The grand canyon of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming | ©VisittheUSA.com

A long open road through Monument Valley | Jake Hutchins

Arizona's famous Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River | ©VisittheUSA.com

Aspen is one of the most scenic towns in the USA | ©VisittheUSA.com

Vibrant colours hiking through Antelope Canyon | Jake Hutchins

Discover the glorious alpine scenery of Gran Teton National Park on foot | ©VisittheUSA.com

Buffalo lounging in Yellowstone National Park | Jen Skubicki

Grand Canyon National Park | Richard I'Anson

Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain Trails

Experience unforgettable day hikes in some of the United States’ most treasured national parks

United States

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11 reviews

14 Days from

$ USD

Trip Code: GCR

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement

$1700 USD

Duration

14 Days

Activities

8 day walks

Accommodation

13 nights hotel/lodge

Meals

12 Lunches
13 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

4 / 10

Introductory

Carbon Footprint

30kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(388kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Hike and spot wildlife in stunning Yellowstone National Park
Marvel at the punctuality of Old Faithful geyser
Enjoy the sublime vantage points of the Grand Canyon
Be mesmerized by the red rock pillars of Monument Valley
Take in the views of Grand Teton National Park
Learn why Maroon Bells is one of the most photographed places in Colorado
Visit Horseshoe Bend and beautiful Antelope Canyon
Live it up in Las Vegas

Overview

On this superb hiking adventure we bring to life western USA's most famous parks, home to some of the most dramatic wind and water sculptured landscapes in the world. During a series of selected hikes, we absorb the geysers, giant waterfalls, prolific wildlife and valleys full of boiling mud pots in Yellowstone, trek in the Grand Canyon, visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon and hike in the dramatic Rocky Mountains. From Aspen and Glenwood Springs we undertake some world class day hikes in the Rockies and enjoy picture postcard vistas, such as Maroon Bells. Linking the parks and hikes are stunning drives such as the 'Million Dollar Highway', considered to be the most scenic in North America. A visit to Monument Valley and our final night in Las Vegas rounds off this exhilarating adventure.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Bozeman! Arrive at your hotel via airport shuttle or local taxi and settle in after your long journey. Take time to relax this evening in preparation for the great adventures ahead. • Overnight: Days Inn - Bozeman

Meals: Nil

Today, we head into the world’s first national park, Yellowstone. The park is home to the most impressive geothermal areas on Earth and one of the densest concentrations of megafauna outside Africa, including bison, wolves, elk, moose, and of course bears. Our first stop on the adventure is Mammoth Hot Springs, where we visit the visitor center, watch for the resident elk herd, and get an initial glimpse of some of the park’s fascinating thermal features. From there, we enjoy a warm-up hike directly from the visitor center before transferring to Gardiner to settle in for the evening. • Overnight: Yellowstone Big Rock Inn or similar • Drive time: ~100 mi / 160 km, or 2.5 hrs • Hiking: 5.5 mi / 8.9 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-220 m

Meals: B,L

We spend the day exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, one of the park’s most dramatic landscapes. Carved by the Yellowstone River and framed by vividly colored canyon walls, this area offers a powerful introduction to the forces that shaped the park. We hike along the canyon rim, taking in ever-changing views of the river far below, then visit one of Yellowstone’s marquee overlooks, Artist Point, to admire the thundering falls from several sublime vantage points. A quintessential day in Yellowstone. • Overnight: Kelly Inn or similar, West Yellowstone • Drive time: ~78 mi / 125 km, or ~3 hrs • Hiking: 5 mi / 8 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-200 m

Meals: B,L

No visit to Yellowstone would be complete without exploring the park’s fantastic geothermal features. Still considered an active volcano, reminders of Yellowstone’s violent geological past abound. We start today with a visit to the spectacular Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the nation. The spring's brilliant rings of brown, yellow, blue, green and orange are caused by microbes that live at the edges of the mineral-rich water. We continue to Upper Geyser Basin to explore the many additional geysers, hot springs and fumaroles there and our afternoon culminates as we witness the iconic eruption of Old Faithful. • Overnight: Kelly Inn or similar, West Yellowstone • Drive time: ~140 mi / 225 km, or ~3-4 hrs total Various hikes and boardwalks: 5-7 mi / 8-12 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-100m

Meals: B,L

Today, we journey into the spectacular landscapes of Grand Teton National Park, where soaring mountain peaks rise dramatically above the crystal waters of Jenny Lake. Enjoy an included scenic ferry ride across the lake before setting out on a self-guided hike along one of the park’s most iconic trails. Your Tour Director will meet you at the end of the hike with transportation to continue the day’s adventure. Later, enjoy free time to explore the lively cafes, galleries, and western charm of Jackson, Wyoming, before settling in for the evening in this beloved mountain town. *Authorized permittee of Grand Teton National Park • Overnight: 49er Inn and Suites or similar • Drive time: ~140 mi / 225 km, or ~4 hrs total • Hiking: 6 mi / 10 km, 3 hrs (Shorten the hike by using the ferry if desired)

Meals: B,L

Today is yours to enjoy independently and at your own pace in the lively mountain town of Jackson, Wyoming. Step out on foot to explore the historic Town Square, browse local boutiques and art galleries, or settle into a café to soak up the relaxed western atmosphere. For time outdoors, walk the scenic Flat Creek Pathway as it meanders through open green space with mountain views. You may also choose to ride the Snow King gondola, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or take an easy stroll through downtown. For a memorable time on the water, consider booking an optional Snake River scenic float or whitewater trip with Dave Hansen Whitewater, whose downtown office is just a short distance from the hotel. Please note that today is designed as an independent day, so guide services, transportation, optional activities and excursions are not included in the tour package. • Overnight: 49er Inn and Suites or similar

