- Enjoy the Waterfalls of Yosemite N.P.
- Discover Monument Valley by jeep
- Cruise the Las Vegas Strip
- Visit Seligman on Route 66
- Stunning sunrise or sunset at the Grand Canyon
- Explore Bryce Canyon's mysterious hoodoos
- Stop off at spooky Rhyolite ghost town
- Walk the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

Western Family Discovery
- Home
- North America
- USA
- Family
- Western Family Discovery
Camp under the stars in this two week Western USA family adventure
A true American adventure for the whole family. Camp under the stars in the western national parks and explore the Navajo Indian's Monument Valley on this 12 day family adventure holiday in the USA. Granite peaks sparkle above evergreen forests in Yosemite Valley, swift rivers carve winding canyons in Zion, mysterious hoodoos cast shadows over Bryce, and the earth opens up at the indescribable Grand Canyon. Let your leader take care of the details as you experience these powerful lands, shaped and formed by the forces of nature.
Highlights
Key Information
- Travel by private minibus with trailer for luggage and equipment
- Group normally 6 to 13, plus leader
- 9 nights participatory camping, 1 night motel, 1 night hotel
- Countries visited: USA
What's Included
- All accommodation
- 10 breakfasts, 11 lunches & 9 dinners
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Visas or vaccinations
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Optional activities
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
- The group goes on a guided backroads tour in Monument Valley which is run by members of the Navajo Nation so this provides income for local families.
- Read more about our other initiatives here.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for re-usable bottles.
- The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves generates income which is used for upkeep and development of these important sites. In this trip we visit the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Yosemite National Parks.
- Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices regarding working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
- We rewild 100 square metres per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- Our local partner is a member of the San Francisco Green Business Program. The San Francisco Green Business Program recognizes businesses, non-profit organizations, and institutions in the City and County of San Francisco that meet high environmental standards.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: we do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: please bring a re-usable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.
Itinerary
Welcome to the neon city in the Nevada desert. This brash, iconic city offers families the chance to explore the over-the-top casinos, see a show, shop or simply indulge in a spot of people watching. A welcome meeting will be held at approximately 18:00 hrs in the evening with free time afterwards to explore the cityscape at night and see the neon lights in all their glory.
Accommodation: Alexis Park Resort (or similar)
Leaving Las Vegas your first stop is a dtreat the kids to an ice cream from the ose of real Americana as you travel along an original section of Route 66 stopping at the quirky town of Seligman. Pick up some souvenirs for friends back at home and classic Snow Cap Diner before arriving at the mighty Grand Canyon.
Your family will never forget the moment they lay eyes on one of the world's greatest natural wonders. For the ultimate thrill ride, take a scenic helicopter flight or a nature walk along the rim for some spectacular views. Did you know that only 5% of visitors to the famous canyon ever venture inside? Get your family hooked on being in the great outdoors with a great hike to Ooh Aah Point or Plateau Point for incredible views looking both up and down. After watching a glorious sunset make sure you head over to the Grand Canyon IMAX Theater for an incredible audio-visual experience and learn all about how the canyon was discovered and how the area has developed.
Optional Activities:
- IMAX Theater US$10
- Grand Canyon Helicopter flight: US$289 (starting rate, price varies according to demand)
Accommodation: Mather Campground (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You've seen the movie; now it's your chance to run like Forrest Gump on the iconic stretch of road en route to Monument Valley! Discover the hidden secrets of this tribal land and learn more about the Native American culture and way of life on your included Navajo guided backroads tour. Arriving in this iconic landscape will have you thinking that you have stepped right into a Western movie set, with the towering red rock buttes and mesas. There is nothing quite as amazing as a night sky in Monument Valley.
