Sin, Surf & Sierras

Description

For the traveller who wants it all, this desert-to-coast journey delivers in spades. Throw caution to the wind in Sin City, Las Vegas, then cleanse those chakras with pristine national park hiking. You’ll drive the legendary Pacific Coast Highway for views that are postcard-perfect and finish in Los Angeles for a final burst of movie star glamour. A private touring van and participation camping offer affordability and flexibility while letting you get to know your fellow travellers and making this a road trip to remember.

Highlights

• Hiking in Yosemite National Park.
• Driving along California's beautiful coastline.
• Reveling in the glitz of Las Vegas.
• Breaking a sweat in Death Valley.
• Stargazing in Los Angeles.

Itinerary

Day 1 Las Vegas

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Death Valley National Park/Bishop (1L,1D)

Drive down the Vegas Strip. Visit the hottest, driest and lowest point in North America: Death Valley. Stargaze at secluded hot springs.

Day 3-4 Yosemite National Park (2B,2L,2D)

Morning trip to Mono Lake; walk among the tufa towers. Marvel at the park's peaks and granite domes and giant sequoias. Hike to majestic waterfalls, lakes and meadows.

Day 5-6 San Francisco (1B,1L)

Check out Fisherman's Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge on an orientation tour. Opt to ride a cable car over the steep hills, explore by bicycle or set sail to the setting sun.

Day 7 Pismo Beach (1L,1D)

Visit historic Monterey. Marvel at the beautiful coastline and mountain ranges of Big Sur and the famous Pacific Coast.

Day 8 Los Angeles (1B)

Travel along the coast. Visit Santa Monica, Venice Beach and the Hollywood Walk of Fame on an orientation tour before a final night out on the town.

Day 9 Los Angeles

Depart at any time.

What's Included

Entrance fees to all National and State Parks with hiking and walking excursions. Orientation tours of Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Visit Mono Lake and walk among tufas. Drive California's scenic Highway 1 including Monterey and Big Sur.

Group Size Notes

Max 13, avg 10.

Meals Included

4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners.

Meal Budget

Allow USD50-75 for meals not included.

Transport

Air-conditioned private touring van

Accommodation

Hotels (4 nts), participation camping (4 nts).

Worldwide reservations

• USA / Canada 1 855 667 9501
• United Kingdom 0844 272 2120
• Australia 1300 884 162
• New Zealand 0800 333 415
• Germany 01805 70 90 30 70
• Rest of World 00 1 855 667 9501

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/north-america/tours/chill-out/sin-surf-sierras?lpaffil=fbta1

Best of the West

Explore the national parks of western USA including the Grand Canyon

It would be hard to improve on this spectacular itinerary combining visits and optional day walks in Arizona and Utah’s most spectacular National Parks with some optional walks into and around the Grand Canyon and time in the cities of San Francisco and Las Vegas. This is the best of Western USA visiting 3 States and 6 National Parks. During our 14 day trip we explore the trails of Yosemite to view immense glacier carved walls of soaring granite, such as the famous Half Dome. We’ll ogle at the world’s biggest trees, the ancient Sequoias, before continuing to Mammoth with its hot springs. Following a short visit to Death Valley we journey deep into Utah and explore the ancient landscapes at Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park and view the deep blue waters of Lake Powell. This iconic trip is completed with two days at Grand Canyon National Park.

Highlights

• San Francisco city tour
• Yosemite National Park
• Worlds biggest trees - Sequoias
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Soaring Cliffs of Half Dome
• Mountain scenery near Mammoth
• Death Valley National Park
• Monument Valley
• Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks
• Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in San Francisco

Upon arrival into San Francisco it is recommended that you clear customs and take the shuttle bus (approx US$15 per person) to the group hotel specified in your final tour voucher. You will meet with your group leader and other members of the group at 8am the following morning when the group briefing will take place. NB: If you wish to spend more time in San Francisco then we are able to book additional nights for you.

