Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 18 Day Ultimate Western USA. Get metaphorically lost in seven of the most sought after national parks in the west on this 18-day adventure that starts and ends in the “City of Angels”. Traverse the American Southwest with visits to Joshua Tree, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon National Parks. Marvel at Horseshoe Bend carved by the mighty Colorado River, hop on board for a Navajo guided tour of Monument Valley by jeep, and take in the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas before journeying on to California. Hike in a land of extremes in Death read more Valley, try to hug the largest trees in the world in Sequoia National Park, and sit above Yosemite Valley at Glacier Point before turning your attention to the coast. Cross the Bay as you journey to San Francisco and fall in love with the scenery along the Pacific Coast as you make your way back to Los Angeles. A whirlwind of experiences packed into what is sure to be a trip of a lifetime.
Sold Out
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either the season has ended and new dates will be released soon, or the itinerary has been updated and isn’t operating this season.
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
13
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
NUPL
Itinerary
Become acquainted with your group and CEO in Los Angeles during a brief orientation before transferring directly to the hotel in Joshua Tree. Once here enjoy dinner at your leisure and maybe take a dip in the refreshing waters of the hotel pool.
Accommodation:
Hilton Yucca Valley Joshua Tree
Included Experiences
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Today, the adventure begins. Be sure to arrive in time to meet your group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your trip.
Venture further into the desert today to explore Joshua Tree National Park. Wander through the park’s famous rock formations and snap some photos of the park’s namesake tree in this desolate landscape. In the evening you’ll have free time to relax and unwind from the heat of the day.
Accommodation:
Hilton Yucca Valley Joshua Tree
Included Experiences
- Joshua Tree National Park Visit: Discover the rugged rock formations and iconic Joshua trees that gave this National Park it's name. Go for a hike, keep a sharp eye out for desert wildlife, and take in the incredible scenery.
Today, travel northeast to Las Vegas where you’ll have some free time to explore the strip or opt for lunch. You’ll depart Las Vegas in the late afternoon for the hotel that you’ll be staying at near Zion National Park.
Accommodation:
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Take advantage of some free time to explore the strip or opt for lunch.
It’s all about Zion today as you get a chance to wander this beautiful national park in Southwest Utah. Take the shuttle into the park and spend the day exploring and hiking with your fellow travellers. Admire the monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky and remember you can choose to turn around on these hikes at any point. In the evening, relax at your hotel as you reflect on your day in this wonderful piece of paradise.
Accommodation:
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Zion National Park Visit: Admire monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky. Experience diverse plant and animal life, and wade through water in a narrow slot canyon as the park transitions from desert to forest. Gaze at the awe-inspiring beauty of the high plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls.
Optional Experiences
- The Narrows Hike: Known as one of Utah's best slot canyon hikes, The Narrows takes you through towering canyon walls along the Virgin River (and yes, this means walking in water!). Enjoy some of the park's best scenery, stop to take photos, and don't forget to watch your footing. Opt to make your way back at any point. Hiking distance: 6.4km (4 mi) Elevation change: 102m (334 ft).
Depart Zion in the morning and travel with the group to Bryce Canyon National Park. The group will enjoy an included lunch along the way. Once in the park enjoy free time to hike through the wild and weird rock formations fondly known as hoodoos. Visit Inspiration Point, hike the rim trail. Opt to hike the Queen’s Garden and Navajo loop trails or take in the incredible view with a walk along the rim. Head back to the park after dinner for sunset. At night look up and see the magic of the stars in a place that has been designated an International Dark Sky Park.
Accommodation:
Bryce View Lodge
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Bryce Canyon National Park Visit: See a sight like no other at this giant forest of stone made up of collection of massive natural amphitheaters. This park contains hundreds of thousands of eroded spires, pinnacles, and other shapes as far as the eye can see.
- Free Time: Spend your free time wandering this wonderful national park. Check out the Queen's Garden and Navajo loop trails, walk along the rim trail, visit Sunrise point and Inspiration point and take plenty of pictures of the famed hoodoos.
Optional Experiences
- Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Hike: Trek through the most popular trail in Bryce Canyon to see its famous hoodoos - tall, thin spires of rock that seem to magically balance upon their dusty, red rock base. Begin your hike at Sunrise Point and make your way toward Queen Victoria, the trail's namesake rock formation. Continue through the amphitheater on Navajo Loop past Wall Street or Thor's Hammer, depending on trail conditions. Exit at Sunset Point before walking the Rim Trail back to our starting point. Soak in the views one last time - you'll want to take it all in. Hiking distance: 4.6km (2.9 mi) Elevation change: 183m (600 ft).
