Western USA Encompassed





Head out on an all-encompassing adventure of the western USA
Set out on a 20-day adventure that mixes the vastly varied landscapes of western USA with some of its most famous cities. Start in the red canyon country of the southwest with visits to Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks, take a Navajo-guided tour of Monument valley and walk the rim of the Grand Canyon. After a stop in Vegas it’s across the Mojave and into California, where the towering timber of Sequoia and Redwood national parks awaits. Stay in San Francisco, spend two nights exploring Yosemite National Park, see the deepest lake in the US at Crater Lake National Park, stop for a wine tasting in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and take in the Multnomah Falls in Columbia River Gorge. Add in a break in Portland, a visit to Olympic National Park and Hoh Rainforest before ending in Seattle.
Start: Las Vegas, USA
End: Seattle, USA
- Duration
- 20 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 18 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Walk among the deep canyons and hoodoos of the southwest’s red rock landscapes in Zion, Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon national parks with an expert leader.
- 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.
- Get a taste of some of the west coasts’ most iconic cities, mixing the incredible landscapes with stops in Las Vegas, San Franciso, Portland and Seattle.
- Walk among (and sometime inside!) the biggest and tallest trees in the world at Sequoia and Redwoods national parks, before exploring the magic Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park.
Itinerary
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.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Lunch
- Zion National Park - Walks
Please make your own way to the hotel lobby to meet your leader at 8 am this morning. It’s recommended you append an extra day or two in Vegas so you have plenty of time to get there.
Your total travel time today is approximately 3 hours.
The exact trail we hike in Zion will depend on the group's interest and ability, and will typically be either the Emerald Pools trail, or the Watchman trail. The hiking is easy to moderate with a distance of approximately 3 miles/4.8 km with 350 ft/107 mt of elevation gain.
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.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Bryce Canyon - Leader-led Walk
Your total travel time today is approximately 5 hours.
Today's hiking distance is 3 miles (4.8 km) with 450 feet (137 m) of elevation gain.
Bryce Canyon is situated at 8000 ft (2440 m) above sea level. You can expect cooler temperatures, thinner and dryer air than elsewhere on this trip. Make sure you stay hydrated while hiking in the park.
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.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Horseshoe Bend Visit
- Lake Powell - Kayaking
- Page - Antelope Canyon Tour with round-trip transport - USD70
You will get wet during the kayaking excursion, therefore we recommend wearing a swimsuit and water shoes/sandals, or bring a change of clothes and shoes with you on this day.
During November and December, you may be unable to kayak on Lake Powell. There will be a local slot canyon walk included when kayaking is not possible. This hike does involve soft sand, stairs and ramps, so it’s best to wear closed-toe shoes.
ANTELOPE CANYON:
Since this tour is very popular and tends to sell out, we recommend you pre-book your space. You can book any time slot 2pm or later. Your leader will provide round-trip transport. Please book the Lower Antelope Canyon Hiking Tour here: https://www.antelopelowercanyon.com/tours/
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.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Monument Valley - Navajo guided 4x4 Jeep tour including traditional lunch
Your total travel time today is approximately 5 hours.
We aim to experience either sunset or sunrise at the Grand Canyon rim, depending on season. During spring and fall when the sun sets earlier and rises later we typically visit for sunrise on Day 5. During the summer months we visit for sunset on Day 4.
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.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
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.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Las Vegas - Bellagio Fountains - Free
As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.
There will be a welcome meeting at 5 pm to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet travellers joining you. It’s important that you attend the meeting as your new leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
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.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
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.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Sequoia National Park
- Sequoia National Park - Leader-led hike
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.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Yosemite National Park - Stargazing with Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist
- Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
- Yosemite National Park - Leader-led hike
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
In the event that the stargazing activity is cancelled due to cloud cover, you will join a Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist for a guided sunset walk and talk.
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.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Dinner
- Yosemite - Pizza Picnic Dinner
- Yosemite National Park - Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point
The road to Glacier Point can sometimes be closed due to snow in May and June. If that happens, we will explore other areas of the park.
