National Parks and Historic Lodges

Welcome to the 'City by the Bay' in sunny California. San Francisco is a city which the locals are fiercely proud of and for good reason. There's plenty to keep you entertained but the best introduction is to explore by foot, or make use of the infamous cable car network. A welcome meeting will be held at 18:00 hrs in your hotel.

We recommend you book an extra night in our hotel the night before the tour starts if you want to spend some time discovering San Francisco - Alcatraz is a must see, you can reserve a ticket online in advance with Alcatraz Cruises.

Accommodation: Stanford Court (or similar)

After departing San Francisco, you head east through California's historic gold country then high into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to magnificent Yosemite National Park. We begin with an easy trail walk to the Giant Sequoia Trees before our two night stay at the Yosemite lodge.

Yosemite National Park sits nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range of northern California. Here green forest meets granite walls measuring several thousand feet in height. Climbers come from all over the world to scale the rocks whilst hikers get to walk to the base of some of the largest waterfalls in the world. The Yosemite Valley beckons, where you can bicycle, take a dip in the Merced River or wander the lush meadows.

Hiking in Yosemite is pretty special and anyone who visits the park must hit one of the many trails. The famous sites situated along these trails include Yosemite Falls, Nevada Falls, Vernal Falls, Mirror Lake and Half Dome. The views are breathtaking from every vantage point - the granite formations of Half Dome, El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks are sure to be forever etched on your minds. There are trails to suit all abilities and your leader will recommend the best for you. In the evening, you return to the historic lodge where you can relax with a cocktail.

Accommodation: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite (or similar)

One of the hottest, driest and lowest places on earth, Death Valley is blessed with some of the most extreme and beautiful landscapes. Sculpted by erosion, richly tinted mudstone hills and canyons await exploration, with sand dunes and salt pans making for some exceptional photos. We cover a long distance today and see some fascinating and contrasting scenery on the journey.

Accommodation: Oasis at Death Valley (or similar)

We cross into Utah and on towards the soaring red and white cliffs of Zion, one of the most spectacular destinations in the USA national park system. Zion Canyon was named by the early Mormon settlers of Utah who thought of it as their 'promised land'. Some of the best hiking in the desert terrain of Southwest USA can be found here, in and around the fertile Virgin River as it meanders below massive, cathedral-like sandstone walls. Upon arrival, your leader will take you on a walk to Emerald Pools as an introduction to Zion National Park.

Optional Activities:

Western horseback riding US$45-$90

Accommodation: Bumbleberry Inn (or similar)

Today is all about exploring Zion National Park and its vast network of trails. 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, we recommend a walk beside the Virgin River or if weather conditions permit, you may choose to hike deep into the Zion Narrows, a stunning water channel where you'll witness some outstanding scenery. Staying dry is not an option as you wade through the Virgin River between towering walls. The cool waters and the shadow of the canyon can provide a much-needed respite from the scorching sun.

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.

Accommodation: Bumbleberry Inn (or similar)

Today we head to the Grand Canyon for the ultimate desert showstopper! This incredible spectacle is difficult to comprehend. Stretching for almost 300 miles and plunging to depths of over 6,000ft., there's plenty of rock to go around. Aside from the views, we'll discover plenty of opportunities to get active with hiking trails. Snaking through the canyon floor is the mighty Colorado River, which runs 1,450 miles (2,330km) through seven US states and two Mexican states.

It is a fact that only 5% of all travellers who visit the Grand Canyon hike beneath the rim trails. If you are able, it gives you a very different perspective and idea of its vastness when you hit the snaking trails into the belly of the canyon. One thing you won't want to miss is sunset or sunrise as the canyon colours change dramatically. We have the lucky privilege of spending two nights on the Grand Canyon North Rim in a historic lodge.

Accommodation: Grand Canyon Lodge - North Rim (or similar)

In the heart of the Navajo Nation in Arizona, Monument Valley is sacred land to those who call it home. The red sandstone monoliths and spectacular sunsets and sunrises have been the backdrop to countless Westerns and the best way to experience this special place is on a Navajo guided backroads tour, where we are taken to parts of the park that can only be reach by jeep. Listen to traditional stories and learn more about the history of the Navajo Nation. As we come across geological wonders, petroglyph drawings of animals and pottery crafted by local people, you'll soon realise why this place is so special to all who visit. There's also ample time to relax and view the valley's surreal sunset.

Accommodation: Kayenta Monument Valley Inn (or similar)

Today we'll encounter yet more spectacular scenery amid Arches National Park. Dramatic red sandstone arches were created over millions of years by the whipping wind down the west slope of the Rocky Mountains. We can hike to get a closer view of these incredible arches, some of which have names, such as Landscape Arch and the famous Delicate Arch, the latter being the most iconic and most photographed in the park. Alternatively, why not tackle the terrain high above on a guided 'hummer' tour or take a float trip down the Colorado River. Arches National Park is a photographer's playground with many a sandstone edifice providing the foreground against a clear blue or flame red sky. With hardly any light pollution there's plenty to see after dark too. Our base will be in Moab, the perfect place for restaurants and activity providers and our home for the next two nights.

Optional Activities:

Accommodation: Red Cliffs Lodge (or similar)

Our next destination is the capital of Utah, Salt Lake City. With a city population of 186,000 and a metropolitan population of 1.13 million, it's the largest city in the state. Founded in 1847 by Brigham Young and his Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) followers. Salt Lake City is still the base for the religion although less than half the population in the city today are Mormons. The city is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and overlooks the largest inland lake in the Western USA. It is a paradise for outdoor adventure lovers, due to its enviable position close to five national parks and mountains that have 'the greatest snow on Earth'. It also has a buzzing cultural centre, with an exciting craft brewery and distilling culture. Today we enjoy a city tour with a local Mormon guide and see the city from a local's perspective.

Optional Activities:

Drive-in Movie US$9

Accommodation:  Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites (or similar)

Arrive in Yellowstone National Park, the world's first national park and home to a large variety of wildlife including Grizzly bear, wolves, bison and elk. This park is so large that its boundaries cross into three states. Most of the park sits in Wyoming, but parts of the reserve extend into Idaho and Montana. Yellowstone has one of the highest concentrations of geothermal activity on the planet. Herds of bison roam amongst the erupting geysers and steam rises from the various rivers running through the park. A fire in the 1980s destroyed much of the park, but it has recovered to the extent that it is now a living monument to nature's power of regeneration. From lush mountain meadows and vast freshwater lakes to sensuous pine forests and flower strewn hillsides, lovers of infinite wilderness will be in their absolute element in Yellowstone National Park. Our time at Yellowstone will be spent discovering the best trails and viewpoints, and getting up close to see the geysers and other geological featurs that make this such a special part of the world.

Accommodation: Chico Hot Springs (or similar)

Our tour ends at our gateway hotel in Bozeman at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.