Hikes from San Francisco to Las Vegas

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Paris - San Francisco

  Arrival in San Francisco, after picking up your vehicle, you will go to your hotel.

• day 2

  San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge

  Discover the city and its hidden beauties by bike, from Union Square, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf. To crown the day, you will enjoy magical views from Coit Tower. With a tramway pass in hand, you will also have the opportunity to further explore the city at your own pace. Not to be missed: the cruise in San Francisco Bay aboard the Yacht USA 76 (optional).

• day 3

  San Francisco - Mariposa Grove - Yosemite - 400 km, about 4 to 5 h

  Departure in the morning for the giant sequoia forest located in Mariposa. Continue towards Yosemite National Park. Head to Curry Village, where you can rest in an exceptional natural setting in the heart of the valley. Curry Village offers a multitude of hiking trails. You will spend two nights there and stay in "tent cabins" with concrete floors and real beds. The proximity to the hiking trails will be a plus for those wishing to climb the famous "Half Dome". In the evening, accompanied by your guide, you may have the chance to spot bears and coyotes.

• day 4

  Yosemite National Park

  For the bravest, departure around 6 a.m. for the ascent of Half Dome*. The rest of the group can explore the park on less strenuous trails and admire the impressive views of the valley from Glacier Point. Three hikes will be offered: two go down to the valley floor, while the third stays on the heights. Each of these hikes offers different viewpoints and levels. You can then enjoy the valley, rent a bike and ride to the waterfalls, or go rafting down the Merced River (if river conditions allow). In the evening, accompanied by your guide, you will try your hand at observing bears and coyotes. Hiking info: • Panorama Trail from Glacier Point: 4 to 6h, 12 km, with an elevation gain of +200 to -900 m. • Four-Mile Trail: 4 to 5h, 10 km, with an elevation gain of -900 m. • Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Loop: 4h, 10 km, elevation gain of + or - 200 m. • Half Dome: 8 to 10h, 20 km with an elevation gain of + or – 1,500 m. *Information regarding Half Dome: the ascent is only possible if you have a permit issued by the NPS, the organization that manages American national parks. This permit is subject to a lottery that takes place between March 1st and 31st each year. As travel agencies and tour operators are not authorized to do this for you, if you are interested in this ascent, you will need to register online at: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/Cables_On_Half_Dome/r/wildernessAreaDetails.do?page=detail&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=79064

• day 5

  Yosemite Park - ghost town of Bodie - Mono Lake - 280 km, about 4 h 00

  If the weather and time allow, ascent of Lembert Dome offering breathtaking views of Tuolumne Meadows. Continue towards Tioga Pass, peaking at 3030 m, which will allow you to reach the valley of Yosemite National Park. You will then head towards the ghost town of Bodie, where everything gives the impression that the inhabitants suddenly deserted the town 150 years ago, leaving their personal belongings behind. Continue with the discovery of Mono Lake, one of the oldest lakes on the planet, and its tufa stalagmite formations formed by hot springs rich in minerals. Hiking info: • Lembert Dome: 3 h, 8 km with an elevation gain of + or – 300 m. For those wishing to travel from May to October, in case of closure of the Tioga Pass due to snow, the route will make a detour via Sonora Pass.

• day 6

  Mammoth Lake - Death Valley - 400 km, about 4 h 00

  This morning, you will leave the Sierra Nevada and its peaks rising above 4400m to reach Death Valley National Park. This park is a real contrast with the deserts of Utah and their red and green colors, and it is one of the hottest places on our planet, with summer temperatures that can exceed 50°C. A rift valley, Death Valley is also the lowest point in the Northern Hemisphere, with an altitude reaching 100m below sea level. You will set out to explore the yellow sand dunes, contrasting with the dark colors of the surrounding mountains, discover Badwater and its toxic waters, Devil’s Golf Course and its salt formations, as well as Zabriskie Point and its multi-colored formations. If the temperature allows, you can even explore the Badlands on foot.

