USA National Parks Explorer

G Adventures · 16 days

4.6

12 Reviews

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Duration

16 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Some say vacation, we say adventure of a lifetime! Head out on a 16 day tour through seven of the best national parks in the west. From the ancient Joshua Trees to the Golden Gate Bridge we promise you’ll never have time to be bored.

Highlights

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

Trip Details

Duration

16 days

Transportation

Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Los Angeles, United States

Finishes

San Francisco, United States

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Classic

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Los Angeles/Joshua Tree National Park

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.

Day 2: Joshua Tree

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 head back to Palm Springs where you'll have free time to relax and unwind from the heat of the day.

Day 3: Palm Springs/Zion National Park

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.

Day 4: Zion National Park

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.

Day 5: Zion National Park/Bryce Canyon National Park

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.

Day 6: Bryce Canyon to Monument Valley

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.

Day 7: Monument Valley/Grand Canyon National Park

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 on your own at a Navajo-inspired restaurant and trading post, before arriving at the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon just in time for a spectacular sunset.

Day 8: Grand Canyon National Park

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.

Day 9: Grand Canyon/Las Vegas

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.

Day 10: Las Vegas, Death Valley and Bakersfield

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.

Day 11: Sequoia National Park

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

Day 12: Sequoia National Park

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.

Day 13: Yosemite National Park

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.

Day 14: Yosemite National Park

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.

Day 15: Yosemite National Park/San Francisco

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.

Day 16: San Francisco

Spend a free morning in the city searching for the best place to have breakfast before departing. The tour ends mid morning.

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 $8,199

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 16 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 14 Mar 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Marie B.

Traveled, August 2023

09/03/2023

We have traveled with G before and like this t8me had a great time. it's nice to have everything organised for you.

4.5

Irina R.

Traveled, August 2023

09/03/2023

Amazing landscape in the Nationalparks.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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