HIGHLIGHTS
- From flashy Las Vegas to the red cliffs of Zion National Park and the distinctive hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, discover a huge diversity of American landscapes in a relatively short amount of time
- Discover the Emerald Pools, an oasis of lush vegetation and cascading falls, during a hike in Utah’s Zion National Park
- Due to popular demand, see the mountains, cactus gardens and lush oases of Joshua Tree National Park. As you'll be staying nearby, there's plenty of time to explore the area without feeling rushed
- Finish up in a city that’s home to dreamers, fortune seekers, and celebrities – Los Angeles
The Vegas to LA: Grand National Parks tour starts in Las Vegas and ends in Los Angeles. The Vegas to LA: Grand National Parks is an Explorer tour that takes 10 days taking you from Las Vegas to Los Angeles and through other destinations in North America.
From the staggeringly fast pace of Las Vegas to the tranquillity of the Zion National Park, this trip journeys through some of the most incredible natural formations on the west coast. Walk amid the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park, stand in awe at the Grand Canyon, sit by a Navajo campfire in Monument Valley and enjoy the stark desert backdrop of Joshua Tree National Park. Finish this desert-flavoured adventure in style with a day and a night in Los Angeles, where you can grab a much-deserved coffee at the Original Farmers Market and wander the Santa Monica Pier for a dose of sea and eccentricity.
ITINERARY
Day 1:Las Vegas
Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada! From a western outpost in the desert, Las Vegas became a spectacular gambling/entertainment metropolis. It’s a city of fanciful architecture, larger-than-life characters, and enigmatic realities. But beyond the glitz and glitter, the city is home to diverse urban neighborhoods, international cuisine and a vibrant local art scene. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby at 6 pm. Please meet at the Bell desk. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. As there's a great deal to do in Las Vegas, we recommend you arrive a few days early to make the most of this exciting city. Try your luck on the casino floors, hit the shops, soak up the glitz and gaudiness of the strip or catch one of the many shows on offer.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
Day 2: Zion National Park
Today, leave behind the neon and nightclubs and travel across the border into Utah and the spectacular landscapes of Zion National Park (approximately three hours). Warm up with a gentle walk to the lower end of the Emerald Pools, taking in the lush vegetation and dual waterfalls of this desert oasis. Continue through an dry and more strenuous trail to the upper end of the pools, passing another waterfall on the way to Zion's 'beach'. Enjoy some free time to hit one of the many trails and explore among the park's soaring cliffs and cascading falls. If you're feeling ambitious, perhaps enjoy the park's most famous challenge: Angels Landing. After a strenuous hike along the narrow ridge of the cliffs, you'll be rewarded with a panorama of the red landscape. Please be aware that this isn't for the faint-hearted and requires a moderate level of fitness.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
Day 3:Zion National Park
Enjoy a full day of free time in Zion National Park. This is a great opportunity to tackle any trails you may not have yesterday. The Narrows is a good choice, if you're not up for the more challenging Angel's Landing. The Narrows is probably the most popular hike in the park, and one of the best slot canyon hikes on Earth. Trek through a gorge with cliff faces that rise up to 300 metres (1000 feet) on either side, cooling off in deep rivers along the way. The Narrows hike can be tailored to suit various levels of skill and experience.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
- Zion National Park - Hiking - Free -
- Zion - Narrows Hiking Gear Rental - USD 25
- Zion - River Tubing (seasonal) - USD 15
Day 4:Bryce Canyon
In the morning, drive to Bryce Canyon. Millions of years of wind and water erosion have formed the park's distinctive hoodoos – uniquely shaped rock spires rising out of the red desert. You will have ample time to explore the park's extensive network of hiking trails, from the easy Rim Trail, to the moderate Queen's Garden Trail or the strenuous Peek-a-boo Loop. Wherever you walk, you'll encounter unique landscapes and a kaleidoscope of desert colours.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
- Bryce Canyon National Park - Hiking - Free
Day 5:Monument Valley
