Best of Western USA

12 Days | Hit the best of the West on this USA road trip to national parks, canyons and famous cities

5 out of 5 based on 1 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR €4,560

Take a 12-day road trip from the glitzy hub of Las Vegas to the trendy San Francisco, stopping at national parks, deep canyons, fascinating landscapes and small towns along the way. Start with Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon hikes, kayak across Lake Powell, discover the iconic Monument Valley with a Navajo guide then hit the famed Grand Canyon for an epic sunset and a walk along the rim. Enjoy a full free day in Sin City, then visit the towering sequoias – some of the oldest trees on Earth! Stop into the incredibly diverse lands of Yosemite National Park, where you’ll stargaze with a local naturalist and walk the best trails with an expert trip leader – then mark the end of your trip with a walk across Golden Gate Bridge.

Trip overview

Map of Best Of Western USA including United States Of America
Start
Las Vegas, USA
Finish
San Francisco, USA
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
USA
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
SSEPC
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Marvel at one of the nation’s greatest national parks, the Grand Canyon, and walk along the rim, hike into the canyon or just soak up the expansive views.
  • Kayak across the waters of Lake Powell, weaving your way past fascinating rock formations as your leader shares stories of the lake’s history.
  • Hike through the varied landscapes of Zion National Park, taking in views of massive canyon walls and red sandstone cliffs as you go.
  • Learn about the culture and history of Monument Valley during a Navajo guided tour, followed by a traditional homecooked, family-style Navajo lunch.
  • Experience world-famous Yosemite National Park, taking in the breathtaking scenery as well as the pristine night sky as you go on leader-led walks both day and night.   
  • Walk among the towering timber of Sequoia National Park and see General Sherman, the world’s largest tree by volume, along with the other soaring sequoias that make up the Giant Forest.   

Is this trip right for you?
  • Some of the best scenery in Yosemite, Zion and Sequoia is found on hikes. So, while this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to partake in all activities. You’ll also need to be prepared with hiking shoes, a water bottle and a day pack. 
  • You’ll be travelling to desert and mountainous regions where the temperature can vary greatly from day to night. Make sure you pack the appropriate clothing for all weather. 
  • This trip includes time spent travelling in a vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates. 
  • You may also want to check out our Western USA Encompassed if you have a longer time to explore the region:
  • https://www.intrepidtravel.com/united-states/western-usa-encompassed-161668

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of Best Of Western USA including United States Of America

Inclusions

Meals

6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights)

Activities
  • Zion National Park - Walks
  • Bryce Canyon - Leader-led Walk
  • Horseshoe Bend Visit
  • Lake Powell - Kayaking
  • Monument Valley - Navajo guided 4x4 Jeep tour including traditional lunch
  • Sequoia National Park
  • Sequoia National Park - Leader-led hike
  • Yosemite National Park - Stargazing with Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist
  • Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
  • Yosemite National Park - Leader-led hike
  • Yosemite - Pizza Picnic Dinner
  • Yosemite National Park - Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point
  • San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge walk
Optional activities
  • Page - Antelope Canyon Tour - USD70
  • Las Vegas - Neon Museum Tour - USD29
  • San Francisco - Sunset catamaran cruise - USD45

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am on Day 1 in Las Vegas. Please make your own way to the Joining Point listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.

2. There is no accommodation included in Las Vegas the night before the trip starts. If you wish to spend more time in Las Vegas, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Speak to an Intrepid booking agent for more information.

3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

4. During the months of November and December we are often unable to kayak on Lake Powell. Instead we will explore Peekaboo Canyon or Antelope Canyon by foot instead.

5. We are not able to book airport shuttle service for North America trips. North America has convenient taxi and rideshare options from all airports, as well as public transport systems in major hub cities. Please check the joining and finishing point instructions listed in the Essential Trip Information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 1 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Peter · Traveled June 2024
Review submitted 17 Jun 2024
Best of Western USA
From
EUR €4,560