11 Days National Park 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.

After leaving Las Vegas, drive through the Mojave Desert before arriving in the State of Utah and your 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 stop, you'll have plenty of time to explore. Upon arrival your leader will take you on a walk by The Narrows, a stunning water channel where you'll witness some outstanding scenery. This makes for the perfect introduction to your American adventure

Possible hiking options:
Easy: Emerald Pools | 1.9-6.7km/1-4hrs | elevation 21-68m
Moderate: The Narrows | Variable up and back trail | elevation 213m
Strenuous: Angel’s Landing | 8.7km/3-4hrs | elevation 453m

With a full day to further explore the delights of Zion National Park there are various hikes to choose from, ranging from easy to strenuous. You can warm up by walking on one of the shorter, but equally as beautiful trails from the valley floor to view the magical Emerald Pools. You can also cool off from the summer sun by exploring the Riverside Walk but you'll need to bring (your own) wetsuit style boots with you. The challenging option 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 although, if you can hold your nerve on this fairly strenuous trail, fortune certainly favours the brave.

Driving out of Zion National Park you'll climb in elevation to almost 8,296ft and traverse a high plateau to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon is a fascinating natural amphitheater of pink, orange and white sandstone spires, known locally as hoodoos. There are a variety of scenic overlooks and trails that range from easy to moderate 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.

Possible hiking options:
Easy: Rim Trail | 1.5-3km/0.5-1.5hrs | elevation 10m
Moderate: Navajo Loop and Queens Garden | 2.4km/1.5-2hrs | elevation 167m
Strenuous: Peekaboo Loop | 8.5km/3-4hrs | elevation 473m

Observe the obscure rock formations of Goblin Valley State Park before arriving at 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 leisurely hikes 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. Alternatively, some of you may choose 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 National Parks. Enjoy a visit out to Canyonlands National Park and that iconic view at Dead Horse Point of the Colorado River snaking its way through the water channels.

Walking in Arches N.P. or optional activities

Canyonlands N.P and free time.

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 at the hotel, you set out 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, you come to 'the end of the road'. Your local Navajo guide will then lead you even deeper into the park, where you'll visit places that very few non-Native Americans ever to get to see. Finish your day with yet another unforgettable sunset in the valley.

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.

Possible hiking options:
Easy: Rim Trails: Amount of hiking differs depending on where you begin and finish / Elevation varies approximately 200m
Moderate: Indian Garden Campground: 7.7km round trip/3-4 hours (with lunch stop) / elevation 933m
Strenuous: Plateau Point: 15.2km round trip/7-8 hours / elevation 900m

Second day at the Grand Canyon.

This morning you begin your journey back to the desert city of Las Vegas. En route you 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 you return to Las Vegas and 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 in Las Vegas at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book your post-tour accommodation if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.