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Western USA Highlights

Discover the captivating cities and astounding natural attractions of the USA’s west on a 19-day adventure that will take you from lively Los Angeles to stylish San Francisco. Experience the wonderful wilds of Joshua Tree, Zion and Yosemite national parks, explore Monumental Valley, Death Valley and the Grand Canyon, and join the high rollers and hard livers of illustrious Las Vegas. With exceptional outdoor excursions, some spectacular stretches of coastline and sensational city scenes, this is the ultimate round-up of the western USA’s highlights.

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StartsLos Angeles, United States
EndsSan Francisco, United States
RegionUnited States Of America
Duration19 days
Tour OperatorIntrepid Travel
Tour Map
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Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting: Los Angeles & Finishing: Los Angeles

Welcome to the USA! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting today at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. As this trip spends little time in Los Angeles, we recommend you arrive a few days early to see the sights. The 'City of Angels' is world-renowned for the glamourous districts of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, not to mention the shopping on Rodeo Drive. From Venice Beach to Disneyland, it's a veritable smorgasbord for the senses. We'll be happy to book additional accomodation for you (subject to availability). You might consider doing our one-day Urban Adventure sightseeing tour of Los Angeles (see urbanadventures.com).

Day 2 - Starting: San Diego & Finishing: San Diego

Today drive south for two-and-a-half hours to San Diego, close to California's border with Mexico. Sunny San Diego is a great city to get out and explore as it serves up year-round temperate weather. Perhaps relax along the golden beaches of Mission Bay or take a stroll through Balboa Park. In the evening, head down to the Old Town for some delicious Mexican fare. Afterwards, you might like to make your way to the historic Gaslamp Quarter, a lively hub of restaurants, bars, shops, galleries and theatres.

Day 3 - Starting: Joshua Tree National Park & Finishing: Joshua Tree National Park

Today head away from the coast and drive to Joshua Tree National Park. Sitting between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, the park is famous for its spectacular desert plants, including Joshua trees, cacti and Mojave yuccas. The area is also home to striking rock formations and mountain ranges. You might like to head out on a scenic hike around the park or even take a refreshing dip in the Colorado River. Today's total driving time is around seven hours.

Day 4 - Starting: Grand Canyon National Park & Finishing: Grand Canyon National Park

Drive for six hours to Grand Canyon National Park. Words don't do justice to the Grand Canyon. This stunning gorge is 1.5 kilometres deep, formed by over six million years of erosion from the Colorado River. You'll spend two nights here, in order to allow a full day of exploration tomorrow.

Day 5 - Starting: Grand Canyon National Park & Finishing: Grand Canyon National Park

Today is a free day to explore the Grand Canyon, one of the largest canyon systems in the world. Stroll along the meandering South Rim Trail or hike your way down to Plateau Point. If you're feeling extra adventurous, you might even opt for a scenic flight over the area (at your own expense). In the early evening, relax at the canyon's edge and enjoy a spectacular sunset over one the world's natural wonders.

Day 6 - Starting: Las Vegas & Finishing: Las Vegas

Today we drive for about five hours to Las Vegas. This may be the gambling capital of the world, but there's plenty to do if gambling isn't your thing. Hit the shops, feel your stomach drop on a rooftop roller coaster or simply stroll along the Strip, soaking up the glitz and gaudiness. In the evening, perhaps feast on an 'all you can eat' buffet, check out one of the many shows on offer or party the night away in a Vegas nightclub. As this is a combination trip, your leader and the composition of your group may change at this point. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. You're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new travel companions. After the meeting, you'll be free to enjoy your last night in this energetic city.

Day 7 - Starting: Zion National Park & Finishing: Zion National Park

Today leave Nevada and drive for around three hours to Zion National Park. The park is home to stunning desert landscapes, sculpted rock formations, waterfalls and hanging gardens. There will be plenty of time on arrival to stretch your legs and have a good look around the park. You might even like to float down the surprisingly chilly Virgin River in a tube. In the evening, set up camp for the night.

Day 8 - Starting: Bryce Canyon National Park & Finishing: Bryce Canyon National Park

Drive for around two-and-a-half hours to Bryce Canyon. The canyon is famous for its 'hoodoos' - odd-shaped rock spires formed by centuries of erosion. You will have ample time to explore the park's extensive network of hiking trails, from the easy Rim Trail, to the moderate Queen's Garden Trail or the strenuous Peek-a-boo Loop. Wherever you walk, you'll encounter unique landscapes and a kaleidoscope of desert colours.

