National Parks and Lodges

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. 

Optional Activities:Bike rental US$12-$34Float trip on the Merced River US$31

Accommodation: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite (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 arriving we can enjoy a hike along the narrows of the Virgin River. 

Optional Activities:

Western horseback riding US$45-$90

Accommodation: Cliff Rose Lodge (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)

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:

Hummer Tour (your leader will confirm the price)Mountain biking US$60Float trip on the Colorado River US$60

Accommodation: Red Cliffs Lodge (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)