Experience the Best landscapes at the American West Coast. This spectacular journey includes day walks in the most stunning national parks of the West, as well as the dynamic cities of San Francisco and Las Vegas in America. We explore the trails of Yosemite to view immense glacier carved walls of soaring granite, such as the famous Half Dome, as well as the worlds biggest trees, the ancient Sequoias.
At Mammoth we enjoy the hot springs and following a short visit to Death Valley we continue to the magnificent Grand Canyon. Travelling north we visit Monument Valley and this trip would not be complete without a visit to Utah’s Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. Four states and 5 National Parks later, we conclude this amazing journey in Las Vegas.
San Francisco: San Francisco is amongst one of the USA’s most cosmopolitan and atmospheric cities. Located on the bay its suburbs are linked by a series of expansive bridges, one of those being the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Trams run major routes along the foreshore and into the hilly heights in a city where quaint wooden houses contrast sharply with the sophistication of modern skyscrapers. In the morning we explore the city on foot (3-4 hours) and cable car, and explore its hidden wonders as well as all the famous sights, such as Union Square, Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf. Last but not least we enjoy amazing views from Coit Tower. You will be given a day pass for the cable car allowing you to explore the city in the afternoon on your own. In the afternoon we recommend a harbour cruise on the bay, a tour of Alcatraz or a ferry ride to Sausalito (optional).
To Yosemite (Drive time 4-5 hours): This morning we depart San Francisco and head to the amazing Mariposa Grove of giant Sequoia at the southern end of the Yosemite National Park. We recommend we take the tram to the top of the grove (optional US$20 to be paid locally if you wish) and hike downhill back to our vehicle. This allows for a leisurely walk through an amazing forest of these ancient giants. We continue onto Yosemite where we stay in tent cabins in the park’s main valley. The accommodation here is in rustic twin share tent cabins with beds and communal bathrooms.
Yosemite National Park: Yosemite National Park was established in 1890 in the Sierra Nevada, encompasses stunning mountain vistas and valleys housing meadows and forests (including groves of giant sequoias) surrounded by high cliffs and waterfalls. The forest of giant Sequoias, the world’s biggest trees and the soaring cliffs of Half Dome are just some of the highlights of the park. During our days in the park several options are offered. For those wanting to climb Half Dome you can do so, or for others there is a more leisurely option to drive up to Glacier Point, the most impressive view point in the park. From here we can marvel at the valley as well as the impressive walls of Half Dome. There are three very different walks offered at this point each varying in difficulty; two of them descend down into the valley while the third traces the rim of the valley. In the evening we may also have the opportunity to look for nocturnal wildlife.
Tuolumne Meadows (Drive time 2-3 hours): Continuing on to Tuolumne Meadows- the alpine area with its lush grasses and wild flowers will contrast greatly with the arid conditions in Arizona and Utah’s national parks. Weather permitting we hike to the top of Lembert Dome, where we enjoy expansive views over Tuolumne Meadow. We continue in our private vehicle to the highest auto-route across the Sierra Tioga Pass (3031m) offering amazing views from the top. The scenic interests continue into the afternoon with the stunning Mono Lake at the edge of the Great Basin Desert & Panum Crater before heading to our night’s accommodation in Mammoth.
Death Valley (Drive time 3 hours): This morning we drive to Death Valley National Park where more than 3.3 million acres of spectacular desert scenery, rare desert wildlife, complex geology, undisturbed wilderness and sites of historical interest abound. Its uniqueness is derived from the fact that it is the lowest, hottest & driest location in North America with a substantial area of the park lying below sea level. We explore the golden sand dunes which contrast with the stark brown and black hillsides, Badwater with its poisonous springs, the Devil’s Golf Course formed by salt deposits and the colourful formations at Zabriske Point. If time permits there is also an optional walk through the Badlands.
To Grand Canyon (Drive time 4-5 hours): Drive to the Grand Canyon via Route 66 through the hot deserts of Nevada where there is plenty of time to soak up the magnificence of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At Grand Canyon: We have all day to spend at this amazing sight. The Grand Canyon is one of the great wonders of the world and although plenty of tourists visit the area, few hit the trails. If you prefer you can hike into the canyon to Plateau Point, or follow the leader along the West Rim, where incredible views can be enjoyed. There is time to enjoy another unforgettable sunset.
Monument Valley (Drive time 4-5 hours): We journey on by road through the Painted Desert (approximately 3-4 hours) to the world famous Monument Valley of the Navajo tribe. Here, giant rock domes and mesas rise out of the valley into the blue sky and offer the opportunity for excellent pictures. For decades, the area has been used by Hollywood as a favourite movie backdrop. We highly recommend an unforgettable jeep tour with the Navajos through the valley to the hidden beauty spots such as ‘Ear of the Wind’ and ‘Big Hogan’.
Lake Powell: Today we enjoy Lake Powell which was created through the damming of the Colorado River. Here dark blue waters reflect sheer red stone towers in an amazing colour show offering unforgettable impressions. We have most of the day to explore the area with a range of optional activities such as a jeep tour to Antelope Canyon, “the” classic slot canyon, a rafting trip on the Colorado River or for a sunset boat tour on Lake Powell. Otherwise, the pink beaches are always a pleasure to relax along the shore line or to take a swim in the lake.
Bryce Canyon National Park (Drive time 2.5 hours): For many visitors Bryce Canyon ranks among the most beautiful in the USA. A full day has been reserved to explore the surreal formations of the that characterise the park where erosion has shaped colourful Clarion limestones, sandstones and mudstones into thousands of spines, fins, pinnacles and mazes. Collectively these are referred to as the “hoodoos” and it should be said that photography enthusiasts will be revelling by the compositions that prevail!
Zion National Park (Drive time 2 hours): Zion National Park (approximately 2 hours drive from Bryce NP) is located at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin and Mojave desert provinces. It is known for its soaring red cliff walls of deep red sandstone that have been sculptured by the Virgin River and that soar as high as 800 metres. Today we take the opportunity to explore this dramatic landscape of canyons, domes and soaring cliffs and a walk to Angel’s Landing, a huge sandstone dome rising over the narrow valley of the Virgin River adds a further dimension to our day.
To Las Vegas (Drive time 2.5 hours): We’ll visit the Emerald Pools where waterfalls cascade into an oasis of pools before leaving the wilderness and driving on to the desert city of Las Vegas where there is time for exploration of this lively city before settling into our hotel.
Trip concludes (Please note that alternate trips run on a reverse itinerary, we do customize the trip according to your requirements)
