National Parks Walk

Welcome to the neon city in the Nevada desert, Las Vegas. This brash, iconic
city offers travellers the chance to explore the over-the-top casinos, see a
show, shop or simply indulge in a spot of people watching. A welcome meeting
will be held at approximately 18:00 hrs in the evening with free time
afterwards to explore the cityscape at night and see the neon lights in all
their glory.

*Optional activities:*
• Go karting US$26
• Vegas Strip Helicopter flight US$124
• Roller coasters US$25-40

After leaving Las Vegas, we drive through the Mojave Desert before arriving
in the State of Utah and our destination for today, Zion National Park. 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
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 Zion National Park.

Today is all about exploring Zion National Park and it's network of
trails. One option, albeit a challenging one, is to ascend 760 meters
(2,500ft.) to experience unbeatable panoramic views of the entire national
park from the top of Angels Landing. Angels Landing is definitely not for the
faint-hearted - you'll need nerves of steel for this strenuous trail!

In the afternoon, we recommend a walk beside the Virgin River or inside The
Narrows, a stunning water channel where you'll witness some outstanding
scenery. Keep in mind you will need to bring your own wetsuit style boots
with you to navigate the rocky river (which changes in the level of depth).

Driving out of Zion National Park we climb in elevation to almost 8,296ft and
traverse a high plateau to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon is a
fascinating natural amphitheatre 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 in amongst
these unique rock formations with your tour leader. Some of you may prefer to
remain on the rim and photograph the ever-changing shadows and hues as the
sun makes its way 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-$90

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 like the Devil's
Garden. One of the more widely recognised arches, and by far the most
visited, is Delicate Arch, a 65ft., freestanding arch that has become one of
Utah's most famous icons (visited on Day 5).

On Day 6 you'll 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’ll also experience the iconic view at Dead Horse Point of the
Colorado River snaking its way through the water channels.

Optional Activities:

* Mountain biking US$60
* Extreme off-road hummer tour US$79

Today you travel south-east to the Navajo Nation's greatest treasure -
Monument Valley. A sacred land to those who call it home, the red sandstone
monoliths have been the backdrop to countless Western movies. After arriving
to the hotel, we sout 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'll be walking to explore places that very few non-Native
Americans ever to get to see. 

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 down into the canyon. Carved over several millennia, this massive
wonder of nature is 277 miles (445 km) long, up to 18 miles (29km) wide and
over one mile deep (1.6km). 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.
Watch as the sun sets on this incredible place and attempt to comprehend this
canyon's staggering proportions and power. There are many rim trail walks
that you can enjoy using the parks 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, why not opt for a scenic
flight over the canyon, which offers perspectives that cannot be seen when
visiting on foot.
NB: Grand Canyon National Park regulations limit group size and do not allow
guided hikes. Your tour leader will provide briefings, directions and maps,
but are not permitted by the National Park Service to walk with you on the
trails.

*Optional activities:*
• Grand Canyon helicopter flight US$289

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 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 a spot of gambling, 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 gateway hotel 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.