Get metaphorically lost in seven of the most sought after national parks in the west on this 18-day adventure that starts and ends in the “City of Angels”. Traverse the American Southwest with visits to Joshua Tree, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon National Parks. Marvel at Horseshoe Bend carved by the mighty Colorado River, hop on board for a Navajo guided tour of Monument Valley by jeep, and take in the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas before journeying on to California. Hike in a land of extremes in Death Valley, try to hug the largest trees in the world in Sequoia National Park, and sit above Yosemite Valley at Glacier Point before turning your attention to the coast. Cross the Bay as you journey to San Francisco and fall in love with the scenery along the Pacific Coast as you make your way back to Los Angeles. A whirlwind of experiences packed into what is sure to be a trip of a lifetime.
Day 1: Los Angeles/Palm SpringsBecome acquainted with your group and CEO in Los Angeles during a brief orientation before transferring directly to the hotel in Palm Springs. Once here enjoy dinner at your leisure and maybe take a dip in the refreshing waters of the hotel pool.
Day 2: Joshua TreeVenture further into the desert today to explore Joshua Tree National Park. Wander through the park’s famous rock formations and snap some photos of the park’s namesake tree in this desolate landscape. In the evening head back to Palm Springs where you’ll have free time to relax and unwind from the heat of the day.
Day 3: Palm Springs/Zion National ParkToday, travel northeast to Las Vegas where you’ll have some free time to explore the strip or opt for lunch. You’ll depart Las Vegas in the late afternoon for the hotel that you’ll be staying at near Zion National Park.
Day 4: Zion National ParkIt’s all about Zion today as you get a chance to wander this beautiful national park in Southwest Utah. Take the shuttle into the park and spend the day exploring and hiking with your fellow travellers.
Admire the monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky and remember you can choose to turn around on these hikes at any point. In the evening, relax at your hotel as you reflect on your day in this wonderful piece of paradise.
Day 5: Zion National Park/Bryce Canyon National ParkDepart Zion in the morning and travel with the group to Bryce Canyon National Park. Once in the park enjoy free time to hike through the wild and weird rock formations fondly known as hoodoos. Visit Inspiration Point, hike the rim trail. Opt to hike the Queen’s Garden and Navajo loop trails or take in the incredible view with a walk along the rim. Head back to the park after dinner for sunset. At night look up and see the magic of the stars in a place that has been designated an International Dark Sky Park.
Day 6: Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Monument ValleyWe'll jet off this morning to Page, Arizona, the gateway to famous Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Join a local Navajo guide and explore Antelope Canyon; a stunning natural sandstone slot canyon located on tribal lands. Admire the blue sky above from the bottom of the canyon and make sure you bring your camera to take loads of photos.
Afterwards, visit Horseshoe Bend for a short hike to stand atop the steep cliffs overlooking the natural bend in the Colorado River. Today’s adventure will end in Monument Valley where you will have time to relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.
Day 7: Monument Valley/Grand Canyon National ParkThis morning you’ll be treated to a sunrise Navajo guided jeep tour of Monument Valley. Admire the majesty and magnetic atmosphere of this special place before continuing on toward the Grand Canyon. En route, stop for lunch at a family-owned Navajo food truck, before arriving at the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon just in time for a spectacular sunset.
Day 8: Grand Canyon National ParkMarvel at the out-of-this-world views as you get up close and personal with the Grand Canyon today. Spend a full day exploring and hiking from the South Rim. There are a variety of hikes to choose from that will take you deeper into the canyon where you can really appreciate the size and depth of this national park. Choose whichever trail you wish or do short bursts of multiple hikes, just make sure you bring plenty of water and take your time.
If you wish to see this natural wonder from a bird’s eye view with an experience you’ll never forget, opt to book the Grand Canyon helicopter tour.
Day 9: Grand Canyon/Las VegasHead to Las Vegas from the Grand Canyon this morning where you can spend time in this vibrant city. Explore the strip, grab something to eat, see a glitzy show, or test your luck gambling in one of the casinos.
Day 10: Las Vegas, Death Valley and BakersfieldIn the morning, the group will depart Las Vegas and head to Death Valley. You’ll visit the country's hottest, driest, and lowest national park. Death Valley is a land of extremes and you’ll get a sense of the striking contrast of this park’s landscapes with visits to Furnace Creek, Badwater Basin, and Zabriskie Point. In the evening, settle into your hotel and get some rest for tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 11: Sequoia National ParkSpend the day travelling to Sequoia National Park, home to granite cliffs and ancient giant trees. Once you arrive, set out on a short afternoon hike to explore and stare up in wonder at the tallest trees in the world. Walk the half mile down to General Sherman to see the world’s largest tree at 83 meters (275 feet) high. Trek through the Giant Forest on Congress Trail to see more of these colossal trees. Later, we head to the hotel in Visalia
Day 12: Sequoia National ParkImmerse yourself in Sequoia with a full day to hike in the park. Visit Grant Grove for more opportunities to marvel at these rare giants among the forest. If you’re looking for 360-degree views head up the 2 mile round-trip Buena Vista Peak trailhead to see the High Sierra and the valley below.
Day 13: Yosemite National ParkHit the road again and travel north through the Sierras to the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. Head straight into the park to take in iconic sights like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall.
Day 14: Yosemite National ParkIt’s all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite today. From the valley floor, take the park shuttle system to one of the most iconic trails in the park. Hike alongside the Merced River to climb the Mist Trail, getting sprayed by the waters of Vernal Fall. See the water rushing over the edge before crossing the river and climbing the steps to Nevada Fall. From the top enjoy views of the High Sierra including Half Dome, Liberty Cap, and Mount Broderick.
Later, enjoy free time to walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, Bridalveil Fall Trail, relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan, or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley.
Day 15: Yosemite National Park/San FranciscoLeave Yosemite in the morning and drive across the Central Valley with the group to San Francisco. Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights. We will drive to the bohemian neighborhood of Haight Ashbury for lunch, followed by a drive through the Golden Gate park. What trip to San Fran would be complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge? Depending on time, step foot on this famous red suspension bridge or find a great viewing point to take some photos. There is free time in the evening to explore the colorful Fisherman's wharf.
Day 16: San Francisco/MontereyWake up in San Francisco and spend the morning as you wish. Grab a coffee at a local cafe, take a walk, or hop on a cable car and coast up and down the city's many hills. Then the group will drive to the coastal town of Monterey where you'll have free time. Head to the Monterey Aquarium, walk down by the water to visit Old Fisherman's Wharf, or visit Cannery Row to check out art galleries and other boutique shops.
Day 17: Monterey/Santa MariaDrive down the idyllic Highway 1 from Monterey to Santa Maria. Along the way stop and walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and take in the stunning views of the Pacific Coast and McWay Falls.
Continue on down the coast to Santa Maria and spend time in the largest city of Santa Barbara County, known for its wineries and barbecue. Opt to window shop, sip a glass of wine or two, or simply hangout in the sunny climate of this Southern California city.
Day 18: Santa Maria/Los AngelesLeave the hills and vineyards of Santa Maria behind and continue driving south to Los Angeles where the tour ends on arrival.
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