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 11 reviews.

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.
Michael Bebb

NATIONAL PARKS OF THE WEST

Written June 2010
One of the best holidays I've been on. Each national park had it's own caricatures from Waterfalls, Giant Sequias trees, Wild animals, Geology, History.Botany,Canyons, Rivers,The transport was good, but I think that with 12 in the party it would be over crowded. 8 would be perfect.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Climbling to the top of Angels Lading in Zion N/P and seeing and desending in into the Grand Canyon also Vegas something else
What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader Mr Jeff Jennings was a marvel all the information you needed, entertaing, healthy food, a real pleasnt dood, that was his way saying he liked you.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Just go out there and you will love it. there is a lot of traveling so take a book,
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I had a wonderful time, and recommend it to any one
Sheelagh Collier

NATIONAL PARKS OF THE WEST

Written July 2009
An exceptional holiday, with a great leader, taking us to places off the beaten track with fantastic scenery. The hotels we stayed in were far better standard than described. On the long drives between parks we stopped off for numerous breaks, so the passenger experience wasn't that bad. Las Vegas was an experience in itself, both at night and in the day.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were so many, it's hard to pick just one, but probably walking down into the Grand Canyon at 5am, with the sun rising, changing the colour of the rocks around us. Also driving along famous Route 66.
What did you think of your group leader?
Jeff was an excellent leader, and advised us of the proper trails to take through the parks, especially when he was unable to join us. He bought ingredients for the lunches that were provided with the trip, and always found us a decent spot for a proper picnic-one day we were even joined by an elk! Jeff also brought the group together each night for "Adult Beverages" and arranged a Barbeque one evening and a Pizza party another. He advised us the best places to eat, that had been recommended by other groups.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't be put off by the long drives, thee scenery makes the drives go quickly. Also, there are a lot of early starts, but the leader does know best, and doing some of the walks early is far better than in the heat of the day. This is not a leisurely holiday as described in the brochure, you may need another holiday when you get home!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Quite simply the best holiday I have ever been on. Try it, you won't be disappointed!