Trails of the American South West
Trails of the American South West
Trails of the American South West
12 Days Starting in Las Vegas, NV, USA and ending in Los Angeles, CA, USA
Visiting: Las Vegas, Ooh Aah Point, Grand Canyon Village, Oljato-Monument Valley, Page, Horseshoe Bend, Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon City, Zion National Park, Death Valley, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, Muir Beach Overlook, Sausalito, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles
Tour operator:
Tour code:
EN-LALA23
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Physical rating:
Medium
Age range:
8-70
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Explore the sheer beauty of America's most famous National Parks. Hiking through the diverse landscapes, whilst experiencing the most breathtaking scenery, you will surely be humbled when you return home. This active tour is for the born explorer who likes to be at one with nature and its surroundings. From the pacific coast to the desert, this tour simply won't disappoint. Take in the stunning surroundings while you picnic in the parks, be immersed in the culture of the Navajo tribe, and tickle your taste buds by trying some local native American delicacies. Share these magical experiences with your fellow travelers, and take home memories which will last a lifetime.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Luxor Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Arrival in Las Vegas. You will be met at the airport by a local guide, transfer to hotel.
Enjoy an included welcome drink as you get to know your fellow travelers.
You will get your travel kit including a reusable water bottle and an insulated bag that will come in handy during any picnics.
Day 2 : Las Vegas - Grand Canyon
Location: Las Vegas, Ooh Aah Point, Grand Canyon Village
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Yavapai West Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head towards the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, superb geographical phenomenon. Stop in Seligman on the iconic Route 66. Lunch on your own, then discover one of the wonders of the world : the Grand Canyon.
Located at 6971 feet above sea level the Grand Canyon is the spectacular result of millions of years of wind and water erosion. Surrounded by a magnificent forest, the canyon seems to be protected by a lush screen of greenery.
This will certainly be one of the highlights of your trip. We suggest a 1.7 mile hike (1-2 hours) to Ooh Aah Point.
Overnight in the Grand Canyon village.
Day 3 : Grand Canyon - Monument Valley – Page
Location: Grand Canyon Village, Oljato-Monument Valley, Page
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus at Lake Powell / Best Western View
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Depart the Grand Canyon by driving along the scenic Desert View Drive. Stop at the Desert View Watchtower. Modeled after ancient Puebloan watchtowers, the Watchtower at Desert View features murals by Hopi artist Frank Kabotie.
Time permitting, you may have a chance to climb the stairs to the top for an outstanding view of the Canyon and the surrounding area.
Continue on to Monument Valley, where you will find yourself surrounded by imposing, crimson monoliths. This 25 mile-long and 16-mile wide desert plain has served as the backdrop to numerous westerns including five John Ford classics.
Enjoy an included lunch of Navajo specialties followed by a jeep tour of the valley with local a Navajo guide.
Arrive in Page in the afternoon. Change at your hotel then enjoy a dip in Lake Powell at Lone Rock Beach. Overnight in Page.
Day 4 : Page – Horseshoe Bend - Bryce
Location: Page, Horseshoe Bend, Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Best Western Ruby's Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
To start the day you will visit Horseshoe Bend (1.2 mi roundtrip hike): a geologic masterpiece sculpted by the Colorado River. Horseshoe Bend is an example of what happens when water takes the path of least resistance.
With the help of gravity, the Colorado River began cutting through rock layers deep and fast. The result is the 270° bend in the river.
Discovered by Mormons at the end of the 19th century, Bryce Canyon is considered one of the jewels of the National Parks system.
The shapes, colors and shades of the stone and the famous Pink Cliffs are constantly changing from dawn to dusk. Hike down the canyon to get closer to the hoodoos (thin spires of rock) *.
Picnic lunch in the park (not included - a stop will be planned before arrival into the park to purchase picnic items if you wish).
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the park at your own pace. Overnight in the region.
* this hike is not advised for people with heart conditions due to significant elevation change.
Day 5 : Bryce Canyon – Zion – Las Vegas
Location: Bryce Canyon City, Zion National Park, Las Vegas
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Luxor Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departure for your visit of Zion National Park. Follow the paths where ancient native people and pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky.
Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present-day adventures.
Picnic lunch in the park (not included - a stop will be planned before arrival into the park to purchase picnic items if you wish).
This afternoon, we return to Las Vegas. Rest of the day at leisure to try your luck gambling, do some shopping, or enjoy on of the many world class entertainment options the city has to offer.
Optional: join your guide on a visit of Las Vegas by night.
Day 6 : Las Vegas - Death Valley – Mammoth Lakes
Location: Las Vegas, Death Valley, Mammoth Lakes
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mammoth Mountain Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will drive through the Nevada Desert and cross the border to California where you will descend into famous Death Valley. At 282 feet below sea level, Death Valley is one of the hottest places on earth.
The landscape is so deserted that the first cowboys to have crossed it said of it: "Not a stream to drink from, not a tree to hang on". You will discover Furnace Creek, and the sand dunes of Stovepipe Wells.
Lunch on your own. This afternoon, we drive high into the Sierra Nevada range as we make our way to the resort town of Mammoth Lakes.
*If the Tioga Pass is closed, the groups will be relocated to Bakersfield
Day 7 : Mammoth Lakes – Yosemite – San Francisco
Location: Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Edwardian Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we take a scenic drive on the Tioga pass as we enter Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite will delight you with its Alpine landscape, with pine forests, waterfalls, and rivers, all dominated by the silhouette of great white monoliths.
Marvel at the giant redwoods, Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and a few famous waterfalls such as Bridalveil Falls and Yosemite Falls (often dry in the summer).
Picnic lunch in the park (not included - a stop will be planned before arrival into the park to purchase picnic items if you wish).
Continue towards San Francisco for a 3-night stay.