• day 7

  Across the desert - 500 km, about 5h00

  Via the Nevada desert and a part of the famous Route 66, you will reach the Grand Canyon, where you can enjoy your afternoon by taking a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon (optional, around $195).

• day 8

  Grand Canyon

  A full day will not be too much to discover this exceptional site. The Grand Canyon, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, although visited by many tourists each year, offers almost deserted trails. Possibilities to descend into the Canyon or to hike along the West Rim, and to witness a superb sunset. Hiking info: • Kaibab Ridge: 3 to 4 h, 5 km with an elevation gain of +/- 300 m. • Plateau Point: 8 to 12 h, 20 km with an elevation gain of +/- 1,150 m. • Hike along the Canyon rim: up to 4 h, 13 km with an elevation gain of +/- 50 m.

• day 9

  Grand Canyon - Monument Valley - Lake Powell - 450 km, about 5h00

  In the morning, via the "Painted Desert", you will reach the East Rim of the canyon, which will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your journey. A short drive will then take you to the famous "Monument Valley", where the Navajo Indians live. Large domes and amazing towers formed of rocks appear under the blue sky, offering you impressive photos. For decades, the region was the favorite backdrop for Hollywood movies. On site, to fully discover this exceptional site, we highly recommend a Jeep excursion with a Navajo guide (about $70). This way, you will reach the natural wonders such as "Ear of the Wind" and "Big Hogan". Arrival at the end of the day in Page and Lake Powell.

• day 10

  Lake Powell

  Lake Powell is a man-made lake created by the Glen Dam on the Colorado River. The red sandstone hills are reflected in turquoise blue waters. You can explore the area in many ways. For an even more complete discovery, we recommend a visit to Antelope Canyon, a classic among "the classic slot canyons" (about $60, to be booked in advance), or a rafting trip down the Colorado (about $70 for a half day). The less adventurous can also enjoy discovering the lake and its pink sand beaches by swimming or kayaking (about $45 for a half day).

• day 11

  Lake Powell - Escalante

  In the morning, departure for Escalante, a small town above Lake Powell which is among the most beautiful hiking sites in the USA. You will enjoy your afternoon discovering these places, waterfalls, and these formations with magical colors.

• day 12

  Escalante - Bryce Canyon National Park - 200 km, about 3 h 00

  In the morning, departure for Bryce Canyon, which is among the most beautiful sites in the USA. You will enjoy the entire day discovering this park and its formations with incredible colors. For those wishing to follow in the footsteps of the pioneers of the American West on horseback, an excursion is also available (optional on site, around $60). Dinner on your own and overnight stay. Hiking info: • Fairyland Loop: 4 to 5 km, 13 km with an elevation gain of + or – 300 m Other hiking routes are possible on site with the guide.

• day 13

  Bryce Canyon - Zion National Park - 200 km, about 2 h 00

  In the morning, drive to Zion National Park, known for its red sandstone cliffs rising 800 m above the Virgin River. Zion will take your breath away. The bravest can attempt the incredible "Angel’s Landing" hike, an impressive geological formation offering breathtaking views of the Virgin River valley. If you wish, and if you are not afraid of heights, you can even climb to the summit. On the way back, if time permits, you will explore the famous Narrows, a narrow canyon where the Virgin River flows. Hiking info: • Angel’s Landing: 4 to 5 h, 8 km with an elevation gain of + or - 450 m • Narrows: 1 to 2 h, 3 to 5 km with no elevation gain

• day 14

  Zion National Park - Las Vegas - 200 km, about 2h30

  Before leaving Zion Park, discover the famous Emerald Pools and its enchanting waterfalls. After lunch in the park, departure for Las Vegas. Free evening

• day 15

  Las Vegas / Paris

  (breakfast) Depending on your flight schedule, transfer by private car to the airport and flight to Paris. Night on board.

• day 16

  Paris

  Arrival in Paris and end of our services.