- Journey through some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet
- Discover vibrant San Francisco, and the desert city of Las Vegas.
- Enjoy walking in Yosemite, Zion, Bryce & Grand Canyon National Parks

San Francisco & Yosemite
After exploring the steep streets of San Francisco and the stunning Golden Gate Bridge, we head west to Yosemite. We'll explore its rushing rivers and scented forests on foot. Here we find the sheer granite slabs of El Capitan and Half Dome - nearly vertical and rising 1219m above the valley floor. We also plan to walk in a forest sanctuary where giant Sequoias are preserved before crossing the barren landscapes of Death Valley towards Zion.

Lake Powell & Monument Valley
We'll hike beneath the cathedral-like cliffs of Zion National Park and through the eroded moonscape of Bryce Canyon. We pause at Lake Powell to enjoy a swim and the chance to try a variety of water activities before we continue to the Navajo Reservation area to see the sandstone buttes of Monument Valley.

Grand Canyon & Las Vegas
There's plenty of time at the Grand Canyon to hike and absorb the vast size of this wondrous chasm, created millions of years ago by the turbulent Colorado river. Finishing our journey, we drive via Route 66 and the Hoover Dam to the surreal and flamboyant desert city of Las Vegas.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join the tour in San Francisco. Day 2 San Francisco We visit San Fran's highlights including the Golden Gate Bridge. Days 3/4 Yosemite National Park We head east, spending several days discovering the trails, waterfalls and panoramic views of this great wilderness area. Day 5 Sierra Nevada Mountains Heading up into the high Sierras we visit Mono Lake on our way to Lone Pine Day 6 Death Valley A long drive today sees us crossing Death Valley on our way to Zion. Days 7/8 Zion National Park A great walk here is along the Zion Narrows, splashing through the Virgin River. Day 9 Bryce Canyon We explore the canyon scarred landscape on foot. Day 10 Lake Powell After a sunrise walk in Bryce, we head to Lake Powell where the afternoon is free for optional water sports. Day 11 Monument Valley Against a backdrop made famous by the movies, there's the chance to explore and meet the Navajo this afternoon. Days 12/13 Grand Canyon Created millions of years ago by the Colorado River, enjoy jaw dropping views and the chance for a helicopter over flight (optional). Day 14 Route 66 & Las Vegas We drive via the famous and historic Route 66 and the Hoover Dam to Las Vegas where there's time for a night on the town. Day 15 Tour ends in Las Vegas.

Accommodation: 14nts hotels and motels.
Transport: Maxi-wagon.
Comment: The walks are generally graded as easy to moderate, although all are optional. Be prepared for a one long driving day (to Zion).
Group: Approx. 9 to 12.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader/driver.
Trip Reference: YG