Best of Western USA

Intrepid Travel · 12 days
Best of Western USA
Best of Western USA
Best of Western USA
Best of Western USA
Best of Western USA
Best of Western USA
Best of Western USA
Best of Western USA
Best of Western USA
Best of Western USA
Best of Western USA
Best of Western USA
Best of Western USA
Best of Western USA
Best of Western USA
12 Days
From AUD $7485
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating

Best of Western USA

Best of Western USA

Intrepid Travel · 12 days
View Map
Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Take a 12-day road trip from the glitzy hub of Las Vegas to the trendy San Francisco, stopping at national parks, deep canyons, fascinating landscapes and small towns along the way.

Highlights

  • Marvel at one of the nation’s greatest national parks, the Grand Canyon, and walk along the rim, hike into the canyon or just soak up the expansive views.
  • Kayak across the waters of Lake Powell, weaving your way past fascinating rock formations as your leader shares stories of the lake’s history.
  • Hike through the varied landscapes of Zion National Park, taking in views of massive canyon walls and red sandstone cliffs as you go.
  • Learn about the culture and history of Monument Valley during a Navajo guided tour, followed by a traditional homecooked, family-style Navajo lunch.
  • Experience world-famous Yosemite National Park, taking in the breathtaking scenery as well as the pristine night sky as you go on leader-led walks both day and night.   
  • Walk among the towering timber of Sequoia National Park and see General Sherman, the world’s largest tree by volume, along with the other soaring sequoias that make up the Giant Forest.   

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Private vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Las Vegas / Zion National Park, United States Of America

Finishes

San Francisco , United States Of America

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Las Vegas / Zion National Park
Welcome to Las Vegas! The real wild west is home to some of the USA’s most incredible scenery. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am. Then, you’ll hop aboard a private van. Get to know each other over a picnic lunch, then venture into the stunning landscapes of Zion National Park. Join your leader for a guided hike, then spend the night in Springdale – known as the gateway to the park.

Included Activities:

  • Zion National Park - Walks

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Bryce Canyon National Park / Page
After breakfast this morning, it’s time to make tracks for Bryce Canyon National Park – make sure your camera is ready to go, as some of the views you’ll come across today are truly out of this world! Take a short drive in your private vehicle, then spend the morning hiking through the epic landscapes of the park. Walk along the canyon rim and marvel at hundreds of unique sandstone towers, known as hoodoos, that jut out from the natural amphitheatre. Relax while you enjoy a picnic lunch and take in your magnificent surroundings, then hike down into the canyon for a closer look at the fascinating hoodoos. Then, drive on to the town of Page, where you’ll spend the night.

Included Activities:

  • Bryce Canyon - Leader-led Walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Lake Powell / Horseshoe Bend
Journey south this morning, driving through more spectacular scenery before arriving at Lake Powell. This gorgeous reservoir is certainly a sight to behold from the shore but to really appreciate it, you’ve got to get on the water. Jump in a kayak and paddle across the water’s surface, weaving your way through remarkable rock formations while your leader regales you with stories of the lake’s history. Back on dry land, set out for a gentle walk along Horseshoe Bend, taking in beautiful views with every step. This afternoon there is an option to visit Antelope Canyon before returning to Page for the evening.

Included Activities:

  • Horseshoe Bend Visit
  • Lake Powell - Kayaking

Optional Activities:

  • Page - Antelope Canyon Tour with round-trip transport (70 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Monument Valley / Grand Canyon
Start the day with a drive to Monument Valley – one of the world’s most iconic sights. If this landscape dotted with towering sandstone buttes looks familiar to you, it’s no surprise – Monument Valley has been the filming location for many famous Western films. More importantly, this is the native land of the Navajo. When you arrive, you’ll transfer from your vehicle to a 4WD and enjoy a Navajo-guided tour of Monument Valley, where you’ll have the chance to learn more about their rich culture and history in the area before sitting down to a traditional homecooked, family-style Navajo lunch. Continue your journey onto the iconic Grand Canyon for some awe-inspiring walks along the rim.

