Best of the West - Las Vegas to San Francisco

Arrival in Las Vegas. Self transfer from the airport to the hotel in Las Vegas via a shuttle or taxi. Relax this evening in preparation for the great adventure ahead. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Tuscany Suites Hotel & Casino, 1 night

Meals: Nil

8 AM: Your tour leader will meet you in the hotel for the orientation meeting. Leaving Las Vegas we soon ascend to the Colorado Plateau through the Virgin River Gorge. Today we enjoy the spectacular scenery of Snow Canyon State Park, where we walk over petrified sand dunes. Then we are on to see the impressive collection of dinosaur footprints (entrance included). _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Ramada by Wyndam - St. George • Drive time: 120 mi / 200 km, or 2 hrs _____________________________________________________________________________ • Lava Tube to Moqui Marbles: 3 mi / 5 km, 2-3 hours, +/-150 m

Meals: B,L

Zion National Park is an 800 m deep sandstone canyon carved by the mighty Virgin River. The scenery is stunning. Zion is famous for its iconic hikes through many slot canyons. We have all day to explore this fabulous park. You have the option to enjoy a hike to Emerald Pools, where water cascades into shaded pools. Or, maybe you are interested in wading through the Narrows? Whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed. If you finish hiking early, there is free time to explore the charming town of Springdale. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Sleep Inn - Hurricane, 1 night • Drive time: 90 mi / 150 km, or 2 hrs _____________________________________________________________________________ • Emerald Pools: 3 mi / 5 km, 2-3 hrs, +/-200 m

Meals: B,L

Leaving our hotel early, we soon reach Bryce Canyon National Park. For many, Bryce is the most beautiful of the American National Parks. Long ago, tectonic forces uplifted an ancient lakebed, exposing the soft sandstone deposit to the elements. Over time, the frost and wind erosion continued to chisel them and created a truly wonderful display of rocks. Marvel at Thor's Hammer, sandstone arches and the expansiveness of the park. Hiking paths wind through radiant red and pink towers of stone, known as Hoodoos, which contrast beautifully with blue skies and green pines. At sundown, be awed by an unforgettable color play on the formations. Hike with the group on the Navajo and Queens Garden Trail. In the summer, opt for a Western Cowboy dinner show back in Bryce Canyon City (not included). _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Best Western Plus - Ruby's Inn, 1 night • Drive time: 140 mi / 220 km, or 2.5 hrs _____________________________________________________________________________ • Queens Garden and Navajo Loop: 3 mi/5 km, 3 hrs, +/-200 m • Rim walk, Bryce Point to Sunset: 2 mi/4 km, 1 hr, +/-50 m

Meals: B,L

We depart this morning for Lake Powell. Once dammed, the Colorado River created a giant lake with 3000 km of shoreline. Deep red sandstone walls reflect in the deep blue waters, offering unforgettable images. The area is famous for its guided tours of Antelope Canyon, which is included in the cost of the trip and is one the most photographed slot canyons in the world. Our tour is followed by a short hike out to Horseshoe Bend. Walk around this natural wonder where the Colorado River meanders in a tight, horseshoe-shaped curve around a sandstone escarpment. This iconic viewpoint offers stunning vistas of the river’s emerald, green waters contrasted against the red rock canyon. Late afternoon we’ll make our way to our accommodations and look forward to another day of exploration after a restful evening. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Clarion Inn Page - Lake Powell, 1 night • Drive time: 140 mi / 220 km, or 2.5 hrs _____________________________________________________________________________ • Horseshoe Bend: 1.5 mi/2.4 km, 45 min, +/-40 m

Meals: B,L

Today we head to the Hollywood famous destination of Monument Valley. Giant red towers of stone rise out of the valley and offer fantastic photographic motifs. For decades, this area has been used as a backdrop for the cameras of Hollywood films, including Forrest Gump. Hit the ground running on an unforgettable Jeep tour through the valley led by the local Navajo Indians, where secluded views of the panoramas of Ear of the Wind and Big Hogan await. This tour is included in the price of your trip. In the afternoon, a 2.5 hr trip returns us to the Grand Canyon via its eastern entrance. With luck, we arrive in time for a stunning sunset. Our hotel is just south of the park entrance. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: The Red Feather Lodge, 2 nights • Drive time: 300 mi / 450 km, or 4.5 hrs

Meals: B,L

A full day to relax and explore at the Grand Canyon. With it being 277 miles long and 18 miles wide, there is no way to see it all in one day. We recommend an easy hike along the West Rim to the beautiful Hermit’s Rest overlook, where you'll be treated to an ever-changing, colorful panorama of the canyon's unique rock formations. If you are looking for a bit more action, there are some recommended hikes that will take you into the canyon itself. Note that you have to come up as far as you went down, so keep that in mind to ensure you have enough food, water and plenty of time. It will take you twice as long to return to the rim as it did for you to descend. *Note: Hikes in Grand Canyon National Park are self-guided due to permit regulations. For those searching for a little excitement, helicopter tours, bike rentals and an IMAX theater (to be paid locally, not included in tour package) are available as well. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: The Red Feather Lodge. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Havasupai Gardens via Bright Angel Trail: ~9 mi/14.4 km, 4-5 hrs, +/-940 m • Cedar Ridge via South Kaibab: ~3 mi/5 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-300 m • Hike along the rim: up to 8 mi/13 km, up to 4 hrs, +/-50 m