Day 9 - Starting: Moab & Finishing: Moab

Continue on your journey this morning through the impressive Utah landscape. Make a stop at Capitol Reef National Park before heading to Moab. Close to the incredible Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, Moab is a small city in Utah that attracts hikers, mountain bikers and nature enthusiasts. Arches National Park is punctuated with spectacularly eroded sandstone formations, and contains the world's largest concentration of natural stone arches. Take a hike out to see famous sights such as Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. The total driving time today is approximately five-and-a-half hours.

Day 10 - Starting: Moab & Finishing: Moab

On your second day in Moab, discover the red plateaus, cliffs and canyons of nearby Deadhorse Point State Park. Enjoy incredible views from Deadhorse Point. 610 metres (2,000 feet) above the ground, cowboys used to the point to round up wild mustangs in the 19th century. You might like to take an optional float down the Colorado River, or even hire a mountain bike to explore the area.

Day 11 - Starting: Monument Valley & Finishing: Monument Valley

Today drive through southern Utah to Monument Valley. Monument Valley is so-named for the giant sandstone formations scattered across the desert. The backdrop for countless westerns, the valley is part of the biggest Indian reservation in the US and home to more than 200,000 Navajo Indians. Head out on a guided jeep tour of the valley. Get your camera out and snap some photos of the spectacular landscape, which changes colour with the movement of the sun. Spend the night in a hogan, a traditional Navajo hut made of logs and earth. Total driving time today is approximately three hours.

Day 12 - Starting: Lake Powell & Finishing: Lake Powell

Drive through the unspoiled landscapes of the northern Arizona desert plateau to Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. This enormous manmade lake was created from the building of the Glen Canyon Dam, the first in a series of dams along the Colorado River. Explore hidden coves and canyons, take a dip in the fresh water or laze on the lake's sunny shores. You could even paddle around in a kayak. Total driving time today is around three-and-a-half hours.

Day 13 - Starting: Las Vegas & Finishing: Las Vegas

Today drive across the border into Nevada and back to Las Vegas. The drive should take around five hours in total. Tonight, you might like to celebrate the end of your Utah adventure in style, with an optional limo tour of the city or spend the night enjoying the lights of Las Vegas.

Day 14 - Starting: Las Vegas & Finishing: Las Vegas

You'll have another day to further enjoy the delights of Las Vegas. Use the opportunity to find a swimming pool to relax by, have a crack at black jack, check out a show or just soak up the craziness that is Vegas. You may also choose to go on an optional adventure on the infamous Las Vegas Roller Coaster or go-karting. As this is a combination trip, your leader and the composition of your group may change at this point. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. You're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new travel companions. After the meeting, you'll be free to enjoy your last night in this energetic city.

Day 15 - Starting: Death Valley & Finishing: Death Valley

Today is a long day of driving (approximately six hours). You'll cover more than 550 kilometres through Death Valley and across the Eastern Sierra. Death Valley is one of the hottest places on the planet, with temperatures rising to 56°C in the summer. The park features huge sand dunes, sculpted rocks, isolated valleys and volcanic craters. The canyon and mountain walls change colour with the changing light. Elevations fluctuate from 85 metres below sea level near Badwater Basin (the lowest point in the United States) to 3,756 metres at Telescope Peak. Stop at the visitor centre and, if it's not too hot, take a walk on the stunning salt flats.

Day 16 - Starting: Yosemite National Park & Finishing: Yosemite National Park

Driving west, travel through the Tioga Pass (snow levels permitting) into the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Your destination is Yosemite National Park. One of the most famous parks in the USA, Yosemite's colossal granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls and redwood forests attract visitors from all over the world. You'll spend two nights in the park in order to have a full day of exploration tomorrow. The total driving time today is approximately five hours, or longer if the Tioga Pass is closed.

Day 17 - Starting: Yosemite National Park & Finishing: Yosemite National Park

Today is a free day to get out and discover the park. There are plenty of hikes available, each varying in steepness and difficulty. Hike under the cooling breezes of Nevada Falls (4-5 hours) or to the serene Mirror Lake (45 minutes). Keep an eye out for squirrels and perhaps even a bear along the way. You might prefer to hire a bike and explore Yosemite Valley. Visit the park's museum, photo gallery, shops and restaurants along the way. In the heat of summer, a relaxing float down the Merced River followed by a few drinks at the park's cafe is just the trick.