Accommodation: Goulding's Campground (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On the road again, and your next stop is at one of the most photographed places on the Colorado River, Horseshoe Bend. Believe us, it is nothing short of impressive. Next up is Bryce Canyon National Park with its fascinating natural amphitheatre of pink, orange and white sandstone spires, known locally as 'hoodoos'. There are a variety of scenic overlooks and trails that range from easy to moderate in difficulty, so depending on what you and your family are after, there's plenty of choice! The Navajo Trail enables you to hike right in amongst the unique rock formations. Some of you may prefer to hike on the Queens Garden Trail or to remain on the rim and photograph the ever-changing colours as the sun makes its way across the wide-open sky. Transfer to the campsite at Kodachrome Basin State Park, named after a National Geographic Society exhibition which came to the park and was amazed by the changing colours of the sandstone chimneys, creating a beautiful spectacle as the sun crossed the sky. This quiet campsite will allow you to experience true desert life and enjoy some quality time with the family.
Optional Activities:
- Western horseback riding US$65-$90
Accommodation: Kodachrome Basin State Park Campground (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The next destination is Zion National Park, named by the early Mormon settlers of Utah who thought of it as their 'promised land'. Some of the best hiking in this desert terrain of Southwest USA can be found here in and around the fertile Virgin River Gorge. With an early arrival today and two nights here, you'll have plenty of time to explore after setting up camp. The perfect thing to do today is walk along a section of the Virgin River called 'The Narrows', if weather conditions permit. In The Narrows, dry feet are not an option as you are actually hiking through the Virgin River in between towering walls, and as the day heats up, the cool water and shadows of the canyon can be very pleasant indeed and you and your family can enjoy a quick dip.
Accommodation: Zion Ponderosa Ranch Campground (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You have a full day to further explore the delights of Zion National Park. Hire a bike or enjoy some western horseback riding. There are many great trails but a really good option to start with is the Watchman Trail. It is a steady uphill climb until you reach the viewpoint which offers stunning views of Watchman Peak. In the afternoon you and the family can find some welcome shade while walking the Emerald Pools trail.
Another hike option is Angels Landing, which due to its popularity cannot be booked by a tour operator and requires individual customers to apply for a permit via a seasonal lottery. We have included more details on how to go about this in the ‘Is this trip for you?’ section.
Optional Activities:
- Western horseback riding US$45-$90
Accommodation: Zion Ponderosa Ranch Campground (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel west via Rhyolite ghost town on the Nevada/California border, a former gold rush town that was once prosperous but later abandoned in the 1920s. Check out the remains of this well-preserved ghost town, and feel the spirit of the old gold prospectors in the wild west stirring on the wind as you visit the jailhouse, schoolhouse and train station. Tonight you will overnight in Tonopah.
Accommodation: Best Western Hi-Desert Inn (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today you traverse your way from east to west traversing the 3,000 metre-high (10,000 ft.) Tioga Pass over the Sierra Nevada Mountains. You'll travel past the eerie shores of Mono Lake before arriving at Yosemite National Park, which sits nestled in the Sierra Nevadas of Northern California. Here green forest meets towering granite walls. After a visit to see the amazing Giant Sequoia trees, Yosemite Valley beckons. Here you may cycle, take a dip in the Merced River or wander the meadows.
Hike the Mist Trail, arguably one of the most outstanding day hikes from Yosemite Valley. The trail has some superb views as you walk across picturesque bridges up towards Vernal Falls, where the spray from the falls will cool you down on a hot summer's day and create rainbows along the trail. Continue walking to reach another beautiful waterfall, Nevada Falls, and return via the John Muir Trail for perfect afternoon views and - if you're lucky - you may even spot Black Bears and coyotes that sometimes roam the surrounding areas. Junior Ranger programs are available at most national parks which gives kids and families the opportunity to uniquely explore and learn about the national parks and how they can help protect them today and into the future.
