Best of Western USA
Best of Western USA
Best of Western USA
10 Days Starting in Las Vegas and ending in San Francisco
Visiting: Las Vegas / Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park / Page, Lake Powell / Horseshoe Bend, Monument Valley / Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SSEPC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Take a ten-day road trip from the glitzy hub of Las Vegas to the trendy San Francisco, stopping at national parks, deep canyons, fascinating landscapes and small towns along the way. Start with Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon hikes, kayak across Lake Powell, discover the iconic Monument Valley with a Navajo guide then hit the famed Grand Canyon for an epic sunset and a walk along the rim. Visit the towering sequoias – some of the oldest trees on Earth! Your last stop is the incredibly diverse lands of Yosemite National Park, where you’ll stargaze with a local naturalist and walk the best trails with an expert trip leader.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Las Vegas / Zion National Park
Location: Las Vegas / Zion National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: lunch
Welcome to Las Vegas! The real wild west is home to some of the USA’s most incredible scenery. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am. Then, you’ll hop aboard a private van. Get to know each other over a picnic lunch, then venture into the stunning landscapes of Zion National Park. Join your leader for a guided hike, then spend the night in Springdale – known as the gateway to the park.
Included Activities:
-
Day 2: Bryce Canyon National Park / Page
Location: Bryce Canyon National Park / Page
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
After breakfast this morning, it’s time to make tracks for Bryce Canyon National Park – make sure your camera is ready to go, as some of the views you’ll come across today are truly out of this world! Take a short drive in your private vehicle, then spend the morning hiking through the epic landscapes of the park. Walk along the canyon rim and marvel at hundreds of unique sandstone towers, known as hoodoos, that jut out from the natural amphitheatre. Relax while you enjoy a picnic lunch and take in your magnificent surroundings, then hike down into the canyon for a closer look at the fascinating hoodoos. Then, drive on to the town of Page, where you’ll spend the night.
Included Activities:
-
Day 3: Lake Powell / Horseshoe Bend
Location: Lake Powell / Horseshoe Bend
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Journey south this morning, driving through more spectacular scenery before arriving at Lake Powell. This gorgeous reservoir is certainly a sight to behold from the shore but to really appreciate it, you’ve got to get on the water. Jump in a kayak and paddle across the water’s surface, weaving your way through remarkable rock formations while your leader regales you with stories of the lake’s history. Back on dry land, set out for a gentle walk along Horseshoe Bend, taking in beautiful views with every step. This afternoon there is an option to visit Antelope Canyon before returning to Page for the evening.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 4: Monument Valley / Grand Canyon
Location: Monument Valley / Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Start the day with a drive to Monument Valley – one of the world’s most iconic sights. If this landscape dotted with towering sandstone buttes looks familiar to you, it’s no surprise – Monument Valley has been the filming location for many famous Western films. More importantly, this is the native land of the Navajo. When you arrive, you’ll transfer from your vehicle to a 4WD and enjoy a Navajo-guided tour of Monument Valley, where you’ll have the chance to learn more about their rich culture and history in the area before sitting down to a traditional homecooked, family-style Navajo lunch. Continue your journey onto the iconic Grand Canyon for some awe-inspiring walks along the rim.
Included Activities:
-
Day 5: Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning it's time to return to Las Vegas, but first we'll make a stop along Historic Route 66. You’ll have another welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your new group and leader. Later, maybe head out for dinner with the members of your new group to get to know each other.
Day 6: Sequoia National Park
Location: Sequoia National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
Leaving Sin City in your dust, you’ll road trip across state lines and through the Mojave Desert today, then around the southern Sierras to Sequoia National Park. Settle into your accommodation near the park and head out for an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Sequoia National Park
Location: Sequoia National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Today is simply about seeing the best of the USA’s Sequoia National Park. You’ll embark on leader-led walks around Sequoia, driving from stop to stop as you get to feel small next to the staggering size of General Sherman, the Giant Forest and other specimens of Sequoia’s towering timber. You may even drive through a tree at Tunnel Log, peer into Tharp’s Log and spot marmots, black bears and recently re-introduced bighorn sheep.
