Home > Tours > USA Tours > Southwest Tours > Walking the Western US National Parks (Accommodated)

Walking the Western US National Parks (Accommodated)

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Sold Out
 Trip Length
10 Days
 Trip Starts
Las Vegas
 Trip Finishes
Salt Lake City
10 Day Walking the Western US National Parks (Accommodated) Itinerary (Explore)
Countries Explored: USA
Trip Style
Walk & Trek
Accommodation
Simple
Max. Group Size
13
Pace
Moderate
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
WUS-1

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Explore's 10 Day Walking the Western US National Parks (Accommodated). This walking trip takes you to some of the most stunning natural wonders that America has to offer. Marvel at the magnificent Grand Canyon, feel on top of the world at Scout Lookout in Zion, hike amid the surreal hoodoos in Bryce and watch the sunset through Delicate Arch.

Itinerary

Our trip begins in Las Vegas, a name that conjures up images of flashing lights, wedding chapels, slot machines and limousines - you will find all of this and so much more in this decadent, sense assaulting metropolis. Due to the number of evening flights into Las Vegas, your Leader plans to do the welcome meeting on the morning of day two, and will leave a message in reception with details on timings and everything else that you'll need for the day. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Las Vegas at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into McCarran International Airport (LAS). We will provide shuttle bus transfers to take you from the airport to the city (approximately 15 minutes), and you will receive a voucher containing instructions on how to take the transfer prior to departure. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you could choose to take a stroll along the strip where you can see dancing fountains, a pirate ship, an erupting volcano, a pyramid and the Eiffel Tower all within a short walk of each other or take the opportunity to try and win a little holiday spending money! With multiple bars and restaurants to start your culinary journey in the US, Las Vegas is a great place to really get into that holiday mood. Stay: The Strat Hotel (Premium)

You will meet with your Explore Leader after breakfast this morning for the initial tour briefing before we leave behind the bright lights of Vegas and drive towards the, aptly named, Grand Canyon. We will travel today along Historic Route 66, one of the most well known driving routes in the world and one of the original highways within the US Highway system. Well documented in songs and television programmes we will travel this historic route, stopping for lunch in the quirky Route 66 themed, Seligman before continuing on to the first of our National Parks, the Grand Canyon.

Late afternoon we will first take in the grandeur of this magnificent fissure with a walk along the rim to a sunset viewpoint. One of the 7 natural wonders of the world, from the rim there is the possibility to see the largest bird in North America, the California condor, brought back from the brink of extinction from efforts at the park.

Today's four and half kilometre hike is expected to take around one hour along a flat route. Stay: Red Feather Lodge (Comfortable)

The Grand Canyon National Park is a sight to behold. A unique combination of geologic colour and eroded forms make this massive fissure in the ground one of the 'must see' sights of America. At 446 km long, up to 29 km wide in places and 1.8k m deep, the sheer size of the Grand Canyon overwhelms our senses. We have a full day to explore the routes and trails around the South Rim of the canyon. With routes ranging from easy to strenuous and regular shuttle buses to drop you at the various trail heads you will have the opportunity to choose the walk that most suites you.

You may wish to hike various parts of the rim trail (easy to moderate walking), taking you along the top edge of the canyon with some stunning view points; or perhaps the Bright Angel Trail, a steeper walk that takes you further down below the rim of the canyon and into the abyss itself. There are a multitude of different walking options available, all of which will offer you some spectacular scenery of this amazing landscape. In the evening, if you wish to see more of the canyon, there is the opportunity for an optional helicopter ride over the canyon or, if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground to visit the local IMAX theatre. Stay: Red Feather Lodge (Comfortable)

Leaving the south rim this morning we travel to Page, a small town in northern Arizona situated on the shores of magnificent Lake Powell. After a short break for lunch we will continue for our first short hike of the day at Horseshoe Bend. The trailhead is located just outside Page and overlooks one of the most spectacular views on the Colorado River. Created when the Colorado plateau uplifted ( a mere five million years ago) and the river became trapped in its bed, causing it to cut its way through the rock to seek a new natural level and forming a 270 degree horseshoe-shaped bend in the canyon.

