Hiking National Parks of the West- San Francisco to Las Vegas

Arrival in San Fransisco. Self transfer from the airport to the hotel via either a shuttle or taxi, which ever is more convenient for you. Relax this evening in preparation for the great adventure ahead. You will meet with your group leader and other members of the group at 8am the following morning when the group briefing will take place. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf or similar

Meals:  Nil

San Francisco is amongst one of the USA’s most cosmopolitan and atmospheric cities. Located on the bay its suburbs are linked by a series of expansive bridges, one of those being the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Trams run major routes along the foreshore and into the hilly heights in a city where quaint wooden houses contrast sharply with the sophistication of modern skyscrapers. This vibrant city is known for its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and breathtaking views. 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. Cable Car passes are included as part of the trip. 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 afternoon, jump on board a harbor boat for a tour of Alcatraz, which is also included in your trip price. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf or similar _____________________________________________________________________________ • City tour: 3-4 mi / 5-7 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-100 m

Meals:  B,L

This morning, we depart San Francisco via the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, with the opportunity to walk across and take in sweeping views of the bay. This afternoon, we continue to Tuolumne Grove, where we walk among towering Giant Sequoias, some of the largest and oldest trees on earth. Later, we travel onward to our overnight accommodation outside the park, ready to explore Yosemite in greater depth tomorrow. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Yosemite View Lodge or similar • Drive time: 250 mi / 400 km, or 5.5 hrs

Meals:  B,L

Yosemite National Park, established in 1890, encompasses stunning mountain vistas and valleys filled with meadows and forests surrounded by dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. Today, we continue exploring more of Yosemite. In the morning, our group takes a leisurely drive to Glacier Point (season and weather permitting), one of the park’s most spectacular viewpoints, with sweeping views over Yosemite Valley and the iconic face of Half Dome. From here, we set out on a walk to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point, combining panoramic alpine scenery with dramatic overlooks high above the valley floor. Sentinel Dome rewards hikers with one of the finest 360-degree views in the park, while Taft Point’s sheer cliffs and famous fissures offer a breathtaking perspective over Yosemite Valley far below. After a day immersed in Yosemite’s unforgettable scenery, we regroup in the evening and return to our lodge along the river. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Yosemite View Lodge or similar _____________________________________________________________________________ • 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 via Tioga Pass, crossing the Sierra Nevada at nearly 10,000 feet (3,048 m). Time and weather permitting, we may hike and scramble to the top of Lembert Dome, where sweeping views stretch across Tuolumne Meadows and the surrounding high country. Later, we continue to Mono Lake, one of the world’s oldest lakes, known for its striking white tufa towers formed by mineral-rich springs. We end the day in the mountain town of Mammoth Lakes, our base for the night. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Mammoth Mountain Inn or similar • Drive time: 120 mi / 200 km, or 2 hrs _____________________________________________________________________________ • Lembert Dome Loop: 3.8 mi / 6.1 km, 2-3 hrs, +/-200 m _____________________________________________________________________________ **Note: Trips starting before mid-June or past late October detour via Sonora Pass due to snow closure on Tioga Pass Road in Yosemite National Park. These dates will stay at an alternative hotel and visit more of Yosemite Valley.

Meals:  B,L

After a morning drive, we reach Death Valley National Park, where more than 3.3 million acres of dramatic desert scenery, rare wildlife, complex geology, wilderness, and historic sites await. Known for its extreme conditions, Death Valley is one of the hottest places on earth, with summer temperatures reaching over 49°C. Set within a rift valley, it is also home to the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere at 86 m below sea level. We explore the golden sand dunes, stark brown and black hillsides, Badwater Basin, the salt formations of Devil’s Golf Course, and the colorful landscapes of Zabriskie Point. Time and weather permitting, there may also be an optional walk through the Badlands. Later, we continue to Las Vegas, where we overnight at Tuscany Suites or similar. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: The STRAT Hotel & Casino or similar • Drive time: 240 mi / 400 km, or 4 hrs _____________________________________________________________________________ Badlands Loop: 2.6 mi / 4.2 km, 1-2 hrs, +/-120 m

