Hiking The American West: Los Angeles to Las Vegas (Small group tour)

Arrival in Los Angeles. Take the complimentary shuttle to your hotel located near the airport. Your local tour director will be at the hotel in the evening to answer any initial questions about the tour. Enjoy an included welcome drink as you get to know your fellow travellers.

Overnight at Hotel June or similar.

Start the day with a guided tour of Los Angeles. Our first visit will be at Olvera Street, known as “the birthplace of Los Angeles.” Olvera Street is a Mexican Marketplace that recreates a romantic “Old Los Angeles” with a block-long narrow, tree-shaded, brick-lined market with old structures, painted stalls, street vendors, cafes, restaurants, and gift shops. Make a photo-stop at nearby Union Station and marvel at it’s Art Deco architecture. Continue to Hollywood home to the legendary Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Take a walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and search for your favorite celebrity’s star. Next, we venture on to the Los Angeles Farmer’s Market for lunch (not included). The LA Farmer’s Market is a foodie’s paradise featuring over 100 vendors serving something for everyone’s tastes. After lunch, you will discover Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive – one of the world’s most exclusive luxury destinations. This afternoon, we head to Santa Monica. Santa Monica is a blend of California beach town, Riviera-style romance and Hollywood glamour. Enjoy a scenic walk along the Pacific Ocean to Venice Beach (2,5 miles). Venice Beach is known for its canals, beaches and circus-like Ocean Front Walk, a two-and-a-half-mile pedestrian-only promenade that features performers, fortune-tellers, artists, and vendors. You will be given some time at leisure to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean and enjoy dinner (not included) in Venice Beach. Return transfer to your hotel.

Overnight at Hotel June or similar.

This morning departure to Joshua Tree National Park. The park encompasses some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California’s deserts : rugged mountains of twisted rock and exposed granite monoliths testify to the tremendous geological forces that shaped and formed this land. The slow-growing Joshua tree, which graces much of the park’s desert ecosystem, is probably the most famous resident of the park. Named by Mormon settlers who crossed the Mojave Desert in the mid-1800s, the tree’s unusual shape reminded them of the Bible story in which Joshua reaches his hands up to the sky in prayer. Enjoy a walk along the scenic Hidden Valley trail (1 mile loop). Picnic lunch in the park (a stop will be planned before arrival into the park to purchase picnic items). Afternoon drive to Las Vegas – the incredible man-made oasis in the dessert.

Check in to Luxor hotel or similar, overnight.

Head towards the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, superb geographical phenomenon. Stop in Seligman on the iconic Route 66. Lunch on your own, then discover one of the wonders of the world : the Grand Canyon. Located at 6971 feet above sea level the Grand Canyon is the spectacular result of millions of years of wind and water erosion. Surrounded by a magnificent forest, the canyon seems to be protected by a lush screen of greenery. This will certainly be one of the highlights of your trip. We suggest a 1.7 mile hike (1-2 hours) to Ooh Aah Point.

Overnight in the Grand Canyon village, Yavapai West Lodge or similar.

Depart the Grand Canyon by driving along the scenic Desert View Drive. Stop at the Desert View Watchtower. Modeled after ancient Puebloan watchtowers, the Watchtower at Desert View features murals by Hopi artist Frank Kabotie. Time permitting, you may have a chance to climb the stairs to the top for an outstanding view of the Canyon and the surrounding area. Continue on to Monument Valley, where you will find yourself surrounded by imposing, crimson monoliths. This 25 mile-long and 16-mile wide desert plain has served as the backdrop to numerous westerns including five John Ford classics. Enjoy an included lunch of Navajo specialties followed by a jeep tour of the valley with local a Navajo guide. Arrive in Page in the afternoon. Change at your hotel then enjoy a dip in Lake Powell at Lone Rock Beach.

Overnight in Page, Best Western Plus at Lake Powell / Best Western View or similar.

To start the day you will visit Horseshoe Bend (1.2 mi roundtrip hike): a geologic masterpiece sculpted by the Colorado River. Horseshoe Bend is an example of what happens when water takes the path of least resistance. With the help of gravity, the Colorado River began cutting through rock layers deep and fast. The result is the 270° bend in the river. Discovered by Mormons at the end of the 19th century, Bryce Canyon is considered one of the jewels of the National Parks system. The shapes, colors and shades of the stone and the famous Pink Cliffs are constantly changing from dawn to dusk. Hike down the canyon to get closer to the hoodoos (thin spires of rock)*. Picnic lunch in the park (a stop will be planned before arrival into the park to purchase picnic items). Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the park at your own pace.

Overnight in the region, Best Western Ruby’s Inn or similar.

* this hike is not advised for people with heart conditions due to significant elevation change.

Departure for your visit of Zion National Park. Follow the paths where ancient native people and pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present day adventures. Picnic lunch in the park (a stop will be planned before arrival into the park to purchase picnic items). This afternoon, we return to Las Vegas. Rest of the day at leisure to try your luck gambling, do some shopping, or enjoy on of the many world class entertainment options the city has to offer. Optional: join your guide on a visit of Las Vegas by night.

Overnight at Luxor Hotel or similar.

Day on your own and transfer to the airport depending on your flight schedule.