16 days tour

Hiking The Best Of The West’S National Parks

$ 3,899 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $3,899.00

Hiking The Best Of The West’S National Parks

This tour includes:

Others

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Petroglyphs at Capitol Reef National Park. Stargazing in a Dark Sky Park. Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument Visit. Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Hike. Scout Lookout Hike. The Narrows Hike. General Sherman Giant Forest Hike. Buena Vista Peak Hike. Little Baldy Hike. Entrance fees to all national parks and monuments with hiking and walking excursions. Self-inflating mattresses and dome tents. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventures’ Vaccinated Tours Policy applies:  All travelers must meet the G Adventures requirements for joining their tours.  The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour.  There are some tours and departures that are only ‘Travel-Ready’ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours before the first day of the tour.  Please, double check with the G Adventures Support Team about the requirements of your tour and departure date. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 below** Travel with Confidence & Vaccinated Tours As we continue to see vaccine mandates shifting and countries evolving COVID-19 policies, we have continued to monitor and adjust our policies in line. Based on this, we will be making some adjustments to our Vaccinated Tours and Travel with Confidence policy in 2023. Tours departing on or after March 31, 2023 we will no longer be requiring all travellers to be vaccinated to travel with G Adventures. However, we still strongly recommend that all travellers are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to travelling. As per our existing policy, it is the travellers responsibility to ensure they are aware of and adhere to the regulations of the country they are visiting. Please remember to ensure that your travellers have adequate travel insurance to protect them should their travel plans change, this should include trip disruption and COVID-19 coverage. Our National Geographic Journeys, National Geographic Family Journeys and G Expedition will remain fully vaccinated for all departures . You can read more about these policies here: https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  Leading up to March 31, 2023 our tours will continue to be Vaccinated Tours and you can look for the Vaccinated Tours icon to indicate which departures are vaccinated and which will not require a vaccination as we move forward with this change. You can find more information on our Travel with Confidence landing page https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  or as well as on Sherpa.  Thank you for your continued support as we navigate these updates. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 above**

Meals

13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners

Guide

1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts), participation camping (13 nts).

Transport

Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.

Not included:

Others

1. Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may continue after this tour ends. 2. An essential part of your trip is participation - from putting up your tent (while camping) or packing it away in the morning, to helping with meal preparation and cleaning up - it is all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your CEO will do all the meal planning, but we do ask the clients to help with the preparation and washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun! All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. All tents have built-in insect nets. Comfortable, self-inflating mattresses are also provided, which are approximately 4cm thick. 3. SLEEPING BAGS Please note that sleeping bags cannot be rented. Travellers are responsible for bringing their own sleeping bag. Proper sleeping bags are necessary for this tour. Evening temperatures can reach -9°C - 0°C. Please ensure that your sleeping bag is rated to (-17°C for spring and fall trips and 0°C for trips June - Sept). If you prefer, you can purchase a proper sleeping bag on the first day of the trip. Prices range from $60-$150USD. 4. In order to cover the vast distance in North America to be able to visit several different parks and cities along our trip, we will have a couple of long driving days. 5. All walks and hikes proposed in this itinerary are moderate to strenuous level. You may choose to participate or not, but exploring our national parks on foot is part of our way of travelling. It’s a healthy way to discover North America’s beauty and landscape. ANGELS LANDING Please note that while the trail to Angels Landing is not included in this itinerary, it is available to be done independently. If you’re interested in continuing to the top, you must apply ahead of time for a permit via the National Park’s lottery system at this website . 6. The American West is generally known for warm weather, but temperatures do vary significantly in the mountain and desert areas especially. The day time temperature could exceed 30 C, while the night time temperatures do regularly decrease to single digits, or even possible below freezing. Please be prepared for such extreme conditions. 7. Please note that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21. Many bars and clubs will ask for ID at the door, therefore listening to live music in certain bars or spending a night out in Las Vegas is not possible when you are under the legal age, even if you don’t plan on consuming alcohol. Drinking laws are strictly enforced and our CEOs are unable to help those under age obtain alcohol of any kind. While this should not stop those under legal drinking age from booking a tour, it is important to note that if a traveller is under-age there are certain optional nighttime activities that they may not legally be able to participate in. When trying to book the right trip, we recommend that travellers under legal drinking age take this into consideration when booking a tour that visits several big cities.Moab - Hummer Tour (88-180USD per person) - Rafting (57USD per person) Yosemite National Park - Yosemite National Park Hike (Free) - Yosemite Bike Rental (30-40USD per person)

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here ( https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance ).

Optional

Yosemite National Park - Yosemite Bike Rental (12USD per person) - Yosemite National Park Hike (Free)

Flights

International flights are not included

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Hiking The Best Of The West’S National Parks

  • Day 1 Day 1: Las Vegas
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Las Vegas

      Arrive at any time.
      There are no planned activities today until the evening welcome meeting, so check out the strip or Fremont Street.

      This tour leaves Las Vegas in the morning on Day 2; if you would like to spend any additional time here, we recommend booking pre-tour accommodation.