In the morning make the six-hour drive to the spectacular Monument Valley. There may be time to visit the cliffs, canyons and domes of Capitol Reef National Park on the way. Monument Valley is part of Navajo Nation, home to more than 200,000 enrolled Navajo people. Explore the giant sandstone formations scattered across the desert, witnessing the ever-changing colour of the landscape. In the evening, travel by jeep through the Monument Valley with a Navajo guide. Join the locals for an authentic Navajo dinner around a campfire and settle in for an evening of traditional songs and stories.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
Day 6:Grand Canyon National Park
In the morning, make the 3–4 hour drive to the Grand Canyon, one of the largest canyon systems in the world. Photos really don't do this massive network of gorges, rivers and cliffs bathed in desert rainbow colours justice. This a real highlight of the trip, so you'll be spending two nights here in order to take it all in. Perhaps start with a stroll along the easy going South Rim Trail, which gives spectacular views over the park. While you can't hike to the Colorado River and back in one day, you can take a roughly four-hour trail to Skeleton Point, which offers views of the river. Ask your leader for advice on which trails are right for you and your fitness level.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
Day 7:Grand Canyon National Park
Today is as clear as an Aizona sky in summer. Explore at your own pace, but remember to always have a supply of water and high-energy snacks handy. Touch base with your leader about the optional activities available today – including an incredible helicopter flights over the park. If you'd rather get the birds eye view without leaving the ground, you can choose to watch a documentary on the canyon at the local IMAX theatre. Of course, there are myriad trails and treks to keep the active occupied. Bright Angel Point is a short trail that offers vantage points with 360-degree views at certain stops, or perhaps see a different side of the park with a hike through pine forest on the Widforss Trail. In the evening, sit back and enjoy the sunset behind the red peaks.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
- Grand Canyon - Helicopter flight (45 mins) - USD 295
- Grand Canyon - Hiking - Free - USD 295,
- Grand Canyon - IMAX movie - USD 15
Day 8:Joshua Tree National Park
In the morning, take the long drive to Joshua Tree National Park (approximately 7-8 hours). Sitting between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, the park is home to striking rock formations, many species of cacti and varied desert wildlife such as coyotes, lizards and bighorn sheep. Spend the night in a nearby hotel.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
Day 9:Los Angeles
After breakfast, continue exploring Joshua Tree in the morning then drive to LA (approximately three hours). After all that desert, wide-open spaces and beautiful scenery, the only thing you might be missing is a good coffee. Never fear; the City of Angels has excellent coffee and then some. Visit the Original Farmers Market for lunch before spending an afternoon at Santa Monica Pier for a dose of sea, sand and eccentric boardwalk characters. Then you’re free to discover LA at your own pace. Stroll Rodeo Drive, amp up the culture with a trip to the Getty Centre or enjoy the sights from Venice Beach. You will have no problem finding a superb spot for dinner this evening – the cultural mishmash of LA provides excellent nosh on every corner.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
Day 10:Los Angeles
Your Las Vegas to Los Angeles adventure comes to an end this morning. There are no more activities planned and you're able to depart the accommodation at any time after check-out. If you're planning to stay in LA for a little while longer, why not take an Urban Adventure tour like Sips of Old Hollywood. Stroll along the “Walk of Fame” and soak up the atmosphere at iconic bars, lounges, speakeasies, and mobster hangouts. Find out more at urbanadventures.com/destination/los-angeles-tours.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel (7 nights), Motel (2 nights)
- 4 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
- Private vehicle
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Monument Valley Tribal Park Entry Fee
- Monument Valley - Jeep Tour and Navajo Dinner
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- International Flights
- Any international flights to Las Vegas and from Los Angeles are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
- Travel insurance is not included in this Vegas to LA: Grand National Parks tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. We recommend purchasing it from World Nomads.
