USA National Parks Explorer
Experience Overview
Some say vacation, we say adventure of a lifetime! Head out on a 16 day tour through seven of the best national parks in the west. From the ancient Joshua Trees to the Golden Gate Bridge we promise you’ll never have time to be bored. Traverse the sandstone giants of Zion, wander through the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, feel incredibly small atop the rim of the Grand Canyon, stand at the lowest point of elevation in the U.S. in Death Valley, gaze up in wonder at the tallest trees in the world in Sequoia National Park, and hike through the surreal landscapes of Yosemite Valley. With both cities and nature on the menu, this might be just the escape from reality you’re looking for.
Highlights
- Hike amid the rock formations in Joshua Tree
- See Horseshoe Bend and tour Antelope Canyon
- Join a Navajo guided jeep tour of Monument Valley
- Watch the sunset at the Grand Canyon
- See the biggest trees in the world in Sequoia National Park
- Hike Yosemite National Park
Trip Details
Product Code: 2545
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Budget
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: NUPF
Starts: Los Angeles, United States
Finishes: San Francisco, United States
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Native Grill Food Truck Experience Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Joshua Tree National Park visit
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park visit
- Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon visits
- Navajo guided Monument Valley jeep tour
- Full day hiking in Grand Canyon National Park
- Drive Route 66 drive
- Death Valley National Park visit
- Sequoia National Park visit
- Yosemite National Park visit
- Entrance fees to all national parks and monuments with hiking and walking excursions
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotel (15 nts).
- 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches
Transport
- Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.
Group Leader
- 1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,729 ($358 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Los Angeles/Palm Springs
Become 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 Tree
Venture 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 Park
Today, 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 Park
It'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 Park
Depart 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 Valley
We'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 Park
This 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 Park
Marvel 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 Vegas
Head 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 Bakersfield
In 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 Park
Spend 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 Park
Immerse 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 Park
Hit 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 Park
It'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 Francisco
Leave 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
Spend a free morning in the city searching for the best place to have breakfast before departing. The tour ends mid morning.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Marie B. - Traveled, August 2023
We have traveled with G before and like this t8me had a great time. it's nice to have everything organised for you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2023
Irina R. - Traveled, August 2023
Amazing landscape in the Nationalparks.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2023
George B. - Traveled, August 2023
Because everything was organised and apart from Tropica l storm other arrange ments were made.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2023
Concetta D. - Traveled, August 2024
A trip like this takes the stress away from me to book hotels national park tickets etc and I can relax in the comfort of the mini bus.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/20/2024
Stacy M. - Traveled, May 2024
Positives: Trip was well planned and curated, all arrangements taken care of. Challenges: Difficult to room with a stranger, not always compatible and had profound impact on experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2024
Sarah L. - Traveled, October 2023
The CEO was fantastic, the national parks were superb.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/06/2023
Anne H. - Traveled, October 2023
Fairly relaxed style of travelling
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/06/2023
Norina H. - Traveled, September 2023
The tour exceeded my expectations, was very well organised and the dynamic of the group was great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
Marcia K. - Traveled, September 2023
I like the schedule and the trip arrangement...but some accommodation were disappointed. If we could stay at a closer motel or hotel near the National Parks especially those in California, we didn't have to drive so much and spent at least 2-3 hours or more in driving each day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Penelope L. - Traveled, September 2023
Value for money. Like minded people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Harry A. - Traveled, August 2023
Had a great time, thought our CEO Zach was really good.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2023
Julia N. - Traveled, May 2024
Great tours. Good suze and you see a lot
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2024
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