Western Explorer

Most Inspirational Moment

Whilst hiking up Lembert Dome in Yosemite we were on the verge of deciding it was too much for us when our guide, who had had to escort other members of the party back to a easier route, suddenly appeared to advise us on the correct line of assent and also the technique to enable us to get to the top. This was not the only time that Jay appeared out of nowhere as he was also assisting the various levels in our group to achieve the maximum of their capabilities. Each park is fantastic in different ways, whether it be the enormity of Yosemite, the fun of the narrows in Zion, the hoodoo's of Bryce, the throwback to the westerns in Monument Valley, the grandeur of Grand Canyon and not forgetting the ridiculous heat of death valley.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jay was an excellent group leader with his primary priority being the safety of the group. Jay also astounded us with his depth of knowledge on so many different aspects, whether it be geology, astrology or general useful information. Not forgetting his two other main interests (loves?) of music and beer (not necessarily in that order). Many different versions and styles of Route 66 as a example! He was such great fun and so easy to get along with. The fact that he must have driven about two thousand miles whilst keeping us entertained is a testament to his love of the job and stamina. He was also required to accommodate the different expectations and abilities of the group, which he proved he was up to.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although classified as cultural in the brochure, travelers do require a certain amount of fitness over uneven terrain to ensure they can make the most of the fantastic scenery and enormity of the parks. Also be aware that wifi is sketchy and insecure in places i.e. not password protected, so be careful if required to make financial transactions.

Suggestions

We were so fortunate that we found ourselves in a fantastic group of like minded people but we also recognize that the group leader also played a significant part in facilitating this.

Most Inspirational Moment

Perhaps meeting our inspirational Navajo guide in Monument Valley and learning about her childhood and culture. But lots to inspire both of us ....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joseph Spaid was an incredible leader. He was so knowledgable, approachable, engaging and fun. He was very interesting to chat to, and worked so hard to make sure everyone’s needs were met. We were quite a disparate crowd of 11, some very experienced hikers, others recovering from recent injury, but he found ways to embrace that - I wish I had his energy!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a brolly as sun shade for Death Valley! And rehydration tabs/powder when it's really hot. We all used it and had no problem with overheating even in August. You get dusty walking so plenty of walking gear - it is a busy trip and there wasn’t much time for washing. I was pleased to have my poles in Zion and the Grand Canyon for long (albeit beautiful) uphill stretches. I would definitely advise a few days in San Francisco before joining the trip. It is an incredible city. Our flight from Heathrow was delayed by 28 hours, so we missed one of our three planned days, but we still were well able to meet up with the Group on Sunday. Las Vegas didn’t appeal to us, so we didn’t stay at the end, and we in time to fly out on the same night. The helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon was just extraordinary!

Suggestions

As an introduction to SW America, this trip takes some beating. It was fantastic. Thank you Exodus and Grand American Adventures!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to pick one particular moment or event. Perhaps the experience of Yosemite: view of the valley from Glacier Point, variety of hikes, and also appreciating the national park beyond the valley itself.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good. See above.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some long days in the bus, but that doesn't have to be a problem- it can just mean that you see more.

Most Inspirational Moment

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Thoughts on Group Leader

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Advice for Potential Travellers

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Suggestions

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Most Inspirational Moment

The waterfalls in Yosemite

Advice for Potential Travellers

Before booking, consider travelling a couple of days early so you have time to explore San Fransisco - my flight arrived mid afternoon which left no time for that. Similarly, as there is not an overnight stay in Las Vegas at the end, you may want to consider staying on as my departure flight left only a couple of hours mid afternoon in the city.

Most Inspirational Moment

Driving on Xmas Day in the heavy snow and blue skies from Zion to Bryce Canyon. The amazing views got even better in the snow! It was my first white Xmas as well.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was kind, friendly, courteous and professional.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The tour does not leave much time to explore San Francisco and Las Vegas. I recommend arriving a few days before and/or staying a few days after the tour ends for city sightseeing.

