This adventure is perfect for a person who has limited time and budget, but still wants to get the most out of the trip. It covers the majority of the most visited places of the western states like California, Nevada and Arizona. You will visit two most popular national parks of the US – Yosemite and Grand Canyon.
Day 1: San Francisco
Our adventure begins at 8am in the hostel. After a welcome meeting and a tour overview we are off for a city orientation. We will see the highlights of San Francisco, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and China Town. You will also have a chance to take a ride on a San Francisco Cable Car. After lunch we head out of the city and across the Central Valley towards the Sierra Nevada Mountains where we will be camping just outside Yosemite National Park. Tonight your leader will cook you a welcome American style BBQ.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: D – American BBQ
Day 2: Yosemite National Park
Early start today as we spend most of our time in Yosemite Valley. Your leader will help you plan your morning with some great activities. There are many amazing hiking trails and swimming spots along the Merced River, or there are bikes for rent with over 15 miles of paved trails to ride. In the morning you can see Half Dome, El Capitan, and the great Yosemite Falls. After lunch we will go on a hike through the redwoods. Then head to Upper Yosemite over scenic Tioga Pass. Once on the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains we will travel south to our next campsite.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Monterey
On our way to Big Sur we will see Monterey and Carmel, visit Cannery Row made famous by John Steinbeck. You will have the option to bike 17-Mile Drive, the most scenic drive in the USA, or go for a kayak tour on the bay. You will also have the option to visit Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the best in the United States.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: B, D
Day 4: Pismo Beach
This morning we will be traveling south to Big Sur along the stunning California Highway 1. We will take in some impressive views of the coast and have the option to go for a hike. We plan to arrive in time to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean near Pismo Beach.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Santa Monica/Los Angeles
For the next two days we will be staying in a hostel near the beach in Santa Monica which happens to be the end of America’s famous Route 66. You will get an orientation tour which includes the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive and Venice Beach just to name a few.
- Accommodation: Hostel
- Meals: B
Day 6: Santa Monica/Los Angeles
Today is your day to explore the movie star-filled boulevards and beaches of LA. The city presents you the taste of the Pacific Coast with its brash and beauty! You also have an option of a trip to Universal Studios. Your tour leader will help you plan this day.
- Accommodation: Hostel
- Meals: None
Day 7: Lake Havasu
Today we will spend the WHOLE DAY in desert conditions, so bring water to stay hydrated. Leaving Los Angeles we will enter Joshua Tree National Park. It is one of the most interesting parks in America for many different reasons. Joshua Tree National Park lays within the Coachella Valley where the famous Coachella Music Festival is held every year. Leaving Joshua Tree behind we will travel through the desert to Lake Havasu, AZ.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: L, D
Day 8: Grand Canyon National Park
We start our journey headed towards Route 66 and the Grand Canyon. Today we will visit the famous town of Seligman, AZ, known as “the birth place of Route 66”. Then we’re off to Grand Canyon National Park, known as one of The Seven Natural Wonders of the World. You will have the all afternoon to explore the Canyon, visit The Information Plaza, ride a bike or take a hike down to the Canyon itself. We highly recommend a scenic flight over the Canyon, which offers a perspective that you cannot see by going on foot. We will meet tonight for a sunset at a special point along the Canyon.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Monument Valley National Park
Today’s adventure takes us onto Monument Valley Tribal Park, the largest Native American Reservation in the USA which is located on the Arizona & Utah border. Prepare yourself for an experience of a life time. We will be given a back country jeep tour of their reservation where you will learn about these deeply spiritual people. Tonight we will eat, dance and sleep under the stars in Monument Valley.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Moab, UT
We hit the open road to Moab, which is considered to be America’s ultimate adventure playground with mountain biking, rafting, hummer tours, canyon hiking and so much more. Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are nearby and offer many hiking opportunities. Today you will have a chance to visit theses canyons and arches and watch the sun set at a special place.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Moab, UT
Today is left free for you to take advantage of all that Moab has to offer. For those adventure seekers, you can rent a mountain bike and explore the extensive network of trails including Slick Rock Trail (for the more advanced riders) or take an off-road Hummer tour. You could also choose to go on a float trip down the mighty Colorado River or just relax and explore the town. Your leader will help you organize your day. In the evening we will can meet to have a drink in Moab’s famous brewery.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: B
Day 12: Bryce Canyon National Park
From Moab we will travel through Utah including Goblin Valley, Capitol Reef National Park and Escalante on our way to Bryce Canyon National Park. You will have a chance to hike in Bryce Canyon. Some of your hiking options are Navajo, Peek-a-Boo Loop, Queen’s Garden Trail or just remain on the rim and take photos. Tonight if weather permits we will go to America’s greatest place for star gazing.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 13: Zion/Las Vegas
Today we will enjoy the delights of Zion National Park. There are various hikes to choose from, ranging from the Lower Emerald Pool, Upper Emerald Pools, Narrows or one of the most famous hikes in America: Angel’s Landing. Late afternoon we head to Las Vegas — also known as “Sin City”. Truly a one-of-a-kind place! We can enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Vegas’s famous buffets followed by a tour of the city at night on a party bus.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: B, L
This tour ends tomorrow at 9am. We recommend booking after-tour accommodation if time allows. If you are planning to leave tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 9pm.