Included Activities:
-
Day 8: Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast, you’ll hit the highway headed for the world-famous Yosemite National Park. To start, get acquainted with the awe-inspiring Yosemite Valley during a guided hike. Strewn with dramatic waterfalls, gigantic granite outcrops and lush meadows, this is one of the most spectacular spots in the country. Your leader will also teach you about the ecologically diverse landscape along the way. After sunset, you’ll join a Naturalist from the Yosemite Conservancy for a guided stargazing program. The park’s minimal light pollution makes it an excellent place to see the stars while learning about astronomy, constellations and local lore.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
Day 9: Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
Today, Yosemite is all yours to explore! In the morning there’ll be leader-led walks around some of the park’s best trails. If it’s a clear day you may also drive up to Glacier Point for a view you won’t soon forget, looking down over the valley and across to the iconic Half Dome. The afternoon is yours to fill how you’d like. You might choose to hike along the breathtaking Mist Trail with its many fabulous views, hire a bicycle and pedal along some of the 12 miles of designated (and flat) path or immerse yourself in the park’s history at the Ahwahnee Hotel. Once you’ve seen the sights, the day will be capped off with a pizza picnic in the park for dinner.
Included Activities:
-
Day 10: San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
After saying fond farewells to Yosemite, you’ll head west to vibrant San Francisco. After stopping to do a walk over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, your adventure finishes in San Francisco. No accommodation is provided for tonight, but if you do wish to spend extra time in the City by the Bay, just speak to your booking agent. There’s plenty to keep you busy, whether it’s shopping along the funky Haight Street or making your own escape over to Alcatraz Island.
Included Activities:
-
What's Included
-
Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
-
Airport Transfers at Destination
No
-
Fully Guided
-
Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
-
Zion National Park - Walks
-
Bryce Canyon - Leader-led Walk
-
Horseshoe Bend Visit
-
Lake Powell - Kayaking
-
Monument Valley - Navajo guided 4x4 Jeep tour including traditional lunch
-
Mojave National Preserve - Kelso Dunes hike
What's Not Included
-
Insurance
-
International Travel
Transport
- AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN THE USA & CANADA
- We recommend taxis and rideshare services like Lyft and Uber when traveling to and from hotels in the USA and Canada. These services are widely available across North America, offering convenient and accessible transportation options. Private transfers in North America incur high costs and present an increased risk of missed connections due to their fixed schedules. In contrast, taxis and rideshares offer both cost-effectiveness and flexibility, ensuring a smoother journey. With transparent pricing, GPS tracking, and on-demand availability, we believe that taxis and rideshare apps not only offer a reliable alternative to private transfers but also provide a secure, trustworthy, and budget-friendly transportation option for our customers.
- NORTH AMERICA VEHICLES
- Our large fleet of 15-passenger vans are fully equipped with air-conditioning system, V8 engines and any camping or cooking equipment needed for your trip. Most have cloth-upholstered seats and carpeted interior with radio or CD players. Your luggage is typically transported in a trailer which is towed behind the van.
- The vans are regularly serviced by a well-established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the continent. However, unforeseen maintenance problems can still occur while on the road and we appreciate the patience of our travellers as we make necessary repairs as quickly as possible.
- While your group will have a van for all included activities on the trip, the services of the van and leader may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi.
Important Information
- 1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am on Day 1 in Las Vegas. Please make your own way to the Joining Point listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.
- 2. On the final day, this trip finishes at approximately 3 pm on arrival in San Francisco. You will be dropped at the location listed in the Essential Trip Information. If departing this day, please do not book any flights before 8 pm.
- 3. There is no accommodation included in Las Vegas the night before the trip starts. If you wish to spend more time in Las Vegas, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Speak to an Intrepid booking agent for more information.
- 4. There is no accommodation included in San Francisco on this trip. If you wish to spend more time in San Francisco, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Speak to an Intrepid booking agent for more information.
- 5. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 6. During the months of November and December we are often unable to kayak on Lake Powell. Instead we will explore Peekaboo Canyon or Antelope Canyon by foot instead.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Check out our Q&As
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 15 years old or above
-
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
LOW - Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.
-
Is this trip right for you
Some of the best scenery in Yosemite, Zion and Sequoia is found on hikes. So, while this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to partake in all activities. You’ll also need to be prepared with hiking shoes, a water bottle and a day pack.
You’ll be travelling to desert and mountainous regions where the temperature can vary greatly from day to night. Make sure you pack the appropriate clothing for all weather.
This trip includes time spent travelling in a vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates. -
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
-
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
-
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
NO
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Friday
Jul 17, 2024 - Jul 26, 2024Wednesday - Friday
Jul 24, 2024 - Aug 02, 2024Wednesday - Friday
Aug 07, 2024 - Aug 16, 2024Wednesday - Friday
Aug 28, 2024 - Sep 06, 2024Wednesday - Friday
Sep 18, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions