National Parks of the West

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 13 reviews.

Boyd Taylor

NATIONAL PARKS OF THE WEST

Written May 2013
WOW is the best word to describe this trip. The landscape is vast and amazing.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The entire trip was inspirational! Yes there are some long drives (one our leader aptly named "Van Appreciation Day") but there is so much to see even that long day passed too quick. The walks were definitely the highlights of course. The Yosemite walk up the waterfall trail was superb, especially walking in the spray from the falls and the sun created rainbows through which we walked - pure magic! Angels Landing in Zion was very exciting and Pam & I will never forget it - standing on the narrow ridge with vertiginous drops on either side of us - wow again! Bryce Canyon was wondrous, the Hoodoos have to be seen to be believed. We walked the Fairyland Trail and the name is spot on. It was early morning and we were the only ones on the trail, silence, birds singing and amazing rock formations all around. We would love to go back and explore more! Of course the Grand Canyon is the most awesome site - it is immense! Walk in the early morning though - it was like an oven! Which did we prefer? Hmm they all have their qualities but we opt for Zion & Bryce, there is something about them that wants us to go back and explore them more.
What did you think of your group leader?
Brady our leader was great. He went out of his way to make sure we enjoyed the trip. He even added on some extra locations and little surprises which were not on the itinerary. He gets our vote as leader of the year! He also did all the driving too and was VERY safe, at no time did we feel uncomfortable in the van.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Pam & I have been on over 12 trips with Exodus now and the leader has always accompanied us on the walks. However due to some quirk of the parks regulations in the USA in this case he cannot accompany you! But the trails are so easy to follow that you cannot get lost and it was not a problem. Bearing that in mind though ensure you take some first aid with you as the leader would normally carry it for the group! Also follow all his instructions regarding water - you need LOTS of it on the walks. We didn't manage the walk through the narrows in Zion due to lack of time, but in the itinerary it does not mention the need to hire wet suits as the water can be waist deep in places!
One last word - the van holds about 13 travellers and would be very cramped with a full complement. As there were only 7 in our group we could spread out and swap seats as we went along. This added to the pleasure and comfort of the trip.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
On reflection my wife and I think this is the best trip we have ever been on and probably ranks as the best holiday we have ever had. If you fancy it - DO IT. You will not be disappointed!
Claire Young

NATIONAL PARKS OF THE WEST

Written May 2013
This was an absolutely amazing holiday that met and exceeded my expectations! We went from one breathtaking moment to another everywhere we went.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The walk through The Narrows at Zion was glorious - you do need waterproof shoes/sandals for this as there are large and slippery rocks to negotiate, we didn't need a wetsuit but we did have our swimwear on just in case it got particularly deep. I also loved the Monument Valley jeep tour with the Navajo (stay for dinner and you'll drive back under the stars) and Bryce Canyon and its Hoodoos were 'awesome'.
What did you think of your group leader?
Alex was fantastic! He took very good care of us all and was extremely well organised and knowledgeable. Often the group split up to do different walks or activities and he always made sure that could be accommodated. He was endlessly patient, despite our constant stream of questions about everything from the colour of American cheese to gun legislation, and he did his upmost to ensure that everyone was having a great time.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Definitely take waterproof sandals/shoes so that you can do the Narrows walk. Take a good camera (plus charger) as there is so much you will want to take photos of. Unless you can read on a bus, don't bother taking a book as you won't have time to read during the day and you will be far too tired to read at the end of it!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you are at all nervous about signing up alone, don't be! You'd be surprised at how quickly the group bonds and you will start talking to people from the minute you meet up in reception, the size of the group (not to mention the bus!) means it's almost impossible not to be friendly!
Mary Wood

NATIONAL PARKS OF THE WEST

Written October 2012
This holiday exceeded our expectations. It was, as advertised, busy, spectacular, very varied, and shared by a terrific group of people. Our accommodation was great, and even the long travelling days were lightened by visits to interesting places on the way.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Bryce Canyon, a place I have wanted to see for many yéars, was breathtaking; the colours and shadows ever changing with the different quality of light. Hugging a bristle cone pine was a long-held ambition and I achieved it!! Clambering up to Angel's Landing was the scariest thing I have ever done, so I'm not sure that it was inspirational, perhaps just foolhardy!
What did you think of your group leader?
Brendan was a superb and efficient leader, aware of our needs as a group, and sensitive to individual needs. He went out of his way to take us to interesting places, such as star-gazing away from any source of light, and really wanted us to see the very best of his country. He was enthusiastic, generous with information about all the places we went to, a really good and careful driver, and on top of that had a good sense of humour and fun. His organisation of picnic lunches, hotel keys etc. was second to none, and he was universally appreciated and liked. In short, he could not have been bettered!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for a very full and busy schedule, as stated in the trip notes. There are some early starts. At this time of year,ie October, heed the advice about about taking and wearing layers, as we encountered frost and snow as well as warm conditions. At times, the day-time temperature was hot, but when the sun went in, it got very cold, so carry extra layers while walking.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would just like to add that we had a superb holiday, enhanced by good company, a fantastic leader, and out of this world scenery.
Frances Rushworth

