Best of the U.S. West

There are no planned activities today until the evening welcome meeting, so check out the strip or get tickets to a show for this evening.

Head out early today to Zion, Utah’s oldest national park. Once you arrive the group will take the shuttle further into the park and go on some hikes to emerald pools, hanging gardens, and sandstone cliffs.

The canyon is narrow, and the river covers the bottom in many places, which means you will have to wade or swim to proceed. Prepare to get wet but the cool water makes this hike particularly pleasant during the hot summer months. During the cooler months, there are available gear rentals including Gore-Tex dry pants, canyon shoes, and neoprene socks. Hiking poles are available for rent year-round. Hiking is not permitted when the river is high from runoff or flash flooding. Runoff mostly occurs in April and early May. Late summer thunderstorms can occasionally produce flooding. If the hike is not possible due to weather, it will be replaced with another activity.

In the morning travel to Bryce Canyon National Park and go for a hike amid the strange rock pinnacles known as hoodoos. Take some pictures of these natural towers that rise from the canyon floor before continuing with the group to Page, Arizona.

Marvel as the Grand Canyon unfolds before you but don't get too close. The land drops almost straight down for more than 1,000m (3,280 ft) into the serpentine canyons below! The gorge is filled with rocky buttes, sheer limestone cliffs, and deep canyons all arrayed in a rainbow of colors. Words defy. This is truly one of the most magnificent sights on earth.

The day begins in this ancient gorge with an expert from the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute. The group will begin on foot along the South Rim and learn about the geology, botany, and local human history of this park. Pay a visit to the Historic Village District and then hike into the canyon itself on the Bright Angel Trail.

Check out the Lowell Observatory on a behind-the-scenes tour where you’ll learn about astronomy and see the giant telescopes. Afterwards, drive to Las Vegas along Route 66.

Drive through the desert on the way to Death Valley National Park. Home to the lowest, hottest, and driest place in North America. Check out cool spots in the park like Twenty Mule Team Canyon, the Devils Golf Course, Badwater Basin, and Zabriskie Point. Admire the desolate landscape and feel the sun’s intense heat.

In the morning head to the otherworldly landscape of Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Explore the shifting dunes and then contine o to Father Crowley Vista Point which is an easy hike, but involves epic views. Afterwards the group will drive around the Sierra Nevada mountains to Sequoia National Park.

Immerse yourself in Sequoia National Park for a full day. Visit General Sherman, the world’s largest known living tree with a naturalist from the Parks Conservancy. In the afternoon the group will hike the Big Tree Trail and learn all about the history and of these trees and what the future holds for their protection. Tonight, head back out into the park for some stargazing with a local expert.

Today’s drive is nothing short of mesmerizing as the scenery changes from the looming sequoias to one of the deepest canyons in the U.S. You’ll drive from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove and experience the awe of Kings Canyon.

Travel north to Yosemite National Park. Make a quick stop to the Sentinel Dome trailhead and climb to the pinnacle where the group will have a picnic and enjoy a beautiful view of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. The other option is to go on a hike in Mariposa Grove before continuing on to Glacier Point for more incredible views.

Head out on a guided excursion through the park with a naturalist from the Yosemite Conservancy. You’ll hike through the heart of this valley and learn about how the backcountry of this area became a protected state park in 1864 and then a national park in 1890 with the help of John Muir. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own through the park’s meadow’s waterfalls, lakes, and groves. Keep your eyes on alert for any wildlife and search for rock climbers on El Capitan.

Travel from Yosemite’s bold landscape through the Central Valley towards San Francisco. Stop at a local farm stand en route to try some of the freshest produce in the region. Then, cruise over the Bay Bridge into one of the coolest cities in America. Take some time to settle into the hotel before embarking on a guided driving tour of the city. From the views at Twin Peaks to walking across a portion of the Golden Gate Bridge there’s no shortage of landmarks to see or things to do. In the evening there is an optional sunset sail in the San Francisco Bay which departs from Fisherman’s Wharf. A great way to cap off this adventure.

Depart at any time.