On this superb hiking adventure we bring to life western USA’s most famous parks, home to some of the most dramatic wind and water sculptured landscapes in the world. During a series of selected hikes, we absorb the geysers, giant waterfalls, prolific wildlife and valleys full of boiling mud pots in Yellowstone, trek in the Grand Canyon, visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon and hike in the dramatic Rocky Mountains. From Aspen and Glenwood Springs we undertake some world class day hikes in the Rockies and enjoy picture postcard vistas, such as Maroon Bells. Linking the parks and hikes are stunning drives such as the ‘Million Dollar Highway’, considered to be the most scenic in North America. A visit to Mesa Verde UNESCO World Heritage Site and Monument Valley and our final night in Las Vegas rounds off this exhilarating adventure.
Your tour highlights
- Hike and spot wildlife in stunning Yellowstone National Park
- Marvel at the punctuality of Old Faithful geyser
- Trek into the Grand Canyon
- Walk among the imposing, red rock formations of Monument Valley
- Take in the views of Grand Teton National Park
- Explore UNESCO-designated Mesa Verde
- Learn why Maroon Bells is one of the most photographed places in Colorado
- Visit Horseshoe Bend and beautiful Antelope Canyon
- Live it up in Las Vegas
Tour itinerary
Today is an arrival day to Salt Lake City, Utah. Please make your own way to the hotel in the centre of town. Overnight: Crystal Inn or similar.
This morning we have an 8:00am introductory meeting (leave your packed bags in your room and meet your group after breakfast in the lobby). We enjoy a stroll through the vibrant streets of Salt Lake before heading north towards the Teton Mountains. At Grand Targhee we take the chairlift to enjoy unsurpassed views of the amazing peaks of the Grand Teton Mountain Range. (The Grand Targhee Chairlift is open from mid June to mid September. If closed we will walk uphill to enjoy the views). Overnight: Super 8 Hotel or similar. Rexburg, Idaho Hiking: 3km/2miles, 2hrs, +/-200m (more if chairlift closed) Drive time: 550km/350miles, approx 5.5hrs
Yellowstone National Park is the world’s oldest National Park. It protects the world’s most impressive geothermal area, along with one of the densest collections of mega fauna outside of Africa which includes bison, wolf, elk, moose and, of course, bear. Today we hike along on the Wapiti Trail on the south side of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the first large canyon on the Yellowstone river. There is also a chance to walk along Uncle Tom’s Trail and enjoy the amazing waterfall views. Overnight: Alpine Inn, Cooke City (2nights) or similar Hiking: 7km/4.5miles, 3-4 hrs of hiking, +/-200m Drive time: 320km/200miles, approx. 4hrs
Today we explore the world’s largest geothermal area starting in the Mammoth Hot Spring area at the remote northern end of the park. We will spend most of the day exploring the views, springs, colours, geysers and of course we will not miss the eruption of Old Faithful! Overnight: Alpine Inn, Cooke City or similar Hiking: 8-12km/5-7miles, 3-4hrs of hiking, +/-100m Drive time: approx. 320km/200 miles, all day
Exploring this spectacular area continues today heading to the steaming hot pools at West Thumb Geyser. We continue the day back in another section of Grand Teton NP walking along Jenny Lake with the towering peaks above (possible side extension to Inspiration Point). Enjoy a ferry ride across Jenny Lake, meeting your tour director at the end of the hike with your transport to continue on to the historic town of Jackson, Wyoming. Time for a stroll through Jackson before heading to the small cowboy town of Pinedale. Overnight: Baymont Inn & Suites, Pinedale or similar Hiking: 10km/6miles, 3hrs. (3km/2miles extra to Inspiration Point) Drive time: 400km/250miles 6hrs
In the rain shadow of the Rockies we drive south into the heart of Colorado’s Rockies. We cross the vast expanse of the “Great American Desert” that challenged many pioneers, heading west. We follow part of the old ‘Oregon Trail’ through the dry prairie, before we enter the green hills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. We stop in the famous hot springs town of Glenwood Springs for 2nights. Overnight: Cedar Lodge, Glenwood Springs (2nights) or similar Drive Time: 680kms/430miles, approx. 7hrs
