Best of the U.S. West

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.

Day 1 Las Vegas
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Las Vegas/Zion National Park
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.

Day 3 Zion National Park
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.

Day 4 Zion National Park/Page
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.

Day 5 Page/Grand Canyon National Park
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.

Day 6 Grand Canyon National Park
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.

Day 7 Grand Canyon National Park/Las Vegas
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.

Day 8 Las Vegas/Death Valley National Park
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.

Day 9 Death Valley National Park/Sequoia National Park
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.

Day 10 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.

Day 11 Sequoia National Park/Kings Canyon National Park
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.

Day 12 Kings Canyon National Park/Yosemite National Park
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.

Day 13 Yosemite National Park
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.

Day 14 Yosemite National Park/San Francisco
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.

Day 15 San Francisco
Depart at any time.