Compare LA to Vegas Adventure by Intrepid Travel vs Arizona Bicycle Tours by Sojourn Bicycling & Active Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 5 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 1,470 | $ 2,895 |
| Price Per Day | $ 294 | $ 414 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
The classic USA road trip with all of the hassle taken out – jump on board a five-day whip around from LA to Vegas, covering all the hotspots with local knowledge to guide you. This trip will give you a taste of all the things that make the Wild West such an epic place to visit. Stroll among the bizarre flora of Joshua Tree National Park, gaze over the edge of the Grand Canyon and people-watch on the sandy boardwalks of Santa Monica. If you want to hit the road and leave the rest of the world in your dust but are a little tight on time, this LA to Vegas adventure is just the ticket. |
The Original Arizona Bike Tour In a region recognized as one the most popular winter bicycling locations in the US, our Arizona bicycle tours have garnered accolades from Outside Magazine as a “Life List Worthy Tour.” As one of the most experienced tour operators in southern Arizona, Sojourn rewards travelers with warm winter cycling trips guided by experienced tour leaders. Spectacular and diverse scenery combine with abundant sunshine, warm weather and fabulous cycling routes to create a not-to-be-missed vacation. Southern Arizona’s Sonoran Desert features impressive forests of giant saguaro cacti in Saguaro National Park. The region is also home to sprawling cattle ranches and rural roads where you’re more likely to encounter cows than motorized vehicles. |
Day 1 Los Angeles
Welcome to the USA! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting in the lobby today at 6 pm. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. If you do arrive early, perhaps take a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or spend some time learning about the lives of the rich and famous on a celebrity homes tour. After the welcome meeting, we’ll head beachside and visit Venice and Santa Monica beach for a stroll and some people watching. Day 1 is all about introductions, so why not spend some time getting to know your fellow travellers with an optional group dinner.
Day 2 Joshua Tree National Park
Today, you’ll head away from the coast and drive to Joshua Tree National Park. Sitting between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, the park is famous for its spectacular desert plants – including the park’s namesake Joshua trees – along with cacti and Mojave yuccas. The area is also home to striking rock formations and mountain ranges, so you might like to head out on a scenic hike around the park or take a refreshing dip in the Colorado River. You’ll head to Lake Havasu City later on to your accommodation for the night, and check out London Bridge: a 280-metre structure rebuilt in Arizona in 1971 after being transported, piece by piece, from the banks of the Thames in London.
Day 3 Grand Canyon National Park
Drive to Grand Canyon National Park, along a section of the famous Route 66, stopping in at the eccentric town of Seligman. Once we arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park, be ready to visually delight in the natural beauty for hours. This stunning gorge is 1.5 kilometres deep, formed by over six million years of erosion from the Colorado River. You'll spend two nights here, and you’ll need it, to allow for a full day of exploration tomorrow.
Day 4 Grand Canyon National Park
Today is a free day to explore the Grand Canyon, one of the largest canyon systems in the world. Stroll along the meandering South Rim Trail or hike your way down to Plateau Point. With eagles soaring overhead and chasms extending as far as the eye can see, it’s so important for you to experience its vast gorges from multiple viewpoints. In the early evening, relax at the canyon's edge and enjoy a spectacular sunset over one of the world's natural wonders.
