Gold Rush
Trip Details
- Duration: 12 day(s) days
- Visited Areas: United States
Journey from the Golden State, over the Sierra Nevada Mountains and through the Great Basin to experience the wonders of the Desert Southwest. Highlights include Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Lake Powell, Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon National Park. From the remote solitude of the Nevada desert to the crazy nights of Las Vegas, the memories you will share are more precious than gold!
Itinerary
Day 1-2, San Francisco & Yosemite National Park
Starting the adventure in San Francisco, we will walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and then make our way to walk amongst the Giant Sequoia, the world's largest trees. Then explore the winding trails and majestic waterfalls of one of the first wilderness parks in the USA. Two days in Yosemite offers pristine wilderness, spectacular scenery and fantastic hiking opportunities. Accommodation: Camping included
Day 3, Sierra Nevada
Cross Tioga Pass if conditions allow. This road has altitude, not to mention colossal views. Then head south to Bishop and quench your thirst at some local drinking hole. Accommodation: Camping included
Day 4-6, Great Basin & Zion National Park
Catch some Z's under canvas in this hugest of US deserts. Remote and desolate, it's a fascinating place to get up close and personal to nature. Then again, so is Zion, with Weeping Rock, The Narrows and Angels Landing topping many a hiker's checklist. Accommodation: Camping included
Day 7-8, Bryce Canyon National Park & Lake Powell
'Hoodoos', it's all about the hoodoos. These bizarre natural spires are bona fide head-turners and glow incandescent in the afternoon sun. Trek on or wind down at Lake Powell, formerly the great Glenn Canyon. There's no harm in recharging your batteries with a little hard-earned R&R on this inviting oasis. Accommodation: Camping included
Day 9, Monument Valley
Take a breath as we head to the Navajo Tribal Lands of Monument Valley. The only things to pre-date the origins of Native American culture are the towering buttes and mesas which dominate the awe-inspiring landscape. We will have an opportunity to explore some of the areas hidden treasures, learning of the local history and culture on an included Navajo guided jeep tour. Accommodation: Camping included
Day 10-11, Grand Canyon National Park
Next stop is Grand Canyon National Park, with a full day to experience the grandeur of Earth's natural wonder. Whether you are up with the sun to start your long hike down Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point, or choose the "bird's eye" view on a scenic flight, you are sure to be left with feelings of awe and amazement. Accommodation: Camping included
Day 12, Route 66 & Las Vegas
Finally, we make our way along Historic Route 66 to the glamour and glitz of America's playground, that's Vegas baby! Can you resist a casino called Golden Nugget? Find your fortune in the flip of a card or the spin of wheel. If Lady Luck skips town, turn your attention to one of the All-You-Can-Eat buffets! Tour ends at approx 17:00 hrs in Las Vegas on day 12.