National Parks Walk

Welcome to the neon city in the Nevada desert, Las Vegas. This brash, iconic destination offers you the chance to explore over-the-top casinos, see a show, shop or simply watch the world pass. A welcome meeting will be held at approximately 6pm with free time after to explore the city at night and see the neon lights in all their glory. Stay: OYO Las Vegas Hotel & Casino (or similar).

After leaving Las Vegas, we drive through desert landscapes before arriving in the state of Utah and our destination for today, Zion National Park. Here lies Zion Canyon, which was named by the early Mormon settlers of Utah who thought of it as their promised land. Some of the best hiking in the desert terrain of Southwest USA is here, in and around the fertile Virgin River Gorge. With a two-night stay, we have plenty of time to discover Zion.

Upon arrival, your leader will take you on a walk to Emerald Pools as an introduction to the park. Stay: La Quinta Inn & Suites (or similar).

Today is all about exploring Zion National Park and its vast network of trails. There are many great options to explore but a really good starter is the Watchman Trail – a steady uphill climb until you reach a viewpoint with stunning views of Watchman Peak.

In the afternoon, we recommend a walk beside the Virgin River or, if weather conditions permit, you may choose to hike deep into the Zion Narrows, a water channel where you'll witness outstanding scenery. Staying dry is not an option as you wade through the Virgin River between towering walls. The cool waters and the shadow of the canyon can provide a much-needed respite from the scorching sun. Another hike option is Angels Landing, which due to its popularity cannot be booked by a tour operator and requires individual customers to apply for a permit via a seasonal lottery. We have included more details on how to go about this in the ‘Is This Trip for You?' section. Stay: La Quinta Inn & Suites (or similar) (B).

Driving out of Zion National Park, we climb in elevation to almost 8,296ft (2,529m) and traverse a high plateau to Bryce Canyon National Park, home to a series of fascinating natural amphitheatres of pink, orange and white sandstone spires known locally as hoodoos. There are a variety of scenic overlooks and trails that range in difficulty. The Navajo or Peek-a-Boo Loop trails will enable you to hike right among these unique rock formations with your tour leader. Some may prefer to remain on the rim and photograph the ever-changing shadows and hues as the sun moves across the wide-open sky. The inspiring hoodoos will make a lasting impression and leave you yearning for more. Optional activities: Western horseback riding at Bryce: US$65-US$90 Stay: Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn (or similar) (B).

We make tracks for Arches National Park. Stunning red sandstone arches have been created over millions of years by the whipping winds that brush down the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The park offers hiking trails through spectacular sandstone landscapes with intriguing names, such as the Devil's Garden. One of the more widely recognised arches, and by far the most visited, is Delicate Arch, a 65ft (20m) freestanding arch that has become a symbol of Utah (visited on Day 5).

On Day 6, you walk on the Primitive Trail to Double O Arch, with free time in the afternoon to spend the afternoon off the trail, experiencing the charms of Moab the small eclectic town that serves as the gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands. Day 7 is mostly a free day for optional activities, but your leader will take you on a very short scenic walk to view Mesa Arch before an afternoon drive out to Canyonlands National Park. You also experience the iconic view at Dead Horse Point of the Colorado River snaking through the water channels. Optional activities: Mountain biking: US$60 Extreme off-road hummer tour: US$79 Accommodation: Virginian Inn (or similar)

Today you travel southeast to the greatest treasure of the Navajo Nation: Monument Valley, a sacred land to those who call it home. The red sandstone monoliths here have also been the backdrop to countless Western movies. After arriving to the hotel, we head out on a backcountry 4x4 (vans in winter) driving tour, heading deep into the heart of the valley. After stops to photograph both the famous and lesser-known sights in the park, we come to 'the end of the road'. Your local Navajo guide will then lead you even deeper into the park on foot, where you be walking to explore places that very few non-Native Americans ever to get to see. Stay: Kayenta Monument Valley Inn (or similar).

On to Grand Canyon National Park, one of those rare places that has yet to be adequately described, painted or photographed in its entirety. This incredible spectacle is difficult to comprehend, even as you stand at the rim or hike into the canyon. Carved over several millennia, this massive wonder of nature is 277mi (445km) long, up to 18mi (29km) wide and over 1mi deep (1. 6km). Snaking through the canyon floor is the mighty Colorado River, which runs 1,450mi (2,330km) through seven US states and two Mexican states. Watch as the sun sets on this incredible place and attempt to comprehend the staggering proportions and power of this canyon.

There are many rim trail walks that you can enjoy using the park transport, as well as the park ranger's guided nature walk, or you may just wish to sit in quiet contemplation on the edge of this natural wonder. However, with a full free day, we highly recommend lacing up your hiking boots and walking the Bright Angel Trail down to Plateau Point. For a unique bird's-eye view, opt for the optional scenic flight over the canyon, which offers perspectives that cannot be seen when visiting on foot. Please note: Grand Canyon National Park regulations limit group size and do not allow guided hikes. Your tour leader will provide briefings, directions and maps, but is not permitted by the National Park Service to walk with you on the trails. Optional activities: Grand Canyon helicopter flight: US$289 (starting rate, price varies according to demand) Stay: Yavapai Lodge (or similar).

This morning, we begin our journey back to the desert city of Las Vegas. En route, we drive along a section of the original Route 66, stopping at the town of Seligman, which is filled to the brim with pure Americana. This stop makes for some wacky photos but also echoes back to a time when the Mother Road was the main highway to cross America.

This incredible adventure comes to an end as we return to Las Vegas - if you fancy trying your hand at poker or roulette, you've come to the right place! Nowhere else in the world will you find as many resort hotels, clubs and all-you-can-eat buffets, making Las Vegas the perfect place to celebrate an amazing trip. This tour ends at our partner hotel at approximately 5pm. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our partner hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 9pm.