Optional Activities:
- Bike rental US$12-$34
- Float trip on the Merced River US$31
Accommodation: Yosemite Lakes Campground (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Make your way through California's historic gold country to the 'City by the Bay', or San Francisco as it's more commonly known! Enjoy a brief orientation tour around the city including a close-up view of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the chance to walk across it. Completed in 1937, this iconic suspension bridge stretches for 2.7 km (1.7 miles) and is probably the most photographed bridge in the world. Unfortunately, your tour must come to an end but if you decide to stay on, there's plenty to keep you entertained but the best introduction to the city is to jump on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. If you want to visit Alcatraz on this day, you'll need to book your ticket online in advance with Alcatraz Cruises.
This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to take fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Essential Info
For anyone leaving from the UK we would be pleased to book your flight in conjunction with your tour. Please contact us for competitive prices on flights departing from most UK airports.
If you are booking your own flights, you are free to arrive at any time on day one but it is advisable that you arrive in plenty of time to reach your joining hotel and attend your welcome meeting. We also suggest that you book your return flight the day after your tour finishes. If you have to return home on the day your tour finishes, please make sure that your flight does not depart before 21:00 hrs.
Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any delays, cancellations, changes to your flights, or any missed flights. We are unable to delay a tour, or finish a tour early due to your flight times.
Visa
USA
Travellers from the UK and most EU countries can enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) provided they have registered for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) – which costs US$21 – and are in possession of an onward air ticket and machine-readable passport when entering the US. Visas are required for some nationalities and requirements often change; it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas and fulfil any requirements for this trip. We recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/united-states-america
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements
Please note, regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011 (or has dual nationality of Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria) may no longer qualify for the VWP. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021, you will not be eligible for the VWP and should instead apply for a visa to travel to, or transit via, the USA.
Vaccination
USA
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for polio, tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Eating and Drinking
11 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 9 dinners
Weather
The West is known for its very dry spring, summer and autumn weather and outstanding blue, sunny skies. Being as far south as Southern Europe and Northern Africa, temperatures are normally much warmer than in Northern Europe. However, temperatures vary greatly depending on the elevation you are at. Generally, the higher the elevation, the cooler the temperature. In summer, Yosemite, Bryce and the Grand Canyon offer pleasant temperatures ideal for hiking whereas some of the deserts might experience hotter temperatures. On warmer days, the leader will opt for early morning and late afternoon walks, leaving time for midday rest. The hottest time of day in the desert is actually 3pm, and most nights will be mild to warm. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms in the summer months, and look out for the plentiful mountain wildflowers.
Weather Charts
San Francisco

Is this trip for you?
This trip is graded as Activity Level: 1 (Leisurely).
This is a busy tour aimed at families travelling with children aged 8 and over. You will need to be reasonably fit to do some of the hikes, but all are optional day walks and there are a variety of routes and trails for all abilities.
Please note that due to federal laws in the Grand Canyon N.P your tour leader can't hike with you. They will, however, prepare you for all available walks. The leader will also advise those who do not wish to participate of the other options available in the area. Some of the areas are remote and hiking or relaxing will be the only possible entertainment, so you should be prepared for this.
The trails vary a great deal - in the more developed parks they are well maintained and defined, whilst in the remote parks we might be following a sandy, rocky creek bed or hike cross country over open desert terrain. Crossing shallow streams (Zion) can be expected. Most of the walking is at moderate altitudes and therefore should not cause any altitude-related problems. Hiking options in Yosemite are quite varied and can be strenuous.
This tour will visit many of the most famous National Parks. Driving distances are considerable but we have tried to ensure a steady pace with time for relaxing. On several of the days we will leave early. Please do note that the West is a big place and the distances might seem long compared to Europe!
While camping, members of the group are expected to fully participate, including erecting and dismantling your own tent, and preparing meals and washing up after meals.
Although each tour follows an itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility and from time to time your tour leader may suggest changes. This may be due to road conditions, weather or a visit to a special attraction or event that happens to be in progress. Flexibility is key and often a side diversion will be a highlight of the tour. Hikes and optional activities cannot be guaranteed and may vary depending on ability, group interest, local weather conditions and time of year. There are opportunities for optional activities during your tour. Your tour leader will organise these on your behalf and you will pay locally in cash. You’ll find the main optional activities listed above under each itinerary day description, along with guideline prices. It may not be possible to do all optional activities listed on each tour.