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 dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge walk
- San Francisco - Sunset catamaran cruise - USD90
Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
The City by the Bay that boasts a beautiful setting and a vibrant, multicultural heart. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to welcome any new adventurers joing your trip. Your day is otherwise free! Maybe check out the vintage stores along funky Haight Street, catch the tram down to the waterfront or take an adventure cruise on the bay past Alcatraz Island.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.
There will be a welcome meeting at 6 pm to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet travellers joining you. It’s important that you attend the meeting as your new leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Today will be a road trip day, so grab a window seat if you can and get your favourite playlist or a good book ready – it's a bit of a long drive up the coast, but you'll have plenty of stops along the way to appreciate the coastal views. You’ll also stop in at the Avenue of the Giants for your first taste of redwood trees. This famed road is known as the most scenic drive through the redwoods and is lined by huge titans, one of which you can even drive through! Continue to Crescent City, check into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening. Your leader will be able to point you in the right direction for a dinner spot.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Humboldt County - Avenue of the Giants
Your travel time today will be approximately 7.5 hours.
Today is all about exploring Redwood National Park – known for these towering giants, the park is also home to oak woodlands, a rugged coastline and a condor restoration program. Your trip leader will choose some hikes and walks for the day based on the group’s abilities and desires. Maybe discover the ancient trees among a forest of ferns, head to natural lakes and springs or explore Trillium Falls. Return to Crescent City in the evening, then head out for a group dinner at a local restaurant.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Dinner
- Redwood National Park
Cross into Oregon this morning and head to Crater Lake National Park – formed when an eruption triggered the collapse of a tall mountain peak 7700 years ago. It’s now home to the deepest lake in the USA, a scenic wonder fed by rain and snow that has attracted artists, photographers and sightseers worldwide. Explore the Rim Drive viewpoints with your group and stop for a couple of walks for the best views and overlooks of one of the most pristine lakes on Earth. Spend the night at a nearby motel, where you’re free for dinner.
- Motel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Crater Lake National Park - Entrance Fee
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Snow can be expected at Crater Lake National Park as late as July and can start in September. This is a special opportunity to see the park in a way many visitors never do! The rim drive can be closed when there is snow, however there are viewpoints and some walks available for visitors.
This morning, you’ll explore Oregon’s wine country in the Willamette Valley – this is a popular wine region in the US that boasts numerous accolades for its beauty, Pinot Noir and quality wineries. Visit one of these local wineries for a tasting and enjoy a picnic lunch with your group with a view of rolling hills, towering trees and sprawling vineyards. Then, you’ll continue to Portland, Oregon’s largest city, where your leader will take you on an orientation walk to get your bearings. You’re free for dinner, so maybe keep the party going and head to a local bar in the shadow of Mount Hood. This city hosts a thriving arts scene, so there are plenty of trendy spots to eat and hit the nightlife – just ask your leader for recommendations.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Lunch
- Willamette Valley - wine tasting and vineyard visit
- Portland - leader led walking tour
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
This morning, you’ll visit the nearby Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, known for the spectacular river canyon and gorgeous views of cliffs, spires and ridges set against the peaks of Cascade Mountain Range. Explore the park and the famous Multnomah Falls – the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest and approximately 189 m (620 ft) tall. Walk along the scenic bridge that sits almost in the middle of the falls and feel the water on your face as the cascades fall below. Spend your afternoon exploring, and then spend another night in Portland.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Columbia River Gorge visit
- Columbia River Gorge - Multnomah Falls
This morning, you’ll cross into Washington State and the Olympic Peninsula – home to the popular Olympic National Park. This is a bit of a long drive, so grab a window seat if you can and watch the gorgeous scenery pass you by. When you arrive, you’ll visit Kalaloch Beach – one of the beautiful Pacific Northwest beaches with giant trees washed up on the shore, scattered across the sand. Maybe head to the Tree of Life (or the Tree Root Cave). Tonight sit down for an included group dinner at your lodge.
