G Adventures
Save 15%Total Central America: Two Months of Wild
Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador · 62 days · Easy
fromCAD 7,799
Next: 23 Aug
Operated by G Adventures
Best of the U.S. West
From
Price on request
Duration
15 days
Countries
United States
Activity
moderate
Group size
Max 13
The adventure
Journey through the varied landscapes of the American West on this 15-day tour through national parks in Utah, Arizona, and California. Learn about these environments from scientists, naturalists, and local experts as you peer up at the tallest trees in the world in Sequoia National Park, splash through the Narrows in Zion, stare into the depths of the Grand Canyon from the South Rim, and hike through the forests of Yosemite. End the experience with a visit to the vibrant and lively San Francisco along California’s dramatic coast.
Arrive at any time.
Head out early today to Zion, Utah’s oldest national park. Once you arrive the group will take the shuttle further into the park and go on some hikes to emerald pools, hanging gardens, and sandstone cliffs.
Enjoy a guided tour of the Narrows and wander through the cool river water that cuts through this slot canyon. See the high plateaus, towers, mesas, and sandstone walls of this beautiful national park.
In the morning travel to Bryce Canyon National Park and go for a hike amid the strange rock pinnacles known as hoodoos. Take some pictures of these natural towers that rise from the canyon floor before continuing with the group to Page, Arizona.
Tour Antelope Canyon with a local Navajo guide and afterwards take a short hike to Horseshoe Bend where you can stand overlooking the natural bend in the Colorado River. Lunch today will be at a family-owned Navajo food truck and G Adventures—supported project. Arrive at the Grand Canyon in the evening.
The day begins in this ancient gorge with an expert from the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute. The group will begin on foot along the South Rim and learn about the geology, botany, and local human history of this park. Pay a visit to the Historic Village District and then hike into the canyon itself on the Bright Angel Trail.
Check out the Lowell Observatory on a behind-the-scenes tour where you’ll learn about astronomy and see the giant telescopes. Afterwards, drive to Las Vegas along Route 66.
Drive through the desert on the way to Death Valley National Park. Home to the lowest, hottest, and driest place in North America. Check out cool spots in the park like Twenty Mule Team Canyon, the Devils Golf Course, Badwater Basin, and Zabriskie Point. Admire the desolate landscape and feel the sun’s intense heat.
In the morning head to the otherworldly landscape of Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Explore the shifting dunes and then contine o to Father Crowley Vista Point which is an easy hike, but involves epic views. Afterwards the group will drive around the Sierra Nevada mountains to Sequoia National Park.
Immerse yourself in Sequoia National Park for a full day. Visit General Sherman, the world’s largest known living tree with a naturalist from the Parks Conservancy. In the afternoon the group will hike the Big Tree Trail and learn all about the history and of these trees and what the future holds for their protection. Tonight, head back out into the park for some stargazing with a local expert.
Today’s drive is nothing short of mesmerizing as the scenery changes from the looming sequoias to one of the deepest canyons in the U.S. You’ll drive from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove and experience the awe of Kings Canyon.
Travel north to Yosemite National Park. Make a quick stop to the Sentinel Dome trailhead and climb to the pinnacle where the group will have a picnic and enjoy a beautiful view of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. The other option is to go on a hike in Mariposa Grove before continuing on to Glacier Point for more incredible views.
Head out on a guided excursion through the park with a naturalist from the Yosemite Conservancy. You’ll hike through the heart of this valley and learn about how the backcountry of this area became a protected state park in 1864 and then a national park in 1890 with the help of John Muir. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own through the park’s meadow’s waterfalls, lakes, and groves. Keep your eyes on alert for any wildlife and search for rock climbers on El Capitan.
Travel from Yosemite’s bold landscape through the Central Valley towards San Francisco. Stop at a local farm stand en route to try some of the freshest produce in the region. Then, cruise over the Bay Bridge into one of the coolest cities in America. Take some time to settle into the hotel before embarking on a guided driving tour of the city. From the views at Twin Peaks to walking across a portion of the Golden Gate Bridge there’s no shortage of landmarks to see or things to do. In the evening there is an optional sunset sail in the San Francisco Bay which departs from Fisherman’s Wharf. A great way to cap off this adventure.
