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Peregrine Travel Centre

Best of Western USA

Best of Western USA

From $ 7,305 AUD

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Description

Take a 12-day road trip from the glitzy hub of Las Vegas to the trendy San Francisco, stopping at national parks, deep canyons, fascinating landscapes and small towns along the way. Start with Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon hikes, kayak across Lake Powell, discover the iconic Monument Valley with a Navajo guide then hit the famed Grand Canyon for an epic sunset and a walk along the rim. Enjoy a full free day in Sin City, then visit the towering sequoias – some of the oldest trees on Earth! Stop into the incredibly diverse lands of Yosemite National Park, where you’ll stargaze with a local naturalist and walk the best trails with an expert trip leader – then mark the end of your trip with a walk across Golden Gate Bridge.

Trip Name
Best of Western USA
Last Updated
2024-08-30
Days
12
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Marvel at one of the nation’s greatest national parks, the Grand Canyon, and walk along the rim, hike into the canyon or just soak up the expansive views.
  • Kayak across the waters of Lake Powell, weaving your way past fascinating rock formations as your leader shares stories of the lake’s history.
  • Hike through the varied landscapes of Zion National Park, taking in views of massive canyon walls and red sandstone cliffs as you go.
  • Learn about the culture and history of Monument Valley during a Navajo guided tour, followed by a traditional homecooked, family-style Navajo lunch.
  • Experience world-famous Yosemite National Park, taking in the breathtaking scenery as well as the pristine night sky as you go on leader-led walks both day and night.   
  • Walk among the towering timber of Sequoia National Park and see General Sherman, the world’s largest tree by volume, along with the other soaring sequoias that make up the Giant Forest.   