We'll jet off this morning to Page, Arizona, the gateway to famous Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Here, travellers can choose to join a local Navajo guide and explore Antelope Canyon on an optional tour. This stunning natural sandstone slot canyon is located on tribal lands and once inside, you can admire the blue sky above from the bottom of the canyon. Make sure you bring your camera to take loads of photos. Afterwards, visit Horseshoe Bend for a short hike to stand atop the steep cliffs overlooking the natural bend in the Colorado River. Today’s adventure will end in Monument Valley where you will have time to relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.
Accommodation:
Hampton Inn Kayenta
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Bryce Canyon National Park Visit: See a sight like no other at this giant forest of stone made up of collection of massive natural amphitheaters. This park contains hundreds of thousands of eroded spires, pinnacles, and other shapes as far as the eye can see.
- Horseshoe Bend Hike: Take a short hike to this spectacular horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River. Stand atop steep orange-coloured sandstone cliffs and look out at Horseshoe Bend. Peer down more than 300m (1,000 ft) at the emerald river below.
Optional Experiences
- Antelope Canyon Tour: Named for the pronghorn that used to roam the land, Antelope Canyon is a natural sandstone cathedral created by years of flash flooding, wind, and rain. Tour this breathtaking canyon to discover beams of light, flowing rock walls, and spiral arches and soak in the natural beauty of this surreal place. Book this optional activity on-site with your CEO.
This morning you’ll be treated to a sunrise Navajo guided jeep tour of Monument Valley. Admire the majesty and magnetic atmosphere of this special place before continuing on toward the Grand Canyon. En route, stop for lunch at Cameron Trading Post, which has existed more than a century and the people who work there have done so for generations. Later, arrive at the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon just in time for a spectacular sunset.
Accommodation:
Red Feather Lodge
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Monument Valley Jeep Tour: Explore this magical and sacred place on a jeep tour. See magnificent colours, miles of mesas, buttes, and pinnacles that make Monument Valley a truly wondrous experience.
- Grand Canyon Sunset: Head to the rim of the Grand Canyon at sunset. Point your camera in any direction and capture memorable shots as the shifting light plays off the layers of red, yellow, and brown rock. This is truly one of the great wonders. Enjoy the moment.
Marvel at the out-of-this-world views as you get up close and personal with the Grand Canyon today. Spend a full day exploring and hiking from the South Rim. There are a variety of hikes to choose from that will take you deeper into the canyon where you can really appreciate the size and depth of this national park. Choose whichever trail you wish or do short bursts of multiple hikes, just make sure you bring plenty of water and take your time. If you wish to see this natural wonder from a bird’s eye view with an experience you’ll never forget, opt to book the Grand Canyon helicopter tour.
Accommodation:
Red Feather Lodge
Included Experiences
- Grand Canyon Hike: Opt to hike along the rim or down into the canyon. Experience breathtaking scenery with spectacular views. Bring lots of water, a hat and plenty of energy. Remember -- hiking down is optional, hiking back up is mandatory!
Optional Experiences
- Bright Angel Trail Hike: Hike towards the heart of the Grand Canyon on the spectacular Bright Angel Trail. Descend into the canyon to experience its natural beauty in a way most visitors miss. Journey to Indian Garden, and depending on group fitness and the season, continue on to Plateau Point.
- Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour: The Grand Canyon helicopter ride is a must! Enjoy a bird's-eye view for 45 to 50 minutes as you fly over the canyon, taking in the stark contrast of the blue-green Colorado River against the thousand shades of red rock found in the canyon. From above, you can fully appreciate the greatness of the gorge and see why it is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Head to Las Vegas from the Grand Canyon this morning where you can spend time in this vibrant city. Explore the strip, grab something to eat, see a glitzy show, or test your luck gambling in one of the casinos.
Accommodation:
Golden Nugget Las Vegas
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Today you'll have free time to get the most out of your time in Las Vegas. Walk around the strip, find a restaurant or cafe to hang out in and people watch, see one of the many entertaining shows, or try your hand at gambling in one of the casinos. Live large and remember "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas".