Day 8 : San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Edwardian Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a guided tour of San Francisco, one of the most photographed, filmed, and documented cities in the world. The city is a a tantalizing mix of history, modern sophistication, and stunning natural beauty.
Start with (weather permitting) a panoramic view from the top of Twin Peaks, you will have an unrivaled perspective of the city from the bay to the Golden Gate strait. Next you will discover Golden Gate Park.
Continue your tour with a stop at Alamo Square, where you will see the best examples of San Francisco's iconic Victorian homes, the “Painted Ladies.” Make a stop at the world famous Golden Gate Bridge.
Enjoy some time on your own for lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf.
End the day with stops at Chinatown, Union Square and the Civic Center, with is Beaux-Arts City Hall.
Day 9 : San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, Muir Beach Overlook, Sausalito
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Edwardian Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a short hike to Muir Beach. The Muir Beach Overlook provides expansive views of the Pacific Coast, including the Point Reyes Peninsula.
Relax on the beach or explore the several historic base-end stations, observation posts that were part of the San Francisco Bay coastal defense system.
Next you will visit Sausalito, famous for it’s waterfront cafés, art galleries, and charming house boats. Time at leisure to enjoy lunch on your own.
Return to San Francisco by taking a scenic ferry ride across the bay.
Afternoon at leisure to do some shopping, visit one of the city’s world-class museums, or perhaps rent a bike for a ride along the waterfront.
Day 10 : San Francisco - Monterey - Carmel – Santa Maria
Location: San Francisco, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Santa Maria
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Santa Maria Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave for Monterey Peninsula. Tour of the town of Monterey, particularly the fishing port and Cannery Row, made famous by the writer John Steinbeck.
Visit of nearby Carmel, one the most charming coastal towns of California, with pristine beaches and trendy boutiques. Enjoy some time for lunch on your own.
You will then drive along the superb Big Sur coastline: the majestic Santa Lucia range gives way to dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Stops will be made along the way to snap some pictures and enjoy a few short hikes to soak up the scenery.
Arrival in Santa Maria at the end of the day.
Day 11 : Santa Maria - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles
Location: Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel June
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning drive to lovely Santa Barbara known for its golden beaches, palm-lined bay, red-tiled roofs and Spanish architecture. Visit the beautiful mission Santa Barbara, the largest Franciscan convent in California today, considered to be the queen of the California missions.
Time for lunch on your own before continuing towards Los Angeles. Make a stop in luxurious Malibu for a visit of the Adamson House, a National Historic Site and California Historic Landmark.
The Spanish Colonial Revival style home occupies one of the most idyllic oceanfront spots in all of Southern California.
Situated near the Malibu Lagoon, the house boasts an exotic mix of Spanish and Moorish influences with dazzling displays of decorative tiles and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship including hand-carved doors, hand-painted frescoes, molded ceilings, distinctive cast ironwork and lead-framed bottle glass windows.
Finally, we end the day with a stop at the Griffith Observatory to get some of the best views of Downtown Los Angeles as well as the famous Hollywood Sign, a landmark and American cultural icon.
Day 12 : Departure
Location: Los Angeles
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day on your own and transfer to the airport depending on your flight schedule.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Mandatory luggage handling (in Mammoth Lakes, San Francisco and Los Angeles only, 1 bag per person roundtrip. Meet & Greet at hotel on arrival on Day 1, and welcome drink on arrival.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Shared-ride airport transfers on arrival and departure. Assistance with airport transfer on departure day.
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Fully Guided
English speaking driver/guide from Day 2 to Day 11
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Local Taxes
Taxes, service and resort fees
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Meals – Breakfast Only
Daily American or deluxe continental breakfast
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
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Domestic transportation
Transportation throughout the tour in a modern, air-conditioned minibus.
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Game Drives on Safari
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tips not included for driver/guide
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Country Entry Visas
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Drinks with Meals
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International Travel
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Travel insurance, personal expenses
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes - However, there are long travelling days, so we wouldn't recommend young children being on this tour.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The World Travel & Tourism Council worked with governments, health experts and industry associations to establish effective global recovery protocols for each travel industry sector to ensure that people are and feel safe. We are proud to carry the Safe Travels stamp to show that we have adopted these health and hygiene global standardized protocols.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
These tours will be sold to any other English-speaking markets.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
30+yrs
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
None specifically, but we will always encourage our customers to support local companies and people as well as respect the destinations they visit. We are conscious of including visits to lesser-known sights/attractions in order to support the local communities. We have zero tolerance on both animal and child cruelty, which is at the forefront of our minds when creating tour itineraries.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We encourage you to notify us as soon as possible, but any changes can be made up to 45 days prior to departure.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
No
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Go West Tours USA & Canada allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Go West Tours USA & Canada allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform go west tours usa & canada, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Go West Tours USA & Canada requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of go west tours usa & canada charges.
At 31 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 2 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 0 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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USA entry requirements related to COVID-19
You will find below a summary of the entry requirements related to COVID-19 (updated on May 27, 2022).
USA:
-All travellers arriving by air are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 except children under 18 years of age*
-All travellers are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 1 day before travel except children under 2 years old
-If a traveller recently recovered from COVID-19, they may instead travel with documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (i.e., positive COVID-19 viral test result on a sample taken no more than 90 days before the flight’s departure from a foreign country and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official stating that they were cleared to travel).
Exception: COVID-19 testing is not required for entry via a land or ferry port of entry, for example when crossing the Canadian border. Vaccination is still required.
Additional information: on May 26th, the fee for travellers intending to travel to the USA with an approved ESTA has increased from $14 to $21. In addition, since May 2nd, an ESTA is required to enter the USA by land. Until now, travellers could cross the border by filling out an I-94W form and paying $7 at the border crossing.
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