Bakersfield (California) | Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah) | Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona) | Joshua Tree National Park (California) | Las Vegas (Nevada) | Los Angeles (California) | Monument Valley (Arizona) | San Francisco (California) | Sequoia National Park (California) | Visalia (California) | Yosemite National Park (California) | Zion National Park (Utah)
The following are Usa National Parks Explorer tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Become acquainted with your group and CEO in Los Angeles during a brief orientation before transferring directly to the hotel in Joshua Tree. Once here enjoy dinner at your leisure and maybe take a dip in the refreshing waters of the hotel pool.
Today, the adventure begins. Be sure to arrive in time to meet your group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your trip.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Venture further into the desert today to explore Joshua Tree National Park. Wander through the park's famous rock formations and snap some photos of the park's namesake tree in this desolate landscape. In the evening you'll have free time to relax and unwind from the heat of the day.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Discover the rugged rock formations and iconic Joshua trees that gave this National Park it's name. Go for a hike, keep a sharp eye out for desert wildlife, and take in the incredible scenery.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Today, travel northeast to Las Vegas where you'll have some free time to explore the strip or opt for lunch. You'll depart Las Vegas in the late afternoon for the hotel that you'll be staying at near Zion National Park.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Take advantage of some free time to explore the strip or opt for lunch.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
It's all about Zion today as you get a chance to wander this beautiful national park in Southwest Utah. Take the shuttle into the park and spend the day exploring and hiking with your fellow travellers.Admire the monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky and remember you can choose to turn around on these hikes at any point. In the evening, relax at your hotel as you reflect on your day in this wonderful piece of paradise.
Please note that while the trail to Angels Landing is not included in this itinerary, it is available to be done independently. If you're interested in continuing to the top, you must apply ahead of time for a permit via the National Park's lottery system at this website: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/angels-landing-hiking-permits.htm.
Admire monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky. Experience diverse plant and animal life, and wade through water in a narrow slot canyon as the park transitions from desert to forest. Gaze at the awe-inspiring beauty of the high plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls.
Depart Zion in the morning and travel with the group to Bryce Canyon National Park. The group will enjoy an included lunch along the way. Once in the park enjoy free time to hike through the wild and weird rock formations fondly known as hoodoos. Visit Inspiration Point, hike the rim trail. Opt to hike the Queen's Garden and Navajo loop trails or take in the incredible view with a walk along the rim. Head back to the park after dinner for sunset. At night look up and see the magic of the stars in a place that has been designated an International Dark Sky Park.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
See a sight like no other at this giant forest of stone made up of collection of massive natural amphitheaters. This park contains hundreds of thousands of eroded spires, pinnacles, and other shapes as far as the eye can see.
Spend your free time wandering this wonderful national park. Check out the Queen's Garden and Navajo loop trails, walk along the rim trail, visit Sunrise point and Inspiration point and take plenty of pictures of the famed hoodoos.
We'll jet off this morning to Page, Arizona, the gateway to famous Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.Here, travellers can choose to join a local Navajo guide and explore Antelope Canyon on an optional tour. This stunning natural sandstone slot canyon is located on tribal lands and once inside, you can admire the blue sky above from the bottom of the canyon. Make sure you bring your camera to take loads of photos. Afterwards, visit Horseshoe Bend for a short hike to stand atop the steep cliffs overlooking the natural bend in the Colorado River. Today's adventure will end in Monument Valley where you will have time to relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.
See a sight like no other at this giant forest of stone made up of collection of massive natural amphitheaters. This park contains hundreds of thousands of eroded spires, pinnacles, and other shapes as far as the eye can see.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Take a short hike to this spectacular horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River. Stand atop steep orange-coloured sandstone cliffs and look out at Horseshoe Bend. Peer down more than 300m (1,000 ft) at the emerald river below.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
This morning you'll be treated to a sunrise Navajo guided jeep tour of Monument Valley. Admire the majesty and magnetic atmosphere of this special place before continuing on toward the Grand Canyon. En route, stop for lunch at Cameron Trading Post, which has existed more than a century and the people who work there have done so for generations. Later, arrive at the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon just in time for a spectacular sunset.
Explore this magical and sacred place on a jeep tour. See magnificent colours, miles of mesas, buttes, and pinnacles that make Monument Valley a truly wondrous experience.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Head to the rim of the Grand Canyon at sunset. Point your camera in any direction and capture memorable shots as the shifting light plays off the layers of red, yellow, and brown rock. This is truly one of the great wonders. Enjoy the moment.