Day 2 Walking Tour of San Francisco

San Francisco is amongst one of the USA’s most cosmopolitan and atmospheric cities. Located on the bay its suburbs are linked by a series of expansive bridges, one of those being the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Trams run major routes along the foreshore and into the hilly heights in a city where quaint wooden houses contrast sharply with the sophistication of modern skyscrapers. In the morning we explore the city on foot (3-4 hours) and cable car, and explore its hidden wonders as well as all the famous sights, such as Union Square, Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf. Last but not least we enjoy amazing views from Coit Tower. You will be given a day pass for the cable car allowing you to explore the city in the afternoon on your own. In the afternoon we recommend a harbour cruise on the bay, a tour of Alcatraz or a ferry ride to Sausalito (optional).

Day 3 To Yosemite National Park

This morning we depart San Francisco and head to the amazing Mariposa Grove of giant Sequoia at the southern end of the Yosemite National Park. We recommend we take the tram to the top of the grove (optional US$20 to be paid locally if you wish)and hike downhill back to our vehicle. This allows for a leisurely walk through an amazing forest of these ancient giants. We continue onto the Yosemite Valley where we stay in tent cabins in the heart of the park. The accommodation here is in rustic twin share tent cabins with beds and communal bathrooms and is located at the start of the trails. (Drive time approx 4-5 hrs)

Day 4 Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park which was established in 1890 in the Sierra Nevada, encompasses stunning mountain vistas and valleys housing meadows and forests (including groves of giant sequoias) surrounded by high cliffs and waterfalls. The forest of giant Sequoias, the world’s biggest trees and the soaring cliffs of Half Dome are just some of the highlights of the park. During our days in the park several options are offered. For those wanting to climb Half Dome you can do so, or for others there is a more leisurely option to drive up to Glacier Point, the most impressive view point in the park. From here we can marvel at the valley as well as the impressive walls of Half Dome. There are three very different walks offered at this point each varying in difficulty; two of them descend down into the valley while the third traces the rim of the valley. The walks on offer are Panorama Trail from Glacier Pt - 4-6 hrs, ca. 7 miles / 12 km, elevation difference:+200m/900m, 4 Mile Trail – 4-5 hrs, ca 6 miles / 10 km, elevation difference: -900m, Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Loop – ca 4 hrs, ca 6 miles / 10 km, elevation difference: +/- 200m and Half Dome – 8-10 hrs, ca 13 miles / 20 km, elevation difference: +/- 1500m. In the evening we may also have the opportunity to look for nocturnal wildlife.

Day 5 Yosemite National Park

Today we will continue on to Tuolumne Meadows - the alpine area with its lush grasses and wild flowers will contrast greatly with the arid conditions in Arizona and Utah’s Mational Parks. Weather permitting we hike to the top of Lembert Dome, where we enjoy expansive views over Tuolumne Meadow. We continue in our private vehicle to the highest auto-route across the Sierra Tioga Pass (3031m) offering amazing views from the top. The scenic interests continue into the afternoon with the stunning Mono Lake at the edge of the Great Basin Desert & Panum Crater before heading to our night’s accommodation in Mammoth. The walk to Lembert Dome takes 3 hrs, ca 5 miles / 8 km, elevation difference: +/- 300m and 80 miles. (Drive time approx 2-3 hours)

Day 6 Death Valley

This morning we drive to Death Valley National Park where more than 3.3 million acres of spectacular desert scenery, rare desert wildlife, complex geology, undisturbed wilderness and sites of historical interest abound. Its uniqueness is derived from the fact that it is the lowest, hottest & driest location in North America with a substantial area of the park lying below sea level. We explore the golden sand dunes which contrast with the stark brown and black hillsides, Badwater with its poisonous springs, the Devil’s Golf Course formed by salt deposits and the colourful formations at Zabriske Point. If time and weather permit, there is also an optional walk through the Badlands. Badlands - 2-3 hrs, ca. 3 miles/ 5 km, elevation difference: +/- 200m (Drive time approx 3 hours)

Day 7 To Grand Canyon

Drive to the Grand Canyon via Route 66 through the hot deserts of Nevada where there is plenty of time to soak up the magnificence of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our hotel is located close to the entrance of the park. (Drive time approx 4-5 hours)