- Lodge (1 night)
- Dinner
- Kalaloch Beach Walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
This morning, visit the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park – an enchanting canopy of moss and ferns that might remind you of an anime or fairy film. Take a walk with your leader, appreciating a moment of peace in this temperate rainforest, before continuing to Seattle. When you arrive in the seaport city, your leader will take you on an orientation walk, pointing out the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and maybe some popular spots for live grunge music, which the city is known for. Tonight, maybe head out with your group for a farewell dinner in one of the trendy local spots and cheers to an amazing trip!
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Seattle - Leader-led orientation
- Hoh Rainforest - Olympic National Park
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
With no activities planned today, your trip will come to an end. If you’d like to stay longer and explore Seattle’s cool city hubs and sprawling parklands, just speak to your booking agent.
There are no meals included on this day.
Inclusions and activities
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Private vehicle
Hotel (17 nights), Motel (1 night), Lodge (1 night)
- Zion National Park - Walks
- Bryce Canyon - Leader-led Walk
- Horseshoe Bend Visit
- Lake Powell - Kayaking
- Monument Valley - Navajo guided 4x4 Jeep tour including traditional lunch
- Sequoia National Park
- Sequoia National Park - Leader-led hike
- Yosemite National Park - Stargazing with Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist
- Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
- Yosemite National Park - Leader-led hike
- Yosemite - Pizza Picnic Dinner
- Yosemite National Park - Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point
- San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge walk
- Humboldt County - Avenue of the Giants
- Redwood National Park
- Crater Lake National Park - Entrance Fee
- Willamette Valley - wine tasting and vineyard visit
- Portland - leader led walking tour
- Columbia River Gorge visit
- Columbia River Gorge - Multnomah Falls
- Kalaloch Beach Walk
- Seattle - Leader-led orientation
- Hoh Rainforest - Olympic National Park
- Page - Antelope Canyon Tour with round-trip transport - USD70
- Las Vegas - Bellagio Fountains - Free
- San Francisco - Sunset catamaran cruise - USD90
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- Some of the best scenery in National Parks are found on hikes. So, while this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to partake in all activities. You’ll also need to be prepared with hiking shoes, a water bottle and a day pack.
- You’ll be travelling through deserts, mountains and rainforests where the temperature and precipitation can vary greatly. Crater Lake can be cold and have snow on the ground even into June. Make sure you pack the appropriate clothing for all weather.
- This trip includes time spent travelling in a vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Las Vegas Hotels
On all trips with stays in Las Vegas, resort fees are included in your package and on any pre or post accommodation that is booked through Intrepid. These fees do not need to be paid locally.
Tuscany Suites and Casino
255 East Flamingo Rd
Las Vegas
NV 89169
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Description
Tuscany Suites and Casino in Las Vegas offers spacious rooms with Italian-inspired decor and modern amenities, a casino with various gaming options, and multiple dining venues ranging from fine dining to casual options. The Las Vegas Strip is approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk from the hotel.
Instructions
The hotel is easily reached by taxi, LYFT, or Uber from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Rates will vary based on the time of day, but will typically takes 15-20 minutes and cost around $20.
If you are arriving in your own vehicle, please refer to the city of Las Vegas' Parking & Transportation website for information about where to park and leave your vehicle during the tour. https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Residents/Parking-Transportation
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am on Day 1 in Las Vegas. Please make your own way to the Joining Point listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.
2. Your trip ends at check out on Day 20 in Seattle. If you would like to spend more time in Seattle we can happily request additional nights - please speak to your booking agent.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
4. During the months of November and December we are often unable to kayak on Lake Powell. Instead we will explore Peekaboo Canyon or Antelope Canyon by foot instead.
5. We are not able to book airport shuttle service for North America trips. North America has convenient taxi and rideshare options from all airports, as well as public transport systems in major hub cities. Please check the joining and finishing point instructions listed in the Essential Trip Information.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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