- Discover five breath-taking national parks
- Enjoy a Navajo tour in Monument Valley
- Marvel at the Grand Canyon
- Take the Narrows slot canyon walk
Walking in America's Canyons & National Parks
Walking & Trekking
Activity Level
Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Classic
Visit five breath-taking national parks in the US
A medley of human-made and natural wonders are on full display on this popular tour of western USA. Yosemite Valley and the Grand Canyon are rivalled only by the power and beauty of the Navajo’s sacred Monument Valley. Hike under the largest sandstone cliffs in the world at Zion Canyon, observe strange landscapes in Death Valley, and gaze upon the ever-changing colours of Bryce Canyon. There’s adventure around every corner in the most geographically diverse region of the United States.
From 1 January 2026, this adventure is only available as a private departure. Contact us to find out more.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 1 Superior night (hotel), 9 Classic nights (5 hotel, 4 lodge)
- Variety of day walks to suit all abilities
- Travel by private minibus
- Group normally 4 to 13, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Countries visited: USA
What's Included
- Three breakfasts and one dinner
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
7 Days of Walking & Trekking
Day 3
9 km / 5.6 miles
Day 4
3 km / 1.9 miles
Day 5
5 km / 3.1 miles
Day 6
8 km / 5 miles
Day 7
5 km / 3.1 miles
Day 8
2 km / 1.2 miles
Day 10
5 km / 3.1 miles
This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.
Itinerary
San Francisco Las Vegas
Adventure starts in San Francisco
Begin your adventure in vibrant San Francisco, a city the locals are fiercely proud of. There’s plenty to keep you entertained but the best introduction is to explore by foot, or make use of the cable car network.
Around 6pm, say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging an optional group dinner.
Want more time in San Francisco? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Stanford Court (or similar)
Highlights of San Francisco then on to Yosemite National Park
We take a short driving tour of San Francisco to see landmarks including the Painted Ladies (a symbol of the California Gold Rush) and Golden Gate Park, before leaving via the Golden Gate Bridge. We head east through California’s historic gold country, and make tracks for Yosemite. Here, everything is in gargantuan proportions, including some of the tallest cliffs, waterfalls and trees in North America. We check into the lodge in the Yosemite region: your home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Yosemite View Lodge (or similar)
Walking in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite sits in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range of northern California. Here, green forest meets granite walls several thousand feet high. Rock climbers come from across the world to scale the rocks while hikers walk to some of the largest waterfalls on the planet. As you explore, look for varied wildlife such as deer, bobcats, marmots, pikas and, if you’re lucky, bears. After a visit to see the giant sequoia trees, Yosemite Valley beckons, offering the chance to cycle, dip in the Merced River or wander the meadows. The views are breath-taking from every vantage point: the granite formations of Half Dome, El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks are sure to be forever etched on your mind.
Accommodation: Yosemite View Lodge (or similar)
Drive across Tioga Pass and to Death Valley National Park
Drive through the wonderous high country of Yosemite, crossing over the highest highway pass in California at an elevation of 9,945ft (3,031m) to one of the hottest, driest and lowest places on earth. Death Valley has extreme, beautiful landscapes, which are a stark comparison to Yosemite. Richly tinted mudstone hills and canyons await exploration, with dunes and salt pans making for exceptional photos. We cover great distances today but also see fascinating and contrasting scenery.
Please note: Tioga Pass may be closed due to snow in early spring or late autumn, in which case an alternate route to Death Valley will be taken. In the past, extreme temperatures, higher than those expected, have prevented us from entering Death Valley National Park. In the event this happens again, we will notify you as soon as possible with a suitable replacement. This is a worst-case scenario and we endeavour to run the programme as advertised.
Accommodation: Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel (or similar)
Travel to Zion National Park
We travel to Utah and our destination for today: Zion National Park. Like an oasis rising from the desert floor, the multi-coloured cliffs and spring-fed hanging gardens are spectacular. Zion Canyon was named by the early Mormon settlers of Utah who thought of it as their ‘promised land’. Some of the best hiking in southwest USA is here, in and around the fertile Virgin River Gorge. With a two-night stay, we have plenty of time to discover Zion. Upon arrival, the leader takes us on a walk via the Watchman Trail as an introduction to the park.