Suggestions

In winter Mono Lake is not included on the itinerary as the road is closed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Each area was so unique and an unexpected contrast with each other. Yosemite was spectacular and Death Valley at -282ft below sea level with a temperature of 110F was impressive compared to 3 days later in Bryce Canyon at 8300ft with the onset of ice on the upper trail. Bryce itself was so mystical and fantastic to walk through the Hoodoos. Zion was so superb especially in the evening sun and the views from Angels Landing are something to behold if one has no fear of heights. Monument Valley- conjures up all the old westerns and other films that have used the setting for backdrops and just to immerse yourself in the Grand Canyon is all that needs to be said as words can not do it justification. Fortunately, the stays in cities were short for me as I am not a city person, but one feels compelled to just wander down the Las Vegas boulevard for a complete contrast- the loudness and brashness could not be so far removed from ones previous experiences the days preceding.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ron Prince was consummately friendly, courteous, professional and full of good advice, information on what to see and where to go. He was well informed on historical and cultural issues. He was available when needed to offer any assistance but was also able to protect himself and have free time so as he could pace himself for a very packed two weeks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for early starts. Be sensible about your walking/hiking abilities in areas that are far greater and higher than what most people are used to and especially be aware of the dry heat that builds up throughout the day. We were fortunate with the weather but it can change very quickly and flash floods have been known to occur in some of the areas visited.

Suggestions

Better arrangements need to be made for the breakfast in the hotel in San Francisco as they were not prepared for a group of this size with such an early start (7.30)- they open for breakfast at 7am. Exodus need to send all the necessary information re insurance, emergency numbers, that we have provided on our booking forms, to Grand American Adventures so as the individuals do not have to duplicate this information once there. It would be helpful to know exactly what 'cooking ' facilities and utensils are in each accommodation used if one wishes to make their own breakfast or evening meal. The American 'tip/service charge' needs to be recognised as to the extent this adds to one budgeting.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to pick just one but the most unexpected was the walk down Antelope slot canyon and photographing the spectacular colours and shades on the rock that the sunlight cast. Also the 4x4 drive in Monument valley with the Navajo tribe a place I have always wanted to visit.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erin was excellent. She had a couple of long days driving but still had loads of energy. She had a good knowledge of the places we visited, had plenty of suggestions for our free days and tried to vary the places we ate at.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are planning on spending extra time in San Francisco at the start then there is no need to visit the Golden Gate bridge. On the first actual day of the trip the minibus deposits you at the bridge and allows you time to walk across before collecting you from the other side. Don't expect any time to visit / see Hoover dam, due to security restrictions meaning all our bags would have had to be searched we did not stop. Although we did visit Glen Canyon dam which is a similar structure and size earlier on the trip There are a couple of long days travelling one of which is around 7 hours, however there are numerous stops and videos to watch also the time seems to pass quickly when looking at the scenery. The earliest we set off in the morning was 7. All the accommodation was good with the 2 nights at Zion particularly good

Suggestions

I have been on 8 trips booked through Exodus this was the best of the lot

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several. Seeing El Capitan and Half Dome again after 33 years. Climbing to Angels Landing in Zion NP. Seeing the Hoodoos at Bryce Canyon. The Navajo experience at Monument Valley and descending to Plateau Point in the incomparable Grand Canyon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had a different leader each week. Both of them were very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some long days travelling and carry plenty of water. Eating out is a great pleasure but allow for the 18%tips.

Suggestions

No

Most Inspirational Moment

Monument Valley is truly inspirational but the Grand Canyon however must be our highlight, it is after all, well, much grander than the others. Awesome! You will hear this said a lot on your travels but this is really what the word is all about. You may feel the helicopter trip is a very expensive option but we took it, really enjoyed it and have no doubts whatsoever as to money well spent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

On these trips driver and courier are one, not an easy role with many long day's driving followed by checking in and admin procedures. Ron Prince was a safe and patient driver and organised the days well. He periodically stopped at (super)markets so that we could buy breakfast foods, drinks etc. whilst he shopped with the luncheon kitty. This made a great difference to the economies of the trip and the daily picnics he planned became a feature of each journey.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If there are two things we UK travellers cannot get our heads round its bargaining and tipping. The good news is you don't bargain in the West except perhaps at a local Trading Post, but then why just hit on the indigenous people? However tipping is a part of a culture you must quickly embrace especially in the leisure industry, where staff who provide services essential to your trip are poorly paid. Simply put, it is the anticipation of a generous tip which elicits the high standard of service which exists and conversely it is deserved. Not to adequately tip your waiter, maid, driver etc. on the basis of personal economy is both unfair and insulting. Unless of course you have had poor service in which case it is customary to say why you think this is so.