In the morning, the group will depart Las Vegas and head to Death Valley. You’ll visit the country's hottest, driest, and lowest national park. Death Valley is a land of extremes and you’ll get a sense of the striking contrast of this park’s landscapes with visits to Furnace Creek, Badwater Basin, and Zabriskie Point. In the evening, settle into your hotel and get some rest for tomorrow’s adventure.
Accommodation:
Four Points Sheraton Bakersfield
Included Experiences
- Death Valley National Park Visit: Death Valley is one of America’s most extreme locations – from sand dunes and desert, to badlands, towering peaks, and a basin that actually registers below sea-level, this is sure to be an unforgettable stop. Hottest. Driest. Lowest. There’s a bit of everything here on the border of California and Nevada.
Spend the day travelling to Sequoia National Park, home to granite cliffs and ancient giant trees. Once you arrive, set out on a short afternoon hike to explore and stare up in wonder at the tallest trees in the world. Walk the half mile down to General Sherman to see the world’s largest tree at 83 meters (275 feet) high. Trek through the Giant Forest on Congress Trail to see more of these colossal trees. Later, we head to the hotel in Visalia
Accommodation:
Wyndham Visalia
Included Experiences
- Sequoia National Park Visit: Walk amongst giants - giant sequoia trees, that is - in Sequoia National Park, where more than 8,000 colossal sequoias have lived for thousands of years. Visit the largest tree on earth, General Sherman, and gaze as far as you can up into the canopy. At the heart of the park, find the Giant Forest, home to half of the earth's largest and oldest trees.
- General Sherman Giant Forest Hike: Hike amongst some of the most impressive living things on Earth, giant Sequoias. This trip through the misty heights of the Sierras will take you through the home of General Sherman, the largest tree alive. Tour the other enormous trees and catch some amazing views of the mountains through the forest on this epic hike. Hiking distance: 12km (7.5 mi) Elevation change: 549m (1800 ft)
Immerse yourself in Sequoia with a full day to hike in the park. Visit Grant Grove for more opportunities to marvel at these rare giants among the forest. If you’re looking for 360-degree views head up the 2 mile round-trip Buena Vista Peak trailhead to see the High Sierra and the valley below.
Accommodation:
Wyndham Visalia
Included Meals:
Lunch
Included Experiences
- Sequoia National Park Visit: Walk amongst giants - giant sequoia trees, that is - in Sequoia National Park, where more than 8,000 colossal sequoias have lived for thousands of years. Visit the largest tree on earth, General Sherman, and gaze as far as you can up into the canopy. At the heart of the park, find the Giant Forest, home to half of the earth's largest and oldest trees.
- Buena Vista Peak Hike: Take a quick hike up to Buena Vista Peak, and experience some of the best views in the entire park. With minimal elevation change, you'll have plenty of time and energy to explore and take pictures along the mountain top. Hiking distance: 3.2km (2 mi) Elevation change: 125m (413 ft).
Hit the road again and travel north through the Sierras to the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. Head straight into the park to take in iconic sights like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall.
Accommodation:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakhurst
Included Experiences
- Yosemite National Park Visit: Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
It’s all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite today. From the valley floor, take the park shuttle system to one of the most iconic trails in the park. Hike alongside the Merced River to climb the Mist Trail, getting sprayed by the waters of Vernal Fall. See the water rushing over the edge before crossing the river and climbing the steps to Nevada Fall. From the top enjoy views of the High Sierra including Half Dome, Liberty Cap, and Mount Broderick. Later, enjoy free time to walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, Bridalveil Fall Trail, relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan, or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley.
Accommodation:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakhurst
Included Meals:
Lunch
Included Experiences
- Yosemite National Park Visit: Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
- Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls Hike: Take the storied Mist Trail as it traverses up the valley, with visits to Vernal and Nevada Falls. Return along the John Muir Trail. Be prepared for a long hike, and incredible scenery! Distance: 11.2km (7 mi), Elevation Change: 610m (2000 ft)
Optional Experiences
- Yosemite National Park Hike: Panoramic vistas, gushing waterfalls, and elusive wildlife await. Bring water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and hike Yosemite NP. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
- Yosemite Bike Rental: Set your wheels in motion with tandem, hand crank or mountain bikes, and opt to cycle some of the 20km (12mi) of paved trails throughout the valley floor. Bring a water bottle, stop to shoot photos, and enjoy some of the most picturesque spots in Yosemite NP. Choose between a half-day rental or a full-day, and be aware that this activity is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note the price for a half-day bike rental is $30 USD and the price for a full-day bike rental is $40USD. (30-40 USD per person)
Leave Yosemite in the morning and drive across the Central Valley with the group to San Francisco. Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights. We will drive to the bohemian neighborhood of Haight Ashbury for lunch, followed by a drive through the Golden Gate park. What trip to San Fran would be complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge? Depending on time, step foot on this famous red suspension bridge or find a great viewing point to take some photos. There is free time in the evening to explore the colorful Fisherman's wharf.