Our tours are a unique holiday experience and much of your enjoyment will come from the team spirit of your group and the fun you’ll have together, as well as from the local setting. We cannot stress strongly enough the importance of bringing a positive attitude with you on tour; a sure guarantee to enjoying each and every moment, even in the adversity of the odd rainstorm!
Angels Landing Hike in Zion National Park:
During the itinerary we have time to enjoy Zion National Park and its network of trails. One of the more strenuous and popular hikes in Zion is called ‘Angels Landing’. In response to growing concerns about crowding and congestion on the trail, the National Park Service in the USA has recently announced that after April 1, 2022, everyone who hikes Angels Landing needs to have a permit. Permits cannot be booked by a tour operator and instead individual customers would need to apply for a permit via a lottery system – unfortunately there is no guarantee of being successful in receiving a permit via this system.
There are two options in the Permit Lottery System: Seasonal Lottery (you can apply for a permit 1-3 months before trekking date) and Day-before Lottery (you can apply for a permit the day before your planned hike). All guests are responsible for applying for their own permits if they wish to attempt this hike.
Zion is renowned for its hiking and there are many excellent trails with wonderful views, such as the Watchman’s trail or the Narrows. Our group walk will be planned to discover these alternative trails. Anyone who is successful in securing their own permit will be able to hike at Angels Landing whilst the group complete an alternative trail.
All guests interested in further information about Angels Landing permits, such as application dates and prices should visit National Park Service page found here.
Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.
Camping and Hotel
We use national and state park campsites and also a wide assortment of private campgrounds. Most will have flush toilets and hot showers however, some may charge an additional fee of $1-$3 for showers. You will sleep in high quality, heavy-duty tents and solo travellers will share with one other passenger of the same sex (unless opting to purchase the single supplement). Our camping equipment also includes field kitchens, inflatable sleeping pads, food storage and camp lanterns and chairs. Most campsites have a quiet time from 22:00 hrs to 07:00 hrs. Please respect your fellow campers who are there to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of camping.
An essential part of a camping tour is helping out with the day to day camp duties and everyone will assist with the setting up and packing up of the campsite. Your tour leader will provide guidance on what to do, and typically it will only take 15 minutes to set up or break down the tents and camp kitchen. Before you know it you’ll be enjoying ‘home sweet home’ in the great outdoors.
Your tour leader will also co-ordinate and assist the group with food shopping, preparing meals and cleaning up. Sharing the camp duties is a great way to bond with your fellow travellers and the group camaraderie is all part of the experience.
Covid-19 refund commitment
You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Child Price From
Monday Monday
24 Jul 2023 24 Jul 2023
Friday Friday
04 Aug 2023 04 Aug 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From Usually USD 4,199Now USD 3,849Saving USD 350 Usually USD 4,204Now Saving USD 350
Child Price From N/A N/A
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Monday
14 Aug 2023 14 Aug 2023
Friday Friday
25 Aug 2023 25 Aug 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Limited) Only 1 space left!
Adult Price From USD 4,449
Child Price From N/A N/A
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesMonday Monday
22 Jul 2024 22 Jul 2024
Friday Friday
02 Aug 2024 02 Aug 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From USD 4,649
Child Price From USD 4,156
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Monday
29 Jul 2024 29 Jul 2024
Friday Friday
09 Aug 2024 09 Aug 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From USD 4,649
Child Price From USD 4,156
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Monday
12 Aug 2024 12 Aug 2024
Friday Friday
23 Aug 2024 23 Aug 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From USD 4,649
Child Price From USD 4,282
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesNo departures found.
Would you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
*Please note any date & price adjustments will be displayed on the next step of booking. You will be able to revert back to booking without flights if the options aren't suitable for you.
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