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Las Vegas / Zion National Park
Welcome to Las Vegas! The real wild west is home to some of the USA’s most incredible scenery. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am. Then, you’ll hop aboard a private van. Get to know each other over a picnic lunch, then venture into the stunning landscapes of Zion National Park. Join your leader for a guided hike, then spend the night in Springdale – known as the gateway to the park.
Day 2 - Bryce Canyon National Park / Page
After breakfast this morning, it’s time to make tracks for Bryce Canyon National Park – make sure your camera is ready to go, as some of the views you’ll come across today are truly out of this world! Take a short drive in your private vehicle, then spend the morning hiking through the epic landscapes of the park. Walk along the canyon rim and marvel at hundreds of unique sandstone towers, known as hoodoos, that jut out from the natural amphitheatre. Relax while you enjoy a picnic lunch and take in your magnificent surroundings, then hike down into the canyon for a closer look at the fascinating hoodoos. Then, drive on to the town of Page, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 3 - Lake Powell / Horseshoe Bend
Journey south this morning, driving through more spectacular scenery before arriving at Lake Powell. This gorgeous reservoir is certainly a sight to behold from the shore but to really appreciate it, you’ve got to get on the water. Jump in a kayak and paddle across the water’s surface, weaving your way through remarkable rock formations while your leader regales you with stories of the lake’s history. Back on dry land, set out for a gentle walk along Horseshoe Bend, taking in beautiful views with every step. This afternoon there is an option to visit Antelope Canyon before returning to Page for the evening.
Day 4 - Monument Valley / Grand Canyon
Start the day with a drive to Monument Valley – one of the world’s most iconic sights. If this landscape dotted with towering sandstone buttes looks familiar to you, it’s no surprise – Monument Valley has been the filming location for many famous Western films. More importantly, this is the native land of the Navajo. When you arrive, you’ll transfer from your vehicle to a 4WD and enjoy a Navajo-guided tour of Monument Valley, where you’ll have the chance to learn more about their rich culture and history in the area before sitting down to a traditional homecooked, family-style Navajo lunch. Continue your journey onto the iconic Grand Canyon for some awe-inspiring walks along the rim.
Day 5 - Las Vegas
This morning it's time to return to Las Vegas, but first we'll make a stop along Historic Route 66 for a dose of quirky Americana. You'll arrive in Las Vegas around 4pm and have the evening free to explore Sin City.
Day 6 - Las Vegas
Today is free to explore Las Vegas. The city may be the gambling capital of the world, but there's plenty to do if gambling isn't your thing. Hit the shops, feel your stomach drop on a rooftop roller coaster or simply stroll along the Strip, soaking up the glitz and gaudiness. There will be a meeting at 5 pm tonight to welcome any new travellers to the trip. After the welcome meeting, perhaps feast on an 'all you can eat' buffet or check out one of the many shows on offer – book in advance if you can, to get the best deals – or party the night away in a Vegas nightclub.
Day 7 - Sequoia National Park
Leaving Sin City in your dust, you’ll road trip across state lines and through the Mojave Desert today, then around to Sequoia National Park. It’s a long drive, but it’ll give you the chance to see the changing geography of the American west – watch on as the desert gives way to the peaks of the southern Sierras. Settle into your accommodation near Sequoia National Park in the afternoon, and then head out for an included dinner at a local restaurant with your group.
Day 8 - Sequoia National Park
Today is simply about seeing the best of the USA’s Sequoia National Park. After breakfast, you’ll embark on leader-led walks around Sequoia, driving from stop to stop as you get to feel small next to the staggering size of General Sherman, the Giant Forest and other specimens of Sequoia’s towering timber. You may even drive through a tree at Tunnel Log, peer into Tharp’s Log and spot marmots, black bears and recently re-introduced bighorn sheep.
Day 9 - Yosemite National Park
After breakfast, you’ll hit the highway headed for the world-famous Yosemite National Park. To start, get acquainted with the awe-inspiring Yosemite Valley during a guided hike. Strewn with dramatic waterfalls, gigantic granite outcrops and lush meadows, this is one of the most spectacular spots in the country. Your leader will also teach you about the ecologically diverse landscape along the way. After sunset, you’ll join a Naturalist from the Yosemite Conservancy for a guided stargazing program. The park’s minimal light pollution makes it an excellent place to see the stars while learning about astronomy, constellations and local lore.
Day 10 - Yosemite National Park
Today, Yosemite is all yours to explore! In the morning there’ll be leader-led walks around some of the park’s best trails. If it’s a clear day you may also drive up to Glacier Point for a view you won’t soon forget, looking down over the valley and across to the iconic Half Dome. The afternoon is yours to fill how you’d like. You might choose to hike along the breathtaking Mist Trail with its many fabulous views, hire a bicycle and pedal along some of the 12 miles of designated (and flat) path or immerse yourself in the park’s history at the Ahwahnee Hotel. Once you’ve seen the sights, the day will be capped off with a pizza picnic in the park for dinner.
Day 11 - San Francisco
After saying fond farewells to Yosemite, you’ll head west to vibrant San Francisco. Stop to do a walk over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and then check in to your hotel for the night. At sunset, you can hit the water for an optional catamaran cruise around the bay, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island – this is the perfect farewell to a sun kissed Californian adventure. If you like, head out with your fellow travellers for one last dinner.
Day 12 - San Francisco 
With no activities planned today, your adventure ends this morning. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
15-04-202526-04-2025AUD $ 7,305-
29-04-202510-05-2025AUD $ 7,960-
13-05-202524-05-2025AUD $ 8,035-
03-06-202514-06-2025AUD $ 7,745-
17-06-202528-06-2025AUD $ 7,595-
01-07-202512-07-2025AUD $ 7,595-
08-07-202519-07-2025AUD $ 7,595-
15-07-202526-07-2025AUD $ 7,595-
19-08-202530-08-2025AUD $ 7,305-
16-09-202527-09-2025AUD $ 7,525-
14-04-202625-04-2026AUD $ 7,670-
28-04-202609-05-2026AUD $ 7,670-
12-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 7,670-
02-06-202613-06-2026AUD $ 7,670-
16-06-202627-06-2026AUD $ 7,670-
07-07-202618-07-2026AUD $ 7,670-
14-07-202625-07-2026AUD $ 7,670-
04-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 7,670-
18-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 7,670-
01-09-202612-09-2026AUD $ 7,670-
08-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 7,670-
15-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 7,670-

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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