Western USA National Parks Explorer

14 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
The American dream comes alive in this southwest corner of the USA, as epic landscapes follow one after the other. From staring down into the depths of the Grand Canyon to being on top of the world looking over Yosemite National Park, each day on this trip brings mindblowing scenery. If two-weeks aren't enough, longer itineraries are available that include th...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Journey through some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet
    • Discover vibrant San Francisco and the desert city of Las Vegas
    • Enjoy walking in Yosemite, Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon national parks

What's this trip about?

    The American dream comes alive in this southwest corner of the USA, as epic landscapes follow one after the other. From staring down into the depths of the Grand Canyon to being on top of the world looking over Yosemite National Park, each day on this trip brings mindblowing scenery. If two-weeks aren't enough, longer itineraries are available that include the ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde, and watching the sun set over Arches National Park. San Francisco - Explore the Golden Gate Bridge and the hippy Haight Ashbury district National Parks - Hike in Bryce, Zion and the Grand Canyon; explore the unique landscapes of Capitol Reef and Yosemite Las Vegas - End the trip in America's surreal and extravagant playground

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySan Francisco
End CityLas Vegas

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

  • North America
  • United States
  • Europe
  • Italy

Attractions

  • Arches National Park
  • Bryce Canyon
  • California
  • Capitol Reef National Park
  • Colorado
  • Death Valley
  • Golden Gate Bridge
  • Grand Canyon
  • Lake Powell
  • Las Vegas
  • Mesa Verde
  • Moab
  • Monument Valley
  • New York
  • San Francisco
  • Sierra Nevada
  • Utah
  • Venice
  • York
  • Yosemite National Park
  • Zion National Park

Activities

  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Trekking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join tour in San Francisco

Arrive in San Francisco. Hugging the shores of San Francisco Bay, the city has a fascinating mix of culture, commerce and character that cannot fail to charm. Due to the number of evening flights into San Francisco, your Leader plans to do the welcome meeting on th...

Day 2 Sightseeing tour including the Golden Gate Bridge, free afternoon

Today is spent exploring some of the city's highlights as we wander its famous streets, taking in the delightful Victorian architecture of Alamo Square and the colourful eccentricity of Haight Ashbury, San Francisco's once thriving 'hippie district' of the 1960s. We'l...

Day 3 Transfer to Yosemite National Park, walks in the park

This morning we leave San Francisco behind and drive east, heading through the fertile landscapes of Stanislaus County towards Yosemite National Park, passing the highly productive agricultural region of the Central Valley, where numerous orchards and vineyards line t...

Day 4 Explore Yosemite National Park on foot

More than 90% of Yosemite is designated wilderness area and today we will take the opportunity to explore it in a little more depth. Away from the main tourist areas of the Yosemite Valley the park is filled with a myriad of options to make the most of its spectacular...

Day 5 Travel to Mammoth via Tenaya and Mono Lakes

Leaving the park this morning we plan to drive across the scenic Tioga Pass (3032m), taking in the sub-alpine meadows of the Toulumne Meadows, an area that has been christened America's very own Switzerland. We continue through the dramatic mountain vistas down toward...

Day 6 Journey through Death Valley to Las Vegas

Starting early to avoid the heat, we descend into Death Valley today, one of the lowest and hottest places on earth. We then journey into the heart of one of the most remarkable settings on earth, where the marbled rocks, salt pans and black mountains provide us with ...

Day 7 Head to Zion National Park, afternoon to explore

This morning we will head to Zion National Park to get there just after lunch. Zion itself was established as a national park in 1919 and can boast an impressive array of natural credentials, encompassing some 8 geological formations, 4 major vegetation zones and a la...

Day 8 Walk on the trails of Zion National Park

Today, we will continue to explore this magnificent creation, first paying a visit to the impressive visitor centre before taking the park's shuttle bus to the start of the walks. There are so many possibilities to explore here that it is not possible to do them all -...