NATIONAL PARKS OF THE WEST

Written September 2012
This was definitely the holiday of a lifetime! Highlight after highlight as we covered 2,200 miles visiting some of America's most stunning national parks. Our young Californian guide Collin bubbled with enthusiasm and energy and looked after us brilliantly and it was a great group of fellow travellers, all keen to make the most of the opportunities on offer, including hiking, horse-riding, jeep tours and canyoneering.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were so many highlights, with sunrises and sunsets in all the parks, but a personal memory that will never fade was the sense of achievement and awe on hiking to the top of Angels' Landing in Zion - we saw condors flying below us!
We saw lots of wildlife, including a bear, coyotes, elk, vultures and condors in the parks, plus dolphins in the bay below the Golden Gate Bridge.
What did you think of your group leader?
In his own words: awesome! Collin was great fun and inspired us all with his love of the places we visited, and added to that he was a safe and thoughtful driver and guide.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Travel light: there were hairdryers in all the hotels and some had launderettes for washing clothes. American hotels provide coffeemakers but hot English tea is not so common - iced tea is widely available.
Be prepared for lots of early starts and long days and take advantage of the optional excursions which are very good, but cost extra. Breakfasts were often fruit and granola bars as we were up and away before most places opened, and there were a number of sandwich lunches, assembled ourselves from the frequently restocked cool boxes. Evening meals were taken in restaurants from pizza places to steakhouses.
The journeys on the road in the minibus were well broken up with stops at places of interest and/or food every couple of hours. We swopped bus seats regularly and the front-seat passenger got to play their iPod selection of music, which gave us a great variety of soundtracks to our travels.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Consider taking a few days either side of the trip if you can - we really enjoyed relaxing after the long flight out for a few great days in San Francisco, staying at Fisherman's Wharf, before the trip started; and then we returned to the city at the end to chill out and shop. It's a beautiful oceanside city with lots to do - don't miss the wild sealions at Pier 39 or the wonderful foodie shops at the Ferry Building!
Greg Tebble

NATIONAL PARKS OF THE WEST

Written May 2012
A wonderful adventure through the parks, canyons and deserts of south west America with options for all levels of walking/hiking at most destinations.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The Grand Canyon was simply amazing. Yosemite and Zion National Parks exceeded expectations, (which were high), and Bryce Canyon was simply out of this world. Oh, and yes, I loved Las Vegas. What's not to like about it?
What did you think of your group leader?
He was a Prince in more ways than one. Very committed to the group and his job, was always about to advise and to chat and was a very careful and rerspectful driver. Had everything organised in a laid back sort of way. An ideal tour leader for this kind of tour.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be careful with you packing. Temperatures in May were 35C and higher but a few days after we got home Ron emailed to tell us it was snowing in Yosemite. If there's one thing that is essential to bring its an appetite. The size of American breakfasts has to be seen to be believed! And wait till you order a pizza!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This really was a great adventure seeing the American west in its full diversity. The accommodation throughout was very good and quite exceptional in a couple of places. I found the Americans I met to be friendly and helpful whether visitors to the area or serving in shops or restaurants. I lost track of how many nice days I was to have!!
Route 66 was of course deeply interesting to anyone of my vintage and Las Vegas was a wonderful way to wind up the fortnight. What a contrast. Simply fabulous.
John Clark

NATIONAL PARKS OF THE WEST

Written October 2011
An excellent tour, covering a wide area but allowing adequate hiking time in the famous National Parks. The variety of trails available in the Parks make the tour suitable for people of different abilities. The scenery was tremendous, and the hotels generally of a high standard.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Undoubtedly, the Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring sight, but the rim views of Bryce Canyon and particularly walking the trails in that Canyon were probably the best moments of the tour.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader was fine. An experienced tour leader he was well acquainted with the region and organised the various walking options in the Parks well.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Limited time is allowed at San Fransisco or Las Vegas at either end of the tour. Potential travellers might consider whether they wish to add a couple of days (or more) at these locations.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The tour vehicle was very cramped. Fortunately one person booked on the tour did not appear, otherwise with a full complement of passengers for the vehicle, the situation would have been worse. The improvised lunch arrangements worked well enough.
Bernard Jones

NATIONAL PARKS OF THE WEST

Written May 2011
A packed two weeks seeing the highlights of and hiking in the National Parks of Yosemite, Zion Canyon, Bryce Canyon and the Navajo Nation lands of Monument Valley, finally ending up at the Grand Canyon. The variation and beauty of all the sites made the few long journey days well worth while.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
All the hikes were excellent but for me the hike up to Angel's Landing was the most inspirational moment, mainly because I was very apprehensive about the sheer drops and very nearly didn't do it. Even the shuttle commentary mentioned the occasional deaths!
What did you think of your group leader?
Top guy and guide. I felt that he really wanted us to get the maximum value out of the trip. He organised the most delicious 'proper picnics' and each evening invited us to reflect on the day over 'adult beverages'-this was very popular!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Expect a couple of longish transit days and come prepared for a range of temperatures.
Before we went we booked a show in Las Vegas for the last night and really enjoyed.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The range of walks offered at each of the parks varies from easy to strenuous, I would recommend pushing your limits- especially at the Grand Canyon because the sense of achievement becomes one of the highlights of the trip. The jeep trip at Monument Valley ($40-50) is a worthwhile option and those who did the helicopter trip at the Grand Canyon raved about it, but it was pricey at $240.