After our short hike at Horseshoe Bend we continue to Springdale and Zion National Park. The main area of the national park that we will visit is Zion Canyon, a 24km rift in the beautiful red and tan coloured Navajo sandstone and the location for our hiking this afternoon and tomorrow. Our first visit into the park takes us along the Watchman's Trail, a moderate hike of approximately two hours that will take us past many of the park's famous geological formations, including the Towers of the Virgin and the Altar of Sacrifice. The very end of the walk brings us to a spectacular overlook of the Watchman, a red rock pinnacle that dominates the skyline. Photographic opportunities are plentiful, with a great contrast between the red of the rocks and the running rivers that we'll pass.

Today's two-and-a-half kilometre morning hike to Horsehoe bend is expected to take around one hour with 240 metres of ascent and descent. The afternoon hike in Zion is three-and-a-half kilometres, taking approximatley two hours with 170 metres of ascent and descent. Stay: La Quinta Inn - Springdale (Comfortable) (L)

Taking the shuttle bus from Springdale today we enter Zion for a full day of exceptional hiking. Zion National Park is the showcase of the west and is home to, arguably, the best hikes in Utah. The main area of the national park that we will visit is Zion Canyon, a 24km rift in the beautiful red and tan coloured Navajo sandstone and the location for our hiking today and tomorrow. With so many amazing trails in the park and varying conditions the tour leader will cater to the group this day, with walks available from 5 to 12 kilometres.

Hiking the Angel's Landing trail as far as Scout Lookout is one option, beginning with 21 steep switchbacks known as Walter's Wiggles, and culminating in an astounding view across the park. For those wishing to hike the whole trail, it is a challenging section on narrow paths, with some steep drop offs and chains provided. To walk from Scout Lookout to the top a new permit systems is in place and will need to be pre-arranged (see the budgeting and packing section for more details).

Pending weather conditions, an alternative and beautiful trail is a moderate hike to the Emerald Pools - lower, middle and upper - that offer us waterfalls, misty trails, hanging gardens and winding paths along with a taste of the beauty that Zion National Park has to offer.

Today's six kilometre hike to Scout's Lookout is expected to take around three hours with 340 metres of ascent and descent. Stay: La Quinta Inn - Springdale (Comfortable)

Departing from Springdale this morning we continue through Utah to Bryce Canyon. Not actually a true canyon, but a series of natural amphitheatres, Bryce is distinctive due to its geological structures known as 'hoodoos'. These unusual structures are formed by a combination of frost and water erosion of sedimentary rocks and result in an 'other worldly' landscape of pinnacles, spires and wonderful rich colours that are not seen in such abundance in any other area. Our hiking this afternoon takes us down amongst these wonderful formations on an assortment of trails which interlock and cross over giving you the opportunity to make your walk as long or short as you like. There is generally always time to do Navajo Loop & Queens Garden trails as long as both are open, these can be extened for thos wishing to explore more. Stay: Bryce View Lodge (Comfortable) (L)

This morning you have the option to return to Bryce Canyon for a walk at sunrise. Given the nature and colour of the hoodoos in Bryce, one of the most stunning times to see them is when the sun exaggerates the golds, oranges and reds of the stones. Our journey then takes us on to Moab, the adventure capital of Utah and home to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Arches National Park has over 2,000 natural stone arches as well as soaring pinnacles, giant balanced rocks and winding hiking trails. This afternoon we make our first visit to Arches with a hike into Devil's Garden to view one of the world's longest natural arches, Landscape Arch. As we continue along this primative trail across fins of sandstone, we are afforded unparaleled views into this maze of rock slabs.