Meals:  B,L

In the morning, we travel via the famous Route 66 through the hot deserts of Nevada and into the world-famous Grand Canyon, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, we stroll along the rim together, taking in sweeping views of the canyon’s vast red sandstone walls and layered landscapes. We are staying just south of the park entrance and will have a full day tomorrow to explore what the canyon has to offer.___________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: The Red Feather Lodge or Maswik Lodge • Drive time: 270 mi / 434 km, or 4 hrs

Meals:  B,L

A full day for you to explore the Grand Canyon independently and enjoy its unforgettable views at your own pace. Stretching 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep, the canyon is far too vast to experience all at once, but today’s rim walk offers an unforgettable introduction to its scale, color, and ever-changing light. Start the day by taking the shuttle to Hermit’s Rest, the westernmost point along the South Rim’s Hermit Road corridor, then walk back toward Grand Canyon Village along one of the most scenic stretches of the rim. Along the way, the trail reveals sweeping canyon views, dramatic overlooks, layered rock formations, and quiet moments away from the busiest viewpoints. Guests who prefer a shorter walk are welcome to hop on the shuttle earlier along the route, making this a flexible rim experience that can be adjusted for comfort, pace, and energy level. For those searching for a little excitement, helicopter tours, bike rentals and an IMAX theater are available as well. Please note that today is designed as an independent day, so guide services, transportation, optional activities and excursions are not included in the tour package. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: The Red Feather Lodge Or Maswik Lodge _____________________________________________________________________________ • Activity: Self-Guided Hike up to 7.9 mi / 12.7 km; Elevation gain: 650 ft / 198 m

Meals:  B,L

In the morning, we depart via the east entrance of the canyon, 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 backdrop including Forrest Gump. Hit the ground running on an unforgettable Jeep tour with the Navajos through the valley to hidden beauty spots such as “Ear of the Wind” and “Big Hogan”. This tour is included in the price of your trip. From here, after a scenic drive, we reach Lake Powell, where we spend the night in Page, AZ. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Clarion Inn Page or similar - Lake Powell • Drive time: ~300 mi / 450 km, or 5 hrs

Meals:  B,L

Today is a day to explore Page and all the adventures it has to offer. This area is famous for its various rock formations. This morning, take a guided tour of Antelope Canyon, included in the price of your trip, to one of the most photographed sights in Arizona, followed by a short hike out to Horseshoe Bend. After taking in the stunning views we continue to the next highlight. Lake Powell was created through the damming of the Colorado River and dark blue waters reflect sheer red stone towers in an amazing colour, offering unforgettable impressions. In the late afternoon we drive to our next destination, Bryce Canyon. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Best Western Plus - Ruby's Inn or similar • Drive time: 150 mi / 240 km, or 3 hrs _____________________________________________________________________________ • Horseshoe Bend: 1.5 mi/2.4 km, 45 min, +/-40 m

Meals:  B,L

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. At sundown, be awed by an unforgettable color play on the formations. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Hampton Inn or similar - Springdale area • Drive time: 140 mi / 200 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 directly to the spectacular Zion National Park. The west side of the park 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 destination. You have the option to enjoy a hike to Emerald Pools, where water cascades into shaded pools. Time permitting, you may rent river boots and wade through the famous Narrows of the Virgin River. 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. We then drive on to St George for the evening. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Ramada by Wyndam or similar - St. George • Drive time: 41 mi / 66 km or 1 hr _____________________________________________________________________________ • Emerald Pools 3 mi / 5 km, 2-3 hrs, +/-200 m • The Narrows: ~2-3 miles / 3-5 km, 1-2 hrs, +/-0 m

Meals:  B,L

Today, we get the chance to explore a less visited State Park that is commonly referred to as a "mini Zion". We will hike over beautiful slick rock, into a lava tube and across moqui marbles. Then we marvel at the remarkable dinosaur footprints left behind long ago. We then drive our final leg of our adventure into the bustling city of 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: The STRAT Hotel & Casino or similar • Drive time: 100 mi / 160 km, or 2 hr _____________________________________________________________________________ • Lava Tube to Moqui Marbles: 4 mi / 6 km, 2-3 hours, +/-150 m

Meals:  B,L

Our tour comes to an end in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. Wake up refreshed and enjoy a relaxed final morning before departing at your leisure for the airport, home, or wherever your next adventure takes you.

Meals:  B