Day 8 At the Grand Canyon

We have all day to spend at this amazing site. The Grand Canyon is one of the great wonders of the world and although plenty of tourists visit the area, few hit the trails. If you prefer you can hike into the canyon to Plateau Point, or follow the leader along the West Rim, where incredible views can be enjoyed. There is time to enjoy another unforgettable sunset. Walking options include the Kaibab Ridge - 3-4 hrs, ca. 3 miles/ 5 km, elevation difference: +/- 300m, Plateau Point - 8-12 hrs, ca. 12 miles/ 20 km, elevation difference: +/- 1150m and the Hike along the rim – up to 4 hrs, up to 8 miles / 13 km, elevation difference: +/- 50m. You may chose to take an optional helicopter ride to view the Grand Canyon at your own expense (approx US$180 for 25 minutes)

Day 9 Monument Valley

We journey on by road through the Painted Desert (approx 3-4 hours) to the world famous Monument Valley of the Navajo tribe. Here, giant rock domes and mesas rise out of the valley into the blue sky and offer the opportunity for excellent pictures. For decades, the area has been used by Hollywood as a favourite movie backdrop. We highly recommend an unforgettable jeep tour with the Navajos through the valley (allow approx US$45) to the hidden beauty spots such as ‘Ear of the Wind’ and ‘Big Hogan’. We then continue on towards Lake Powell and our hotel. (Drive time approx 4-5 hours)

Day 10 Lake Powell

Today we enjoy Lake Powell which was created through the damming of the Colorado River. Here dark blue waters reflect sheer red stone towers in an amazing colour show offering unforgettable impressions. We have most of the day to explore the area with a range of optional activities such as a jeep tour to Antelope Canyon, “the” classic slot canyon (allow US$30), a rafting trip on the Colorado River (allow US$65) or for a sunset boat tour on Lake Powell (allow US$35). Otherwise, the pink beaches are always a pleasure to relax along the shore line or to take a swim in the lake.

Day 11 Bryce Canyon National Park

For many visitors Bryce Canyon ranks among the most beautiful in the USA. A full day has been reserved to explore the surreal formations of the that characterise the park where erosion has shaped colourful Clarion limestones, sandstones and mudstones into thousands of spines, fins, pinnacles and mazes. Collectively these are referred to as the “hoodoos” and it should be said that photography enthusiasts will be revelling by the compositions that prevail! The walk today is the Fairlyland Loop - 4-5 hrs, ca. 8 miles/ 13 km, elevation difference: +/- 300m. Additional walks are available. (Drive time approx 2.5 hours)

Day 12 Zion National Park

Zion National Park (approx 2 hours drive from Bryce NP) is located at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin and Mojave desert provinces. It is known for its soaring red cliff walls of deep red sandstone that have been sculptured by the Virgin River and that soar as high as 800 metres. Today we take the opportunity to explore this dramatic landscape of canyons, domes and soaring cliffs and a walk to Angel’s Landing, a huge sandstone dome rising over the narrow valley of the Virgin River adds a further dimension to our day. Our walking options today include Angel’s Landing - 4-5 hrs, ca. 5 miles / 8 km, Elevation difference: +/- 450m and Narrows: 1-2 hrs, ca. 2-3 miles / 3-5 km, Elevation difference: +/- 0m. (Drive time approx 2 hours)

Day 13 To Las Vegas

We’ll visit the Emerald Pools where waterfalls cascade into an oasis of pools before leaving the wilderness and driving on to the desert city of Las Vegas where there is time for exploration of this lively city before settling into our hotel. Emerald Pools 2- 3 hour hike (Drive time approx 2.5 hours)

Day 14 Trip concludes

Trip departs in Las Vegas upon check out from the hotel before 12 noon. There is a courtesy transfer from the hotel to the airport every hour for those wishing to go to the airport.

Summary

• 14 day trip
• 11 nights hotel
• 2 nights tent cabin

Trip Main Activities

• Adventure Touring
• Day Walking
• Trekking

Group Size Min

4

Group Size Max

11

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).

What You Carry

During the day hikes on the Best of the West trip you will be required to carry your daypack with extra warm clothing, a rain jacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/tours/adventure-touring/best-west?lpaffil=fbta1