Included Activities:

  • Monument Valley - Navajo guided 4x4 Jeep tour including traditional lunch

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Las Vegas
This morning it's time to return to Las Vegas, but first we'll make a stop along Historic Route 66 for a dose of quirky Americana. You'll arrive in Las Vegas around 4pm and have the evening free to explore Sin City.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Las Vegas
Today is free to explore Las Vegas. The city may be the gambling capital of the world, but there's plenty to do if gambling isn't your thing. Hit the shops, feel your stomach drop on a rooftop roller coaster or simply stroll along the Strip, soaking up the glitz and gaudiness. There will be a meeting at 5 pm tonight to welcome any new travellers to the trip. After the welcome meeting, perhaps feast on an 'all you can eat' buffet or check out one of the many shows on offer – book in advance if you can, to get the best deals – or party the night away in a Vegas nightclub.

Optional Activities:

  • Las Vegas - Bellagio Fountains - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Las Vegas to Visalia
Leaving Sin City in your dust, you’ll road trip across state lines and through the Mojave Desert today, then around to Sequoia National Park. It’s a long drive, but it’ll give you the chance to see the changing geography of the American west – watch on as the desert gives way to the peaks of the southern Sierras. Settle into your accommodation near Sequoia National Park in the afternoon, and then head out for an included dinner at a local restaurant with your group.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Sequoia National Park
Today is simply about seeing the best of the USA’s Sequoia National Park. After breakfast, you’ll embark on leader-led walks around Sequoia, driving from stop to stop as you get to feel small next to the staggering size of General Sherman, the Giant Forest and other specimens of Sequoia’s towering timber. You may even drive through a tree at Tunnel Log, peer into Tharp’s Log and spot marmots, black bears and recently re-introduced bighorn sheep.

Included Activities:

  • Sequoia National Park
  • Sequoia National Park - Leader-led hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Yosemite National Park
After breakfast, you’ll hit the highway headed for the world-famous Yosemite National Park. To start, get acquainted with the awe-inspiring Yosemite Valley during a guided hike. Strewn with dramatic waterfalls, gigantic granite outcrops and lush meadows, this is one of the most spectacular spots in the country. Your leader will also teach you about the ecologically diverse landscape along the way. After sunset, you’ll join a Naturalist from the Yosemite Conservancy for a guided stargazing program. The park’s minimal light pollution makes it an excellent place to see the stars while learning about astronomy, constellations and local lore.

Included Activities:

  • Yosemite National Park - Stargazing with Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist
  • Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
  • Yosemite National Park - Leader-led hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Yosemite National Park
Today, Yosemite is all yours to explore! In the morning there’ll be leader-led walks around some of the park’s best trails. If it’s a clear day you may also drive up to Glacier Point for a view you won’t soon forget, looking down over the valley and across to the iconic Half Dome. The afternoon is yours to fill how you’d like. You might choose to hike along the breathtaking Mist Trail with its many fabulous views, hire a bicycle and pedal along some of the 12 miles of designated (and flat) path or immerse yourself in the park’s history at the Ahwahnee Hotel. Once you’ve seen the sights, the day will be capped off with a pizza picnic in the park for dinner.

Included Activities:

  • Yosemite - Pizza Picnic Dinner
  • Yosemite National Park - Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: San Francisco
After saying fond farewells to Yosemite, you’ll head west to vibrant San Francisco. Stop to do a walk over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and then check in to your hotel for the night. At sunset, you can hit the water for an optional catamaran cruise around the bay, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island – this is the perfect farewell to a sun kissed Californian adventure. If you like, head out with your fellow travellers for one last dinner.

Included Activities:

  • San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge walk

Optional Activities:

  • San Francisco - Sunset catamaran cruise (90 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: San Francisco 
With no activities planned today, your adventure ends this morning. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $7,485
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Take a 12-day road trip from the glitzy hub of Las Vegas to the trendy San Francisco, stopping at national parks, deep canyons, fascinating landscapes and small towns along the way.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 23 Sep 2025

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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