Day 9 Drive to Bryce Canyon; time to discover this natural wonder

This morning, we drive to Bryce Canyon, travelling via Buffalo and Mt Carmel Junction. We enter a world of surreal formations of multi-coloured sandstone that are steeped in the legend of the Paiute. Legend has it that the sandstone 'hoodoo's' of Bryce are in fact the...

Day 10 Early morning at Sunrise Point, Bryce Canyon; drive to Moab via Capitol Reef National Park

We have the option to see Bryce at its most radiant this morning, in the golden hues of sunrise. For those interested in an early start, we'll drive up to Sunrise Point to watch the dawn break across the landscape. This afternoon we will explore something of the myria...

Day 11 Hikes in Arches National Park

Located a short distance from Moab is Arches National Park, home to the world's largest concentration of natural sandstone arches. With over 2000 arches, giant sandstone fins, balancing rocks and towering spires, the park provides a unique setting for today's hike. We...

Day 12 Drive to Mesa Verde National Park; afternoon guided tour, continue to Cortez

After breakfast, and a quick visit to the News Paper Rock, we continue on to Mesa Verde National Park this morning. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde is home to some of the best preserved cliff dwellings in the world. After viewing the Native American exhibits ...

Day 13 Travel to Monument Valley; optional jeep tour with a Navajo guide

Today we drive to the town of Page, via the Navajo Reservation, the biggest in the country, founded in 1888 to provide a protected region for the Navajo people. The Navajo Nation constitutes the largest tribe left in the United States, the last survivors of a people w...

Day 14 Optional visit to Antelope Canyon; drive to Grand Canyon

This morning we have the option to visit the famous Antelope Canyon, a beautiful peach-gold coloured canyon formed by the force of flash floods coming from the plains above, or otherwise spend time at the enormous Lake Powell, with its scenic azure waters. Later on we...

Day 15 Walks at the Grand Canyon; optional helicopter flight

Today has been left free to make the most of this natural wonder at your own pace. You may want to follow the path down from the South Rim into the canyon itself, walking down to Indian Gardens and maybe even heading out to Plateau Point for some incredible views down...

Day 16 Return to las Vegas via Route 66

This morning we drive along one of the most historic highways in America, the famous Route 66. A shadow of its former self, the road is nonetheless still rich in the Americana of its glory days, when it used to be known as the 'Main Street' of America. Our drive back ...

Day 16 Return to las Vegas via Route 66

This morning we drive along one of the most historic highways in America, the famous Route 66. A shadow of its former self, the road is nonetheless still rich in the Americana of its glory days, when it used to be known as the 'Main Street' of America. Our drive back ...

Day 17 Tour ends Las Vegas

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Las Vegas. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Las Vegas at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Las Vegas International Airport (LAS), which is a 15 minute drive away.

Meals Provided : None

Day 17 Tour ends Las Vegas

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Las Vegas. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Las Vegas at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Las Vegas International Airport (LAS), which is a 15 minute drive away.

Meals Provided : None

Day 1 Join tour in San Francisco

Arrive in San Francisco. Hugging the shores of San Francisco Bay, the city has a fascinating mix of culture, commerce and character that cannot fail to charm. Due to the number of evening flights into San Francisco, your Leader plans to do the welcome meeting on th...

Day 2 Sightseeing tour including the Golden Gate Bridge, free afternoon

Today is spent exploring some of the city's highlights as we wander its famous streets, taking in the delightful Victorian architecture of Alamo Square and the colourful eccentricity of Haight Ashbury, San Francisco's once thriving 'hippie district' of the 1960s. We'l...

Day 3 Transfer to Yosemite National Park, walks in the park

This morning we leave San Francisco behind and drive east, heading through the fertile landscapes of Stanislaus County towards Yosemite National Park, passing the highly productive agricultural region of the Central Valley, where numerous orchards and vineyards line t...

