National Parks of Western USA - San Francisco to Las Vegas

Upon arrival into San Francisco it is recommended that you clear customs and take the shuttle bus (approx US$20 per person) to the group hotel specified in your final tour voucher. You will meet with your group leader and other members of the group at 8am the following morning when the group briefing will take place. Overnight: Caza Hotel (3 star) or similar.

Meals:  Nil

San Francisco is amongst one of the USA’s most cosmopolitan and atmospheric cities. Located on the bay its suburbs are linked by a series of expansive bridges, one of those being the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Trams run major routes along the foreshore and into the hilly heights in a city where quaint wooden houses contrast sharply with the sophistication of modern skyscrapers. In the morning, we explore the hidden wonders of the city by foot and on cable car. Union Square, Chinatown and Coit Tower are planned. Then you have time to explore Fisherman’s Wharf. In the late afternoon we head out to our next destination, the famous wine country in the Sierra Foothills, next to Yosemite. Our motel is in Sonora, surrounded by vineyards. Overnight: Heritage Inn (3 star) or similar. Drive time: approx 2.5hrs 120 miles / 200 km City tour: approx. 3-4 hours, 2-3 miles / 4-7 km, elevation difference: +/-100 m

Meals:  B,L

A full day to enjoy the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. We spend the morning hiking among a hidden grove of Giant Sequoia, at the Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Few tourists are found here and we enjoy solitude among the giant trees. Then we continue to Columbia State Park to enjoy a living history museum dedicated to the ghost town and gold rush area. In the afternoon we have time to enjoy wine tasting (not included) and shopping. Why not stop in at the hotel where Mark Twain stayed? Overnight: Heritage Inn (3 star) or similar.

Meals:  B,L

Yosemite National Park which was established in 1890 in the Sierra Nevada, encompasses stunning mountain vistas and valleys housing meadows and forests (including groves of giant sequoias) surrounded by high cliffs and waterfalls. The forest of giant Sequoias, the world’s biggest trees and the soaring cliffs of Half Dome are just some of the highlights of the park. We explore Glacier Point, where we can survey the mighty walls of Half Dome and gaze down at the valley floor far below. Big buses are not allowed to drive here, but our vans are allowed. There will be the option of a self-guided hike down into the valley, or the tour guide may offer a shorter, more casual walk along the edge of Yosemite Valley. Our hotel is in the heart of Yosemite Valley, the rustic Curry Village Tent cabins, where we will spend one night (communal bathrooms). The evening is reserved for wildlife watching, and enjoying an amazing sunset in Yosemite Valley. Overnight: Curry Village Tent Cabin (1 star) or similar. Drive time: approx 2hrs 125 miles / 200 km Panorama Trail from Glacier Pt: 4-6 hrs, 7 miles / 11 km, elevation difference: +215 m/-915 m Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Loop: 4 hrs, ca. 6 miles / 10 km, elevation difference: +/-215 m

Meals:  B,L

In the morning, we depart Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass, crossing over the Sierra Nevada Mountains at 10,000 feet (3048 m). We have time to explore one of the oldest lakes on Earth, Mono lake, known for its bizarre white limestone “tufa tower” formation. Our hotel is located in the renowned mountain resort town of Mammoth Lakes. Overnight: Mammoth Mountain Inn (3 star) or similar. Drive time: approx 2 hrs 120 miles / 200 km Lembert Dome: 3 hrs, approx. 5 miles / 8 km, elevation difference: +/-300 m Note: Trips starting before the end of May or in late October may have to detour via Sonora Pass due to snow closure on Tioga Pass Road in Yosemite National Park. Tioga Pass generally opens Memorial Day, which is the last weekend in May. It closes with the first heavy snow of the year.

Meals:  B,L

This morning we drive to Death Valley National Park where more than 3.3 million acres of spectacular desert scenery, rare desert wildlife, complex geology, undisturbed wilderness and sites of historical interest abound. This area is known for extreme weather conditions and temperatures, and is one of the hottest places on earth. In summer, temperatures can reach 50° Celsius. Additionally, being in a rift valley, Death Valley is also the lowest location in the Western Hemisphere at 100 m below sea level. If temperatures allow, we will hike the Badlands before continuing on to famous Las Vegas, Nevada. Overnight: Mardi Gras Casino (2-3 star) or similar. Drive time: appox 6 hrs 330 miles / 530 km or approx. 4 hr Badlands: 2-3 hrs, ca. 3 miles/ 5 km, elevation difference: +/- 200m

