The week was full of many different experiences. Despite a smaller group than usual, the walking was excellent, even though it was very hot. The wine-tastings were very different, and all informative, some with some nice nibbles included. The hotel is lovely with an excellent (ask for a room with a view) with a swimming pool and home made pizzas to die for. City-wise, we visited St Gimignano, Siena (brilliant guided tour included) and Florence. Our guide, Jordan, did a great job keeping us under control.
Walking Holidays in the USA
USA National Park Walking Holidays
Top 5 National Parks to Visit on Walking Holidays USA
Zion National Park: Hiking along the meandering trails that lead through Zion National Park, let you discover the wonderful flora and fauna that occupies the landscape surrounding the Virgin River and emerald pools. The Zion Canyon is particularly fascinating, and you’ll learn about the Utah Mormons who referred to it as the ‘promised land’. Climb to the summit of the famous Watchman Trail to reach the viewpoint that looks out over park and the imposing Watchman Peak and explore the Zion Narrows for even more spellbinding vistas. This is a thrilling adventure as you wade through the river below the steep canyon walls.
Grand Canyon National Park: Playing host to one of the USA’s most phenomenal sites, the Grand Canyon National Park is arguably one of the most photographed and impressive of all. Until you see the Grand Canyon with your own eyes, it’s hard to imagine its immensity and sheer beauty. Formed over several millennia, the canyon is one of those natural wonders that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Winding along the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park runs between a staggering seven US states. If you get the chance, you should visit at sunset when the canyon is bathed in orange and pinks for an unforgettable experience.
Yellowstone National Park: Shrouded in mystery, Yellowstone is another of the USA’s most popular national parks. The diversity of wildflower meadows, dramatic mountains and geothermal landscapes is intoxicating. Walk around thermal hot springs, mud pools and fumaroles as you learn about the park’s volcanic history. You can also explore one of the world’s largest concentration of geysers which pepper this lunar-like landscape. Yellowstone is also renowned for being the home of the wolf, which lives among the mountains, and with any luck you’ll be able to see them in the wild on a wolf tracking tour as well as various other species of wildlife.
Bryce Canyon National Park: Famed for its unusual red rock formations, known as hoodoos, which pierce the landscape with their jagged spires, Bryce National Park has an unearthly landscape that will leave you breathless. Walk along the Rim Trail where you can peer over the enormous Bryce Amphitheatre from several viewpoints, including Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce points. Alternatively, follow the Peek-a-Boo or Navajo trails that lead you in between the hoodoos. This is a surreal experience as the huge spires tower above you in this fantastical landscape.
Glacier National Park: In stark contrast to other parks, Glacier National Park boasts an ancient landscape made up of glacial valleys, alpine meadows and emerald glacial lakes. This is a wild paradise for nature lovers and home to a hugely varied array of flora and fauna. On your hiking adventures, keep your eyes peeled for animals such as deer, grizzly bears, mountain goats, wolves and lynx. There won’t be a moment when your eyes can rest from the wildly beautiful scenery as something new surprises you at every twist and turn. To witness the picturesque glacial lakes, walk along the Hidden Lake Trail.
Our Top 5 USA National Park Hikes
- Angels Landing, Zion National Park – Fortune favours the brave, and if you have a head for heights, the Angels Landing hike offers incredible rewards. With a pleasant and scenic start, you then encounter ‘Walter’s Wiggles’, a series of 21 tight switchbacks with a fast elevation gain. As you climb higher, chains are provided to aid your steep ascent, but at the summit, you’ll experience the much-lauded panoramic view over Zion National Park.
- Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon – For a different perspective of the Grand Canyon that far less visitors experience, why not hike into the canyon itself? The Bright Angel Trail snakes its way down from rim to river, although it’s not recommended to hike all the way in one day. Plateau Point offers a great stopping point, where you can enjoy incredible views of the canyon from a whole new angle.
- Peekaboo and Navajo Loop, Bryce Canyon – Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its towering spires of rock, known as ‘hoodoos’ – and this trail gives park visitors the opportunity to walk amongst the hoodoos, staring up in awe as the sun against rock formations create shadows across the park. Eerie and fascinating, this landscape is the perfect place for photographers too.
- Delicate Arch Trail,Arches National Park – One of Utah‘s finest national parks offers a less strenuous short hike with views over one of the Southwest’s most photographed landmarks, make your way through Arches National Park to see its most famous rock formation, Delicate Arch. The red sandstone arches here have been created over millions of years by the winds that brush down the western slope of the Rocky Mountains.
- The John Muir Trail – For experienced backcountry hikers looking for their next challenge, the John Muir Trail is one of America’s most famous hiking routes. It’s not for the faint hearted – you’ll need endurance, experience and preparation for all weathers. But on an uninterrupted three week trekking holiday along the trail, you’ll be rewarded well for your efforts.
Valerie Thompson Tuscany Walks & Chianti Wines
Melinda Dankenbring Highlights of the DolomitesWe had a wonderful week hiking in the Dolomites. The level 3 hikes were challenging with excellent guidance by our leaders. Excellent service and food at the hotel. Fun group of hikers. Overall a very enjoyable experience.
John Boam Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel TrekWhat a trip, what an adventure, it was fabulous in every way, if you love walking, if you love the mountains, I’d highly recommend it. Firstly the scenery is epic, I don’t think I’ve ever said wow so many times!
The hotels like the food is a bit varied from the superb to the basic, but it all does the job and at the end of the day your often so tired as long as you’ve got something hearty to eat and some where warm and comfy to sleep that’s all you need. Yes, it would be nice if all the rooms had ensuite showers and toilets but on the few occasions they didn’t it was no big deal.
One thing that is a big deal is the weather in the Alps, which I can imagine can make or break a trip. I went near the end of the season (the last week in August first week of September) and fortunately it worked out great – The trails were quieter and we were so lucky with the weather – it was in the 20s virtually the whole time we were there and we only had one day of rain.
So in summary, if you’re thinking about it, if you’re on the fence go for it you won’t regret it.
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