This trip traverses the wild landscapes of California, Utah and Arizona. It includes time in Yosemite, Zion and Bryce National Parks and the magnificent Grand Canyon.

San Francisco & Lakes Area
Pausing to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and sites of San Francisco, we absorb the rich cultural mix and breathe in the fresh bay air, before heading east toward the Sierra Nevada.

Yosemite & Death Valley
Reaching Yosemite, we'll explore its rushing rivers and scented forests on foot. Here we find the sheer granite slabs of El Capitan and Half Dome - nearly vertical and rising 1219m above the valley floor. We'll see a forest sanctuary where giant Sequoias are preserved. Next we visit Bodie, a ghost town from the Gold Rush period, before driving south in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada. Crossing the barren landscapes of Death Valley we head for the surreal and flamboyant city of Las Vegas.

Zion, Bryce & Grand Canyon
We'll hike beneath the cathedral-like cliffs of Zion National Park and through the eroded moonscape of Bryce Canyon. We explore Arches and Canyonlands National Parks before visiting the Navajo Reservation area to see the sandstone buttes of Monument Valley. We'll also spend time at the Grand Canyon in awe of the vast size of this wondrous chasm, created millions of years ago by the turbulent Colorado river. Finishing our journey, we drive via Joshua Tree National Park to Los Angeles.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join San Francisco. 2 In San Francisco; tour. 3 Drive to Yosemite NP area. 4 to 6 In Yosemite NP; optional hikes including Glacier Point and Panorama Trail, Sequoia and Lower Yosemite Falls. 7 Drive via Bodie to Lone Pine. 8 Descend into Death Valley, then continue to Las Vegas; optional casino. 9 & 10 Drive Springdale; hiking and exploring in Zion NP. 11 Drive Bryce Canyon, optional walks. 12 Sunrise walk; drive Moab. 13 In Moab; optional rafting or jeep to Arches NP and Canyonlands NP. 14 Drive Monument Valley; explore Navajo Reservation Land. 15 & 16 Drive South Rim of Grand Canyon; walks, optional overflight. 17 Drive via Lake Havasu to camp on banks of Colorado River. 18 Drive Los Angeles. 19 In Los Angeles; sightseeing. 20 End Los Angeles.

Accommodation: 5nts hotel, 14nts camping; 14 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 8 dinners included.
Transport: Maxiwagon/On foot.
Comment: A participation camping adventure into the great outdoors - you are expected to assist with camp chores, such as the preparation of meals. Some activities are demanding but these are optional.
Group: Approx. 9 to 12.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader/cook plus driver.
Trip Reference: YS