Day 4 Explore Yosemite National Park on foot

Covering over 3000 sq km, more than 90% of Yosemite is designated wilderness area and today we will take the opportunity to explore it in a little more depth. Away from the main tourist areas of the Yosemite Valley the park is filled with a wide variety of options to ...

Day 5 Travel to Bakersfield via Mariposa Grove

Leaving the park this morning we plan to drive to Bakersfield via Mariposa Grove, a grove of giant Sequoia trees with some excellent walking trails. One of the most famous trees in the park has a hollowed out base over the route of the path, allowing us to literally w...

Day 6 Journey through Death Valley to Las Vegas

Starting early to avoid the heat, we descend into Death Valley today, one of the lowest and hottest places on earth. We then journey into the heart of one of the most remarkable settings on earth, where the marbled rocks, salt pans and black mountains provide us with ...

Day 7 Head to Zion National Park, afternoon to explore

This morning we will head to Zion National Park to get there just after lunch. Zion itself was established as a national park in 1919 and can boast an impressive array of natural credentials, encompassing some 8 geological formations, 4 major vegetation zones and a la...

Day 8 Walk on the trails of Zion National Park

This morning we will continue to explore this magnificent creation, first paying a visit to the impressive visitor centre before taking the park's shuttle bus to the start of the walks. There are so many possibilities to explore here that it is not possible to do them...

Day 9 Early morning at Sunrise Point; continue to Capitol Reef National Park

Bryce is without doubt one of the natural highlights of the journey, as we enter a world of surreal formations of multi-coloured sandstone that are steeped in the legend of the Paiute. Legend has it that the sandstone 'hoodoo's' of Bryce are in fact the petrified foll...

Day 10 Hikes in Arches National Park

Located a short distance from Moab is Arches National Park, home to the world's largest concentration of natural sandstone arches. With over 2000 arches, giant sandstone fins, balancing rocks and towering spires, the park provides a unique setting for today's hike. We...

Day 11 Drive to Monument Valley, optional jeep tour with the Navajo

Today we drive to the town of Page, via the Navajo Reservation, the biggest in the country, founded in 1888 to provide a protected region for the Navajo people. The Navajo Nation constitutes the largest tribe left in the United States, the last survivors of a people w...

Day 12 Head to the Grand Canyon with sunset at Yavapai Point

This morning we have the option to visit the famous Antelope Canyon, a beautiful peach-gold coloured canyon formed by the force of flash floods coming from the plains above, or otherwise spend time at the enormous Lake Powell, with its scenic azure waters. Later on we...

Day 13 Free day at the Grand Canyon

Today has been left free to make the most of this natural wonder at your own pace. You may want to follow the path down from the South Rim into the canyon itself, walking down to Indian Gardens and maybe even heading out to Plateau Point for some incredible views down...

Day 14 Drive to Las Vegas via Route 66

Today we drive along one of the most historic highway in America, the famous Route 66, a road that during its lifetime has been called the 'Main Street of America' and the 'Mother Road'. Over 200,000 people travelled this route during the 1930s to escape the Dust Bowl...

Day 15 Trip ends Las Vegas

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Las Vegas. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Las Vegas at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Las Vegas International Airport (LAS), which is a 15 minute drive away.

Meals Provided : None

Day 1 Join tour in San Francisco

Arrive in San Francisco. Hugging the shores of San Francisco Bay, the city has a fascinating mix of culture, commerce and character that cannot fail to charm. Due to the number of evening flights into San Francisco, your Leader plans to do the welcome meeting on th...

Day 2 Sightseeing tour including the Golden Gate Bridge, free afternoon

Today is spent exploring some of the city's highlights as we wander its famous streets, taking in the delightful Victorian architecture of Alamo Square and the colourful eccentricity of Haight Ashbury, San Francisco's once thriving 'hippie district' of the 1960s. We'l...

Day 3 Transfer to Yosemite National Park, walks in the park

This morning we leave San Francisco behind and drive east, heading through the fertile landscapes of Stanislaus County towards Yosemite National Park, passing the highly productive agricultural region of the Central Valley, where numerous orchards and vineyards line t...

