Coast to Canyon
MARCH 13-20, 2026
From Surf to Summit: The Ultimate West Coast Adventure!
The Coast to Canyons route starts on the Pacific Ocean, and heads north to the deserts of California.
After exploring date farms and palm tree oasis in Palm Springs and experiencing Death Valley National Park, we’ll head east to the canyons of Arizona.
Checkpoints in San Diego, Page, and Phoenix.
The details
This is your rally, your route!
So, you can hit all the places that we suggest, OR you may want to check out other places along the way and go on a different route while still ending up at the same finish line destination.
Here are suggestions of what you can see each day for each route. We’ll see where the road takes you! Find a more in-depth breakdown of suggestions for each day here.
REGISTRATION DAY: SAN DIEGO, CA
Welcome to sunny San Diego — the perfect spot to kick off our Coast to Canyon adventure! With its laid-back coastal vibes, San Diego is one of our favorite spots. Swing by Coronado Beach for golden sands and sailboat views, or head to La Jolla Cove where you might catch sea lions sunbathing on the rocks. Film buffs might recognize San Diego from Top Gun (yes, the original AND Maverick). Grab some Italian food from Seneca make sure to check out Clayton’s on Coronado Island.
🎬 Famous Films: Top Gun, Top Gun Maverick
📸 Must-See: Mission Beach, Torrey Pines, La Jolla, Seaport Village
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, CA
You’re heading into one of the most surreal places on Earth — Death Valley National Park, where extreme landscapes make it feel like another planet. It’s home to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and the ever-colorful Artist’s Palette. Fun fact: scenes from Star Wars: A New Hope were filmed here, standing in for the surface of Tatooine. You might see desert kit foxes, lizards, or even a blooming desert five-spot flower if the conditions are right. This stop is proof that beauty can thrive in the harshest places — and it’s SO photogenic your camera roll might never recover.
🎬 Famous Films: Star Wars: A New Hope
📸 Must-See: Badwater Basin, Dante’s View, Artist’s Palette
PAGE, AZ
Page might be one of the coolest hidden gems of the Southwest. It’s home to Antelope Canyon, where sunlight beams dance through narrow sandstone walls — make sure you make a reservation beforehand. You’ll also want to stand on the edge of Horseshoe Bend, one of the most iconic views in the U.S. Films like Into the Wild and Transformers have captured its magic, but nothing compares to seeing it with your own eyes. Lake Powell is right around the corner and has some incredible views for boating, kayaking, and hanging out on the water.
🎬 Famous Films: Into the Wild, Transformers
📸 Must-See: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell
SEDONA, AZ
Sedona is a red rock wonderland. Known for its spiritual vortexes, stunning Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, and the epic Pink Jeep Tours, Sedona is where hikers, artists, and food lovers escape for the weekend. It’s also a filming location for classics like Broken Arrow and Midnight Run. Treat yourself to a scoop of Prickly Pear cactus ice cream, or stop by a local spot for some Southwest-style enchiladas. You might see javelinas (they look like little desert pigs!) wandering near town, or hawks circling above the cliffs. Sedona is magic — no doubt about it.
🎬 Famous Films: Broken Arrow and Midnight Run
📸 Must-See: Old Town Sedona, Faye Canyon, Chapel of the Holy Cross
PALM SPRINGS, CA
Known for its mid-century modern architecture and desert oasis, it’s been a Hollywood hideaway since the Rat Pack days. Movies like Ocean's Eleven and Behind the Candelabra were filmed here. Don’t leave without trying a date shake (made from the sweet dates grown nearby — and check out the farms where they’re grown while you’re there), and keep an eye out for bighorn sheep on the trails. Joshua Tree is just a short drive away, perfect for hiking rock formations and stargazing in the evening.
🎬 Famous Films: Ocean’s Eleven, Behind the Candelabra
📸 Must-See: Aerial Tramway, Joshua Tree National Park, Indian Canyons
LAS VEGAS, NV
Welcome to Las Vegas — the city where everything feels possible. Whether you’re here for the neon lights, the over-the-top shows, or just want to see if Lady Luck is on your side, Vegas brings the energy. Movie fans will recognize spots from The Hangover, Ocean’s Eleven, and Viva Las Vegas. Check out the Sphere for a mind-blowing experience, or escape the crowds for a hike at Red Rock Canyon just outside the city. Make sure to make a reservation at one of the many iconic restaurants in Vegas, or grab a late-night In-N-Out Burger (West Coast classic!).
🎬 Famous Films: The Hangover, Ocean’s Eleven, Viva Las Vegas
📸 Must-See: The Vegas Strip, The Sphere, Fountains of Bellagio
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, AZ
You’ve seen the pictures, but nothing prepares you for that first view of the Grand Canyon. It’s 277 miles of rugged beauty that’s been carved by the Colorado River for millions of years — and yes, it’s that breathtaking. Films like National Lampoon’s Vacation and Thelma & Louise filmed iconic scenes here. Hike a bit of the Bright Angel Trail, or just find a good spot at Mather Point to watch the colors change at sunset. While you’re here, keep your eyes open for California condors soaring above the cliffs. This is a “bucket list” moment for a reason!
🎬 Famous Films: National Lampoon’s Vacation, Thelma & Louise
📸 Must-See: Ooh Aah Point, Bright Angels Trail
PHOENIX, AZ
We wrap up in Phoenix, a desert city full of sunshine, flavor, and good vibes. Check out Old Town Scottsdale for cool shops and cowboy history, or head to South Mountain Park for desert views. The city’s been featured in films like Raising Arizona and Jerry Maguire, but its real star power is the food — grab some Sonoran hot dogs, authentic tamales, or the best Mexican food this side of the border. At the Phoenix Zoo, you might catch a glimpse of African lions or local Sonoran wildlife. The city buzzes with creativity and warmth — it’s the perfect place to toast to new friends and a journey you’ll never forget.
🎬 Famous Films: Raising Arizona, Jerry Maguire
📸 Must-See: Phoenix Zoo, South Mountain, Old Town Scottsdale