This morning we head off hiking through dense aspen forests in the Elk Mountains towards the pristine, glacial Maroon Valley. You will enjoy the spectacular twin peaks of Maroon Bells reflecting in the tranquil alpine lakes (due to park regulations this hike is self-guided). This afternoon you are free to explore Aspen. One of the most picturesque towns in the USA, Aspen started as a gold rush town and is now a famous ski and outdoor adventure town. Overnight: Cedar Lodge, Glenwood Springs or similar Hiking: 10km/6miles, approx. 3-4 hrs of hiking, +/-200m
Following spectacular mountain roads south through the Rockies to Mesa Verde. En route, we drive the famous ‘Million Dollar Highway’, considered by many to be one of the most scenic highways in North America. You have the opportunity to take the famous Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge railroad (approx. USD125 to be paid locally), voted among the world’s 10 best railroad journeys. We overnight at the entrance to Mesa Verde. Overnight: Baymont Inn, Cortez (2nights) or similar Drive time: 450kms/280miles (or less if taking the train), 4-5hrs
Today we explore Mesa Verde, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We take a ranger led walk through 1000-year-old ruins and hike the rims and mesas to impressive view points through Spruce Canyon and Petroglyph Point Trail. Overnight: Baymont Inn, Cortez or similar Hiking: 8-10km/5-6miles, approx. 3-4hrs +-/300m Drive time: approx. 300km/200 miles, 3-4 hrs
Today we travel through the amazing red desert of the Colorado Plateau to arrive at the magical Monument Valley of the Navajo Indians. We recommend an optional Jeep tour here with a local guide to see the full beauty of this remarkable place (optional excursion at additional cost). In the afternoon we continue to Page on Lake Powell. We take a short walk out to the spectacular Horsehoe Bend, also referred to as the ‘east rim of the Grand Canyon’. Overnight: Quality Inn, Page or similar Hiking: 1hr Drive time: 320km/200miles approx. 3.5hrs
This morning we recommend you explore Antelope Slot Canyon. Antelope Canyon is known for its incredible rock formations, colours and lights and is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world. You can decide to do a tour with a local guide (optional excursion at additional cost). This afternoon we head to the grandest of all canyons – the Grand Canyon. Time for an afternoon walk along the rim waiting for the sun to set over this magnificent sight. Overnight: Red Feather Lodge (2nights) or similar Hiking: 8-10km/5-6miles approx. 2-3hrs Driving: 200km/130miles approx. 2.5hrs
Today we enjoy another full day at the Grand Canyon which is at your own leisure. We recommend a leisurely hike along the West Rim of the canyon where you can enjoy incredible views or down into the depths for the famous Plateau Point. Due to park regulations all walks are self-guided inside Grand Canyon NP. Overnight: Red Feather Lodge, Grand Canyon West Rim: Hiking approx. 4 hrs, 13km/8 miles, +/- 50m Plateau Point: Hiking approx. 8-12hrs, 20km/12miles, +/-1150m
Along Route 66 we head towards Las Vegas and our hotel in the city. This evening is free to indulge yourself in Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps. Overnight: La Quinta Las Vegas or similar. Drive time: 433km/270miles, 4hrs
The hotel offers a free airport shuttle for your onward flights. PLEASE NOTE: Drive times provided above are approximate and may vary according to weather, traffic and changes in road conditions.
What you’ll see on the tour
Tour pricing:
from $8,990
To secure your place now:
Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]
Tour Inclusions:
- 13 breakfasts, 12 picnic lunches plus trail snacks on hikes
- Accommodation in tourist class hotels and lodge
- Private transport throughout
- Services of an experienced driver-guide
- National park entry fees, trekking permits & sightseeing as specified