Day 4 Explore Yosemite National Park on foot

Covering over 3000 sq km, more than 90% of Yosemite is designated wilderness area and today we will take the opportunity to explore it in a little more depth. Away from the main tourist areas of the Yosemite Valley the park is filled with a wide variety of options to ...

Day 5 Travel via Mono Lake to Mammoth

Leaving the park this morning we plan to drive across the scenic Tioga Pass (3032m), taking in the sub-alpine meadows of the Toulumne Meadows, an area that has been christened America's very own Switzerland. We continue through the dramatic mountain vistas down toward...

Day 6 Journey through Death Valley to Las Vegas

Today we have an early start to drive through Death Valley before it gets really hot. En route we will stop for breakfast and for a short visit to Furnace Creek. After lunch we will stop at Pahrump before continuing onto Las Vegas for the night. You will have some free time tonight to visit the strip or you may wish to do this on an optional limousine ride.

Meals Provided : None

Day 7 Head to Zion National Park, afternoon to explore

This morning we will head to Zion National Park to get there just after lunch. Zion itself was established as a national park in 1919 and can boast an impressive array of natural credentials, encompassing some 8 geological formations, 4 major vegetation zones and a la...

Day 8 Walk on the trails of Zion National Park

This morning we will continue to explore this magnificent creation, first paying a visit to the impressive visitor centre before taking the park's shuttle bus to the start of the walks. There are so many possibilities to explore here that it is not possible to do them...

Day 9 Drive to Bryce Canyon; time to discover this natural wonder

This morning, we drive to Bryce Canyon, travelling via Buffalo and Mt Carmel Junction. We enter a world of surreal formations of multi-coloured sandstone that are steeped in the legend of the Paiute. Legend has it that the sandstone 'hoodoo's' of Bryce are in fact the...

Day 10 Early morning at Sunrise Point, Bryce Canyon; drive to Monument Valley via Horseshoe bend

We have the option to see Bryce at its most radiant this morning, in the golden hues of sunrise. For those interested in an early start, we'll drive up to Sunrise Point to watch the dawn break across the landscape. This afternoon we will explore something of the myria...

Day 11 Drive to Grand Canyon via Tuba City

This morning we continue our remarkable journey, heading next towards the southern rim of the Grand Canyon. Travelling via the Navajo community of Tuba City we arrive at the canyon this afternoon. Once described by Theodore Roosevelt as 'the one great sight every Amer...

Day 12 Free day at Grand Canyon

Today has been left free to make the most of this natural wonder at your own pace. You may want to follow the path down from the South Rim into the canyon itself, walking down to Indian Gardens and maybe even heading out to Plateau Point for some incredible views down...

Day 13 Drive to Las Vegas via Route 66

Today we drive along one of the most historic highway in America, the famous Route 66, a road that during its lifetime has been called the 'Main Street of America' and the 'Mother Road'. Over 200,000 people travelled this route during the 1930s to escape the Dust Bowl...

Day 14 Trip ends Las Vegas

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Las Vegas. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Las Vegas at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Las Vegas International Airport (LAS), which is a 15 minute drive away.

Meals Provided : None

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,240
Price per day$374
Last Updated: 4/24/2024
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02 Jun 2025
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11 Aug 2025
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Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,513
Great
2,167
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
H

Hilary

Oct 2023

Written on

Western USA National Parks Explorer

Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Western USA National Parks Explorer

Good tour but office functions not up to previous stand...

L

Lynn

Jun 2023

Written on

Western USA National Parks Explorer

Highlights Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon. Disappointing hot...

C

Catherine

May 2023

Written on

Western USA National Parks Explorer

An interesting trip to an outstandingly beautiful area.

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Maxiwagon,

Transportation & flights

Maxiwagon
Guides
Explore Tour Leader
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
USA: You will require either a visa or an ESTA (an evisa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html ETA - only if transiting via Canada Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ETA here - http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp - other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-YG

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