapes on Earth. Note: all costs are approximate estimates per person, based on two people sharing a rental car and tent.

Travel Crew

~£555

Experience the best of California and Nevada independently — from San Francisco's iconic waterfront to the breathtaking trails of Yosemite National Park, the weird and wonderful Mono Lake, and the neon-lit spectacle of Las Vegas. This self-launched version follows the same route as Intrepid Travel's SSYS tour but cuts out the group tour premium by using your own hire car (split with travel companions found via hostel noticeboards or apps like Meetup), public campgrounds booked directly via Recreation.gov, and self-bookable activities. All cost estimates are approximate and per person, based on sharing a hire car and tent with one other traveller.

Travel Crew

~£480