Camping the Best of the West's National Parks Tour with 8 Reviews by G Adventures

16 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

Las Vegas, USA

Ends

San Francisco, USA

Highlights

Explore the geologic wonders of Capitol Reef National Park.

See sunrise from the Delicate Arch View Point.

Go on the Narrows river hike in Zion National Park.

Hike to the world's largest tree in Sequoia National Park.

Get sprayed by the waters of Nevada and Vernal Fall in Yosemite National Park.

Challenge yourself to complete the strenuous Snow Creek Trail

Itinerary

On a mission to visit as many of the west coast's stunning national parks as you can? This 16-day tour will get you most of the way there with plenty of challenging but rewarding hikes along the way. Embark on a steep climb out of the valley on the Mist Trail (with incredible views for your efforts) and embark on a jaw-dropping hike through The Narrows in Zion National Park. You'll have plenty of time to catch your breath in between, whether it's star gazing in Capitol Reef's designated gold-tier International Dark Sky Park or enjoying some evening s'mores at Bryce Canyon National Park to recharge for the next adventure.

day 1 - Las Vegas

Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities today until the evening welcome meeting, so check out the strip or Fremont Street.

This tour leaves Las Vegas in the morning on Day 2; if you would like to spend any additional time here, we recommend booking pre-tour accommodation.

Accomodation:Golden Nugget Las Vegas (or similar)

Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

day 2 - Las Vegas/Bryce Canyon National Park

Hit the road from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon, travelling past towering cliffs and massive canyon walls, stopping at several viewpoints along the way. Upon arrival the group will set up camp before setting off to explore this unique national park in the fading light. After the sun goes down, don't forget to look up to check out this renowned night sky while enjoying s'mores around the fire.

Meal:Dinner

Accomodation:Ruby's Inn RV Park & Campground (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 5.0 hr - 6.0 hr Distance : 400 km

Included Activity:Bryce Canyon National Park Visit

day 3 - Bryce Canyon National Park/Moab

Set off early this morning in Bryce Canyon National Park, and stare in wonder at the largest collection of hoodoos in the world as the sun rises. Take a hike into the amphitheater of Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop to walk amongst the hoodoos, walls and fins that make up this geological wonder. In the afternoon, continue to Moab, an adventure capital of the southwest and the gateway to both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Set up camp upon arrival and spend the evening enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the great outdoors.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Sun Outdoors Campground (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.5 hr Distance : 483 km

Included Activities:Bryce Canyon National Park Visit, Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Hike Duration : 2.5 hr Distance : 5 km

day 4 - Arches National Park

Enjoy breakfast at camp before driving to Arches National Park. Spend the first part of the Day exploring the densest concentration of arches in the world. Take a hike through Devils Garden to Landscape Arch, and continue to Double O Arch, bouldering over rocks to reach the pinnacle views. Head back to Moab in the afternoon where you can take advantage of free time to try some of the optional activities available in the area. Opt to visit Delicate Arch Viewpoint in the evening for a sunset walk. Stand in awe at the over 2,000 sandstone arches ranging in size and shape that make up this park.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Sun Outdoors Campground (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 37 km

Included Activities:Arches National Park Visit Duration : 1.0 hr - 5.0 hr, Devils Garden Hike Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 7 km

Optional Activities:Hummer Tour , Rafting Take the opportunity to hit the rapids and whitewater raft on the mighty Colorado River through red rock canyons and inspiring scenery. Get your adrenaline pumping while crashing through the waves aboard a raft with a highly trained river guide.

day 5 - Canyonlands National Park

Travel to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Stop at Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument, the largest known collection of petroglyphs in the Southwest. Spend the Day hiking through desert lands to explore eroded towers of sandstone and fissures in the ground on the Joint Trail to Chesler Park.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Sun Outdoors Campground (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 119 km

Included Activities:Joint Trail and Chesler Park Hike Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 7 km, Canyonlands National Park VIsit, Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument Visit

day 6 - Capitol Reef National Park

Travel to Capitol Reef National Park. Known for its geologic monocline, discover the cliffs, canyons, petroglyphs and orchards that make up the park. Learn about the geology and the ancient inhabitants who created the petroglyphs still visible on the cliff walls. In the evening check into the cabins we'll be staying in while in Capitol Reef. Then, take advantage of your free time after dark to look up at the starry night. This national park has been designated a Gold Tier "International Dark Sky Park".

