$245
/person
25% Off 3 or more tickets, so bring friends!
Valley of Fire
Wonderful day visiting Nevada Oldest and first State Park. Do a hike!
Explore the National Parks of the West
Glacier Point, Yosemite N.P.
- Photo Friendly
- 13 Nights & 14 days
- 4-14 People
- Starts in Las Vegas ends in San Francisco
- All weather
Explore the National Parks of the West
Discover the world-famous national parks of the western United States in a small group on this well-balanced tour, extending from California to the Grand Canyon. Our small bus gives us access to many sights that larger tour groups cannot reach. Explore Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Las Vegas and San Francisco. On this trip your small group will have time to explore the land on foot, Jeep, raft, or horse. Small groups provide great flexibility because the tour leader can better cater to the wishes of individuals. Centrally-located, well-appointed accommodations are inside the national parks or at their entrances, allowing more time in the parks and less on the road! Half board 12 nights in centrally located hotels and motels 1 night in rustic tent cabins in the heart of Yosemite Valley 12 picnic lunches (self-made) 13 breakfasts *Discover both famous and hidden natural wonders *Centrally-located, well-appointed hotels and lodges inside the national parks or near their entrances *Balanced mix of nature, world-famous national parks, and western cities *Intimate encounters with nature *Opportunity for fantastic outings: helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon, horseback tours of Bryce Canyon, Jeep tours of Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon (not included in tour price) *Two nights at the Grand Canyon with opportunities for hiking, horseback riding or helicopter tours *Relaxed multi-day stays in each national park *Small group touring max 14 participants *Small group size allows tour director to cater to each group’s preferences *Expertly-trained and dedicated local tour directors Please note: Due to COVID-19, Active Tours West USA offers flexible departure dates on all multi-day tours. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your specific travel wants, dates and needs.
Amazing Views
We design our tours to give you plenty of time to have photo opportunities.
Family Friendly
This tour is perfect for a family holiday and is an excellent opportunity to learn about the West and make memories that your kids and you will remember forever.
Professional Guide
Active Travel West USA ‘s professional guides will ensure your safety and help you maximize your time on tour. At the same time, our guides take great pride in showcasing the amazing destinations throughout the American West.
Photo Rich Environment
You like to take photos and videos, this tour is a photographer's dream.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival in Las Vegas
Arrival in Las Vegas, use the free hotel shuttle from the airport to the La Quinta (3-star), or similar, 1 night.
Day 2. Snow Canyon & Dinosaur Prints
8 AM: Your tour leader will meet you in the hotel for the orientation meeting. Leaving Las Vegas we soon ascend to the Colorado Plateau through the Virgin River Gorge. Today we enjoy the spectacular scenery of Snow Canyon State Park, where we walk over petrified sand dunes. Then we are on to see the impressive collection of dinosaur footprints (entrance included). Our hotel is centrally located in St. George. Hotel Ramada, St. George (3-star), 2 nights
Drive time: 120 miles / 200 km or 2hrs
Day 3. Zion National Parks
Zion National Park is an 800 m deep sandstone canyon carved by the Virgin River. The scenery is stunning. Zion is famous for the iconic hike to Angel’s Landing, and the many slot canyons. We have all day to explore this fabulous park. You have the option to enjoy a hike to Emerald Pools, where water cascades into shaded pools, or you can hike on your own to Angel’s Landing. Maybe you are interested in wading in the Narrows? There is free time in the charming town of Springdale.
Day 4. Explore Bryce Canyon National Park
Leaving early we soon reach Bryce Canyon NP. For many, Bryce is the most beautiful of the American National Parks. Hiking paths wind through radiant red and pink towers of stone, which contrast beautifully with blue skies and green pines. At sundown, be awed by an unforgettable color play on the formations. Those wanting can take a horseback ride through Bryce’s rock formations (approx. $65, not included) or hike with the group on the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail. In summer, enjoy a Western Cowboy dinner show (not included). Hotel Bryce View Lodge, (3-star), 1 night
Drive time: 140 miles / 220 km or 2.5 hrs
Day 5. Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend
Soon we reach Lake Powell. Here, the Colorado River created a giant lake with a 3000 k shoreline. Deep red sandstone walls reflect in the deep blue waters, offering unforgettable images. The area is famous for its rock formations. We recommend a tour to Antelope (not included, approx. $70); and a hike to Horseshoe Bend. Quality Inn (3-star), or similar, 1 night.
Drive time: 140 miles / 220 km or 2.5 hrs
Day 6.Monument Valley with Indians
It is a short drive to the famous Monument Valley. Giant red towers of stone rise out of the valley and offer fantastic photographic motifs. For decades, this area has been used as a backdrop for the cameras of Hollywood. We recommend an unforgettable Jeep tour through the valley led by the local Navajo Indians (starting at $70, not included), where secluded views of the panoramas of Ear of the Wind and Big Hogan await. In the afternoon, a two and a half hour trip returns us to the Grand Canyon via its eastern entrance. With luck, we arrive in time for a stunning sunset. Our hotel is at the entrance of the national park. Red Feather Lodge (3-star), or similar, 2 nights.
