Best Of The West

18 days - from $2459

Highlights

• Discover Half Dome and El Capitan in Yosemite
• Check out Old Faithful erupting in Yellowstone
• Hike the Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon

Itinerary:

Days 1-2 - San Francisco and Yosemite National Park After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, we head to Gold Country for two incredible days in Yosemite National Park, nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range of Northern California. Enjoy an afternoon under the mighty Sequoias before setting up camp under the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite Valley. Your next day will be filled with a variety of hiking and sightseeing options. Tackle the hike to the top of Yosemite Falls, stroll under El Capitan or rest on the banks of the Merced River. Accommodation: Camping with meals includedDays 3-4 - Lake Tahoe and Nevada From Yosemite we continue the journey to beautiful Lake Tahoe. Enjoy an unforgettable sunset sailboat cruise before crossing the vast Nevada Desert. Accommodation: Camping with meals includedDays 5-6 - Yellowstone National Park Enjoy a full day exploring the wilderness and wildlife of Yellowstone National Park. The first and largest national park in the continental United States, Yellowstone was originally protected for its geothermic wonders, such as Old Faithful and is also home to most of the continent's big mammals. There are permanent populations of buffalo, elk, wolves, mountain lion and two species of bear. A fire in the 1980s ravaged much of the park, which is now a living monument to nature's power of regeneration. Accommodation: Camping with meals includedDays 7-8 - Jackson, Wyoming Leaving the park, we head to the Grand Teton Mountain range and reach the mountain town of Jackson, Wyoming. Once a hideout for outlaws and rustlers, Jackson is now a 4-season getaway for today's rich and famous. This area is well known as a "playground" for adventure seekers. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, you can spend your days hiking, mountain biking, rafting and more! Accommodation: Camping with meals includedDays 9 - Salt Lake City The capital of Utah, Salt Lake City, is home to Temple Square and we have the afternoon free to explore the city's beautifully landscaped grounds, the 6-spired granite Salt Lake Temple and the domed Tabernacle, home of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Besides occasional free concerts, there are also nearby shopping centres and tasty local restaurants. Accommodation: Hotel included. Meals paid locally.Days 10-12 - Arches and Canyonlands National Parks Moab is the perfect base for three days of exploration and adventure in the nearby National Parks. Arches is located just a few miles outside Moab and offers the opportunity to hike to many incredible arches which are known by descriptive names such as, Landscape Arch and the famous Delicate Arch. Alternatively, why not tackle the terrain high above on a guided "hum-v" tour. In contrast, Canyonlands National Park is a little known place where the mighty Colorado and Green Rivers meet, carving this amazing landscape popular with mountain bikers and whitewater rafters. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you explore all if offers from natural bridges to towering cliffs and bottomless canyons. Accommodation: Camping with meals includedDays 13 - Monument Valley From red rock country to Indian territory, we travel out of Utah and on to the Navajo Reservation. Met by a Navajo guide, we will be taken on an included backroads tour of the Monument Valley Tribal Lands. Learn about the history and culture of the Navajo people. Hear how Native Americans have embraced this harsh environment, and how their relationship to the world around them constantly changes and evolves. Such a day could only be topped by a spectacular desert sunset. Accommodation: Hotel included. Meals paid locally.Days 14-15 - Grand Canyon National Park Words and even pictures cannot describe the awe and beauty you'll experience on catching your first view of the Grand Canyon. Once again, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore the park at your own pace. Venture down the Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point, or just stroll along the more leisurely West Rim Trail and shuttle bus out to Hermit's Rest. Finish off the day with a scenic flight high above the Colorado River or take in the amazing IMAX film, "The Grand Canyon Experience". Accommodation: Camping with meals includedDays 16-18 - Zion National Park and Las Vegas Onto one of the Southwest's best kept secrets - Zion National Park with its spectacular scenery and diverse backdrops. Visit the cedar ridge high above the canyon floor or venture deep into The Narrows as you make your way up the Virgin River Gorge. Hike up to the spectacular Angel's Landing or relax by the Emerald Pools. Like all great adventures, your journey must come to an end. Leaving Zion National Park we cruise into Las Vegas where the tour ends in the neon capital of the World. Accommodation: Camping with meals included Tour ends at approx 17:00 hrs in Las Vegas on day 18.

Group Size (Max.): 13
Age Range: 18+
Guide: Services of a professional tour leader
Transportation: All transportation by private adventure vehicle
Accommodation: 2 hotel nights + 15 nights camping fees and equipment (except sleeping bag).
Included Activities:

• Walk the Golden Gate Bridge
• 2 nights in Yosemite National Park
• Cross the Nevada Desert
• Yellowstone National Park and Old Faithful
• Western town of Jackson, Wyoming
• Arches and Canyonlands National Park
• Navajo Indian guided backroads tour of Monument Valley
• 2 nights at Grand Canyon National Park
• Amazing Grand Canyon sunrise or sunset
• Zion National Park trails
• Scenic walks and hikes
• All camping meals included

Trip Reference: PBW