We're not joking when we say the Southwest has it all...
Where else can you find sprawling deserts, (Grand) canyons, coastal towns, wine regions and waterfalls — all within one region? Whether you want to weave through Zion's soaring slot canyons, get a taste of old-fashioned Americana on the iconic Route 66 or explore Joshua Tree's unique cactus gardens, big adventures await. Throw in a passionate local leader, a small group of like-minded travellers and some legendary Southwestern hospitality, and you have yourself an unforgettable experience in the U.S. of A.
Get your feet dusty as you explore one of Cali's most unique landscapes. Joshua Tree is more like nature's playground than a national park. See the unusual Teddy Bear Cholla Garden (warning: these cacti are not soft, do not cuddle!), navigate through narrow canyons on the Maze Trail, and hike to a giant boulder known as Skull Rock to admire the desert flora stretching as far as the eye can see.
Scattered with over 2,000 free-standing rock formations, we’d forgive you for mistaking Arches National Park for Mars. Explore one of the Southwest’s most spellbinding landscapes as you weave through sandstone fins on the Fiery Furnace hike, crawl and scramble along the Devil’s Garden trail, or float down the Colorado River on a standup paddle board.
At 29 kilometers wide, 1.5 kilometers deep, and 446 kilometers long, it's impossible to comprehend the vastness of the Grand Canyon when you see it sprawled in front of you. Gaze in awe from multiple viewpoints along the South Rim Trail, explore steep red-rock escarpments and gorges as you snake down the canyon to Plateau Point or learn about the park's Indigenous history and geology with a naturalist guide.
Are you ready to tick off one of the world's best slot canyon hikes? The iconic Virgin River Narrows will have you wading through rushing river passages as you wind through a towering slot canyon buttressed with 300-metre-tall cliffs. Hidden away from the crowds who tend to stick to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, this is the Zion most don't get to experience. Don't forget your waterproof boots!
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Western USA National Parks Loop
Gabrielle · Traveled April 2024
This was a quick and comprehensive trip. We got a great overview of the Western US. The hiking was a solid 2 rating, and was balanced by many other activities. The leader was absolutely fantastic!!!
Highly recommend!
Review submitted 05 May 2024
Western USA National Parks Loop
Lauren · Traveled April 2024
Phenomenal tour with an exceptional leader! The locations visited were jaw dropping and eye stealing!
Review submitted 05 May 2024
Zion Glamping Adventure
Julia · Traveled April 2024
This trip is a great way to see a lot of bucket list places in a short amount of time! Our guide, Indy, was the absolute best and clearly loves what he does. The days are packed and there is quite a bit of driving involved. The good hikes are not terribly long, but they are very steep at higher elevation for consideration of fitness level. Don't forget to pack: hat, sunscreen, sturdy hiking shoes, camera charger. The glamping site was super cute, comfortable, and equipped with everything you could need.
Review submitted 23 Apr 2024
Zion Glamping Adventure
Mariamelia · Traveled April 2024
Indy Holmes, your leadership on the Intrepid Travel trip to Zion Park was absolutely stellar. Your passion for adventure and your deep knowledge of the park's history and geography made the journey unforgettable. Your enthusiasm not only inspired the group but also enhanced our experience, making every trail more exciting and every view more spectacular. Thank you for making our adventure truly exceptional!
Review submitted 23 Apr 2024
Zion Glamping Adventure
Mario · Traveled April 2024
During our tour, Indy demonstrated unparalleled expertise and enthusiasm that made our experience truly exceptional. His in-depth knowledge of the sites we visited was simply astounding, providing us with fascinating insights and historical context at every turn. Not only was he incredibly informative, but his passion for the subject matter was palpable, creating an infectious energy that kept us engaged throughout the entire journey. Indy’s ability to effortlessly weave together anecdotes, facts, and local lore painted a vivid picture of the destinations we explored, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for the places we visited. Moreover, his engaging storytelling captivated our attention, making the tour both educational and entertaining. What truly set Indy apart was his genuine warmth and friendliness, making us feel not just like tourists, but like valued guests. He went above and beyond to ensure that everyone in the group felt included and attended to, fostering a sense of camaraderie among us. His professionalism and attention to detail were evident in every aspect of the tour, from the seamless logistics to the thoughtfully curated itinerary. Overall, our experience with Indy was nothing short of extraordinary, and we are immensely grateful for the memories he helped create. I wholeheartedly recommend Indy to anyone seeking an unforgettable tour experience.
Review submitted 23 Apr 2024
Southwest USA travel FAQs
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
We are committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations.
We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.
Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Eden Reforestation Projects
Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe.
World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most.
The best time to visit depends on the activities you want to do and your tolerance for heat (and crowds), but spring is one of the best seasons to go hiking in the Southwest’s national parks as daytime temperatures are manageable and a cool breeze pushes you along the trails.