      Included Activities:
      - Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Day 2 Day 2: Las Vegas/Bryce Canyon National Park (1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Las Vegas/Bryce Canyon National Park (1D)

      Hit the road from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon, travelling past towering cliffs and massive canyon walls, stopping at several viewpoints along the way. Upon arrival the group will set up camp before setting off to explore this unique national park in the fading light. After the sun goes down, don’t forget to look up to check out this renowned night sky while enjoying s’mores around the fire.


      Meals Included:
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 04:30 - 05:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Bryce Canyon National Park Visit
  • Day 3 Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park/Moab (1B, 1L, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park/Moab (1B, 1L, 1D)

      Set off early this morning in Bryce Canyon National Park, and stare in wonder at the largest collection of hoodoos in the world as the sun rises. Take a hike into the amphitheater of Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop to walk amongst the hoodoos, walls and fins that make up this geological wonder. In the afternoon, continue to Moab, an adventure capital of the southwest and the gateway to both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Set up camp upon arrival and spend the evening enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the great outdoors.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 04:30 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Bryce Canyon National Park Visit
      - Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Hike

      Additional Notes: Please note that weather, in particular the heat, can affect the order in which we do the activities of the day. Your CEO will be checking daily on local conditions and will alter the itinerary if the heat poses a risk to the health and safety of the group.
  • Day 4 Day 4: Arches National Park (1B, 1L)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Arches National Park (1B, 1L)

      Enjoy breakfast at camp before driving to Arches National Park. Spend the first part of the day exploring the densest concentration of arches in the world. Take a hike through Devils Garden to Landscape Arch, and continue to Double O Arch, bouldering over rocks to reach the pinnacle views. Head back to Moab in the afternoon where you can take advantage of free time to try some of the optional activities available in the area. Opt to visit Delicate Arch Viewpoint in the evening for a sunset walk. Stand in awe at the over 2,000 sandstone arches ranging in size and shape that make up this park.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 01:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Arches National Park Visit
      - Devils Garden Hike
  • Day 5 Day 5: Canyonlands National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Canyonlands National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

      Travel to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Stop at Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument, the largest known collection of petroglyphs in the Southwest. Spend the day hiking through desert lands to explore eroded towers of sandstone and fissures in the ground on the Joint Trail to Chesler Park.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 02:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Joint Trail and Chesler Park Hike
      - Canyonlands National Park VIsit
      - Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument Visit

      Additional Notes: Please note that weather, in particular the heat, can affect the order in which we do the activities of the day. Your CEO will be checking daily on local conditions and will alter the itinerary if the heat poses a risk to the health and safety of the group.
  • Day 6 Day 6: Capitol Reef National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Capitol Reef National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

      Travel to Capitol Reef National Park. Known for its geologic monocline, discover the cliffs, canyons, petroglyphs and orchards that make up the park. Learn about the geology and the ancient inhabitants who created the petroglyphs still visible on the cliff walls. In the evening check into the cabins we’ll be staying in while in Capitol Reef. Then, take advantage of your free time after dark to look up at the starry night. This national park has been designated a Gold Tier "International Dark Sky Park".


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 03:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Capitol Reef National Park Visit
      - Petroglyphs at Capitol Reef National Park
      - Hike Hickman or Chimney Rock Trail

      Additional Notes: Please note several of the trails we use do not have water accessible. Please bring a bottles/bladder with a capacity of 3 litres. Unexpected trail or road closures may prevent hiking on some of the listed routes. Should this event arise, we will substitute with an alternative hike.
  • Day 7 Day 7: Capitol Reef National Park/Zion National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Capitol Reef National Park/Zion National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

      Today, travel along the scenic highway through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Take in the mesas, canyons and arches that make up this diverse geological region. Set off on a hike in Kodachrome Basin State Park to enjoy the vast open landscape before continuing to Zion National Park. Travel past towering cliffs and massive canyon walls, stop at several viewpoints along the way, and enjoy a free evening in the Springdale area with panoramic views of the rising sandstone rock.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 03:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Kodachrome Basin State Park
  • Day 8 Day 8: Zion National Park (1B, 1L)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Zion National Park (1B, 1L)

      Spend the day discovering Zion National Park. First hike to Scout Lookout, a challenging, but rewarding 4 mile hike which passes through the iconic Walter’s Wiggles before reaching the lookout point along a flat saddle with incredible views of the Zion Canyon.

      Head to the valley floor to trek through the river on one of the most popular hikes in the park, the Narrows. Admire monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky and opt to turn around at any point. Experience diverse plant and animal life in this narrow slot canyon as the park transitions from desert to forest. Gaze at the awe-inspiring beauty of the high plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth’s tallest-known sheer sandstone walls. After returning to camp, head into the charming town of Springdale to celebrate the accomplishments of the last week.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch

      Included Activities:
      - Zion National Park Visit
      - Scout Lookout Trail
      - The Narrows Hike

      Additional Notes: Please note that unexpected trail closures due to risk of flooding may arise in The Narrows. Should this happen, we will substitute with an alternative hike.

      While water shoes are available to rent you may have to carry them with your for the remainder of the day. We recommend bringing your own lightweight water shoe/hiking shoe that you would also be comfortable hiking in for the rest of the day.