Marvel at the out-of-this-world views as you get up close and personal with the Grand Canyon today. Spend a full day exploring and hiking from the South Rim. There are a variety of hikes to choose from that will take you deeper into the canyon where you can really appreciate the size and depth of this national park. Choose whichever trail you wish or do short bursts of multiple hikes, just make sure you bring plenty of water and take your time.If you wish to see this natural wonder from a bird's eye view with an experience you'll never forget, opt to book the Grand Canyon helicopter tour.
Opt to hike along the rim or down into the canyon. Experience breathtaking scenery with spectacular views. Bring lots of water, a hat and plenty of energy. Remember -- hiking down is optional, hiking back up is mandatory!
Head to Las Vegas from the Grand Canyon this morning where you can spend time in this vibrant city. Explore the strip, grab something to eat, see a glitzy show, or test your luck gambling in one of the casinos.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Today you'll have free time to get the most out of your time in Las Vegas. Walk around the strip, find a restaurant or cafe to hang out in and people watch, see one of the many entertaining shows, or try your hand at gambling in one of the casinos. Live large and remember "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas".
In the morning, the group will depart Las Vegas and head to Death Valley. You'll visit the country's hottest, driest, and lowest national park. Death Valley is a land of extremes and you'll get a sense of the striking contrast of this park's landscapes with visits to Furnace Creek, Badwater Basin, and Zabriskie Point. In the evening, settle into your hotel and get some rest for tomorrow's adventure.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Death Valley is one of America's most extreme locations - from sand dunes and desert, to badlands, towering peaks, and a basin that actually registers below sea-level, this is sure to be an unforgettable stop. Hottest. Driest. Lowest. There's a bit of everything here on the border of California and Nevada.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Spend the day travelling to Sequoia National Park, home to granite cliffs and ancient giant trees. Once you arrive, set out on a short afternoon hike to explore and stare up in wonder at the tallest trees in the world. Walk the half mile down to General Sherman to see the world's largest tree at 83 meters (275 feet) high. Trek through the Giant Forest on Congress Trail to see more of these colossal trees. Later, we head to the hotel in Visalia
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Walk amongst giants - giant sequoia trees, that is - in Sequoia National Park, where more than 8,000 colossal sequoias have lived for thousands of years. Visit the largest tree on earth, General Sherman, and gaze as far as you can up into the canopy. At the heart of the park, find the Giant Forest, home to half of the earth's largest and oldest trees.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Hike amongst some of the most impressive living things on Earth, giant Sequoias. This trip through the misty heights of the Sierras will take you through the home of General Sherman, the largest tree alive. Tour the other enormous trees and catch some amazing views of the mountains through the forest on this epic hike. Hiking distance: 12km (7.5 mi) Elevation change: 549m (1800 ft)
Immerse yourself in Sequoia with a full day to hike in the park. Visit Grant Grove for more opportunities to marvel at these rare giants among the forest. If you're looking for 360-degree views head up the 2 mile round-trip Buena Vista Peak trailhead to see the High Sierra and the valley below.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Walk amongst giants - giant sequoia trees, that is - in Sequoia National Park, where more than 8,000 colossal sequoias have lived for thousands of years. Visit the largest tree on earth, General Sherman, and gaze as far as you can up into the canopy. At the heart of the park, find the Giant Forest, home to half of the earth's largest and oldest trees.
Take a quick hike up to Buena Vista Peak, and experience some of the best views in the entire park. With minimal elevation change, you'll have plenty of time and energy to explore and take pictures along the mountain top. Hiking distance: 3.2km (2 mi) Elevation change: 125m (413 ft).
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Hit the road again and travel north through the Sierras to the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. Head straight into the park to take in iconic sights like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
It's all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite today. From the valley floor, take the park shuttle system to one of the most iconic trails in the park. Hike alongside the Merced River to climb the Mist Trail, getting sprayed by the waters of Vernal Fall. See the water rushing over the edge before crossing the river and climbing the steps to Nevada Fall. From the top enjoy views of the High Sierra including Half Dome, Liberty Cap, and Mount Broderick. Later, enjoy free time to walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, Bridalveil Fall Trail, relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan, or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley.
Picturesque valleys, vast wilderness, powerful waterfalls, elusive wildlife, ancient sequoias and more than 16 types of granite make up this internationally recognized national park. Hike the trails, get up close to ancient rock formations and take panoramic photos of this gorgeous landscape. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.
Take the storied Mist Trail as it traverses up the valley, with visits to Vernal and Nevada Falls. Return along the John Muir Trail. Be prepared for a long hike, and incredible scenery! Distance: 11.2km (7 mi), Elevation Change: 610m (2000 ft)
Leave Yosemite in the morning and drive across the Central Valley with the group to San Francisco. Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights. We will drive to the bohemian neighborhood of Haight Ashbury for lunch, followed by a drive through the Golden Gate park. What trip to San Fran would be complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge? Depending on time, step foot on this famous red suspension bridge or find a great viewing point to take some photos. There is free time in the evening to explore the colorful Fisherman's wharf.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Take advantage of free time to see all that the Bay City has to offer. Opt to visit the Golden Gate Bridge, chill out on Baker's Beach, take pictures of The Painted Ladies, go to a book or record store in the Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood, or grab some seafood at Fisherman's Wharf.