Accommodation:
Stanford Court Hotel
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Take advantage of free time to see all that the Bay City has to offer. Opt to visit the Golden Gate Bridge, chill out on Baker's Beach, take pictures of The Painted Ladies, go to a book or record store in the Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood, or grab some seafood at Fisherman's Wharf.
Optional Experiences
- Cable Car Ride San Francisco: Iconic to San Francisco, travel back in time and hop on the world's last manually operated cable car system.
- Sunset Sailing San Francisco (Mon-Wed): Depart from Fisherman's Wharf and catch a glimpse of marine life as we sail around San Francisco Bay. Admire the city's remarkable skyline, get up close and personal with the infamous Alcatraz Island, and sail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy the sunset and make a mental note to return.
Wake up in San Francisco and spend the morning as you wish. Grab a coffee at a local cafe, take a walk, or hop on a cable car and coast up and down the city's many hills. Then the group will drive to the coastal town of Monterey where you'll have free time. Head to the Monterey Aquarium, walk down by the water to visit Old Fisherman's Wharf, or visit Cannery Row to check out art galleries and other boutique shops.
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Check out all of the beauty that Monterey has to offer. From art galleries to delicious seafood restaurants and wine tastings, there is plenty for you to do during your time here.
Optional Experiences
- Cable Car Ride San Francisco: Iconic to San Francisco, travel back in time and hop on the world's last manually operated cable car system.
Drive from Monterey to Santa Maria, along the way take in the stunning coastal scenery of Monterey along the 17-Mile Drive. Then, continue on to the largest city of Santa Barbara County, known for its wineries and barbecue. Opt to window shop, sip a glass of wine maybe two, or simply hangout in the sunny climate of this Southern California city.
Included Experiences
- 17-Mile Drive Monterey: Drive along this 17-mile dramatic stretch of coastline on the Monterey Peninsula. Encounter wind-sculpted cypress tree forests and rock strewn beaches winding up along the Pacific. Along the way enjoy great views of some of the most envy-inducing homes in the world and the celebrated golf courses of Pebble Beach. You'll be planning how to live here before you're through with the drive.
- Free Time: There are plenty of outdoor activity options in Santa Maria. Choose to visit some of the city’s vineyards or wineries. Try the famous barbecue at a local spot, have a picnic in the park, or shop for souvenirs. The choice is yours.
Leave the hills and vineyards of Santa Maria behind and continue driving south to Los Angeles where the tour ends on arrival.
Trip Inclusions
- Hike amid the strange rock formations in Joshua Tree National Park.
- Sit atop Horseshoe Bend.
- Go on a Navajo guided jeep tour of Monument Valley.
- Watch the sunset along the rim of the Grand Canyon.
- Drive along Route 66.
- Hike in Death Valley; the U.S. national park with the lowest elevation.
- Witness breathtaking views of Yosemite National Park.
- Sightsee your way from San Francisco to Los Angeles stopping in Monterey and Santa Maria.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Joshua Tree National Park visit
- Zion National Park visit
- Bryce Canyon National Park visit
- Horseshoe Bend visit
- Navajo guided Monument Valley jeep tour
- Sunset along the rim of the Grand Canyon
- Full day hiking in Grand Canyon National Park
- Route 66 drive
- Death Valley National Park visit
- Sequoia National Park visit
- Yosemite National Park visit
- Entrance fees to all national parks and monuments with hiking and walking excursions
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking
- 1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- Hotel (17 Nights)
- This trip uses 2-3 star hotels and motels in cities and near park entrances. Our chosen hotels vary in size, character, and amenities, but are of a good standard, and the rooms are double occupancy with a private bathroom.
- 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
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 is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view 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. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and 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.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and 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.
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