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Thousand Lakes RV Park & Campground (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 282 km

Included Activities:Capitol Reef National Park Visit, Petroglyphs at Capitol Reef National Park, Hike Hickman or Chimney Rock Trail Duration : 1.0 hr - 3.0 hr

day 7 - Capitol Reef National Park/Zion National Park

Today, travel along the scenic highway through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Take in the mesas, canyons and arches that make up this diverse geological region. Set off on a hike and discover prehistoric petroglyphs and stunning waterfalls. Opt to cool off in the refreshing waters falling 38m (126 ft) to a natural swimming pool fed from Calf Creek Falls. Continue to Zion National Park, traveling past towering cliffs and massive canyon walls, stopping at several viewpoints along the way. Enjoy panoramic views and a free evening in the Springdale area.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Zion Canyon RV Resort & Campground (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 82 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 242 km

Included Activity:Lower Calf Creek Falls Hike Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 10 km

day 8 - Zion National Park

Spend the Day discovering Zion National Park. First hike to Scout Lookout, a challenging, but rewarding 4 mile hike which passes through the iconic Walter's Wiggles before reaching the lookout point along a flat saddle with incredible views of the Zion Canyon.

Head to the valley floor to trek through the river on one of the most popular hikes in the park, the Narrows. Admire monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky and opt to turn around at any point. Experience diverse plant and animal life in this narrow slot canyon as the park transitions from desert to forest. Gaze at the awe-inspiring beauty of the high plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls. After returning to camp, head into the charming town of Springdale to celebrate the accomplishments of the last week.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Zion Canyon RV Resort & Campground (or similar)

Included Activities:Zion National Park Visit, Scout Lookout Trail, The Narrows Hike Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 6 km

day 9 - Zion National Park/Las Vegas

Take the short drive from Zion to Las Vegas. Upon arrival, enjoy free time in Las Vegas. Explore the strip, try your luck at a casino, or take in a glitzy show.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Golden Nugget Las Vegas (or similar)

day 10 - Las Vegas/Sequoia National Park

Leave the bright lights of Las Vegas behind and spend the Day travelling through the desert to the granite cliffs and ancient giant trees of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Though these two parks were granted National Park status roughly 50 years apart, they are currently managed together by the National Park system. After setting up camp, slow down to relish the natural setting, and roast s'mores around the fire.

Meal:Dinner

Accomodation:Three Rivers Hideaways Campground (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 8.0 hr Distance : 677 km

day 11 - Sequoia National Park

Enjoy a full Day in Sequoia National Park. Hike the half mile down to General Sherman, at 83 meters (275 feet) high, its the world's largest tree. Continue to trek through the Giant Forest on Congress Trail to see more of these colossal trees. Enjoy a picnic lunch amongst the giant trees. In the afternoon, choose to venture further into the park. The Marble Fork of the Kaweah River leads to inspiring granite cliffs of Tokopah Canyon, and in early summer, the 1200ft cascading Tokopah Falls is sure to impress.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Three Rivers Hideaways Campground (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 45 km

Included Activities:General Sherman Giant Forest Hike Distance : 12 km, Tokopah Falls

day 12 - Kings Canyon National Park

Rise early and head out for a final Day in Sequoia National Park. Hike through the trees to the peak of Little Baldy for panoramic vistas of the surrounding Sierra Nevadas. After, travel to Buena Vista Peak trailhead. At just 2 miles, this round-trip hike packs a punch with 360-degree views from the top of the granite peak to see not only the High Sierra, but also the valley below. After a picnic lunch, continue exploring the park through the network of trails among the towering trees of Grant Grove before traveling back to camp.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Three Rivers Hideaways Campground (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 64 km

