Explore the National Parks of the U.S. West - San Francisco to Las Vegas (14 Days / 13 Nights)

$ 4,975.00 per person based on 2 people sharing.

$ 6,305.00 for single supplement

**Due to the limited capacity of this tour, Please inquire for live availability.

This tour can be booked with a 10% Deposit, with the balance payable 8 weeks prior to departure.

Hiking Grade: 2 (Adventure Touring)

This trip has been graded adventure touring and includes a series of day walks to explore the national parks of the western USA: The trails used are well defined and the walking distance will generally not exceed 3-6 hours. However, there are stages of the trip which are certainly more demanding including the descent from Glacier Point in Yosemite and the descent / ascent into the Grand Canyon where the vertical distance will be around 800 m. Walkers should carry walking sticks to assist with steep ascents and descents, particularly if you have a history of back or knee problems. The touring component of this trip is fast paced with long drives some days. However, the vehicle will be air-conditioned and relatively comfortable, and the scenery quite stunning. It is well worth taking the time to prepare physically and mentally for the journey in order to get the most out of the trip. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise - power walking, swimming or cycling three times a week for at least three months prior to your departure. It is also a good idea to take in some day walks in hilly areas near to your home to prepare yourself walking with a day pack.

Description:

Discover the world-famous national parks of the western United States in a small group on this well-balanced tour, extending from California to the Grand Canyon. Our small bus gives us access to many sights that larger tour groups cannot reach. Explore Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Las Vegas and San Francisco. You will also have a chance to explore world famous Antelope Canyon and walk to the rim of Horseshoe Bend. On this trip your small group will have time to explore the land on foot, or even by jeep. Small groups provide great flexibility because the tour leader can better cater to the wishes of individuals. Centrally-located, well-appointed accommodations are inside the national parks or at their entrances, allowing more time in the parks and less on the road!

Trip Highlights:

• Discover San Francisco on a fun city tour
• Marvel at the larger-than-life views of Grand Canyon National Park
• Witness the soaring cliffs of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
• Enjoy incredible day hikes in Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks
• Take a Jeep tour through the red rock pillars of Monument Valley
• Take in sweeping vistas of Death Valley National Park
• Explore the Antelope Slot Canyon
• Feel dwarfed by the Worlds biggest trees - the Sequoias
• Revel in the mountain scenery near Mammoth

Inclusions:

• 13 breakfasts, 12 picnic lunches
• 13 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels with private facilities
• Private transport
• Services of an experienced, multi-lingual driver-guide
• National park entry fees, tours & sightseeing as specified

Exclusions:

• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Flights, airport taxes, and airport transfers
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Visas
• Medical treatment
• Personal expenses
• Optional excursions
• Tour leader tip (USD$15-20 per day)
• Cost of laundry, soft drinks & alcoholic beverages

Departure Dates:

2026: 

9th May - 22nd May

4th July - 17th July

Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco

Welcome to San Francisco! Arrive at your hotel via an airport shuttle or local taxi and settle in after your long journey. Take time to relax this evening in preparation for the great adventures ahead. Airport transportation options vary in cost and convenience, you can choose based on your preferences and schedule.

Meals Included: N/A

Overnight: Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf, 2 nights

Day 2: Walking Tour of San Francisco on to Sonora

We'll spend our first day exploring what the locals call, SF. This vibrant city is known for its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and breathtaking views. After a quick drive into the city, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the bustling waterfront at Fisherman’s Wharf, marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge, and wander through the historic streets of Chinatown. No visit is complete without a ride on the city's famous cable cars, offering a unique way to experience the steep hills and stunning skyline. Cable Car passes are included as part of the trip. From the art-filled alleys of the Mission District to the serene beauty of Golden Gate Park, you’re certain to find many hidden treasures throughout this fabulous metropolis. In the late afternoon we head out to our next destination, the famous wine country in the Sierra Foothills, next to Yosemite.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Heritage Inn, 2 nights

City tour: 3-4 mi / 5-7 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-100 m

Drive time: 120 mi / 200 km, or 2.5 hrs

Day 3: Giant Sequoia Trees and Sierra Nevada

A full day to enjoy the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. We spend the morning hiking among a hidden grove of Giant Sequoia, at the Calaveras Big Trees State Park, a breathtaking sanctuary showcasing giant sequoias, including some of the world's largest and oldest trees. Choose from multiple hiking options and enjoy solitude among these quiet giants. Then we continue to Columbia State Park - a preserved Gold Rush town, where you can travel back in time to explore authentic 19th-century buildings in this living history museum dedicated gold rush area. This afternoon you can explore Senora’s charming shops, enjoy a wine tasting on your own, or perhaps pay a visit to the local hotel where Mark Twain once stayed.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Heritage Inn