Drive time: 300 miles / 450 km or 4.5 hrs
Day 7. The Grand Canyon
We have all day to relax at the Grand Canyon! We explore the edge of the canyon, a dream location for photography. You can do a self-guided easy hike along the West Rim to the beautiful outlook, Hermit’s Rest. We recommend the amazing helicopter tours and/or the IMAX theater (to be paid locally, they are not included in the tour package) as well as watching the famous sunsets or renting bikes (not included) to explore the rim of this amazing sight.
Day 8. Route 66 and Las Vegas
In the early afternoon, we head back towards Las Vegas along the famous Route 66 (drive time 4-5 hours). Our hotel is centrally located. Golden Nugget Casino (3-star), or similar, 1 night.
Drive time: 265 miles / 430 km or 4-5 hrs
Day 9. Death Valley
The environment of Death Valley stands in stark contrast to the red deserts of Utah and the green mountains of Yosemite. Here, in Death Valley, the temperatures and weather conditions are extreme. In the summer temperatures often exceed 120°F. Death Valley is the lowest landmass in North America at 282 feet below sea level. We have time to explore its golden sand dunes, its myriad of brackish pools and springs as well as the fascinating rock erosion formations of Zabriskie Point. If temperatures allow, we will even hike to the Badlands. Then we drive along the 14,000-foot ridge of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Our hotel is located in the renowned ski resort of Mammoth Lakes. Sierra Lodge (3-star), or similar, 1 night.
Drive time: 330 miles / 530 km or 6 hrs
Day 10. Explore Mono Lake, Tuolumne Meadows, looking for bears
Go for a morning self guided hike and soak in the hot springs. We head out for Reno with a stop in Historic western town of Truckee, California.
Get a coffee and visit the tourist visitor center to learn more about the history of Truckee, including the tragic Donner Party Story.
Option: Morning Spa Treatments
Hike: Sightseeing walking 1 mile
Hotel or Camping: Sierra Hot Springs
Total Drive time: 3.0 hrs / 140 miles
Included: Breakfast and Picnic Lunch
Day 11. Explore Yosemite’s Glacier Point
Today we discover Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site. In the morning, we drive we explore Glacier Point, the most impressive viewpoint of the national park. Big tour buses are notallowed to drive here, but our smaller van is allowed. From here we have a perfect view of the Half Dome. Our hotel is in the historic gold-mining town of Sonora. Heritage Inn (3-star), or similar, 2 nights.
Drive time: 100 miles / 160 km or 2-3 hrs
Panorama Trail: 4-6 hrs, 11 km, elevation difference +215/-915m
Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Loop: 4 hrs, ca. 6 miles / 10 km, elevation difference: +/-215 m
Day 12. Giant Sequoias of Calaveras Big Tree State Park, ghost town of Columbia State Park, wine tasting
A full day to enjoy the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. We spend the morning hiking among a hidden grove of Giant Sequoia, at the Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Few tourists are found here and we enjoy solitude among the giant trees. Then we continue to Columbia State Park to enjoy a living history museum dedicated to the ghost town and gold rush area. In the afternoon we have time to enjoy wine tasting (not included) and shopping. Why not stop in at the hotel where Mark Twain stayed?
Drive Time approx.. 125 miles / 200 km – 2 hours
Walks: 5 miles / 8 km, +/- 100m
Day 13. Explore San Francisco
We move on to our final destination, San Francisco, the famous city on the Pacific Ocean. We explore the city by cable car and on foot, finding many hidden treasures throughout this fabulous metropolis. We will visit Union Square, Chinatwon and also Coit Tower. You have time to explore Fisherman’s Wharf as well. Hotel Whitcomb (3-star), or similar, 1 night.
Drive time: 120 miles / 200 km or 2.5 hrs
Day 14. Tour Over, Departure
Departure is on your own. We can help you with any additional information to ensure a smooth departure.
Tour Pricing
Student
Age 11-25 Valid Student ID
$2950/person
- Entrance fees to National Parks, State Parks, and Monument Valley
- Cable car pass San Francisco
- City tour of SFO
- 12 nights hotel accommodations in 3-star hotels with private facilities
- 1 night in rustic tent cabins with communal bathroom in the heart of Yosemite Valley
- Breakfasts every morning – Mostly Continental (cold) breakfasts and some hot breakfasts
- 12 self-made picnic lunches (breads, cold cuts, cheeses, trail mix, snacks, fruit) while traveling in the parks
- Highly trained driver/guide that also conducts national park visits and walks/hikes
- Transport in 15-passenger vans with or without trailer depending on group size, or any other vehicle depending on group size
- Languages: English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian.
Adult
18+ years
$3490/person
- Entrance fees to National Parks, State Parks, and Monument Valley
- Cable car pass San Francisco
- City tour of SFO
- 12 nights hotel accommodations in 3-star hotels with private facilities
- 1 night in rustic tent cabins with communal bathroom in the heart of Yosemite Valley
- Breakfasts every morning – Mostly Continental (cold) breakfasts and some hot breakfasts
- 12 self-made picnic lunches (breads, cold cuts, cheeses, trail mix, snacks, fruit) while traveling in the parks
- Highly trained driver/guide that also conducts national park visits and walks/hikes
- Transport in 15-passenger vans with or without trailer depending on group size, or any other vehicle depending on group size
- Languages: English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian.
Price/person $3490
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