Included Activities:Buena Vista Peak Hike Distance : 1 km, Little Baldy Hike Distance : 6 km

day 13 - Sequoia National Park/Yosemite National Park

Upon arrival in the Yosemite Valley, we first witness the iconic sights of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall. This afternoon, we get ourselves oriented among the Valley trails along the Lower Yosemite Falls trail and learn more about the park. After lunch, enjoy free time to walk trails from the Valley floor, simply relax under the towering granite monoliths, or choose to do a portion of the Valley Loop Trail where you can follow many of the Valley's first east-west trails and wagon roads through meadows and along talus slopes at the base of the granite cliffs, and near the Merced River. On our way to camp, we stop and stand in awe of El Capitan, looking for climbers on the sheer rock face.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Indian Flats Campground (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.5 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 77 km

day 14 - Yosemite National Park

From the valley floor, take the park shuttle system to one of the most iconic trails in the park. Hike alongside the Merced River to climb the Mist Trail, getting sprayed by the waters of Vernal Fall. See the water rushing over the edge before crossing the river and climbing the steps to Nevada Fall. Enjoy lunch from the top, taking in the views of the High Sierra including Half Dome, Liberty Cap, Mount Broderick. On the return trip, take the John Muir Trail down to truly understand this visionaries passion for park. Enjoy free time to walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, Bridalveil Fall Trail, or relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. On the way back to camp, stop at stand in awe of El Capitan, looking for climbers on the sheer rockface.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Indian Flats Campground (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 25 km

Included Activities:Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls Hike Duration : 5.0 hr - 6.0 hr Distance : 11 km, Yosemite National Park Visit

Optional Activities:Yosemite National Park Hike Panoramic vistas, gushing waterfalls, and elusive wildlife await. Bring water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and hike Yosemite NP. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes. , Yosemite Bike Rental

day 15 - Yosemite National Park

Today we get off the beaten path for a challenging hike, bringing us face to face with the granite domes and slopes that make this park so iconic. Rising from the valley, we search for one last breathtaking view of Half Dome and a chance to overlook the Valley below. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite is dynamic and weather patterns can see dramatic shifts year to year. Seasonally, weather and trail conditions may require the CEO to assess which trail to take, but while the routes may change with the seasons, the views all share equal splendour and require comparable effort for the epic payoff. Our aim will be to set off for the roughly 9 mile hike to North Dome from Tioga Pass.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Indian Flats Campground (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 25 km

Included Activities:Yosemite National Park Visit, North Dome Trail Duration : 4.0 hr - 6.0 hr Distance : 14 km

Optional Activities:Yosemite Bike Rental , Yosemite National Park Hike Panoramic vistas, gushing waterfalls, and elusive wildlife await. Bring water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and hike Yosemite NP. Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, and coyotes.

day 16 - Yosemite National Park/San Francisco

Drive from the Sierra Nevadas to the San Francisco Bay. Tour ends on arrival. Onward travel should be booked no earlier than 7pm.

Meal:Breakfast

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.5 hr Distance : 315 km

Camping the Best of the West's National Parks

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts), participation camping (13 nts).

Meals

13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners
Note: Allow USD190-250 for meals not included.

Transport

Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Included activities

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupPetroglyphs at Capitol Reef National ParkStargazing in a Dark Sky ParkNewspaper Rock State Historical Monument VisitQueen's Garden and Navajo Loop HikeScout Lookout HikeThe Narrows HikeGeneral Sherman Giant Forest HikeBuena Vista Peak HikeLittle Baldy HikeEntrance fees to all national parks and monuments with hiking and walking excursionsSelf-inflating mattresses and dome tents

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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