Hiking in the national parks of the American West

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Los Angeles

  

  You arrive in the City of Angels. Sleep well in your hotel outside the big city. Tomorrow, you will see what this city has to show you.

• day 2

  Hollywood and Santa Monica

  

  You have a full day to discover Los Angeles, so we have chosen the two most iconic places. Stroll along Hollywood Boulevard, the street that traces the history of cinema and features the handprints and footprints of the world's most famous actors and actresses, outside the famous Chinese Theatre. In the afternoon, take a walk along the Santa Monica Pier, enjoy the sights and sounds of the end of Route 66 and the magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. Sleep well, because tomorrow your adventure begins.

• day 3

  Palm Springs and Route 66

  

  Today, you will cross the Californian desert to the historic Route 66 in California. You will pass through Palm Springs, known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses, and spas, on your way to Joshua Tree National Park. The park is home to bushes, ocotillos, and cacti, as well as the Joshua tree which thrives there. It withstands the extreme temperatures that perpetually reign there and can live for nearly 200 years. After crossing the desert, you continue to encounter Route 66 and spend the night in Kingman, Arizona.

• day 4

  Grand Canyon

  

  Kingman is known for its Route 66 museum and the Kingman Railroad Museum, which houses a 1928 steam locomotive. From there, you will cross historic Seligman until you reach the Grand Canyon. There are miles of scenic road to travel along the south rim of the canyon. You can do this by car or on foot. If you are physically able and very adventurous, you can sign up for an optional guided tour to descend more than a thousand meters to the bottom of the canyon. This wild journey will take two days, with camping at the base. This will require a modification of your itinerary, but it is entirely possible.

• day 5

  Monument Valley

  

  Today, you will head west along the Canyon road for a three and a half hour journey to Monument Valley. This park, belonging to the Navajo Nation, is located on the border of Arizona and Utah. You will see ancient giant rock and sand formations that make Monument Valley an icon of "American Cowboy" movies. You will enjoy a 4x4 tour of the valley's hidden sites, accompanied by a local Navajo guide. There are also trails that you can explore on foot.

• day 6

  Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon

  

  Today, you only have two hours of driving to Page, in Arizona. Here, you can enjoy the tourist sites of Lake Powell, which runs through Glen Canyon National Park. You will also have a guided tour of the magnificent Antelope Canyon cave.

• day 7

  Bryce Canyon

  

  Your next stop is Bryce Canyon, one of our favorite national parks in Utah. Discover the incredible red rock formations. There are many trails for different levels of hikers. If you are ambitious, you can stay an extra day to make sure you hike as many trails as possible and enjoy the view.

• day 8

  Zion National Park

  

  Zion National Park is one of the most visited parks in the country. You will stay in a hotel just outside the park, and there is a free shuttle that makes many stops in the park so you can choose the hikes you want to do. If you are very ambitious and in good physical shape, you can hike to Angel's Landing. The trail is 8 kilometers long and has an elevation gain of 453 meters. The view from the top allows you to see the Virgin Valley, which flows at the bottom of the deep Zion canyon.

• day 9

  Las Vegas

  

  Enjoy Zion again in the morning, as there are many trails to explore. Then head to Las Vegas, just two and a half hours away by car. You will have a fun evening, as your luxury hotel is on the Strip, within walking distance of all the sights and sounds of Sin City.

• day 10

  Las Vegas

  

  Although there is a lot to see and do in Las Vegas, take the time to visit Red Rock Canyon, about 30 minutes west of the Strip. There are many hiking trails, as well as a 34-kilometer loop road for panoramic views. Tonight, enjoy the neon lights and maybe a delicious buffet.

• day 11

  Death Valley

  

  Go to Death Valley. This park is a real contrast with the deserts of Utah and their red and green colors. 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 place in the Northern Hemisphere, with an altitude reaching 100 m below sea level. You will go exploring in the yellow sand dunes, contrasting with the dark colors of the surrounding mountains. You will discover Badwater and its toxic waters, Devil’s Golf Course and its salt formations, as well as Zabriskie Point and its multi-colored formations.

• day 12

  Yosemite and the giant sequoias

  

  If you are traveling during the summer months and the Tioga Pass is open, you will drive from Death Valley north to Mono Lake and enter Yosemite National Park from the east. Here, you will see some of the largest and oldest trees in the world, the Giant Sequoias. After crossing the park, you will stay overnight in Mariposa, in front of the west entrance.

• day 13

  San Francisco

  

  Today, you are leaving the mountains of California to go to the sea. You can go directly to San Francisco or first stop by Monterey, then drive north to San Francisco on the scenic Pacific Highway. Tonight, you will stay near the historic Union Square, in downtown San Francisco.

• day 14

  San Francisco

  

  You have a full day to discover San Francisco. You can explore the city, considered one of the most beautiful in the USA, on foot or by bike. Visit Union Square, Chinatown, and save Fisherman's Wharf for a sunset dinner. Hop on one of the famous cable cars and, if you choose this option, take a boat ride to see the famous Alcatraz prison, "The Rock."

• day 15

  San Francisco is in France.

  

  Back to your home