Meals: B,L

In the early afternoon, we depart for Las Vegas via the famous Route 66. We'll stop for some photo opportunities on our way to our next hotel that sits just outside of the entrance to Death Valley National Park. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Longstreet Hotel & Casino, 1 night • Drive time: ~270 mi / 440 m, or 4 hrs

Meals: B,L

The environment of Death Valley stands in stark contrast to the red deserts of Utah and the green mountains of Yosemite we will see later this week. More than 3.3 million acres of spectacular desert make up the scenery, along with rare desert wildlife, complex geology, undisturbed wilderness and sites of historical interest abound. This area is known for extreme weather conditions and temperatures, and is one of the hottest places on Earth. In summer, temperatures can reach over 49°C. Additionally, being in a rift valley, Death Valley is also the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere at 86 m below sea level. We have time to explore its golden sand dunes, its myriad of brackish pools and springs, as well as the fascinating rock erosion formations of Zabriskie Point. If temperatures allow, we will even hike to the Badlands. Then we drive up into California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, where peaks soar above 14,000 feet towards our hotel located in the renowned ski resort of Mammoth Lakes. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Mammoth Mountain Inn, 1 night • Drive time: 330 mi / 530 km, or 6 hrs _____________________________________________________________________________ Badlands Loop: 2.6 mi / 4.2 km, 1-2 hrs, +/-120 m _____________________________________________________________________________ **Note: Trips starting before June or past late October may have to detour via Sonora Pass due to snow closure on Tioga Pass Road in Yosemite National Park. Tioga Pass generally opens Memorial Day, which is the last weekend in May. It closes with the first heavy snow of the year. These dates will stay at an alternative hotel.

Meals: B,L

After breakfast, we jump in the car and head towards Mono, Lake, one of North America's oldest lakes, famous for its white Tufa towers formed by hot springs. As we make our way up and over Tioga Pass, heading towards Yosemite Valley, we stop once more to enjoy Tuolumne Meadow. Season and weather permitting, you may hike and scramble to the top of Lembert dome, offering expansive views over the meadows below. The day will conclude at the Yosemite View Lodge, just outside of the entrance into Yosemite Valley, along the Merced River. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Yosemite View Lodge, 2 nights • Drive time: 120 mi / 200 km, or 2 hrs _____________________________________________________________________________ Lembert Dome Loop: 3.8 mi / 6.1 km, 2-3 hrs, +/-200 m

Meals: B,L

Yosemite National Park, which was established in 1890 and encompasses stunning mountain vistas and valleys housing meadows and forests surrounded by high cliffs and waterfalls. Today, we get to discover more of Yosemite. In the morning, our group takes a leisurely drive to Glacier Point (season and weather permitting), the most impressive viewpoint of the national park. Big tour buses cannot access this viewpoint, but our smaller van is allowed. From here, we marvel at the perfect view of the valley and the impressive walls of Half Dome. From Glacier Point, three very different walks are offered that vary in length, difficulty, and views. Two of these walks head down to the valley, and one is a walk along the rim. These are all one-way walks and therefore self-guided. Whether you hike down or take a ride in the van, we'll regroup in the evening after enjoying all the Valley has to offer. In the evening we'll return to our lodge on the river. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Yosemite View Lodge _____________________________________________________________________________ • Panorama Trail: 9.1 mi / 14.6 km, 4-6 hrs, +/-700 m • Four Mile Trail: 9.7 mi / 15.6 km, 5-6 hrs, +/-1000 m • Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Loop: 7.2 mi / 11.5 km, 4-5 hrs, +/-575 m

Meals: B,L

We spend the morning hiking among a hidden grove of Giant Sequoia, at the Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Few tourists are found here and we enjoy solitude among the giant trees. Then we continue to Columbia State Park to enjoy a living history museum dedicated to the ghost town and gold rush area. We leave the trees and head for San Francisco, a city built on coastal cliffs on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. In the afternoon, you have time to enjoy a local wine tasting, shopping in town, or choose to walk the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Our hotel is centrally located in the Fisherman Wharf district. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf, 2 nights • Drive time: 125 miles / 200 km, or 5.5 hrs

Meals: B,L

We'll spend our final day exploring what the locals call, SF. This vibrant city is known for its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and breathtaking views. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the bustling waterfront at Fisherman’s Wharf, marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge, and wander through the historic streets of Chinatown. No visit is complete without a ride on the city's famous cable cars, offering a unique way to experience the steep hills and stunning skyline. Cable Car passes are included as part of the trip. From the art-filled alleys of the Mission District to the serene beauty of Golden Gate Park, you’re certain to find many hidden treasures throughout this fabulous metropolis. In the afternoon jump on board a harbor boat for a tour of Alcatraz, which is also included in your trip price. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf _____________________________________________________________________________ City tour: 3-4 mi / 5-7 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-100 m

Meals: B,L

Today concludes your tour of the American Southwest. Departure is on your own today. You have a few transportation options to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), each option offers a different balance of convenience, cost, and travel time, you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Meals: B