Meals:  B,L

In the morning, we travel via Route 66 through the hot deserts of Nevada and into the world famous Grand Canyon. The opportunity for a breathtaking helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon (not included, flights start at approx. US$180) will be available. Our hotel is located close to the entrance of the park. Overnight: The Red Feather Lodge (3 star) or similar. Drive time approx 4- 5 hours 265 miles / 430 km

Meals:  B,L

We have all day today to relax at the Grand Canyon. We may explore the edge of the canyon, a dream location for photography. We recommend an easy self- guided hike along the West Rim to the beautiful Hermit’s Rest outlook. For those searching for a little excitement, helicopter tours, bike rentals and an IMAX theater (to be paid locally, not included in tour package) are available as well. The Grand Canyon is famous for its exceptional sunsets so have your camera ready! Overnight: The Red Feather Lodge (3 star) or similar. *Note: Hikes in Grand Canyon National Park are self-guided due to permit regulations. Kaibab Ridge: 3-4 hrs, approx. 3 miles/ 5 km, elevation difference: +/-300 m Plateau Point: 8-12 hrs, approx. 12 miles/ 20 km, elevation difference: +/-1150 m Hike along the rim: up to 4 hrs, up to 8 miles/ 13 km, elevation difference: +/-50 m

Meals:  B,L

In the morning, we depart via the east entrance, stopping to see the sights of the East Rim, and head for the world famous Monument Valley of the Navajo tribe. Here giant rock domes and mesas rise out of the valley into the blue sky, offering impressive photo opportunities. For decades, the area has been used by Hollywood as a favorite movie backdrop. We highly recommend an unforgettable Jeep tour with the Navajos through the valley (not included, approx. $70) to hidden beauty spots such as “Ear of the Wind” and “Big Hogan”. From here, after a short drive, we reach Lake Powell, where we spend the night in Page, AZ. Overnight: Quality Inn Page or similar. Drive time: approx. 4-5 hrs 300 miles / 450 km

Meals:  B,L

We are on the shore of the Lake Powell. Here, the Colorado River created a giant lake with a 3000 km shoreline. Deep red sandstone walls reflect in the deep blue waters, offering unforgettable images. The area is famous for its rock formations. We recommend a tour to Antelope (not included, pending availability, approx. $100) and a hike to Horseshoe Bend. Antelope Canyon is known for its incredible rock formations, colours and lights and is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world. In the late afternoon we head to our next destination: Bryce Canyon. Overnight: Bryce View Lodge (3 star) or similar. Drive time approx 2.5 hours, 140miles / 220km

Meals:  B,L

For many, Bryce is the most beautiful of the American National Parks. Hiking paths wind through radiant red and pink towers of stone, which contrast beautifully with blue skies and green pines. At sundown, be awed by an unforgettable color play on the formations. Those wanting can take a horseback ride through Bryce's rock formations (approx. $65, not included) or hike with the group on the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail. In the late afternoon we head to our next destination: St George. Overnight: Hotel Ramada St George (3- star) or similar. Drive time approx 2.5 hours 140 miles / 220 km Queens Garden and Navajo Loop: 3 hrs, approx. 3 miles / 5 km, elevation difference: +/-200 m Rim walks – Bryce Point to Sunset 2 miles, 4 km

Meals:  B,L

In the morning, we drive to the spectacular Zion National Park. We have all day to explore this fabulous park. You have the option to enjoy a hike to Emerald Pools, where water cascades into shaded pools, or you can hike on your own to Angel’s Landing. Maybe you are interested in wading in the Narrows? There is free time in the charming town of Springdale. Overnight: Hotel Ramada St George (3- star) or similar. Drive time approx 2 hours 90 miles / 150 km Emerald Pools 2-3 hours, approx. 3 miles / 5 km +/- 200m

Meals:  B,L

Today, we hike over beautiful slick rock, past a lava tube and across moqui marbles. Then we marvel at the remarkable dinosaur footprints. We then drive the final leg of our adventure into Las Vegas. Overnight: Mardi Gras Casino (2-3 star) or similar. Drive time approx 2 hours 120 miles / 200 km Lava Tube Loop: 2-3 hrs, approx. 3 miles / 5 km, elevation difference: +/-150 m

Meals:  B,L

Departure is at your leisure and the trip concludes upon check out from the hotel before 12 noon. There is a complimentary shuttle from the hotel that you may sign up for at the front desk. Please let us know if you would like to spend additional days in this vibrant city. PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO OVERCROWDING IN THE NATIONAL PARKS PARKING IS AT TIMES IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND. IN THIS CASE THE TOUR DIRECTOR MAY DECIDE TO LEAVE THE GROUP AT THE ENTRANCE AND TRY TO FIND PARKING. IN THIS CASE SOME HIKES WOULD BE SELF GUIDED.

Meals:  B