Explore the desert from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, with the Grand Canyon in between. From the flash and glam of Las Vegas to the serenity of Zion, this tour through some of the best national parks in the United States takes you from Sin City to the City of Angels. Take a walk among the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park, gaze in awe at the Grand Canyon, sit around a Navajo campfire in Monument Valley, or visit Joshua Tree National Park's distinctive vegetation. Finish your desert adventure with a day and night in Los Angeles, where you can get your fill of sea, sand, and celebrity.
Highlights
Discover the pinnacles of Bryce Canyon National Park
Hike to Emerald Pools in Utah's Zion National Park, past waterfalls and lush foliage.
Join the locals for a traditional Navajo meal and an evening of songs and stories.
Experience a bird’s eye view of the steep red-rock Grand Canyon
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Welcome to Las Vegas, Nevada. Las Vegas is a gambling and entertainment metropolis from a western outpost in the desert. A city of larger-than-life character but beyond the glitz. Vegas is home to diverse urban neighborhoods and a thriving arts scene. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby at 6 pm. As there's a great deal to do in Las Vegas, we recommend you arrive a day or two early to make the most of this city. Try your luck on the casino floors, hit up Fremont Street, soak up the gaudily of the strip, or catch one of the many shows on offer.
Today, leave behind the neon nightclubs and travel to Zion National Park (approximately 3 hours). Warm-up with a leader-led orientation or the park, and gentle walk to the lower end of the Emerald Pools, passing the sparkling waterfalls and streams along the way. Continue on a more difficult trail to the upper section, checking out another waterfall on the way to Zion's 'beach' After a picnic lunch, enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore more of the park's hiking trails or enjoy the strenuous hike to Scout Lookout.
Enjoy some free time in Zion National Park. This is a great opportunity to tackle any trails you may not have yesterday. The Narrows is a good choice, as it is probably the most popular hike in the park and one of the best slot canyon hikes on Earth. Trek through the gorge surrounded by cliff faces 300 meters high and cool off after in a river along the way. The Narrows hike can be tailored to suit various levels of skill and experience, so there’s a trek for everyone! If you wish for additional excursions during your time in Zion National Park, pick from the following optional activities and contact us for current excursion pricing.
In the morning, drive to Bryce Canyon. Millions of years of wind and water erosion have formed the park's distinctive hoodoos – uniquely shaped rock spires rising out of the desert. Have heaps of time to explore the park's selection of hikes, from the easy Rim Trail to the moderate Queen's Garden Trail or the strenuous Peek-a-boo Loop. Wherever you walk, you'll encounter the canyon’s colorful landscapes. The group leader will join you on a hike and for lunch in the Canyon. If you’re feeling adventurous, book a horse-riding tour and experience the park differently. The accommodation tonight is not too far away, so you’ll be able to enjoy scenic views over the canyon into the night.
Included Activities:
Bryce Canyon National Park - Entrance Fee
Optional Activities:
Bryce Canyon National Park - Hiking - Free
Day 5: Monument Valley, Utah
1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Today you’ll make the 6-hour drive to the spectacular Monument Valley, passing through the little city of Page, set on the shores of Lake Powell. If you’ve never been to Monument Valley before, you’ll surely still recognize it. The iconic landscape of red-toned spires, buttes, and mesas has been the set of countless films, TV shows, and photographs – and the real deal is even more impressive than what is on screen. Once arrive at Monument Valley, have the chance to explore the giant sandstone formations scattered across the desert as far as the eye can see. In the evening, ride by jeep through the valley with a Navajo guide. Join the locals for an authentic Navajo dinner around a campfire and settle in for an evening of traditional songs and stories.
Included Activities:
Monument Valley Tribal Park Entry Fee
Monument Valley - Jeep Tour and Navajo Dinner
Day 6: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
In the morning, visit Horseshoe Bend, named for its loop of water surrounding an enormous sandstone escarpment. After some time to admire this famous sight, make the 3.5-hour drive to the Grand Canyon, one of the largest canyon systems in the world. Photos don't do this massive network of gorges, rivers, and cliffs justice. This is a real highlight of the trip, and you'll be spending two nights here to take it all in. After a picnic lunch, perhaps start with a stroll along the South Rim Trail, which gives great views over the park. While you can't hike to the Colorado River and back in one day, you can take a roughly 4-hour trail to Skeleton Point, which offers great views of the river. Ask the group leader for advice on which trails are right for you and your fitness level.
Included Activities:
Grand Canyon National Park
Horseshoe Bend
Day 7: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Today is as clear as an Arizona sky in summer. Explore at your own pace, but remember, always have a supply of water and high-energy snacks handy. Touch base with the group leader about optional activities available today – recommended is a helicopter flight over the gorges, providing a chance to see the entire park. If you rather get the bird’s eye view without leaving the ground, you can choose to watch a documentary on the canyon at the local IMAX theatre. Of course, there are myriad trails and treks to keep the active occupied. Bright Angel has wonderful views all along the trails and, Ooh-Aah Point is a favorite shorter hike on the South Kaibab Trail, offering another viewpoint to the park. In the evening, sit back and enjoy the sunset behind the red peaks. If you wish for additional excursions during your time in Grand Canyon National Park, pick from the following optional activities and contact us for current excursion pricing.
In the morning, take the drive to Joshua Tree National Park (approximately 7 hours). You’ll spend some time driving the famous Route 66 and have a quick stop by the eccentric community of Seligman. Sitting between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, Joshua Tree is home to striking rock formations, many species of cacti, and varied desert wildlife such as coyotes, lizards, and bighorn sheep. Joshua Tree provides a considerable contrast to the wildlife and the natural scenery you have seen recently.
There may be time to squeeze in a sunrise hike at Joshua Tree before making the approximately 3-hour journey to Los Angeles. Visit the Original Farmers Market for lunch before spending an afternoon at Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach for a few people watching. Then you’re free to discover LA at your own pace. Stroll Rodeo Drive, amp up the culture with a trip to the Getty Centre, or take a tour around the Beverly Hills mansions. You will have no problem finding a spot for dinner this evening – the cultural mishmash of LA provides excellent food wherever you are.
Day 10: Los Angeles, California | Return Home
1 Breakfast
This is the end of your adventure. If you're planning to stay in for a little longer, extend your trip and visit some iconic places LA.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$5,0602-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Notes
Select a Date
A single supplement is available if you prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Initial deposit is $400 per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
9 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches
9 Nights Accommodations
9 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
For those traveling internationally with Intrepid: emergency evacuation and medical insurance are mandatory, and comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See here for more details
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.