Today's seven-and-a-half kilometre hike is expected to take around three hours with 120 metres of ascent and descent. To note that due to conditions, the Arches trails may done on different days. Stay: Moab Rustic Inn (Comfortable) (L)

We take a moderate hike this morning to the Fisher Towers site, a short drive outside Moab. These rock pinnacles are isolated remnants of a 225 million year old floodplain deposit located in western Colorado. When the Colorado plateau lifted the salt deposits underlying the region buckled and collapsed and subsequent erosion caused the formation valleys and cliff escarpments. Now these rock pinnacles soar above the red and purple hued canyons below and are a favourite spot for hikers in the area. Mid-day is left free to to discover more of the townsite around lunch time.

Set in slick rock country, Moab attracts thrill seekers from around the globe. Late this afternoon we will once again visit Arches and take a hike to the most iconic area of the park, Delicate Arch. At 20 metres tall and freestanding, this natural rock archway is a perfect spot to watch the sun set on this magnificent landscape. After sunset, the lack of light and air pollution in the area should afford us a dazzling display of stars.

Today's seven kilometre morning hike to Fisher Towers is expected to take around four hours with 550 metres of ascent and descent. The afternoon hike to Delicate Arch is five kilometres, taking approximatley two hours with 170 metres of ascent and descent. Stay: Moab Rustic Inn (Comfortable)

This morning we visit the last of our National Parks on this trip, Canyonlands. A wilderness of countless canyons and buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries which also divide the park into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze and the rivers themselves. Our hikes this morning take us into the Island in the Sky district where we will take an easy trail to the spectacular Mesa Arch, a natural rock arch on the edge of a cliff before hiking on to the Grand View Point, aptly named for its beautiful panoramic views of the region. After a picnic lunch we return to our vehicle and drive to Salt Lake City. The capital and most populated city in Utah is bordered by the waters of the Great Salt Lake and the snow - capped peaks of the Wasatch Range. It is home to the headquarters of the Mormon Church at Temple Square where you will find the majestic 19th Century Salt Lake Temple and the neo-Gothic Assembly Hall.

Today's four-and-a-half kilometer hike is expected to take around two-and-a- half hours along a flat route. Stay: Fairfield Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport (Comfortable) (L)

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Salt Lake City.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Salt Lake City at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and 10 minutes' drive from the hotel.

Trip Inclusions

  • Hike in five of the United States most beautiful National Parks
  • Take a trip along iconic Route 66
  • Discover Utah's adventure capital, Moab, and try your hand at mountain biking, rafting or jeep touring
  • Both camping and fully accommodated trips available

  • For those who are fit and active, these moderate walks are normally on good paths and tracks at low altitude. Days may include some fairly demanding ascents and descents, so previous experience is preferable but not essential.

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
About Explore!
About Explore!

Launching in 1981, Explore offer trips from over 130 countries - from classic small group tours. Read more

Explore Leaders
Explore Leaders

Explore's leaders are more than just your typical guide. They're your local expert are are passionate about sharing their expertise with you. Read more

Where do we Stay?
Where do we Stay?

The places Explore stay are every bit as important as the sights they visit and the things you do. Read more

Play Youtube Video

Brochure

Small Group Adventures

Explore Small Group Adventures (2023-24)

From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you’ve really explored. We’ll take you closer to the country, its culture and people, often in spontaneous, impossible-to-replicate ways. You’ll come home having seen and experienced the destination in a way that others might never have. We’ve been leading tours to extraordinary destinations...more all over the world for more than 40 years. There’s a reason why 98% of customers say they’d book with us again.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Explore. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Explore. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar Tours

9 Day Best of the American West (Explore)

9 Days Las Vegas Las Vegas

Operated By: Explore

From 4,649
Save 401
15 Day Western USA National Parks Explorer (Spring - Autumn) (Explore)

15 Days San Francisco Las Vegas

Operated By: Explore

From 8,389
Save 176
14 Day Western USA National Parks Explorer (Summer) (Explore)

14 Days San Francisco Las Vegas

Operated By: Explore

From 7,779
Save 781