USA Road Trip — Joshua Tree & the Southwest Parks
Experience Overview
Embark on an adventure to the American Southwest where you’ll experience some of the country’s most sought after national parks. We can practically guarantee that you’ll fall in love with the desert landscapes of Joshua Tree and that you’ll never want to leave the splendour of the Grand Canyon. With plenty of challenging yet rewarding hikes through four major national parks and some of the best stargazing in the world, this is a trip you sure don’t want to miss. So set those out of office messages and get ready for a whirlwind journey that you’ll never forget.
Highlights
- Visit the strange rock formations in Joshua Tree National Park
- Enjoy a drive down Route 66
- Have a pizza dinner along the rim of the Grand Canyon during sunset
- Hike in the Grand Canyon
- Visit Horseshoe Bend
- Hike through the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park
- Hike in Zion
- Enjoy stargazing around the campfire.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2536
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
18 - 39 Year Olds Only
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: NULZ
Starts: Los Angeles, United States
Finishes: Las Vegas, United States
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Visit to Joshua Tree National Park
- Drive along Route 66
- Grand Canyon sunset pizza dinner
- Hike in Grand Canyon National Park
- Visit to Horseshoe Bend
- Bryce Canyon National Park visit
- Zion National Park visit
- Entrance fees to all national parks and monuments with hiking and walking excursions
- Self-inflating mattresses and dome tents
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 nt), participation camping (6 nts).
- 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
Transport
- Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.
Group Leader
- 1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2591 ($324 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Los Angeles/Joshua Tree National Park
Depart Los Angeles for the desert today as you journey eastward to explore Joshua Tree National Park. Climb through the park's famous rock formations and make sure to get some photos of the park's namesake tree as the sun lights up this desolate landscape. In the evening relax at our accommodation by taking a dip in the pool and then opt to grab some dinner with your fellow travellers.
Meals included: Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Joshua Tree National Park is home to two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado. Located in southeastern California, east of Los Angeles and north of Palm Springs it is named for the distinctive trees native to the Mojave Desert. Dark night skies and surreal geological features make this park especially alluring. Explore and see for yourself what this beautiful landscape has to offer.Activity - Hike the trails in Joshua Tree NP, get up close to the iconic trees, climb a rock outcrop and watch for desert wildlife.
Accommodation - Super 8 Yucca Valley/Joshua Tree
Day 2: Joshua Tree National Park/Grand Canyon National Park
Drive down the famed Route 66 today as we cruise further east to the Grand Canyon. Get ready to see breathtaking views with arguably the best sunset you have ever seen overlooking the Grand Canyon. Kick off those shoes, sit back, relax, and enjoy one of nature's finest performances. Enjoy a cheesy slice of pizza or two overlooking the Grand Canyon during sunset.
Meals included: Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Head to the rim of the Grand Canyon at sunset. Point your camera in any direction and capture memorable shots as the shifting light plays off the layers of red, yellow, and brown rock. This is truly one of the great wonders. Enjoy the moment.Activity - Find a spot to sit and dig in to the most scenic dinner you've ver had! Enjoy some pizza as the sun sets over the Grand Canyon offering breathtaking views while the canyon walls glow red and orange in the fading light. This is truly one of the great wonders. Enjoy the moment.Accommodation - Mather Campground
Day 3: Grand Canyon
Get up close and personal with the Grand Canyon as you spend the day 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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Opt to hike along the rim or down into the canyon. Experience breathtaking scenery with spectacular views. Bring lots of water, a hat and plenty of energy. Remember -- hiking down is optional, hiking back up is mandatory!
Accommodation - Mather Campground
Day 4: Grand Canyon/Page/Bryce Canyon
Journey onwards from the Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona, the site of Lake Powell. There will be free time here. Opt to join a local Navajo guide and explore Antelope Canyon; a stunning natural sandstone slot canyon located on tribal lands.
Then, lace up those hiking boots for a visit to Horseshoe Bend, a geological masterpiece that has been sculpted by the Colorado River. Walk to the overlook where you can hike along the rim and stare down into the flowing river far below. Snap some photos with your friends and just enjoy the moment. Finish the day with a picturesque drive to your camp in Bryce Canyon.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Take a short hike to this spectacular horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River. Stand atop steep orange-coloured sandstone cliffs and look out at Horseshoe Bend. Peer down more than 300m (1,000 ft) at the emerald river below.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Ruby's Inn RV Park & Campground
Day 5: Bryce Canyon
After a camp breakfast head out for a short drive into Bryce Canyon National Park. Once in the park, take advantage of your free time to hike through the wild and weird rock formations known as hoodoos. Opt to visit Inspiration Point, hit the rim trail, horseback ride, or hike the Queen's Garden and Navajo loop trails to see sites like Thor's Hammer and Wall Street. At night stargaze in a park known for its night skies.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - See a sight like no other at this giant forest of stone made up of collection of massive natural amphitheaters. This park contains hundreds of thousands of eroded spires, pinnacles, and other shapes as far as the eye can see.Free_time - Spend your free time wandering this wonderful national park. Check out the Queen Garden and Navajo loop trails, walk along the rim trail, visit Sunrise point and Inspiration point and take plenty of pictures of the famed hoodoos.Accommodation - Ruby's Inn RV Park & Campground
Day 6: Bryce Canyon/Zion National Park
We pack up early this morning and move on towards Zion National Park. On route, we will make a stop at the lesser-known Coral Pink Sand Dunes and enjoy a scenic overlook of Utah's surrounding landscape on the Colorado Plateau. It's a unique geological feature that you shouldn't miss.
