NATIONAL PARKS OF THE WEST

15 days from GBP2,229 to GBP2,549 including flights

Tripcode: AFL

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart London and fly to San Francisco, arriving in the evening.
Day 2: One of the USA's most interesting cities, San Francisco spreads over steep hills on a narrow peninsula. Impressive bridges connect the different parts of the city, the most famous being the Golden Gate Bridge. Our hotel is about one mile from Union Square and Chinatown. An early start is recommended so that we can take a short driving tour and allow everyone time to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Some groups may opt for an early lunch at one of the city's great restaurants before heading to Yosemite N.P. Please note that this trip is only scheduled to spend a morning in San Francisco. If you want to spend more time here (and there is lots to do!) then we suggest you fly a day earlier than the group.

In the afternoon we're on towards Yosemite N.P. (300 km � approximately 4 hours). Straddling the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, the park consists of the most unusual formations. Being of volcanic origin, the Sierra's geology consists almost entirely of granite. The last ice age's massive glaciers sawed some of the huge granite domes in half, cutting deep valleys. We stay at a hotel located outside the park
Day 3: Another early start as we head into the beauty of Yosemite N.P. Shuttle buses provide convenient transportation inside the park, giving us the flexibility to make arrangements for various hikes. The leader will spend the day hiking and exploring 'The Valley' with the group. Along the John Muir Trail we can climb up to the massive waterfalls of Vernal and Nevada and have a chance to take a refreshing dip in their waters. The photo opportunities here are superb.
Day 4: Leaving the valley we soon arrive at the higher reaches of Yosemite N.P. The scenery changes from hillsides covered with manzanita and ponderosa pine, to alpine meadows studded with granite domes. We enjoy the fantastic scenery at Olmsted Point and then pass by the amazing turquoise waters of Tenaya Lake. At 2700m we reach Tuolumne Meadows. We will hike to the top of Lambert (Lembert) Dome. The views both at the top and along the way are quite rewarding. There is also a chance to see wildlife today. This is a one-way hike and the leader will not be able to join the group, as he must drive to endpoint to pick you up.

In the afternoon we drive over the Sierra's Crest at 3031m and descend into the high desert of the Owen's Valley. Time permitting we stop to marvel at ancient Mono Lake. Here bizarre tufa towers reach out of salty waters. We explore an extinct volcano whose core is a massive plug of obsidian, widely traded by pre-Columbian Indians as arrow points. We spend the night at a cosy hotel in the scenic ski town of Mammoth.
Day 5: This is a full day of driving (9 hours) to Zion National Park. Zion National Park exceeds all descriptions: the Virgin River has carved a dark red sandstone canyon so deep and impressive that it is nearly impossible to capture it on camera.
Day 6: A highlight for many will be a trek to the top of Angel's Landing. A steep ascent of 450m will rewards with breathtaking views of the valley below (8 km, the short top section is very exposed: those not wanting to hike the exposed portion will continue along the trail to alternative viewpoints). Depending on weather conditions, we may choose to wade in the Narrows, a deep chasm cut into the red rocks.
Day 7: Now we're on to the next highlight � Bryce Canyon (140km). We reach Bryce in the afternoon as the soft light bathes the rock formations below. As we near the rim we are surprised by the sheer beauty of the delicate stone towers shimmering in hues of red. We take an invigorating hike along the rim offering superb photo opportunities (3-4 hours). We stay for 2 nights at a hotel near the entrance of the national park, which offers a pool and spa.
Day 8: We have all day to explore this wonderland of rocks on hidden trails that wind through the stone towers. The colour contrast of the red, pink and purple rock towers with the deep blue skies is unreal. Gnarled conifers grow between the rocks, adding to the vibrant colours. Hiking trails may include Navajo and Peekaboo Loop or even Fairyland Loop Trail. Optional activities include a horse ride through the stone tower formations (about $35). In the afternoon we enjoy far reaching views of the desert below as we drive to and hike at Rainbow Point, which is covered with bristlecone pines.
Day 9: We leave Bryce's Plateau and begin descending into the red desert. Weather permitting, we take a desert track through tortured landscapes of monoclines and uplifts. Eventually we reach the man-made Lake Powell (approx. 2-3 hrs.). Lake Powell was created by damming the mighty Colorado River just above the Grand Canyon. Its shoreline extends over 3000km (due to its twisty flooded canyons) and offers some of the most stunning scenery of the West: sheer cliffs of red sandstone walls rise straight out of blue-green waters. In the afternoon, we can either relax at the lake or choose to explore Antelope Canyon. Antelope may be the world's most famous slot canyon, a sinuously carved rock canyon with flowing walls of red sandstone polished by flash floods. You can choose to hike the lower canyon, a more adventurous slot, or take your camera to photograph the famous slot as the light falls in from the top (entrance fee charged by Navajo families, circa $30).
Day 10: In the morning we drive (3 hours) to Monument Valley in time for an afternoon sunset jeep tour, when soft light bathes the stone monoliths in soft colours. This is Indian country: the local Indians, the Navajos, still reside and farm in this valley. The highly recommended jeep tour (optional, starting at $35) goes through the valley, to marvel at the huge stone stumps, mesas, arches and sand dunes that lie hidden in this beautiful valley. We can also visit some exquisite rock art panels of the Anasazis, as well as smaller ruins tucked into alcoves in Monument Valley, an interestinginsight into pre-Columbian art and archaeology.
Day 11: A drive through the Painted Desert takes us to our last highlight of the journey � the Grand Canyon (around. 250 km � approximately 4 hours). Neither words nor pictures can describe the Grand Canyon. Though far from being the world's deepest, it is certainly the grandest of all canyons, and its size is incomprehensible to those peering into the gorge from the top, 16km wide and over 1500m. deep! Some of the rock layers exposed are over 1.7 billion years old and light plays with forms and colours as the sun moves across the sky and offers an ever-changing panorama. In the afternoon we should have time to walk along the West Rim Trail. As we head out we soon leave the crowds behind and enjoy the views and solitude.
Day 12: Today you have a chance to opt for a more challenging hike into the depths of the canyon along the Bright Angel or Kaibab Trail, or board a plane or helicopter for an unforgettable flight.
Day 13: There's the chance for an optional sunrise walk before we say goodbye to one of the world's greatest sights and head back west towards Las Vegas (approximately 6 hours). There might be some time for last minute shopping once we arrive Las Vegas. In any case, you have all night to enjoy the craziest city in the world.
Day 14: Those on the group flight depart Las Vegas late morning.
Day 15: Arrive London in the morning.