Accommodation: Hampton Inn Springdale (or similar)
Discover Zion National Park
Today is all about exploring Zion National Park. There is a vast network of excellent trails that you can access via the free national park shuttle bus. We recommend a walk beside the Virgin River or, if weather conditions permit, you may choose to hike deep into the Narrows, a stunning water channel where you’ll witness outstanding scenery. Staying dry is not an option as you wade through the Virgin River between towering walls. The cool waters and the shadow of the canyon can provide a much-needed respite from the scorching sun.
Another popular hike is Angels Landing. Necessary permits cannot be booked by a tour operator, so individual customers must apply for a permit via a lottery. We have included more details on how to do this in the ‘Is This Trip for You?’ section.
Accommodation: Hampton Inn Springdale (or similar)
Bryce Canyon National Park
Leaving Zion National Park, we climb in elevation to almost 8,300ft (2,530m) and traverse a high plateau to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon is a fascinating natural amphitheatre of pink, orange and white sandstone spires, known locally as hoodoos. There are a variety of scenic overlooks and trails that range from easy to moderate in difficulty. The Navajo or Peek-A-Boo Loop trails will enable you to hike among these unique rock formations. Some may prefer to hike on the Queens Garden Trail or remain on the rim and photograph the ever-changing shadows and hues as the sun travels across the sky.
Accommodation: Best Western Ruby’s Inn (or similar)
Monument Valley
Stop for a walk at Horseshoe Bend for an amazing view of the Colorado River before heading to the heart of the Navajo Nation. Monument Valley, a sacred land to those who call it home, is dotted with fabulous red-sandstone monoliths. From here, you witness spectacular sunsets and sunrises. It’s been the backdrop for countless Westerns, so you half expect to see cowboys riding into the sunset. Explore the incredible array of rock formations on an included and guided 4×4 backroads tour, learning all about the magic and myths of the Native American culture. The Navajo Tribal Lands of Monument Valley are a true photographer’s paradise. For dinner, we have included a traditional meal, the Navajo taco, out in the valley with the Navajo themselves.
Accommodation: Kayenta Monument Valley Inn (or similar)
Grand Canyon National Park
This morning, we leave Monument Valley and drive towards Grand Canyon National Park for the ultimate desert showstopper. Crossing the eastern entrance of the canyon, we catch our first glimpse at Desert View. This incredible spectacle is difficult to comprehend, even as you stand at the rim or hike down into the canyon. Carved over several millennia, this natural wonder is 275mi (445km) long, up to 18mi (29km) wide and more than 1mi (1.6km) deep. Snaking through the canyon floor is the mighty Colorado River, which runs 1,450mi (2,330km) through seven US and two Mexican states.
Accommodation: Red Feather Lodge (or similar)
Grand Canyon National Park
You have a full day to explore this awe-inspiring canyon. We highly recommend a scenic flight over the canyon, which offers a perspective you cannot see by visiting on foot. Alternatively, lace up your boots for a hike on the South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge, hike down the more challenging trail to Plateau Point, or simply relax at the canyon edge and enjoy a spectacular sunset over one of the most incredible natural wonders in the world.
Optional activities: Grand Canyon Helicopter flight: US$369 (starting rate, price varies according to demand)
Accommodation: Red Feather Lodge (or similar)
Route 66 to Las Vegas
En route to Vegas, we travel a section of the original Route 66 and visit Seligman, a town full to the brim with Americana wares. Continuing, we travel to hedonistic Sin City, the fastest-growing city in the United States and renowned as the ‘tacky capital of the world’ – home to pirates and pyramids, weddings and water fountains. Upon arrival, enjoy a driving tour down the Las Vegas Strip and see first-hand the resort hotels that make this desert city tick. Vegas comes alive at night with resort hotels, shows and the Bellagio Fountain’s regular water displays. We recommend booking extra nights to explore the city – there are numerous art galleries, shops and world-class restaurants to enjoy. If you want a couple of extra nights, please speak to your sales representative for advice.
For those who are not extending their stay in Las Vegas, this tour ends with a transfer to Las Vegas International Airport.
Hotels
We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.
Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Reviews
Add your own reviewWalking America’sNational Parcs
This was an epic tour. Virtually ever day has a Wow moment which literally had our group in awe. Expected Grand Canyon to be amazing but Bryce Canyon was probably my favourite. Jay the Guide went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience. Including a bespoke sound track for the bus. Driving into Death Valley to sound of U2 was brilliant.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many. Reaching the top of Angels Landing in Zion was a real highlight. But every destination provided a genuinely inspiring moment.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent
Advice for Potential Travellers
I am so sad this trip is being discontinued. I would possibly go again because I enjoyed it so much. Right at the top of my Exodus adventures
Walking America’sNational Parcs
This was an epic tour. Virtually ever day has a Wow moment which literally had our group in awe. Expected Grand Canyon to be amazing but Bryce Canyon was probably my favourite. Jay the Guide went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience. Including a bespoke sound track for the bus. Driving into Death Valley to sound of U2 was brilliant.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many. Reaching the top of Angels Landing in Zion was a real highlight. But every destination provided a genuinely inspiring moment.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent
Advice for Potential Travellers
I am so sad this trip is being discontinued. I would possibly go again because I enjoyed it so much. Right at the top of my Exidus adventures
Canyons and National Parks Review
This was a great trip, made better by a fantastic guide who went out of her way to ensure everyone had a great time.
Most Inspirational Moment
An evening with the Navajo, learning their history and experiencing their culture
Thoughts on Group Leader
Great, she is one of the best guides I have had, and worked very hard to ensure that everyone had a great experience.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for a great holiday, America isn't cheap but the views and experience is worth it.
A trip to remember
The itinerary was very well-balanced, including a combination of various sightseeing and walks. For us, first-time visitors to these parts of the USA, every day brought something new and amazing, and we enjoyed it thoroughly. Mike, our guide, is a consummate professional – he ensured everything went like clockwork and without doubts or worries, he gave us all the information we needed, told us in an attractive storytelling manner short historical, geographical, and social narratives, enabling us to understand better the places we saw. His permanent optimism and sense of humor made everything look easy and every minute pleasant and worth remembering. The whole atmosphere was relaxing and as magical as the sites we visited. Thanks! Suggestions for improving the experience: 1. It should be noted that the seats in the van are quite narrow, especially in the last row. There were 11 of us and we fit in the van relatively comfortably. A party of 13 would feel very tight, especially on the longer drives. 2. The best accommodations were in Tonopah and Zion. I understand that there are few other options in most of the locations, but at the price we paid, better motels would have been welcomed. Sorry if I seem a bit picky – all in all, it was a trip to remember, an experience of a lifetime.
Review is western explorer trip
Very well chosen set of destinations, excellent guide. Informative, helpful, attentive and dynamic
Most Inspirational Moment
Hike up vernal falls waterfall in Yosemite with assistance from guide
Thoughts on Group Leader
See earlier - informative, helpful, attentive and dynamic. Competent response to unexpected events - flexible and responsive to group
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book alternative hotel to OYO at close of trip in Law Vegas. Because this was terminus of trip we thought hotel had been vetted - found it shabby and somewhat dirty.
Fantastic variety of parks with great company
First time using Exodus which we found to be a great experience from start to finish, with the online presentations during covid giving us confidence in the company and were also extremely inspirational.
Our meetup for the briefing at the start of the trip gave us the opportunity to get to know our fellow travelers and cement the bonding of the group.
Most Inspirational Moment
Whilst hiking up Lembert Dome in Yosemite we were on the verge of deciding it was too much for us when our guide, who had had to escort other members of the party back to a easier route, suddenly appeared to advise us on the correct line of assent and also the technique to enable us to get to the top. This was not the only time that Jay appeared out of nowhere as he was also assisting the various levels in our group to achieve the maximum of their capabilities. Each park is fantastic in different ways, whether it be the enormity of Yosemite, the fun of the narrows in Zion, the hoodoo's of Bryce, the throwback to the westerns in Monument Valley, the grandeur of Grand Canyon and not forgetting the ridiculous heat of death valley.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jay was an excellent group leader with his primary priority being the safety of the group. Jay also astounded us with his depth of knowledge on so many different aspects, whether it be geology, astrology or general useful information. Not forgetting his two other main interests (loves?) of music and beer (not necessarily in that order). Many different versions and styles of Route 66 as a example! He was such great fun and so easy to get along with. The fact that he must have driven about two thousand miles whilst keeping us entertained is a testament to his love of the job and stamina. He was also required to accommodate the different expectations and abilities of the group, which he proved he was up to.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Although classified as cultural in the brochure, travelers do require a certain amount of fitness over uneven terrain to ensure they can make the most of the fantastic scenery and enormity of the parks. Also be aware that wifi is sketchy and insecure in places i.e. not password protected, so be careful if required to make financial transactions.
