National Parks of Western USA - San Francisco to Las Vegas

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. Overnight: Hotel Caza Fishermans Wharf, 1 night

Meals:  Nil

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. 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. Overnight: Heritage Inn, 2 nights Drive time: 120 mi / 200 km, or 2.5 hrs City tour: 3-4 mi / 5-7 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-100 m

Meals:  B,L

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 (not included) or perhaps pay a visit to the local hotel where Mark Twain once stayed. Overnight: Heritage Inn Drive Time: 125 mi / 200 km, or 2 hrs Various walks: 5 mi / 8 km, 2-3 hrs, +/-100 m

Meals:  B,L

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, this afternoon before spending the evening in the heart of the valley at Curry Village. The accommodation here is in rustic twin share tent cabins with beds, canvas walls and communal bathrooms. The evening is reserved for wildlife watching, and enjoying an amazing sunset in Yosemite Valley. With a little luck we will see deer, coyote or bear. Overnight: Curry Village (Tent Cabins with communal bathrooms), 1 night 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

Meals:  B,L

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 Overnight: Hampton Inn & Suites - Bakersfield North, 1 night 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 the end of May or in 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.

Meals:  B,L

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. Overnight: Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, 1 night Drive time: 330 mi / 530 km, or 6 hrs Badlands Loop: 2.6 mi / 4.2 km, 1-2 hrs, +/-120 m

Meals:  B,L

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, the opportunity for a breathtaking helicopter flight is available (not included, flights start at approx. US$350) With luck, we arrive in time for a stunning sunset. Our hotel is just south of the park entrance. Overnight: The Red Feather Lodge, 2 nights Drive time: ~270 mi / 440 m, or 4 hrs

Meals:  B,L

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. 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

Meals:  B,L

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. We highly recommend an unforgettable Jeep tour with the Navajos through the valley to hidden beauty spots such as “Ear of the Wind” and “Big Hogan”. From here, after a short drive, we reach Lake Powell, where we spend the night in Page, AZ. Overnight: Clarion Inn Page - Lake Powell, 1 night. Drive time: 300 mi / 450 km, or 4.5 hrs

Meals:  B,L

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 tours of Antelope Canyon, one the most photographed slot canyons in the world (not included, pending availability, approx. $100) and a hike 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. Overnight: Bryce View Lodge (3 star) or similar. Drive time: 140 mi / 220 km, or 2.5 hrs Horseshoe Bend: 1.5 mi/2.4 km, 45 min, +/-40 m

Meals:  B,L

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 take a horseback ride through Bryce's rock formations (approx. $65, not included) or 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. Overnight: Days Inn - Hurricane, 1 night 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

Meals:  B,L

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. Overnight: Ramada by Wyndham - St George, 1 night Drive time: 90 mi / 150 km, or 2 hrs Emerald Pools: 3 mi / 5 km, 2-3 hrs, +/-200 m

Meals:  B,L

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. Overnight: Tuscany Suites & Casino, 1 night Drive time: 120 mi / 200 km, or 2 hrs. Lava Tube to Moqui Marbles: 3 mi / 5 km, 2-3 hours, +/-150 m

Meals:  B,L

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. PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO OVERCROWDING IN THE NATIONAL PARKS PARKING IS AT TIMES IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND. IN THIS CASE THE TOUR DIRECTOR MAY DECIDE TO LEAVE THE GROUP AT THE ENTRANCE AND TRY TO FIND PARKING. IN THIS CASE SOME HIKES WOULD BE SELF GUIDED.

Meals:  B