American Classics | USA Southwest Hiking & Camping Tour- 12 Days

Explore the lesser known and much underrated Valley of Fire today, featuring some fascinating Aztec Sandstone landscapes, carved out by the wind and desert conditions over tens of thousands of years.  We head out on two hikes, White Domes and Mouses's Tank, which both have more than enough caves, slot canyons and secrets locked in time to keep every moment interesting.  

As we arrive in camp near Zion NP, we settle into desert camping as a group and have a fun evening around the campfire. 

Spend the day exploring the world renown hiking trails of Zion NP with your guide.  We typically explore West Rim Trail to Scouts Lookout, with epic views of Angel's Landing and the sheer rock walls stretching out over the valley below.  Next we venture to Emerald Pool and squeeze in a trip up the Riverside Trali to the gaping caverns of Sinawava Temple and Zion Narrows.  

Around each corner you will surely recognize scenes from past National Geographics, and from every adventure influencers photos.  There isn't much that can match the beauty of the landscapes in Zion NP. 

Today we explore the mystical valleys of Bryce Canyon National Park, losing ourselves in the towering Hoodoos and otherworldly rock formations.  Learn about the complex processes that create such a unique landscape, or spend your time getting some really odd selfies and photos in this incredible place.  

Passing through Peekaboo Narrows is an opportunity for some truly amazing photos and to imagine the thousands of years of explorers to pass through this secretive area.  

Today we head from Bryce Canyon National Park to Grand Canyon, stopping along the way to explore Antelope Canyon.  This is a sacred place, always evolving through time and a famous sight that you will absolutely recognize from countless films and travel magazines. 

The local first nations call this place "The Place Where Water Runs Through Rocks" and with our renown Navajo guide we will explore the sacred slot canyon, learning the history and cultural significance.  

It is said that the canyon is a reminder of the powerful forces at work in the universe and a symbol that we are just a small part of the universe's power.  

After Antelope Canyon, we continue on towards Grand Canyon National Park, stopping at Horsehsoe Bend for some famous desert sunset views with the Grand Canyon stretching out far below.  

As our commerical guides are not permitted to hike below the rim of the canyon, this is your day to explore the Grand Canyon as you wish.  Your guide will give you several amazing trail options to explore at your own pace, enjoying the world famous views of America's greatest natural treasure.  

You can go for a big hike, or a series of small walks, or opt to go for a helicopter flight, getting some unrivaled views of the Canyon.  

Kick back and take a load off as we set out on the classic American road trip, heading West on Route 66, bound for the West Coast.  Enjoy the desert views as they roll by, while we cruise along the most classic route in the US.  This is where countless musicians, movie stars, explorers and outlaws have headed and we make several stops along the way for you to soak in the history and beauty of this drive, plus eat some classic American Diner food along the way! 

Today we veer off the typical route and head North along the Eastern side of the Sierra mountain range.  Along the way we stop at Movie Road, where you have several chances to head out on walks and explore the area were many films have been created.  We settle into camp in Bishop, California with magificent mountain views glowing as the sunsets and some dark skies with too many stars to count.  

Start off with a visit to Mono Lake in the morning light to capture the surreal soda salt lake landscape.  This inland sea has nowhere to escape and is home to an important and massive migratory bird population, who feed on the little shrimp that grow in the salty waters. 

Next up we head through the gorgeous Tioga Pass into the backdoor of Yosemite National Park, avoiding the more crowded route.  We head out for a hike to climb to the top of an impressive granite dome, gaining our first views of the majestic mountains in the area. 

As we head deeper into Yosemite Park, we walk through Tuolumne Grove, feeling small as we pass below some stands of ancient Sequoia Trees.  These trees are truly pre-historic, with unbelievably wide trunks and some really fun photo opportunities. 

Today we head deep into Yosemite National Park to explore some of the most famous and remarkable hikes.  We start off chasing waterfalls, hiking to Upper Vernal Falls for some classic Yosemite waterfalls views, and the water tumbles down the sheer mountainsides into the valley far below.  

Next up we head to Glacier Point to hike Sentinel Dome where we are rewarded with views that you will likely recognize from countless nature films or Apple Iphone ads!  

This our last day of hiking on your tour, so we make it count with one of the most iconic hikes in one of the most iconic parks in America.  We head up the North Dome hike, passing through beautiful alpine terrain and pine forests, gaining the summit of North Dome.  From here the valleys that make up Yosemite NP stretch out far below us for as far as the eye can see.  Directly in front of us is the towering rock fortress of Half Dome, one of the most famous sights in the park, and possibly the entire country.  

We relax back in camp, sharing our favourite photos and hanging out around our last cmapfire together.  

This morning we pack up camp and head a few hours West to San Francisco, stopping to check out the famour Golden Gate Bridge.  We drop you off at 1 pm in San Francisco at a central location near hotels, public transit and airport taxis.  

We hope to see you on another adventure soon!