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Arrive at the airport, pick-up rental car and proceed to the hotel. Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the United States. Home to famous movie stars and the infamous landmark, the Hollywood sign, this city brimming with culture and happenings. This electric metropolis has many regions with distinct flavors and communities.
Accommodations:
(STD) Hacienda LAX or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Hilton LAX or similar (1 night).
Depart Los Angeles this morning and drive toward Santa Barbara. On the beautiful Pacific Coast, Santa Barbara is a gem. The pristine city’s climate gives rise to a number of natural attractions. Stroll through the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens to view breathtaking flora or hike a scenic nature trail in Los Padres National Forest. The beaches all have their own allure. East Beach attracts the trendy and young while fishing and whale watching are the favorites at Arroyo Burro. Enjoy the fine collection at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art or explore the Old Mission. Fresh seafood can be found in the many restaurants on Stearn’s Wharf. Continue on to the San Simeon area for an overnight stay.
Accommodations:
(STD) Silver Surf San Simeon or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Cambria Pine Lodge or similar (1 night).
Today, you are free to enjoy the many sights and sounds of San Francisco. Take a cable car ride from Fisherman’s Wharf. Another major attraction is Alcatraz, a small island located in the middle of San Francisco Bay. It served as lighthouse, a military fortification, and finally as a federal prison until 1963. The rangers give excellent guided tours detailing the history and legends surrounding “The Rock.” Spend the day in Golden Gate Park. Golden Gate Park offers dozens of fun things to do. Top sights are the Conservatory of Flowers and the Japanese Tea Garden. Don’t miss the local resident buffalo herd. This evening dine in one of San Francisco’s many distinctive neighborhoods. From Chinatown to the very Italian flavored North Beach, each offers its own distinctive culture and cuisine.
Accommodations:
(STD) Whitcomb Hotel or similar (2 nights).
(SUP) Pickwick Hotel or similar (2 nights).
Today, you are free to enjoy the many sights and sounds of San Francisco. Take a cable car ride from Fisherman’s Wharf. Another major attraction is Alcatraz, a small island located in the middle of San Francisco Bay. It served as lighthouse, a military fortification, and finally as a federal prison until 1963. The rangers give excellent guided tours detailing the history and legends surrounding “The Rock.” Spend the day in Golden Gate Park. Golden Gate Park offers dozens of fun things to do. Top sights are the Conservatory of Flowers and the Japanese Tea Garden. Don’t miss the local resident buffalo herd. This evening dine in one of San Francisco’s many distinctive neighborhoods. From Chinatown to the very Italian flavored North Beach, each offers its own distinctive culture and cuisine.
Depart the bustle of San Francisco and drive toward Yosemite National Park. The striking beauty of Yosemite is due in part to the Yosemite Valley, whose flat floor contrasts with nearly vertical granite walls. The granite cliffs, including the El Capitan monolith, Glacier Point, and Half Dome all tower as major waterfalls tumble over them. In addition to the Valley, Yosemite includes an extensive high-mountain wilderness of peaks, rivers, meadows, and groves of giant sequoia trees. Extensive visitor activities, facilities, and services are available. At Yosemite Village, you can visit the Valley Visitor Center and see its orientation film, publications, theater programs, and exhibits highlighting the natural and human history of the area. Self-guiding trails start nearby. Elsewhere in Yosemite Valley, you can gaze up at the waterfalls; visit Mirror Lake/Meadow in the East Valley and the famous “Tunnel View” of Yosemite Valley at Wawona Tunnel. A one night stay has been arranged at the Yosemite area.
Accommodations:
(STD) Cedar Lodge or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Yosemite View Lodge or similar (1 night).
Leave the Yosemite area behind and drive toward Nevada. Along the way, you may want to pass through Death Valley National Park. Here you will find raw and barren earth as carved by the elements. The visitor center is located at Furnace Creek and will be a good starting point for seeing the park. Continue on to Las Vegas where a two-night stay has been arranged. Las Vegas has something to offer everyone. From the outrageous live shows to the excitement of casinos, the action never stops from morning to night. Tonight, stroll down Las Vegas Boulevard, also known as “the strip”, for a foretaste of this spectacular city.
Accommodations:
(STD) Best Western Mardi Gras or similar (2 nights).
(SUP) Tropicana Resort & Casino or similar (2 nights).
Today you have the choice to explore this electric city or take one of the numerous helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon for a glimpse at one of the great natural wonders of the world. In Vegas, each hotel and casino has a distinctly different theme and all offfer wondrous displays. Take a trip up to the top of the Stratosphere Tower, the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. Enjoy dinner at the Top of the World, or simply admire the view from the observation deck. Visit any of the premier hotels including Caesars Palace, The Venetian and Paris for luxury shopping. If you’re searching for a bargain, drive to one of the outlet malls featuring designer names at discounted prices. Make sure not to miss the nightly fountain show at the Bellagio Hotel. Using a dramatic combination of music, water and light, the Bellagio delivers spectacular performances nightly with its majestic fountains. For a different side of Vegas, visit Fremont Street. This historic street features shops, restaurants and casinos. Above you hangs a canopy screen where more than 12 million lights put on a spectacular show.