Depart at any time.
At a glance
Duration
15 days
Route
Las Vegas → San Francisco
Countries
United States
Activity level
moderate
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Sailing & Marine, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Max 13
Ages
12+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
United States
Showing Days 1-7
15-day itinerary
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities today until the evening welcome meeting, so check out the strip or get tickets to a show for this evening.
There are no planned activities today until the evening welcome meeting, so check out the strip or get tickets to a show for this evening.
Day 2Head out early today to Zion
ZionHead out early today to Zion, Utah’s oldest national park. Once you arrive the group will take the shuttle further into the park and go on some hikes to emerald pools, hanging gardens, and sandstone cliffs.
Day 3Enjoy a guided tour of the Narrows…The canyon is narrow, and the river covers the bottom in many places, which means you will have to wade or swim to proceed. Prepare to get wet but the cool water makes this hike particularly pleasant during the hot summer months. During the cooler months, there are available gear rentals including Gore-Tex dry pants, canyon shoes, and neoprene socks. Hiking poles are available for rent year-round. Hiking is not permitted when the river is high from runoff or flash flooding. Runoff mostly occurs in April and early May. Late summer thunderstorms can occasionally produce flooding. If the hike is not possible due to weather, it will be replaced with another activity.
The canyon is narrow, and the river covers the bottom in many places, which means you will have to wade or swim to proceed. Prepare to get wet but the cool water makes this hike particularly pleasant during the hot summer months. During the cooler months, there are available gear rentals including Gore-Tex dry pants, canyon shoes, and neoprene socks. Hiking poles are available for rent year-round. Hiking is not permitted when the river is high from runoff or flash flooding. Runoff mostly occurs in April and early May. Late summer thunderstorms can occasionally produce flooding. If the hike is not possible due to weather, it will be replaced with another activity.
Day 4In the morning travel to Bryce Canyon National…
Bryce CanyonIn the morning travel to Bryce Canyon National Park and go for a hike amid the strange rock pinnacles known as hoodoos. Take some pictures of these natural towers that rise from the canyon floor before continuing with the group to Page, Arizona.
Day 5Tour Antelope Canyon with a local Navajo guide…Marvel as the Grand Canyon unfolds before you but don't get too close. The land drops almost straight down for more than 1,000m (3,280 ft) into the serpentine canyons below! The gorge is filled with rocky buttes, sheer limestone cliffs, and deep canyons all arrayed in a rainbow of colors. Words defy. This is truly one of the most magnificent sights on earth.
Antelope CanyonMarvel as the Grand Canyon unfolds before you but don't get too close. The land drops almost straight down for more than 1,000m (3,280 ft) into the serpentine canyons below! The gorge is filled with rocky buttes, sheer limestone cliffs, and deep canyons all arrayed in a rainbow of colors. Words defy. This is truly one of the most magnificent sights on earth.
Day 6The day begins in this ancient gorge…Grand Canyon
Grand CanyonThe day begins in this ancient gorge with an expert from the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute. The group will begin on foot along the South Rim and learn about the geology, botany, and local human history of this park. Pay a visit to the Historic Village District and then hike into the canyon itself on the Bright Angel Trail.
Day 7Check out the Lowell Observatory on a behind-the-scenes…Las Vegas
Las VegasCheck out the Lowell Observatory on a behind-the-scenes tour where you’ll learn about astronomy and see the giant telescopes. Afterwards, drive to Las Vegas along Route 66.
1 / 3
Discover United States
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
Operated by G Adventures
TripFinder compares the available catalog facts and can help with the booking. You travel under the operator's terms; final price and availability are confirmed before purchase.
Book my trip →More North America adventures
Intrepid Travel
DealEpic Central America
Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua · 45 days · Easy4.0(2)
fromCAD 5,262
Next: 12 Aug
G Adventures
Save 15%Epic Central America: Seven Countries & the Softest Sand Ever
Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador · 45 days · Easy
fromCAD 5,449
Next: 16 AugFrom
Price on request