National Parks of Western USA - Las Vegas to San Francisco

Arrival in Las Vegas. Self transfer on your own from the airport to Mardi Gras Hotel (2-3-star), or similar,

Meals:  Nil

8 AM: Your tour leader will meet you in the hotel for the orientation meeting. Leaving Las Vegas we soon ascend to the Colorado Plateau through the Virgin River Gorge. Today we enjoy the spectacular scenery of Snow Canyon State Park, where we walk over petrified sand dunes. Then we are on to see the impressive collection of dinosaur footprints (entrance included). Drive time: 120 miles / 200 km or 2hrs. Lava Tube to Moqui Marbles: 3 m / 5 km, approx. 2-3 hours), elevation difference: +/-150 m Our hotel is centrally located in St. George. Hotel Ramada, St. George (3-star), 2 nights.

Meals:  B,L

Zion National Park is an 800 m deep sandstone canyon carved by the Virgin River. The scenery is stunning. Zion is famous for the iconic hikes to the many slot canyons. 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. Maybe you are interested in wading in the Narrows? There is free time in the charming town of Springdale. Drive time: 90 miles / 150 km or 2 hrs Emerald Pools 2-3 hours, approx. 3 miles / 5 km +/- 200m

Meals:  B,L

Leaving early we soon reach Bryce Canyon NP. 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 summer, enjoy a Western Cowboy dinner show (not included). Hotel Bryce View Lodge, (2-3-star), 1 night Drive time: 140 miles / 220 km or 2.5 hrs 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

Soon we reach 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. Quality Inn (3-star), or similar, 1 night. Drive time: 140 miles / 220 km or 2.5 hrs

Meals:  B,L

It is a short drive to the famous Monument Valley. Giant red towers of stone rise out of the valley and offer fantastic photographic motifs. For decades, this area has been used as a backdrop for the cameras of Hollywood. We recommend an unforgettable Jeep tour through the valley led by the local Navajo Indians (starting at $70, not included), where secluded views of the panoramas of Ear of the Wind and Big Hogan await. In the afternoon, a 2.5 hour trip returns us to the Grand Canyon via its eastern entrance. With luck, we arrive in time for a stunning sunset. Our hotel is at the entrance of the national park. Red Feather Lodge (3-star), or similar, 2 nights. Drive time: 300 miles / 450 km or 4.5 hrs

Meals:  B,L

We have all day to relax at the Grand Canyon! We explore the edge of the canyon, a dream location for photography. You can do a self-guided easy hike along the West Rim to the beautiful outlook, Hermit’s Rest. We recommend the amazing helicopter tours and/or the IMAX theater (to be paid locally, they are not included in the tour package) as well as watching the famous sunsets or renting bikes (not included) to explore the rim of this amazing sight. 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 early afternoon, we head back towards Las Vegas along the famous Route 66. Our hotel is centrally located. Mardi Gras Casino (2-3-star), or similar, 1 night. Drive time: 265 miles / 430 km or 4-5 hrs

Meals:  B,L

The environment of Death Valley stands in stark contrast to the red deserts of Utah and the green mountains of Yosemite. Here, in Death Valley, the temperatures and weather conditions are extreme. In the summer temperatures often exceed 120°F. Death Valley is the lowest landmass in North America at 282 feet below sea level. We have time to explore its golden sand dunes, its myriad of brackish pools and springs as well as the fascinating rock erosion formations of Zabriskie Point. If temperatures allow, we will even hike to the Badlands. Then we drive along the 14,000-foot ridge of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Our hotel is located in the renowned ski resort of Mammoth Lakes. Mammoth Mountain Inn (3- star), or similar, 1 night. Drive time: 330 miles / 530 km or 6 hrs

Meals:  B,L

In the morning, we encounter Mono Lake, one of the oldest lakes on Earth, known for its bizarre white limestone “tufa tower” formation. Over the breathtaking Tioga Pass and the sheer cliffs of the Sierra Nevada ridge, we reach 10,000 feet. 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. With a little luck we will see deer, coyote and bear. Curry Village Tent Cabins (1-star), or similar, 1 night. Drive time: 120 miles / 200 km or 2 hrs

Meals:  B,L

Today we discover Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site. In the morning, we drive to Glacier Point, the most impressive viewpoint of the national park. Big tour buses are not allowed to drive here, but our smaller van is allowed. From here we have a perfect view of the Half Dome. Our hotel is in the historic gold-mining town of Sonora. Heritage Inn (3-star), or similar, 2 nights. Drive time: 100 miles / 160 km or 2-3 hrs. Panorama Trail: 4-6 hrs, 11 km, elevation difference +215/-915m Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Loop: 4 hrs, ca. 6 miles / 10 km, elevation difference: +/-215 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. Drive Time approx. 125 miles / 200 km – 2 hours Walks: 5 miles / 8 km, +/- 100m

Meals:  B,L

We move on to our final destination, San Francisco, the famous city on the Pacific Ocean. We explore the city by cable car and on foot, finding many hidden treasures throughout this fabulous metropolis. We will visit Union Square, Chinatown and walk to Coit Tower (entrance not included). You have time to explore Fisherman’s Wharf as well. Caza Hotel (3-star), or similar, 1 night. Drive time: 120 miles / 200 km or 2.5 hrs

Meals:  B,L

Departure is on your own. An airport shuttle costs approximately $25-$35 and is not included.

Meals:  B