You'll have free time in the afternoon and evening to become acquainted with your surroundings. The only rule is to have a good time!
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a visit to an off-the-radar expanse of photographic bliss; Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Hike through the park leaving footprints in the sand and enjoy a scenic overlook of Utah’s surrounding landscape of pink hues and vibrant blue skies on the Colorado Plateau. It’s a unique geological feature that you shouldn’t miss.Free_time - Enjoy yourself in Springdale just outside of Zion National Park. Walk back into the park on foot, play some games, or simply relax in the gorgeous surroundings of the canyon.Accommodation - Zion Canyon RV Resort & Campground
Day 7: 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 travelers.
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 enjoy leisure time back at camp. Once it gets dark get ready to sit around the campfire and roast some marshmallows as a group.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Admire monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky. Experience diverse plant and animal life, and wade through water in a narrow slot canyon as the park transitions from desert to forest. Gaze at the awe-inspiring beauty of the high plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls.Accommodation - Zion Canyon RV Resort & Campground
Day 8: Zion National Park/Las Vegas
Take the short drive from Zion to Las Vegas. Tour ends on arrival. Onward travel should be booked no earlier than 3pm.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
William S. - Traveled, September 2023
Really well organised, met some great people and saw some incredible scenery.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2023
Luisa M. - Traveled, September 2023
It was perfect organized by kristi and the tour was planned fantastic
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
Florian S. - Traveled, September 2023
Our CEO made it work for everybody and was stellar at making it a unique and amazing experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
Arienne B. - Traveled, September 2023
Great experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
Forest W. - Traveled, September 2023
This was my first G Adventures, and I received glowing reviews from friends before I booked. They were 100% correct. I would Recommend this type of travel to anyone!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
Mohammed M. - Traveled, September 2023
I've been on several group tours, however G Adventures, and my CEO Kristi made this one the most memorable one yet. I felt I had a perfect amount of guidance as well as freedom to choose how I wanted this trip to go for me. The itinerary was also such that we only built up on both anticipation and absolute wonder and excitement for where we were and where we',d be going next. I loved every second of it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
Timothy L. - Traveled, September 2023
Abit expensive for the tour I thought. It could be cheaper to do it yourself, but the guides were worth the money with the knowledge and energy they bought to the group
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
Lindsay M. - Traveled, September 2023
Possibly the most exceptional trip I've ever been on
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
Viktoria B. - Traveled, September 2023
You can find different tours all over the world. Something for everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
Marged J. - Traveled, August 2023
Fun filled experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/29/2023
Leonel Pui Hang F. - Traveled, July 2023
Easy way to handle the logistic for camping.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2023
Lauren D. - Traveled, July 2023
This was a good trip and it was as-advertised.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2023
Alan B. - Traveled, July 2023
Varied and interesting places
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2023
Marlene E. - Traveled, July 2023
Trip was very well organized and we had a wonderful guide!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
Megan B. - Traveled, July 2023
Well organised, saw all the key points didn't have to arrange anything myself Our guide John was brilliant, got involved with the group, cooked great means and gave us lots of useful information
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
Kevin P. - Traveled, July 2023
The tour was very well organized and the tour guide was very knowledgeable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
Simone W. - Traveled, July 2023
Had a really good time, so many highlights in a short amount of time, don't have to organize anything, can just enjoy
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
Lucy S. - Traveled, July 2023
The trip exceeded expectations. We did everything on the itinerary and more and our guide was helpful, knowledgeable and fun!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2023
Janek M. - Traveled, July 2023
The beautiful Nation parks, and our Guide Kristi
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2023
Lennard J. - Traveled, July 2023
I wanted to see the national parks of the US and that is exactly what the trip did. It also had done it in a enjoyable way.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2023
Nico L. - Traveled, July 2023
Our guide kristi!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2023
Mirea H. - Traveled, July 2023
Good Experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2023
Oliver U. - Traveled, July 2023
It feels more of a proper adventure as you take part in the camping. The guide was great and there's not too many other people in the group
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2023
Tim E. - Traveled, July 2023
Cause everything on this trip was amazing. Love the camping life, love the nature hike. Even though cooking cleaning up etc was fun. Think a huge amount of it goes to Kristi (Guide). She did great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2023
Michelle F. - Traveled, July 2023
This has been my fourth trip with G Adventures and all of them have been excellent so far. The trip was super organized, the guides cared and put in the extra effort whenever something was needed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2023
Douglas L. - Traveled, September 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, everything was very well organised and I felt like the trip ensured that we all got the most out of the time we had.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2023
Ffion D. - Traveled, August 2023
Excellent experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/29/2023
Sion L. - Traveled, August 2023
Friendly polite guide and a jam packed itinerary
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/29/2023
Olivia M. - Traveled, July 2023
Great spots including some off the beaten track ones. Delicious dinners. The campsites were not always the greatest - Grand Canyon, but the others were amazing, including the glamping. Lovely group and tour guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2023
Marionne N. - Traveled, July 2023
Great trip, great tour guide. Lived the experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2023
Download a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