Day 18 - Starting: San Francisco & Finishing: San Francisco

Leave Yosemite behind today and drive west for about four hours to San Francisco. The 'City by the Bay' has a beautiful setting and a vibrant, multicultural heart. You might like to check out the vintage stores along funky Haight Street, catch the tram down to the waterfront or take a cruise on the bay to see the impressive Golden Gate Bridge. The trip finishes on arrival into San Francisco and no accommodation is provided tonight. The arrival time depends on each group, but if you decide to fly out on this day, please don't book a flight before 9pm. This will give you enough time to catch a shuttle from the hotel to the airport and be there two hours before departure. If you are staying in town for the evening, perhaps head out for some dumplings in Chinatown or pasta in North Beach. If you do wish to spend extra time in San Francisco we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

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Highlights

  • Take a strut down Hollywood’s famed boulevards
  • Suss out San Diego’s Old Town
  • Wander among the boulders of Joshua Tree National Park
  • Look out in awe over the Grand Canyon
  • Spend a night under the stars in Monument Valley
  • Experience the heady glitz of Las Vegas

Discover the captivating cities and astounding natural attractions of the USA’s west on a 19-day adventure that will take you from lively Los Angeles to stylish San Francisco. Experience the wonderful wilds of Joshua Tree, Zion and Yosemite national parks, explore Monumental Valley, Death Valley and the Grand Canyon, and join the high rollers and hard livers of illustrious Las Vegas. With exceptional outdoor excursions, some spectacular stretches of coastline and sensational city scenes, this is the ultimate round-up of the western USA’s highlights.

Day 1 Accommodation

Hotel (1 nights)

Day 2 Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nights)

Day 2 Optional Activities

  • Balboa Park Museum Pass - USD 44
  • San Diego Beaches - Free -

Day 3 Included Activities

  • Joshua Tree National Park

Day 3 Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nights)

Day 3 Optional Activities

  • Colorado River Swimming - Free -
  • Joshua Tree National Park Hikes - Free -

Day 4 Included Activities

  • Grand Canyon National Park

Day 4 Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nights)

Day 5 Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nights)

Day 5 Optional Activities

  • Helicopter flight (25 mins) - USD 244
  • Helicopter flight (45 mins) - USD 295
  • Grand Canyon hiking - Free -
  • IMAX movie - USD 15

Day 6 Accommodation

Hotel (1 nights)

Day 7 Included Activities

  • Zion National Park

Day 7 Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nights)

Day 7 Optional Activities

  • River Tubing (seasonal) - USD 15
  • Zion National Park Hikes - Free -

Day 8 Included Activities

  • Bryce National Park

Day 8 Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nights)

Day 8 Optional Activities

  • Bryce Canyon National Park Hikes - Free -
  • Horseback Riding - USD 60

Day 9 Included Activities

  • Arches National Park

Day 9 Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nights)

Day 9 Optional Activities

  • Arches National Park Hikes - Free -

Day 10 Included Activities

  • Dead Horse Point

Day 10 Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nights)

Day 10 Optional Activities

  • Float Trip on Colorado River - USD 45
  • Moab Mountain Biking - USD 50
  • Slickrock Hummer tour - USD 91

Day 11 Included Activities

  • Jeep tour & overnight experience

Day 11 Accommodation

Hogan (1 nights)

Day 12 Included Activities

  • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Day 12 Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nights)

Day 12 Optional Activities

  • Antelope Canyon tour - USD 35
  • Glen Canyon Dam Tour - USD 5
  • Jet ski rental --Lake Powell - USD 435
  • Kayak Rental - USD 55
  • Lake Powell Swimming - Free -
  • Horseback ride - USD 64

Day 13 Accommodation

Hotel (1 nights)

Day 14 Accommodation

Hotel (1 nights)

Day 14 Optional Activities

  • Roller Coaster - Las Vegas - USD 14

Day 15 Included Activities

  • Death Valley National Park

Day 15 Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nights)

Day 16 Included Activities

  • Yosemite National Park

Day 16 Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nights)

Day 17 Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nights)

Day 17 Optional Activities

  • Cycling in Yosemite Valley - USD 12
  • Yosemite National Park Hikes - Free -
  • Yosemite Raft Rental (seasonal) - USD 30

Day 18 Optional Activities

  • Adventure Cat Bay Cruise - USD 45

Included Meals

Dinner: 1

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