A wonderful trip!
I travelled with my 23 yr old daughter and we had a great time. Lots of superlatives which have been covered by reviewers below, so I will not repeat them, but suffice to say that this trip exceeded both our expectations in terms of the amazing variation in landscape in the iconic National Parks visited, and the diversity of activities – ranging from exciting hikes, to laying on the ground in Death Valley looking at the Night Sky. Never a dull moment – and our guide inserted little surprises at regular intervals.
Most Inspirational Moment
Perhaps meeting our inspirational Navajo guide in Monument Valley and learning about her childhood and culture. But lots to inspire both of us ....
Thoughts on Group Leader
Joseph Spaid was an incredible leader. He was so knowledgable, approachable, engaging and fun. He was very interesting to chat to, and worked so hard to make sure everyone’s needs were met. We were quite a disparate crowd of 11, some very experienced hikers, others recovering from recent injury, but he found ways to embrace that - I wish I had his energy!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a brolly as sun shade for Death Valley! And rehydration tabs/powder when it's really hot. We all used it and had no problem with overheating even in August. You get dusty walking so plenty of walking gear - it is a busy trip and there wasn’t much time for washing. I was pleased to have my poles in Zion and the Grand Canyon for long (albeit beautiful) uphill stretches. I would definitely advise a few days in San Francisco before joining the trip. It is an incredible city. Our flight from Heathrow was delayed by 28 hours, so we missed one of our three planned days, but we still were well able to meet up with the Group on Sunday. Las Vegas didn’t appeal to us, so we didn’t stay at the end, and we in time to fly out on the same night. The helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon was just extraordinary!
The National Parks
Very busy , hugely interesting itinerary. Some quite breathtaking scenery, with opportunities for physical activity in order to experience it more fully. Very good tour leader, experienced, knowledgeable and well organised. Tour group (9 of us) , various ages and experiences, combined well. A great experience.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hard to pick one particular moment or event. Perhaps the experience of Yosemite: view of the valley from Glacier Point, variety of hikes, and also appreciating the national park beyond the valley itself.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very good. See above.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Some long days in the bus, but that doesn't have to be a problem- it can just mean that you see more.
Incredibly impressed
As a family we have done many trips with Exodus in Africa (various countries), Canada and most recently my parents attended the Western Explorers trip in America to see Yosemite, Bryce Canyon and The Grand Canyon which Exodus arrange in partnership with Grand American Adventures.
We have always found Exodus trips to be incredibly well planned and organised, ensuring that you see the very best parts of the areas you are visiting in the timescales available. The trips are ideal because there is no hassle involved for the traveller and you are guaranteed to meet like-minded people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the experiences with. This particular trip was no exception.
I write this review however to say a huge thanks to both Exodus and Grand American Adventures as they were absolutely fantastic to my parents and the family back home in England when my father suffered a serious and unexpected illness and had to be rushed to hospital.
With specific mentions to Bethany, Monica and the tour guide Charlie, who all went out of their ways to ensure that lines of communication between us, the insurance company and the hospital were clear and effective, to provide my parents with support and to give the family back home piece of mind at what was a very difficult time for us. We will be forever grateful. There is absolutely no doubt that you will be in safe hands with this team.
Most Inspirational Moment
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Thoughts on Group Leader
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Advice for Potential Travellers
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Western Explorer depart 30 April
Overall an excellent trip. There are a couple of full days driving but this is necessary to cover the number of locations in the itinery
Most Inspirational Moment
The waterfalls in Yosemite
Advice for Potential Travellers
Before booking, consider travelling a couple of days early so you have time to explore San Fransisco - my flight arrived mid afternoon which left no time for that. Similarly, as there is not an overnight stay in Las Vegas at the end, you may want to consider staying on as my departure flight left only a couple of hours mid afternoon in the city.
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