Day 5 Las Vegas
Head out of the Grand Canyon and cross the western deserts of Arizona to Las Vegas. Las Vegas may be the gambling capital of the world, but there's plenty to do if gambling isn't your thing. Hit the shops, feel your stomach drop on a rooftop roller coaster or simply stroll along the Strip, soaking up the glitz and gaudiness. As there is no accommodation organised for tonight, you are free to leave at any time upon arriving in Las Vegas. If you would like to spend some more time here, we'll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Day 1:
Accommodation: Hacienda del Sol
Your tour leaders will meet you at the Tucson Airport for the transfer to Hacienda del Sol, your beautiful accommodations for the next three evenings. Hacienda del Sol sits atop the foothills below the Santa Catalina Mountains and features spectacular views of the mountains and the city below – especially at night. This afternoon, your leaders will fit you to your bike and provide an overview of the week. You will also have time to relax and unwind from your travels by the pool or on the lovely grounds of Hacienda del Sol. The Hacienda is a historic property set on 34 beautiful acres in the foothills of the Catalina Mountain range. In 1929, John and Helen Murphey created this desert retreat in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The property features expansive views, extraordinary gardens, swimming pool and hot tub. The property, originally a school for the daughters of society's elite families, has been beautifully transformed in Southwestern style into a magnificent boutique property. The Grill, Tucson’s AAA Four Diamond restaurant, is on the property. Get acquainted with your fellow travellers during a welcome reception and while dining on regional specialties in a private dining room this evening.
Day 2: Saguaro National Park East
Accommodation: Hacienda del Sol
This morning you’ll be greeted to a spectacular introduction to the Sonoran Desert. Following a ride along a portion of Tucson’s extensive bike path, The Loop, and through quiet neighbourhoods in Tucson, arrive at the entrance to Saguaro National Park. Enjoy a self-guided walk through the gardens or browse the exhibits at the visitor centre. Once inside the Park, giant saguaro and dozens of other types of cacti, are ever-present along the lightly travelled one-way loop ride. Pause along the ride to relish in the peaceful desert landscape and listen to the birds sing. Your leaders will provide a delicious picnic lunch in the park, allowing you plenty of time to explore by bike and by foot. After lunch, join the return ride through Tucson to Hacienda del Sol or opt for the van shuttle and enjoy time by the pool or indulging in a spa treatment. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a private dinner in The Grill at Hacienda del Sol. This celebrated dining venue has captured Wine Spectator magazine’s “Best of” Award of Excellence for 16 years and was twice bestowed the “Award of Ultimate Distinction” from Wine Enthusiast. The Grill is the only restaurant in Arizona to receive this award. The chef’s innovative menu features fresh products from the resort’s own garden.
Cycling Options: 27, 32, or 52+ miles
Day 3: Tucson Mountain Park and the Arizona Desert Museum
Today’s ride winds west along another section of The Loop then climbs through Tucson Mountain Park before descending into the west side of Saguaro National Park. Those up for the challenge can climb beautiful Gates Pass. The desert landscapes are particularly striking during today’s rides where “forests” of giant Saguaro cacti—the iconic symbols of the Southwest—stretch for miles. Opt for an extended ride or visit the highly regarded Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, featuring more than 300 animal species and 1200 varieties of plants in a beautiful natural setting. Join a docent-led tour along the two miles of walking trails or explore the open-air exhibits on your own. This stunning outdoor museum is a must-see and features its own aviary and raptor free flight demonstrations. Hikers might enjoy a nearby trek high above the desert floor that offers a great opportunity for some off bike exercise. Following your visit to the Desert Museum, those up for a challenge can tackle the steep climb back over Gates Pass before returning to Hacienda del Sol. Relax by the pool or soak in the hot tub following your ride. Lunch and dinner are on your own today.
Cycling Options: 29, 37, or 48+ miles
Day 3: Tucson Mountain Park and the Arizona Desert Museum
Accommodation: Hacienda del Sol
Cycling Options: 29, 37, or 48+
Today’s ride winds west along another section of The Loop then climbs through Tucson Mountain Park before descending into the west side of Saguaro National Park. Those up for the challenge can climb beautiful Gates Pass. The desert landscapes are particularly striking during today’s rides where “forests” of giant Saguaro cacti—the iconic symbols of the Southwest—stretch for miles. Opt for an extended ride or visit the highly regarded Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, featuring more than 300 animal species and 1200 varieties of plants in a beautiful natural setting. Join a docent-led tour along the two miles of walking trails or explore the open-air exhibits on your own. This stunning outdoor museum is a must-see and features its own aviary and raptor free flight demonstrations. Hikers might enjoy a nearby trek high above the desert floor that offers a great opportunity for some off bike exercise. Following your visit to the Desert Museum, those up for a challenge can tackle the steep climb back over Gates Pass before returning to Hacienda del Sol. Relax by the pool or soak in the hot tub following your ride. Lunch and dinner are on your own today.
