Western Dream

Yosemite National Park sits nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range of northern California, here green forests meet granite walls measuring several thousand feet high. Rock climbers come here from all over the world to scale the rocks and hikers come to walk to the base of some of the largest waterfalls in the world. You will see the amazing giant sequoia trees before continuing to Yosemite Valley. Once in the valley for the next two days you have plenty of time to explore. You may take a bike ride (hire cost applies) or take a dip in the Merced River or enjoy walks through the meadows. There are many trails that will enable you to leave the crowds behind. The famous sites situated along these trails include Yosemite Falls, Nevada Falls, Vernal Falls, Mirror Lake and Half Dome. The views are breathtaking from every vantage point and the granite formations of Half Dome, El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks are spectacular.  (BLDx2)

Continue the journey to Utah today and reach your destination of Zion National Park. Zion Canyon was named by the early Mormon settlers of Utah who thought of it as their 'promised land'. Some of the best hiking in the desert terrain of southwest USA can be found here in and around the fertile Virgin River as it meanders below massive, cathedral-like, sandstone walls. With an early arrival today and two nights spent here, you will have plenty of time to explore after setting up camp. 

The next day you have a full day to further explore the delights of Zion National Park. There are various hikes to choose from, ranging from easy to strenuous. You warm up your legs by taking some of the short hikes from the valley floor to view the Lower Emerald pool and then continue on to the sparkling Upper Emerald pools, passing a waterfall along the way to discover Zion's "beach." Cool off from the summer sun by exploring the Riverside Walk section of the Virgin River.  
 
If you are feeling ambitious, you can enjoy the park's more challenging option and ascend 760 metres (2500 feet) to experience unbeatable panoramic views from the top of Angels Landing. After a beautiful but strenuous hike along the knife-edge ridgeline you will be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking and powerful panoramas you will ever see. If weather conditions permit, you may choose to hike deep into the Zion Narrows. Horse riding is also available if you'd prefer a seat with a view! Camping - 2 nights (BLDx2)

Leaving Monument Valley you head towards Grand Canyon. Traversing the eastern entrance of the canyon, catch your first glimpse of it at Desert View. This incredible spectacle is difficult to comprehend, even as you stand at the rim or hike down into the canyon. Carved over several millennia, this massive wonder of nature is 445 kilometres (277 miles) long, up to 29 kilometres (18 miles) wide and over 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) deep. Snaking through the canyon floor is the mighty Colorado River, which runs 2330 kilometres (1450 miles) through seven US states and two Mexican states.  
 
In your free time, you can take a scenic helicopter flight over the canyon, which offers perspectives that you cannot see by visiting on foot. Also recommended is the film show at the IMAX Theater, which will give you a good overview of the area and how it developed. Alternatively, you may like to stroll the easy meandering South Rim Trail, hike your way down the more challenging trail to Plateau Point, or simply relax at the canyon's edge and enjoy a spectacular sunset over one of the World's natural wonders. There is also time to shop for local souvenirs. Camping - 2 nights (BLD)