      While the trail to Angels Landing is not included in this itinerary, it is available to be done independently. If you’re interested in continuing to the top, you must apply ahead of time for a permit via the National Park’s lottery system at this website: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/angels-landing-hiking-permits.htm.
  • Day 9 Day 9: Zion National Park/Las Vegas (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Zion National Park/Las Vegas (1B)

      Take the short drive from Zion to Las Vegas. Upon arrival, enjoy free time in Las Vegas. Explore the strip, try your luck at a casino, or take in a glitzy show.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
  • Day 10 Day 10: Las Vegas/Sequoia National Park (1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Las Vegas/Sequoia National Park (1D)

      Leave the bright lights of Las Vegas behind and spend the day travelling through the desert to the granite cliffs and ancient giant trees of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Though these two parks were granted National Park status roughly 50 years apart, they are currently managed together by the National Park system. After setting up camp, slow down to relish the natural setting, and roast s’mores around the fire.


      Meals Included:
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 08:00 Hr(s)

      Additional Notes: Please note several of the trails we use do not have water accessible. Please bring a bottles/bladder with a capacity of 3 litres. Unexpected trail or road closures may prevent hiking on some of the listed routes. Should this event arise, we will substitute with an alternative hike.
  • Day 11 Day 11: Sequoia National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Sequoia National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

      Enjoy a full day in Sequoia National Park. Hike the half mile down to General Sherman, at 83 meters (275 feet) high, its the world’s largest tree. Continue to trek through the Giant Forest on Congress Trail to see more of these colossal trees. Enjoy a picnic lunch amongst the giant trees. In the afternoon, choose to venture further into the park. The Marble Fork of the Kaweah River leads to inspiring granite cliffs of Tokopah Canyon, and in early summer, the 1200ft cascading Tokopah Falls is sure to impress.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 01:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - General Sherman Giant Forest Hike
      - Tokopah Falls
  • Day 12 Day 12: Kings Canyon National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Kings Canyon National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

      Rise early and head out for a final day in Sequoia National Park. Hike through the trees to the peak of Little Baldy for panoramic vistas of the surrounding Sierra Nevadas. After, travel to Buena Vista Peak trailhead. At just 2 miles, this round-trip hike packs a punch with 360-degree views from the top of the granite peak to see not only the High Sierra, but also the valley below. After a picnic lunch, continue exploring the park through the network of trails among the towering trees of Grant Grove before traveling back to camp.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 01:30 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Buena Vista Peak Hike
      - Little Baldy Hike
  • Day 13 Day 13: Sequoia National Park/Yosemite National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Sequoia National Park/Yosemite National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

      Upon arrival in the Yosemite Valley, we first witness the iconic sights of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall. This afternoon, we get ourselves oriented among the Valley trails along the Lower Yosemite Falls trail and learn more about the park. After lunch, enjoy free time to walk trails from the Valley floor, simply relax under the towering granite monoliths, or choose to do a portion of the Valley Loop Trail where you can follow many of the Valley’s first east-west trails and wagon roads through meadows and along talus slopes at the base of the granite cliffs, and near the Merced River. On our way to camp, we stop and stand in awe of El Capitan, looking for climbers on the sheer rock face.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 01:30 Hr(s)
  • Day 14 Day 14: Yosemite National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Yosemite National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

      From the valley floor, take the park shuttle system to one of the most iconic trails in the park. Hike alongside the Merced River to climb the Mist Trail, getting sprayed by the waters of Vernal Fall. See the water rushing over the edge before crossing the river and climbing the steps to Nevada Fall. Enjoy lunch from the top, taking in the views of the High Sierra including Half Dome, Liberty Cap, Mount Broderick. On the return trip, take the John Muir Trail down to truly understand this visionaries passion for park. Enjoy free time to walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, Bridalveil Fall Trail, or relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. On the way back to camp, stop at stand in awe of El Capitan, looking for climbers on the sheer rockface.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 00:30 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls Hike
      - Yosemite National Park Visit
  • Day 15 Day 15: Yosemite National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Yosemite National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

      Today we get off the beaten path for a challenging hike, bringing us face to face with the granite domes and slopes that make this park so iconic. Rising from the valley, we search for one last breathtaking view of Half Dome and a chance to overlook the Valley below. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite is dynamic and weather patterns can see dramatic shifts year to year. Seasonally, weather and trail conditions may require the CEO to assess which trail to take, but while the routes may change with the seasons, the views all share equal splendour and require comparable effort for the epic payoff. Our aim will be to set off for the roughly 9 mile hike to North Dome from Tioga Pass.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 00:30 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Yosemite National Park Visit
      - North Dome Trail
  • Day 16 Day 16: Yosemite National Park/San Francisco (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: Yosemite National Park/San Francisco (1B)

      Drive from the Sierra Nevadas to the San Francisco Bay. Tour ends on arrival. Onward travel should be booked no earlier than 7pm.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 04:30 Hr(s)
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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but you’re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

You’ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if you’re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 12 / Max: 90

Age range allowed for this experience.

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