Drive Time: 125 mi / 200 km, or 2 hrs

Various walks: 5 mi / 8 km, 2-3 hrs, +/-100 m

Day 4: Yosemite National Park and bear watching

Yosemite National Park which was established in 1890 in the Sierra Nevada, encompasses stunning mountain vistas and valleys housing meadows and forests (including groves of giant sequoias) surrounded by high cliffs and waterfalls. The forest of giant Sequoias, the world’s biggest trees and the soaring cliffs of Half Dome are just some of the highlights of the park. We explore Glacier Point, where we can survey the mighty walls of Half Dome and gaze down at the valley floor far below. Big buses are not allowed to drive here, but our vans are allowed. We'll take time to hike in the national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site. From Glacier Point, three very different walks are offered that vary in length, difficulty, and views. Two of these walks head down to the valley, and one is a walk along the rim. These are all one-way walks and therefore self-guided. We recommend take the afternoon to relax in the valley.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight: Yosemite View Lodge

Drive time: 125 mi / 200 km, or 2.5 hrs

Panorama Trail: 9.1 mi / 14.6 km, 4-6 hrs, +/-700 m

Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Loop: 7.2 mi / 11.5 km, 4-5 hrs, +/-575 m

Day 5: Tuolumne Meadow & Mono Lake

In the morning, we depart Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass, crossing over the Sierra Nevada Mountains at 10,000 feet (3048 m). From there, we head for Mono Lake, one of the oldest lakes on Earth. It is known for its bizarre white limestone “tufa tower” formation. Carrying on from there is Mammoth Lakes, the renowned mountain town where our hotel is located

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Mammoth Mountain Inn

Drive time: 120 miles / 200 km, or 4 hrs

Lembert Dome Loop: 3.8 mi / 6.1 km, 2-3 hrs, +/-200 m

**Note: Trips starting before June or past late October may have to detour via Sonora Pass due to snow closure on Tioga Pass Road in Yosemite National Park. Tioga Pass generally opens Memorial Day, which is the last weekend in May. It closes with the first heavy snow of the year. These dates will stay at an alternative hotel.

Day 6: Death Valley National Park

This morning we drive along the 14,000-ft (4300 m) ridge of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California to our way to Death Valley National Park. The environment in the park stands in stark contrast to the red deserts of Utah and the green mountains of Yosemite. More than 3.3 million acres of spectacular desert make up the scenery, along with rare desert wildlife, complex geology, undisturbed wilderness and sites of historical interest abound. This area is known for extreme weather conditions and temperatures, and is one of the hottest places on earth. In summer, temperatures can reach over 49°C. Additionally, being in a rift valley, Death Valley is also the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere at 86 m below sea level. We have time to explore its golden sand dunes, its myriad of brackish pools and springs as well as the fascinating rock erosion formations of Zabriskie Point. If temperatures allow, we will even hike to the Badlands before continuing on to famous Las Vegas, Nevada.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Tuscany Suites & Casino

Drive time: 330 mi / 530 km, or 6 hrs

Badlands Loop: 2.6 mi / 4.2 km, 1-2 hrs, +/-120 m

Day 7: Route 66 to the Grand Canyon

In the morning, we travel via Route 66 through the hot deserts of Nevada and into the world famous Grand Canyon. We will stop along the way for some photo opportunities of the historic route. Once we arrive at the canyon, if you are looking for a little adventure, the opportunity for a breathtaking helicopter flight is available (not included, flights start at approx. Paid locally US$350) With luck, we arrive in time for a stunning sunset. Our hotel is just south of the park entrance.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: The Red Feather Lodge

Drive time: 270 mi / 440 m, or 4 hrs

Day 8: Grand Canyon National Park

A full day to relax and explore at the Grand Canyon. With it being 277 miles long and 18 miles wide, there is not way to see it all in one day. We recommend an easy hike along the West Rim to the beautiful Hermit’s Rest overlook where you'll be treated to an ever-changing, colorful panorama of the canyon's unique rock formations. If you are looking for a bit more action, there are some recommended hikes that will take you into the canyon itself. Note that you have to come up as far as you went down so keep that in mind to ensure you have enough food, water and plenty of time. It will take you twice as long to return to the rim as it did for you to descend. *Note: Hikes in Grand Canyon National Park are self-guided due to permit regulations. For those searching for a little excitement, helicopter tours, bike rentals and an IMAX theater (to be paid locally, not included in tour package) are available as well.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: The Red Feather Lodge

Havasupai Gardens via Bright Angel Trail: 9 mi/14.4 km, 4-5 hrs, +/-940 m

Cedar Ridge via South Kaibab: 3 mi/5 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-300 m