Day 4: Grasslands and Grapes
Accommodation: Stage Stop Inn Patagonia
The morning begins with a van shuttle out of town to the Mountain Empire. The scenery quickly changes as cacti give way to the sprawling grasslands of ranch country, where cows and horses vastly outnumber people. The high plains are punctuated by distant peaks and the wheat-colored fields lie in stark contrast to red rock mountain hues. Roads are lightly traveled and open vistas inspire a sense of freedom and “get away from it all” rejuvenation. While Arizona is not widely known for its wines, there are winemakers on this plateau that have been producing wines for nearly 30 years. Enjoy a private luncheon, tour and tasting at the winery that planted the first vines in the region. Following lunch, continue to the tiny and eclectic frontier town of Patagonia. A mix between old west and artists’ enclave, Patagonia’s main street includes a bookstore, restaurants, saloon, and artisan shops. The area surrounding the town is part of a highly regarded bird-watching region and you might want to arrange (in advance of the tour) for a guided tour with a local expert. Your lodging is at the aptly named Stage Stop Inn which was built to house the casts of numerous John Wayne movies filmed nearby. Following a delicious dinner on the property, you might venture over to the saloon for some local flavor!
Cycling Options: 17, 25, or 42+ miles
Day 5: Patagonia to Pena Blanca Lake and Tubac
Accommodation: Tubac Spa & Golf Resort Tubac
Today’s ride heads southwest from Patagonia before climbing to beautiful and remote Pena Blanca Lake. The winding route dips and climbs through unusual rock formations as it approaches the lake. Your guides will provide a picnic lunch overlooking Pena Blanca Lake which also features hiking trails that you are free to explore. The ride
following lunch parallels a creek that flows along a trail used centuries ago by missionaries who settled in the region. In Tumacácori, you might choose to join a guided tour of the remains of the oldest Spanish missions in the Southwest. The route continues into the artsy town of Tubac to the Tubac Spa & Golf Resort at Otero Ranch. This peaceful oasis features an outdoor pool, luxurious spa, golf course (Tin Cup was filmed here), and restaurant. Arrive early and unwind in your spacious hacienda before dinner on your own either at the resort or in town. The fireplace in your room will take the chill off the evening as desert temperatures dip.
Cycling Options: 29, 36, or 61 miles
Day 6: Tubac or Arivaca
Accommodation: Tubac Spa & Golf Resort
Choices abound today. Spend the day exploring the sites around Tubac, one of the Southwest’s foremost towns for the arts, indulge in a spa treatment (appointments must be made several weeks in advance), or play a round of golf at the resort. You might also enjoy walking the historic de Anza Trail that runs along the river. This section of the trail is part of a historic trek undertaken by 30 Spanish families in 1775 that concluded with the building of a mission and presidio in San Francisco. Tubac is full of interesting shops and galleries. Tubac is also the site of a former Presidio that was created to protect the nearby mission from Apache attacks. The Resort’s golf course is nestled among cottonwood and mesquite groves, and traverses the banks of the Santa Cruz River. It is considered one of the top courses in the region. For those who can’t miss a day of riding, today’s ride is best known for its rural roads and sweeping views to red rock mountains which form an impressive backdrop to the north. The turn-around point is a funky coffee house in the tiny hamlet of Arivaca. Ride the full route or consult with your leaders for the sections that best suit your interests. This evening, gather with fellow travelers for your final dinner in a private dining room at the resort.
Cycling Options: 30 or 60+ miles
Day 7: Trip Concludes
Following breakfast this morning at Tubac Golf Resort, your leaders will transfer you to the airport in Tucson. Arrival time at the airport is 10:00am and, as such, we suggest your flight reservations be planned for departure after 11:00am.
