National Park Lodges

16 days - from $4119

Highlights

• View abundant wildlife in Yellowstone
• Native American culture in Monument Valley
• 2 nights at the Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge

Itinerary:

Days 1-2 - San Francisco and Yosemite National Park Heading high into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the magnificent Yosemite National Park on day one, we begin with an easy trail walk to the Giant Sequoias before our two night stay at the historic Wawona Lodge. After enjoying the included welcome dinner at the lodge, you will be ready for Yosemite! Enjoy a full day exploring the park's waterfalls and spectacular glacier-hewn gorges before returning to the hotel to relax with a cocktail on the veranda. Featured Accommodation: Wawona Lodge Wawona, a National Historic Landmark, rests upon verdant meadows and beside rushing streams. The tranquility of this Victorian-style lodge in Yosemite makes it a favorite of those who prefer a relaxed environment and the gracious charm of a bygone era. All rooms are furnished with period pieces and antiques. There are no telephones or televisions, allowing you to completely escape and relax. Meals: Paid locallyDays 3-4 - Lake Tahoe and Idaho From Yosemite we continue the journey to the vibrant forest and deep blue of beautiful Lake Tahoe where we'll enjoy an unforgettable sunset sailboat cruise. From Tahoe we delve deeper into the vast desert for some grand scenery. Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Hotels/Lodges includedDays 5-6 - Yellowstone National Park Our next destination, Yellowstone National Park, is the world's first National Park and home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk. We will explore the park's majestic wilderness and some of the world's most extraordinary geysers before returning to our cabins. Meals: Paid locally Featured Accommodation (04 Jun, 30 Jul & 04 Sep) : Lake Yellowstone Lodge Lake Yellowstone Lodge was completed in 1891 and restored to its 1920s grandeur in 1990. The majestic hotel sits on the shore of Yellowstone Lake and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The casually elegant restaurant features a delightfully extravagant menu. We usually stay in the comfortable twin-share cabins situated in the hotel grounds for a real authentic "frontier" feel. Featured Accommodation (03 Jul & 18 Sep) : Yellowstone Inn The Yellowstone Inn offers seasonal lodging located in the heart of Yellowstone country close to the west entrance of Yellowstone Park. The Inn is family owned and each of their 10 units are unique with a character and charm of their own featuring knotty pine interiors with unique cabin furniture, cable TV, coffee makers, microwaves, small refrigerators and air conditioning.Days 7 - Jackson, Wyoming Travelling past Grand Teton National Park, we visit Jackson to enjoy a truly friendly and authentic western town experience. Once a hideout for outlaws and rustlers, Jackson is now home to lovely hiking trails, as well as cafes and western style saloons! Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Hotel includedDays 8 - Salt Lake City The capital of Utah, Salt Lake City, is home to Temple Square and you will have the afternoon free to explore the city's beautifully landscaped grounds, 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. Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Hotel includedDays 9-10 - Arches & Canyonlands National Parks Next - what seems impossible - more spectacular scenery amid the magnificent splendour of Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Arches is located just a few miles outside Moab, our base for the next two days, and offers the opportunity to hike to many of these 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. Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Hotels includedDays 11 - Monument Valley In the heart of the Navajo Nation, Monument Valley is sacred land to those who call it home. The red sandstone monoliths have been the backdrop to countless 'westerns' featuring cowboys riding off into the sunset. Explore the incredible array of rock formations on our included jeep tour and learn the magic and myth of the rich Native American culture. Our local guide will be available to expand your awareness of the Navajos and the Valley. Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Hotel includedDays 12-13 - Grand Canyon National Park We arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park for a two night lodge stay. Located on the less traveled North Rim, enjoy time exploring the natural beauty of the Canyon at your own pace before retiring to the lodge to relax and taking in the expansive views of the Canyon below, not to mention the glorious sunrise! Featured Accommodation: Grand Canyon Lodge This historic property is the only lodging available inside the National Park on the North Rim. Located at Bright Angel Point, the lodge was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Here you can enjoy the quiet serenity of the North Rim while enjoying comfortable authenticity of western log cabins. In the evening The Rough Rider Saloon and Lodge Dining Room offers a wide range of beverages, appetizers and hearty 'home cooked' meals. Meals: Paid locally.Days 14-15 - Zion National Park Our last National Park, Zion is one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the US. Choose to walk amongst the towering cliffs, challenge your courage in a small narrow canyon or ascend the 600+ meters to Angel's Landing, rightly regarded as one of the most remarkable trails in the whole National Parks system. Featured Accommodation: Zion Lodge The Zion National Park Lodge offers the only "in-park" accommodation around and lies in the middle of a venerable hiker's paradise. Designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood in the 1920s, the lodge was restored back to its original classic design in 1990. Most rooms have two queen-size beds, full bathrooms, a private porch or balcony and flat-screen television with satellite. They are clean, comfortable and within walking distance to trails and the main lodge. Red Rock Grill, Zion Lodge's recently renovated dining room, boasts spectacular views of the magnificent surroundings. Meals: Paid locallyDays 16 - Las Vegas There is time for a western horseride this morning before our leisurely drive to Las Vegas and the end of out tour. Why not hit the strip tonight for a farewell party? Tour ends at approx 17:00 on day 16 in Las Vegas

Group Size (Max.): 13
Age Range: 18+
Guide: Services of a professional tour leader
Transportation: All transportation by private adventure vehicle
Accommodation: All 15 hotel/lodge nights on a twinshare basis. No single supplements.
Included Activities:

• 8 nights in historic National Park lodges
• Welcome Dinner at Yosemite National Park
• Full day exploring Yosemite National Park
• Lake Tahoe
• 2 nights in Yellowstone National Park
• Nightlife in western town of Jackson
• Arches & Canyonlands National Parks
• Navajo Indian guided backroads tour of Monument Valley
• 2 nights at Grand Canyon North Rim
• Amazing Grand Canyon sunrise or sunset
• Zion's towering cliffs and narrow canyons
• Scenic walks and hikes

Trip Reference: PNL