National Parks of the West

Essential Information

Trip Profile

Travel by private minibus. Some daywalks.

Accommodation

13 nights in comfortable hotels/lodges.

Food

8 lunches included.

Reality Check

This is a busy itinerary and you will need to be reasonably fit.

All the walking is in the form of optional day hikes which allows walkers to do their own thing - it is essential that you have a reasonable knowledge of the outdoors and show a degree of common sense.

The leader will suggest moderate day hikes and will often accompany the group on the walk chosen by the majority.

The leader will also advise those who do not wish to participate on the other options available in the area. Please note, some of the areas are remote and hiking or relaxing will be the only possible entertainment. A few trails require some scrambling over rock slabs and gullies and some are rather exposed. The trails vary a great deal, as in the more developed parks they are well maintained and defined whilst in the remote parks we might be following a sandy, rocky creek bed or hike cross country over open desert terrain.

Crossing shallow streams or wading through a creek (Zion) can be expected. Most of the walking is at moderate altitudes and therefore should not cause any altitude-related problems.

Hiking options in Yosemite are quite varied and can be strenuous. This tour will visit many of the most famous national parks.

Driving distances are considerable but we have tried to ensure 2 nights in most places. This is a relatively fast paced tour so on several of the days we will leave early and return after dark. Where we spend 2 nights, the day is usually spent at a park with minimum driving times.

Please do note that the West is a big place and the distances might seem long compared to Europe!

Normal group size and age

Normally 6 to 13, plus leader/driver. Minimum age 16.

Icons explained

The vast majority of Exodus adventures are adult group holidays. Groups are always small in size. We strongly believe that this adherence to small groups means a better experience for all; more time with your guide, less waiting around and a reduced impact on the communities and environments visited.
Each group is generally made up of like-minded travellers - with singles, couples and friends all joining in together. All these trips are suitable for single travellers, but if you prefer to travel with clients booking individually, please see our Solo Departures page.

In order to provide a more accurate grading system, where a trip falls between two grades we use an intermediate or split grade, for example Leisurely/Moderate. Occasionally, there are optional activities available en route, in this case the optional grade is indicated in brackets, for example Grade Challenging (climb Tough+). Clearly, conditions may differ from region-to-region or month-to-month and as such the information given on these pages is designed to act as a guide only. In all cases you should refer to the respective holiday's Trip Notes for further details.

Walking & Trekking: Trips are wholly trekking-focused or simply include a significant number of walking days during the itinerary.

Mixed Activities: Activities may range from the ordinary (for example walking, cycling or whitewater rafting) to the damn right extraordinary (including caving, camel riding or canyoning).

Wildlife: Trips may be wholly wildlife focused, or contain an element of wildlife viewing within a less specific itinerary.

Wilderness: Visit the deserts, jungles, plateaux, tundra and mountains of all seven continents, including Antarctica.