National Parks and Lodges

Welcome to the 'City by the Bay' in sunny California. San Francisco is a city
which the locals are fiercely proud of and for good reason. There's plenty to
keep you entertained but the best introduction is to explore by foot, or make
use of the infamous cable car network. A welcome meeting will be held at
18:00 hrs in your hotel.

We recommend you book an extra night in our hotel the night before the tour
starts if you want to spend some time discovering San Francisco - Alcatraz is
a must see, you can reserve a ticket online in advance with Alcatraz Cruises.

After departing San Francisco, you head east through California's historic
gold country then high into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to magnificent
Yosemite National Park. We begin with an easy trail walk to the Giant Sequoia
Trees before our two night stay at the Yosemite lodge.

Yosemite National Park sits nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range of
northern California. Here green forest meets granite walls measuring several
thousand feet in height. Climbers come from all over the world to scale the
rocks whilst hikers get to walk to the base of some of the largest waterfalls
in the world. The Yosemite Valley beckons, where you can bicycle, take a dip
in the Merced River or wander the lush meadows.

Hiking in Yosemite is pretty special and anyone who visits the park must hit
one of the many trails. The famous sites situated along these trails include
Yosemite Falls, Nevada Falls, Vernal Falls, Mirror Lake and Half Dome. The
views are breathtaking from every vantage point - the granite formations of
Half Dome, El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks are sure to be forever etched on
your minds. There are trails to suit all abilities and your leader will
recommend the best for you. In the evening, you return to the historic lodge
where you can relax with a cocktail. 

Optional Activities:Bike rental US$12-$34Float trip on the Merced River US$31

One of the hottest, driest and lowest places on earth, Death Valley is
blessed with some of the most extreme and beautiful landscapes. Sculpted by
erosion, richly tinted mudstone hills and canyons await exploration, with
sand dunes and salt pans making for some exceptional photos. We cover a long
distance today and see some fascinating and contrasting scenery on the
journey.

We cross into Utah and on towards the soaring red and white cliffs of Zion,
one of the most spectacular destinations in the USA national park system.
Zion Canyon 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 can be found here, in and around the fertile Virgin River as it
meanders below massive, cathedral-like sandstone walls. Upon arriving we can
enjoy a hike along the narrows of the Virgin River. 

.. Optional Activities:

Western horseback riding US$45-$90

With an early morning rise, the park's most challenging hiking option awaits
those who are feeling ambitious. After ascending 2,500 ft. you'll experience
unbeatable panoramic views from the top of Angels Landing. The beautiful but
strenuous hike along the knife-edge ridgeline rewards with one of the most
breathtaking and powerful panoramas ever experienced. There are other trails
available in Zion National Park if you prefer, and your leader will recommend
the best options. 

Today we head to the Grand Canyon for the ultimate desert showstopper! This
incredible spectacle is difficult to comprehend. Stretching for almost 300
miles and plunging to depths of over 6,000ft., there's plenty of rock to go
around. Aside from the views, we'll discover plenty of opportunities to get
active with hiking trails. Snaking through the canyon floor is the mighty
Colorado River, which runs 1,450 miles (2,330km) through seven US states and
two Mexican states.

It is a fact that only 5% of all travellers who visit the Grand Canyon hike
beneath the rim trails. If you are able, it gives you a very different
perspective and idea of its vastness when you hit the snaking trails into the
belly of the canyon. One thing you won't want to miss is sunset or sunrise as
the canyon colours change dramatically. We have the lucky privilege of
spending two nights on the Grand Canyon North Rim in a historic lodge.

In the heart of the Navajo Nation in Arizona, Monument Valley is sacred land
to those who call it home. The red sandstone monoliths and spectacular
sunsets and sunrises have been the backdrop to countless Westerns and the
best way to experience this special place is on a Navajo guided backroads
tour, where we are taken to parts of the park that can only be reach by jeep.
Listen to traditional stories and learn more about the history of the Navajo
Nation. As we come across geological wonders, petroglyph drawings of animals
and pottery crafted by local people, you'll soon realise why this place is so
special to all who visit. There's also ample time to relax and view the
valley's surreal sunset.

Today we'll encounter yet more spectacular scenery amid Arches National Park.
Dramatic red sandstone arches were created over millions of years by the
whipping wind down the west slope of the Rocky Mountains. We can hike to get
a closer view of these incredible arches, some of which have names, such as
Landscape Arch and the famous Delicate Arch, the latter being the most iconic
and most photographed in the park. Alternatively, why not tackle the terrain
high above on a guided 'hummer' tour or take a float trip down the Colorado
River. Arches National Park is a photographer's playground with many a
sandstone edifice providing the foreground against a clear blue or flame red
sky. With hardly any light pollution there's plenty to see after dark
too. Our base will be in Moab, the perfect place for restaurants and
activity providers and our home for the next two nights. 

Optional Activities:

Hummer Tour (your leader will confirm the price)Mountain biking US$60Float
trip on the Colorado River US$60

Our next destination is the capital of Utah, Salt Lake City. With a city
population of 186,000 and a metropolitan population of 1.13 million, it's the
largest city in the state. Founded in 1847 by Brigham Young and his Mormon
(Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) followers. Salt Lake City is
still the base for the religion although less than half the population in the
city today are Mormons. The city is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky
Mountains and overlooks the largest inland lake in the Western USA. It is a
paradise for outdoor adventure lovers, due to its enviable position close to
five national parks and mountains that have 'the greatest snow on Earth'. It
also has a buzzing cultural centre, with an exciting craft brewery and
distilling culture. Today we enjoy a city tour with a local Mormon guide and
see the city from a local's perspective.

Optional Activities: 

Drive-in Movie US$9

Arrive in Yellowstone National Park, the world's first national park and home
to a large variety of wildlife including Grizzly bear, wolves, bison and elk.
This park is so large that its boundaries cross into three states. Most of
the park sits in Wyoming, but parts of the reserve extend into Idaho and
Montana. Yellowstone has one of the highest concentrations of geothermal
activity on the planet. Herds of bison roam amongst the erupting geysers and
steam rises from the various rivers running through the park. A fire in the
1980s destroyed much of the park, but it has recovered to the extent that it
is now a living monument to nature's power of regeneration. From lush
mountain meadows and vast freshwater lakes to sensuous pine forests and
flower strewn hillsides, lovers of infinite wilderness will be in their
absolute element in Yellowstone National Park. Our time at Yellowstone will
be spent discovering the best trails and viewpoints, and getting up close to
see the geysers and other geological featurs that make this such a special
part of the world. 

Our tour ends at our gateway hotel in Bozeman at approximately 17:00 hrs. We
can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you
are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before
21:00 hrs.