Wild Western USA

Intrepid Travel · 11 days

4.6

5 Reviews

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Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Get a dose of national parks, cities and the iconic Route 66 on this 11-day adventure through the USA’s wild west. Start with a side of glitz and glam in Los Angeles, then swap the concrete jungle for the cactus gardens of Joshua Tree National Park and explore the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Highlights

Explore the unusual rock formations, striking desert cactus gardens and unexpected oases of Joshua Tree National Park.
Spend two nights soaking up all that the Grand Canyon National Park has to offer, with trips to the South Rim, Granite Rapids and Monument Canyon.
Road trip along the historic Route 66, also known as the 'Mother Road', and get a dose of old-school Americana at the eccentric town of Seligman.
Swap natural wonders for the world-class dining, shows and museums of Las Vegas for two nights – there's more to the city than just the bright lights!
Spend three nights camping near Yosemite National Park with two full days of exploration. Join your leader on hikes to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, Yosemite Falls and more.
Where better to end your adventure than in San Francisco, multicultural 'City by the Bay'. With the option to extend your visit a couple of days, you won’t be wanting to go home just yet.

Trip Details

Duration

11 days

Transportation

Private vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Los Angeles, United States Of America

Finishes

San Francisco, United States Of America

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Los Angeles

Welcome to the USA! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting today at 6 pm. If you arrive in the city early, you might like to explore the home of movie stars – stroll Rodeo Drive for a bit of people-watching or amp up the culture with a trip to the Getty Centre or a tour of the Beverly Hills mansions. After your welcome meeting, head out on a leader-led walking tour along the quirky and beautiful Venice canals, and then consider an optional group dinner at one of the many famous restaurants to get to know each other.

Accommodation:

Hostel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Joshua Tree National Park

Today, you’ll head away from the coast and drive to Joshua Tree National Park. Sitting between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, the park is famous for its spectacular desert plants – including the park’s namesake Joshua trees – along with cacti and Mojave yuccas. The area is also home to striking rock formations and mountain ranges, which you’ll see on a leader-led exploration of the park. Check out some of the highlights like Skull Rock, the cholla cactus garden and other landscapes only found in this part of America. Then, to Lake Havasu on the Colorado River (at the Arizona border) and check in to your hotel for the night. You might like to head out on a scenic hike around the town or learn the backstory of the city’s unique London Bridge.

Included Activities:

Joshua Tree National Park - Entrance Fee

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Grand Canyon National Park

Drive along a section of the famous Route 66 to Grand Canyon National Park, stopping in at the eccentric Seligman. The town is a vibrant slice of retro America, and a great place to get a feel of the old days with its many kitschy shops, diners and photo ops. Maybe try one of those diners for lunch, and then continue on to Grand Canyon National Park – a must-see for any USA adventure! When you arrive, get ready to admire a natural wonder formed by over six million years of erosion by the Colorado River. You'll spend two nights camping here, with a full day of exploration tomorrow.

Included Activities:

Grand Canyon National Park - Entrance

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Grand Canyon National Park

Start your day off with a leader-led tour of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. You’ll be taken to some incredible viewpoints and see couple famous sights, like Granite Rapids and Monument Canyon, before finishing at Hermit’s Rest. You’re then free to choose your adventure for the rest of the day! You might like to hire a bike for an easy and efficient way to see as much of the national park as possible. In the early evening, relax at the canyon's edge and enjoy a spectacular sunset over one of the world's natural wonders.

Included Activities:

Grand Canyon - Leader-led South Rim tour

Optional Activities:

Grand Canyon - IMAX Movie (15 USD)
Grand Canyon - Half Day bike rental (35 USD)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Las Vegas

Head out of the Grand Canyon and cross the western deserts of Arizona to Las Vegas. Vegas may be known for its casinos and late-night antics, but there's plenty more to it than meets the eye. You could check out the Neon Museum or the Mob Museum, take in a Cirque du Soleil show or simply enjoy the people watching as you stroll along the Strip.

Optional Activities:

Las Vegas - Monorail (5 USD)
Las Vegas - Neon Museum (20 USD)
Las Vegas - Bellagio Fountains - Free
Las Vegas - Mob Museum (27 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Las Vegas

Today is as clear as the blue skies in the deserts of Nevada. There are no planned activities until another meeting in the hotel lobby today at 6 pm, where you may meet some new travellers on your wild west adventure. After your briefing, why not go check out one of the all-you-can-eat buffets on offer with your new and updated crew.