Hike along the rim: up to 8 mi/13 km, up to 4 hrs, +/-50 m

Day 9: Monument Valley with Navajo Native Americans

In the morning, we depart via the east entrance, stopping to see the sights of the East Rim, and head for the world famous Monument Valley of the Navajo tribe. Here giant rock domes and mesas rise out of the valley into the blue sky, offering impressive photo opportunities. For decades, the area has been used by Hollywood as a favorite movie backdrops such as Forest Gump. Hit the ground running on an unforgettable Jeep tour with the Navajos through the valley to hidden beauty spots such as “Ear of the Wind” and “Big Hogan”. This tour is included in the price of your trip. From here, after a short drive, we reach Lake Powell, where we spend the night in Page, AZ.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Clarion Inn Page - Lake Powell

Drive Time: 300 mi / 450 km, or 4.5 hrs

Day 10: Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon

In page, we are on the shore of the Lake Powell. The damming of the Colorado River created a giant lake with a 3000 km shoreline. Deep red sandstone walls reflect in the deep blue waters, offering unforgettable images. The area is famous for its guided tours of Antelope Canyon, which is included in the cost of the trip and is one the most photographed slot canyons in the world. Our tour is followed by a short hike out to Horseshoe Bend. Walk around this natural wonder where the Colorado River meanders in a tight, horseshoe-shaped curve around a sandstone escarpment. This iconic viewpoint offers stunning vistas of the river’s emerald, green waters contrasted against the red rock canyon. In the late afternoon we head to our next destination: Bryce Canyon.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Best Western Plus - Ruby's Inn

Drive time: 140 mi / 220 km, or 2.5 hrs

Horseshoe Bend: 1.5 mi/2.4 km, 45 min, +/-40 m

Day 11: Bryce Canyon

Today we have all day to enjoy Bryce Canyon National Park. For many, Bryce is the most beautiful of the American National Parks. Long ago, tectonic forces uplifted an ancient lakebed exposing the soft sandstone deposit to the elements. Over time, the frost and wind erosion continued to chisel them and created a truly wonderful display of rocks. Marvel at Thor's Hammer, sandstone arches and the expansiveness of the park. Hiking paths wind through radiant red and pink towers of stone, known as Hoodoo's, which contrast beautifully with blue skies and green pines. Those wanting can hike with the group on the Navajo and Queens Garden Trail. This afternoon, we make the drive into our jumping off town for Zion, Hurricane.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Sleep Inn - Hurricane,

Drive time: 140 mi / 220 km, or 2.5 hrs

Queens Garden and Navajo Loop: 3 mi/5 km, 3 hrs, +/-200 m

Rim walk, Bryce Point to Sunset: 2 mi/4 km, 1 hr, +/-50 m

Day 12: Zion National Park

In the morning, we drive to the spectacular Zion National Park. Zion is an 800 m deep sandstone canyon carved by the mighty Virgin River. The scenery is stunning. Zion is famous for it's iconic hikes through many slot canyons. We have all day to explore this fabulous park. You have the option to enjoy a hike to Emerald Pools, where water cascades into shaded pools. Or, maybe you are interested in wading through the Virgin River into the Narrows? Which ever you choose, you will not be disappointed. If you finish hiking early, there is free time to explore the charming town of Springdale before heading to St. George for the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Ramada by Wyndam - St. George

Drive Time: 90 mi / 150 km, or 2 hrs

Emerald Pools 3 mi / 5 km, 2-3 hrs, +/-200 m

Day 13: Snow Canyon & Dinosaur Tracks

Today, we hike over beautiful slick rock, into a lava tube and across moqui marbles in Snow Canyon State Park. A lesser known park to many but is often considered a "mini Zion". We then drive the final leg of our adventure into Las Vegas. Opt to walk the strip, see one of Las Vegas' famous shows or relax at the hotel for your final night on your Southwest adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Tuscany Suites Hotel & Casino

Drive Time: 120 mi / 200 km, or 2 hrs.

Lava Tube to Moqui Marbles: 3 mi / 5 km, 2-3 hours, +/-150 m

Day 14: Las Vegas / Trip concludes

Departure is at your leisure and the trip concludes upon check out from the hotel before 12 noon. There is a complimentary shuttle from the hotel that you may sign up for at the front desk. Please let us know if you would like to spend additional days in this vibrant city.

Meals Included: Breakfast 

About Your Leader

All of our tour leaders are certified in First Aid and CPR and registered as official guides with the national parks. Most are bilingual and many of our departures are conducted in English as well as one other language (typically German or Spanish). Your tour leader is from the USA and may have grown up here or may have moved here from another country - As many Americans do!