Day 1
San Francisco
Meet with your tour leader this evening in San Francisco to meet your tour leader and group and begin your Western adventure
Overnight: Kimpton Buchanan Hotel (or similar), meals paid locally
Day 2
San Francisco – Yosemite National Park
The tour sets off from San Francisco travelling to Yosemite National Park. If you would like to spend some time in the fascinating and vibrant city of San Francisco, then you can opt to add on a couple of days prior to the start of this tour.
Overnight: Yosemite View Lodge (meals paid locally)
Days 3 & 4
Yosemite National Park
You have two days to enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Yosemite, set in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. You will take a trip to see the amazing giant sequoia trees, then you can choose to cycle the Yosemite Valley, or take a float trip along the Merced River, or perhaps stroll through the pretty meadows. You will find breath-taking views from every vantage point, such as the granite formations of Half Dome, El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks. As you explore, keep your eyes open for sightings of wildlife, like elk, deer and perhaps bears
Overnight: Yosemite View Lodge meals paid locally
Day 5
Death Valley National Park
Today you will cover some long distances, but this is more than compensated for by the astonishing scenery you will see. Death Valley is blessed with some of the most extreme and beautiful landscapes, and is also one of the hottest, driest and lowest places on earth. You will have some amazing photo opportunities today, of this stunning landscape sculpted by erosion.
Overnight: Hotel included, meals paid locally
Day 6
Zion National Park
Head to Utah and the Zion National Park, where you will find spectacular multi-coloured cliffs and spring-fed hanging gardens. The early Mormon settlers named the Zion Canyon after the “promised land”, and it is truly like an oasis rising up from the desert floor. You will be spending two nights in Zion, so have a great opportunity to explore this unique destination. Some of the best hiking in the south west states can be found here around the Virgin River Gorge.
Overnight: Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel (or similar), meals paid locally
Day 7
Zion National Park
You have a full day to continue your explorations of Zion National Park. You will have various hikes to choose from, ranging from easy to strenuous. The Emerald Pools trail is an enchanting hike, with just a short hop from the valley floor to view the Lower Emerald poo, continuing past a stunning waterfall until you reach the sparkling Upper Emerald pools and discover Zion’s “beach”. If you’re feeling more ambitious, why not choose the park’s more challenging option and ascend 2,500 feet to enjoy unbeatable panoramic views from the top of Angels Landing. A strenuous but beautiful hike along the knife-edge ridge culminates in one of the most breath-taking panoramas you can experience. If weather conditions allow, you can also choose to hike deep into the Zion Narrows.
Overnight: La Quinta Inn & Suites (or similar), meals paid locally
Day 8
Bryce Canyon National Park
Leave Zion National Park and head upwards to traverse the high plateau into Bryce Canyon National Park. A natural amphitheatre of pink, orange and white sandstone spires, known locally as “hoodoos”, you will have the opportunity to explore at your chosen pace. The Navajo or Peek-a-Boo Loop trains take you right in amongst these unique rock formations. Or you may prefer to remain on the rim and photograph the ever-changing hues as the sun makes its way across the wide open sky. Or perhaps just take the short, popular hike through the Queen’s Garden
Overnight: Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn (or similar), meals paid locally
Day 9
Monument Valley
As you head towards Monument Valley, you will stop at Horseshoe Bend for an amazing view of the Colorado River. Continue to the heart of the Navajo Nation – Monument Valley. The spectacular sunrises & sunsets against the red sandstone monoliths have been the backdrop to countless Westerns. You will have a guided backroads tour in a 4x4 to explore the incredible rock formations, and learn the stories and histories of the rich Native American culture. Then you will sample the “Navajo Taco” – the local speciality.
Overnight: Kayenta Monument Valley Inn (or similar), meals paid locally
Days 10 & 11
Grand Canyon National Park - South Rim
You will begin the day with a spectacular sunrise in Monument Valley, then will head towards the Grand Canyon. You’ll catch your first glimpse of this truly awe-inspiring phenomenon at Desert View. Created over several thousands of years, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long up to 18 miles wide and 1 mile deep. You have the option to take a scenic flight over the canyon, which really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can also choose to see the film show at the IMAX theatre, which is a fascinating insight into the area. You could take a stroll along the South Rim Trail or alternatively take the more challenging trail to Plateau Point.
Overnight: Red Feather Lodge (or similar), meals paid locally
Day 12
Route 66, Hoover Sam & Las Vegas
This morning you will journey along a section of the original Route 66 and visit the charming town of Seligman, before stopping for a view of the mighty Hoover Dam. Your destination is Las Vegas, where your tour will officially end this afternoon. But you can opt to spend the night or indeed several nights in this exciting and fun city, to enjoy a taste of the casinos, shows and attractions.
Flights home today must be booked for departure after 9pm, a post night in Las Vegas may be required.