Optional Activities:

Las Vegas - Mob Museum (27 USD)
Las Vegas - Monorail (5 USD)
Las Vegas - Bellagio Fountains - Free
Las Vegas - Eiffel Tower (22 USD)
Las Vegas - Neon Museum (20 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Sierra Nevada Mountains

Leave the bright lights of Vegas behind and drive into the eastern Sierra Nevada. Sandwiched between Central Valley and Death Valley, this is a scenic trip that’ll take you to the town of Bishop, where you’ll camp the night. In town, maybe go to Erick Schat’s European-style bakery for a delicious treat, or perhaps pay a visit to some nearby natural hot springs.

Optional Activities:

Bishop - Keough Hot Springs (15 USD)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Yosemite National Park

Prepare for some spectacular mountain scenery as you depart from Bishop and head west to Yosemite National Park. This morning, stop at the crystal-clear Mono Lake before continuing through the Tioga Pass (snow levels permitting) into the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Stop by Olmstead Point to marvel at Yosemite’s natural wonder, Half Dome, before arriving at one of the most famous parks in the USA. Yosemite's colossal granite cliffs, cascading seasonal waterfalls and redwood forests attract visitors from all over the world. You'll spend three nights near the park, meaning you have two full days to explore.

Included Activities:

Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
Mono Lake - Visit

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Yosemite National Park

Head into the national park this morning, and join your leader for an easy, downhill hike at the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. The grove is home to, no surprise, a couple dozen mature giant sequoia trees, including one that’s been carved into a tunnel you can walk right through. From there, continue to Yosemite Valley to check out some of the park’s iconic spots. You could see the thundering Yosemite Falls, take in both Half Dome and Merced River from Sentinel Bridge and a whole lot more. The rest of the day is then free for you to explore as you please. There are plenty of hikes available, each varying in steepness and difficulty. Maybe hike under the cooling breezes of Nevada Falls (4 to 5 hours) or to the serene Mirror Lake (45 minutes). Keep an eye out for squirrels and bears along the way!

Included Activities:

Yosemite National Park - Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias

Optional Activities:

Yosemite - Cycling in Yosemite Valley (12 USD)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Yosemite National Park

Today, venture back into the national park and continue exploring with your leader. As a group, you’ll decide how you want to spend the day. Instead of hiking, you might like to hire a bike and explore Yosemite Valley on two wheels. You can also visit the park's museum, photo gallery, shops and restaurants, and in the heat of summer, a relaxing float down the Merced River is highly recommended. Otherwise, there’s no shortage of trails for you to explore, from the famous Mist Trail to the more challenging Four Mile Trail. Your leader will be able to provide recommendations if you need help narrowing down the options!

Optional Activities:

Yosemite National Park - Hiking - Free
Yosemite - River Float Raft Rental (seasonal) (30 USD)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: San Francisco

Leave Yosemite behind today and drive west to San Francisco. The 'City by the Bay' has a beautiful setting and a vibrant, multicultural heart. You might like to check out the vintage stores along funky Haight Street, or catch the tram down to the waterfront. The trip finishes around 3 pm on arrival into San Francisco, after a stop to check out the Golden Gate Bridge, and no accommodation is provided tonight. As there's a great deal to do in San Francisco, we recommend you stay a couple of extra days to make the most of the city. If you do wish to spend extra time in San Francisco, we'll be happy to help you book additional accommodation (subject to availability).

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.

From
AUD $4095

AUD $3,686

(Tour only)

Offer ends 18 Sep, 2025 Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 11 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 07 Oct 2025

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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

Kaylee

Traveled, September 2023

10/06/2023

My partner & I went on this trip and it was fantastic! Our trip was full (12 people), great size for a more intimate trip with lots of different people. We did so much in a small timeframe, plus camping was a blast - tents were so easy, beautiful way to see USA

4.5

Melinda

Traveled, September 2023

09/26/2023

This trip surely is an adventure through different landscapes, we had 35degC+ in Joshua Tree NP to the bright lights of Vegas and cooler days wandering through the trees of Yosemite. The nights are cool and the stars are beautiful while camping out. Be prepared to pitch in with camping, cooking and making jokes. I had a great trip!

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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