Spend a free morning in the city searching for the best place to have breakfast before departing. The tour ends mid morning.
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Usa National Parks Explorer tour:
5101 California Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93309, United States
Bakersfield, United States
105 Center Street
Bryce Canyon, United States-84764
9000 W Airport Dr, Visalia, CA
California, United States-93277
300 AZ-64
Grand Canyon, United States- 86023
US Hwy 160
AZ
Kayenta, United States-86033
129 East Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Las Vegas, United States-89101
40820 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644 United States
Oakhurst, United States-93644
905 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States
San Francisco, United States-94108
29 Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley, CA 92284, United States
Super 8 Yucca Valley/Joshua Tree, United States-54850
One Camino Del Rio, Virgin, Utah, USA, 84779
Utah Valley, United States
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Usa National Parks Explorer tour:
Max 13.
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group. Joshua Tree National Park visit. Zion National Park. Bryce Canyon National Park visit. Horseshoe Bend visit. Navajo guided Monument Valley jeep tour. Full day hiking in Grand Canyon National Park. Drive Route 66 drive. Death Valley National Park visit. Sequoia National Park visit. Yosemite National Park visit. Standard entrance fees to all national parks and monuments with hiking and walking excursions. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Hike amid the rock formations in Joshua Tree, See Horseshoe Bend, Join a Navajo guided jeep tour of Monument Valley, Watch the sunset at the Grand Canyon, See the biggest trees in the world in Sequoia National Park, Hike Yosemite National Park
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Zion National Park- The Narrows Hike (Free)Bryce Canyon National Park- Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Hike (Free)Antelope Canyon- Antelope Canyon Tour (105USD per person)Grand Canyon National Park- Bright Angel Trail Hike (Free)Grand Canyon- Grand Canyon Helicopter TourYosemite National Park- Yosemite National Park Hike (Free)- Yosemite Bike Rental (30-40USD per person)San Francisco- Cable Car Ride San Francisco (7USD per person)- Sunset Sailing San Francisco (Mon-Wed)
For this trip we use 15-passenger vans for up to 14 people plus the CEO/Driver. These vans are durable vehicles that allow us to drive on most types of roads in North America.Each van has a front passenger seat and 4 benches that will accommodate 3 people each with mandatory seat belts to keep us secure and safe. No standing is permitted in these vehicles. This is not a physically demanding journey. There is air conditioning to cool things down on warm days to keep everyone more comfortable. Travelling can be difficult, with long drives and limited space in the van. Please take note of the travel times and distances in the above itinerary. Despite some of the long days, most travellers feel that the diversity of the North American landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience!
Hotel (15 nts).
4 breakfasts, 5 lunches
1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and driver - this person is experienced in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While our CEOs are trained and have resources to assist them along the way, the United States is the fourth largest country on the planet, and it is impossible for them to know everything about this massive country. We recommend local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worldsPlease note that specific tour guide licenses are required to guide in certain cities and regions, and as such, our CEOs will oftentimes provide brief orientation walks to point out useful places like supermarkets, main squares and ATMs but for more specific or in depth destination information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Please note that the Navajo Loop in Bryce Canyon National Park is closed until further notice due to mudslides and rockfall. As a result, the optional Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop trail cannot currently be completed as a loop. However, it is still possible to hike down the Queen’s Garden Trail from Sunrise Point and complete the hike as an out-and-back rather than a loop.
Cold Weather:o Long-sleeved shirts or sweatero Scarfo Warm gloveso Warm hato Warm layerso Warm waterproof jacketDocuments:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao SwimwearNote: For evenings out in some cities there will be a dress code. If you wish to participate, please bring a nicer outfit for these occasions. We recommend a nicer pair of shoes and a collared shirt or blouse.
For evenings out in some cities there will be a dress code. If you wish to participate, please bring a nicer outfit for these occasions. We recommend a nicer pair of shoes and a collared shirt or blouse.
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. For days in the outdoors, we recommend the use of lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics made of wool or synthetic fibers. Cotton is not recommended for days spent hiking as it does not allow for heat or moisture to enter or escape, and it will not dry easily once wet.We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a light jacket. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.
Laundry can be done at least once a week while on tour. Some hotels and most cities have laundromats where you can buy soap and wash your laundry in coin-operated machines. Your CEO will advise you along the trip where you will be able to do your laundry.
Standard: Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.