Meals: B,L

Today we journey through high desert landscapes toward the striking cliffs and turquoise waters of Flaming Gorge. Named for its brilliant red and orange canyon walls, the gorge offers dramatic views as the Green River winds far below. Stretch your legs on a 3-mile hike along scenic trails, where you might spot bighorn sheep, eagles, or mule deer amid the rugged canyon terrain. Take in panoramic overlooks that showcase the vibrant contrast between the fiery cliffs and the sparkling reservoir waters, a sight that feels almost otherworldly. • Overnight: Dinosaur Inn or similar • Drive time: ~287 mi / 462 km, or ~5 hrs total • Hiking: 3 mi / 4.8km

Meals: B,L

This morning we explore Dinosaur National Monument, where towering cliffs reveal hundreds of fossilized dinosaur bones embedded in the rock. Wander among the ancient remains and take in the dramatic canyons and river views that have shaped this remarkable landscape for millions of years. After your exploration, we embark on a scenic drive through the high desert and mountain valleys, enjoying the wide-open vistas of northeastern Utah and western Colorado. We’ll arrive in Glenwood Springs in the evening, where you can relax and recharge for tomorrow’s adventures. • Overnight: Courtyard Marriott or similar • Drive time: ~172 mi / 277 km, or ~3 hrs total • Hiking: 4.5 mi / 7.2 km

Meals: B,L

This morning we head off hiking through dense aspen forests in the Elk Mountains towards the pristine, glacial Maroon Valley. You will enjoy the spectacular twin peaks of Maroon Bells reflecting in the tranquil alpine lakes (due to park regulations this hike is self-guided). This afternoon you are free to explore Aspen. One of the most picturesque towns in the USA, Aspen started as a gold rush town and is now a famous ski and outdoor adventure town. Visit some of the towns renowned boutiques, relax with a coffee, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. • Overnight: Courtyard Marriott or similar • Hiking: 2 mi / 3 km, 2 hrs, +/-50m • Drive time: ~80 mi / 128 km, or 3 hrs

Meals: B,L

Today, we travel south through the Rockies along the spectacular Million Dollar Highway, a route famed for its towering cliffs, hairpin turns, and breathtaking vistas. Your guide will stop at scenic pullouts where you can stretch your legs, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and take photos of the rugged San Juan Mountains. Along the way, we pass historic mining towns, rushing rivers, and forests of pine and aspen. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as deer, elk, and soaring hawks. Every turn reveals a new perspective on this dramatic landscape, making the drive a memorable adventure from start to finish. • Overnight: Holiday Inn Express - Cortez or similar • Drive time: 300 mi / 480 km, or 5.5 hrs

Meals: B,L

We travel through the striking red desert of the Colorado Plateau to the iconic Monument Valley on Navajo Nation lands. Here, we stop and take time to soak in sweeping views of towering sandstone buttes rising from the desert floor. Midday, we continue to Antelope Canyon for a guided tour through its sculpted sandstone corridors, where shifting light and flowing rock formations create one of the Southwest’s most memorable landscapes. In the afternoon, we make our way to Page along Lake Powell. Stretch your legs at Horseshoe Bend, often referred to as the east rim of the Grand Canyon, where the Colorado River curves dramatically around a sandstone escarpment. As late afternoon light warms the canyon walls, emerald green water contrasts vividly with the surrounding red rock. We settle into our accommodations and look ahead to another day of exploration after a restful evening. • Overnight: Clarion Inn Page or similar - Lake Powell • Drive time: 250 mi / 400 km, or 4.5 hrs • Hiking: 1.5 mi / 2.5 km, 1 hr

Meals: B,L

A full day to relax and take in the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. Stretching 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep, the canyon is far too vast to experience all at once, but today’s rim walk offers an unforgettable introduction to its scale, color, and ever-changing light. Start the visit by taking the shuttle to Hermit’s Rest, the westernmost point along the South Rim’s Hermit Road corridor, then walk back toward Grand Canyon Village along one of the most scenic stretches of the rim. Along the way, the trail reveals sweeping canyon views, dramatic overlooks, layered rock formations, and quiet moments away from the busiest viewpoints. Guests who prefer a shorter walk are welcome to hop on the shuttle earlier along the route, making this a flexible rim experience that can be adjusted for comfort, pace, and energy level. 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. • Overnight: The Red Feather Lodge or similar • Activity: Hike up to 7.9 mi / 12.7 km; Elevation gain: 650 ft / 198 m

Meals: B,L

Today will be an early start for those who choose to take an optional helicopter flight. Those who opted out can enjoy a leisurely morning enjoying the park until our late-morning departure. As we head towards our final destination, via the famous Route 66, we’ll take time for lunch and few photos stops before reaching Las Vegas. Here we’ll check-in to our final hotel of the trip and you have all night to spend exploring the city that never sleeps. • Overnight: Tuscany Suites & Casino or similar • Drive time: 270 mi / 440 km, or 4hrs

Meals: B,L

Our tour comes to an end in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. Wake up refreshed and enjoy a relaxed final morning before departing at your leisure for the airport, home, or wherever your next adventure takes you.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

Included

13 nights accommodation in tourist class hotels and lodge
13 breakfasts, 12 picnic lunches plus trail snacks on hikes
Private transport throughout
Services of an experienced driver-guide
National park entry fees, trekking permits, tours and sightseeing as specified

Not included

Flight and airport taxes
Meals not included in the itinerary
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Visas
Optional excursions
Medical treatment
Personal expenses
Tour leader tip (USD$15-20 per day)
Cost of laundry, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages

About your guide

All of our USA tour leaders are certified in First Aid and CPR and registered as official guides with the national parks. All of them are trained to guide hikes. Your tour leader is from the USA and may have grown up here or may have moved here from another country - As many Americans do.