Leave the Vegas excitement behind and drive toward Zion National Park. You will be greeted by gigantic sandstone monoliths and hear the soft rush of the Virgin River. The Narrows are Zion’s famous slot canyons. These are narrow stone crevices formed with colorful stripes caused by years of water, wind and erosion. The result is a hiker’s paradise. In the park and along the river there are a variety of trails and paved pathways for explorers of all skill levels. In addition, there is a complimentary shuttle system that runs throughout the park. By utilizing this, you can visit the Zion’s other major attractions such as the Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock and Angels Landing. Stop at the Visitor Center for information on guided tours and park history. Continue on to Bryce for an overnight stay.
Accommodations:
(STD) Bryce View Lodge or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon or similar (1 night).
This morning visit Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce contains “amphitheatres” of colorful eroded rock formations; these spires of rock are called hoodoos. It is their uniqueness that sets Bryce apart from anywhere else. Light reflecting on the hoodoos at different times of day change the colorful scene of the park. Consider a drive to Rainbow Point. From some of the overlooks, you can see more than 100 miles on a clear day. Enjoy one of the numerous walking trails the park has to offer. Horseback riding is another popular way to see the highlights of the park. Continue to Salt Lake City for an overnight stay. Salt Lake City is where Brigham Young and his followers, fleeing religious persecution developed a community. Explore famous Temple Square where free guided tours are given.
Accommodations:
(STD) Red Lion Salt Lake Downtown or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Shilo Inn Salt Lake City or similar (1 night).
Today, depart Salt Lake City to explore Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone was the first national park in the world, the example on which parks everywhere are modeled. One of the most famous park features is Old Faithful. This famous geyser got its name because of its punctuality and predictability. Eruptions at Old Faithful last anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes, and spray water and steam up to 184 ft vertically. It also includes the nation’s largest wildlife preserve, an enormous lake, the Continental Divide, some 10,000 hydrothermal features, and over 1,000 miles of trails. Its diversity of attractions is a match for any location on the planet. Explore the interesting park locations and the hydrothermal features by strolling on the boardwalks built over them. Yellowstone’s wildlife is as spectacular as the hydrothermal features. Because of the park’s remote location, and because of its large size, animals roam freely and are able to live in a natural way much as their kind has lived for centuries. Moose, elk and buffalo are among the most populous of inhabitants. A two night stay has been arranged in the West Yellowstone area.
Accommodations:
(STD) Days Inn West Yellowstone or similar (2 nights).
(SUP) Gray Wolf Inn or similar (2 nights).
Today you will stay in the area of Yellowstone to explore its wildlife, water and wilderness. You can also drive the Beartooth Scenic Byway that is designed as a National Forest Scenic Byway; the Beartooth Highway has been described by the late CBS correspondent Charles Kuralt as ‘the most beautiful road in America’. It was originally completed in 1936; at the beginning of the 2006 season, massive slides destroyed much of it, and an amazing reconstruction effort has re-opened the road for the 2006 travel season. The drive reaches heights of nearly 11,000 feet as it crosses the backbone of the Beartooth Mountains.
Today, drive to Cody and visit the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. This unique place is actually five museums in one building offering an intimate look at the history of the west. The Buffalo Bill Museum examines both the personal and public lives of W.F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, and seeks to interpret his story in the context of the history and myth of the American West. The Whitney Gallery of Western Art presents an outstanding collection of masterworks of the American West. Original paintings, sculptures and prints trace artistic interpretations of the West from the early 19th century to today. The Plains Indian Museum features one of the country’s largest and finest collections of Plains Indian art and artifacts. The Cody Firearms Museum contains the world’s most comprehensive assemblage of American arms, as well as European arms dating to the 16th century. Billing itself as “Rodeo Capital of the World,” Cody provides a unique opportunity to capture the excitement of a real rodeo in a dramatic western setting. Seasonally, the Cody Nite Rodeo is a fantastic way to become part of the west.
Accommodations:
(STD) Holiday Inn Buffalo Bill Village Resort or similar (1 night).
(SUP) The Cody Hotel or similar (1 night).
Depart Cody this morning and begin driving toward Cheyenne. Cheyenne is the capitol of Wyoming, its largest city and the hub of commerce for the state. The city of Cheyenne was built in the late 1800’s on cattle ranching and the railroad system. Cheyenne’s economy is still largely powered by ranching and here rodeo is king! Here you will find multiple museums exploring the history and lore of the Old West. Sixteenth Street, or Lincolnway, is the retail and entertainment heart of Cheyenne. There are also many historical and political sights, from the Capitol Building to the Historic Governors’ Mansion. Cheyenne’s biggest event is a weeklong cowboy extravaganza called Cheyenne Frontier Days. Visit one of the galleries that feature costumes and the history of this event.
Accommodations:
(STD) Holiday Inn Cheyenne or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Nagle Warren Mansion or similar (1 night).
This morning, begin driving toward Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the way you will see forests of pine and fir and fields of wildflowers; the views are nothing short of spectacular. Rocky Mountain National Park is unique because of its diverse terrain, caused in large part by the extremes of elevation that exist within it. A prime wildlife-viewing area, the park is replete with elk, mule deer, beavers, coyotes, river otters, moose, bighorn sheep, and an abundance of songbirds. Trail Ridge Road, which cuts west through the middle of the park is rated among the most scenic highways in America. It was designated an All-American Road in 1996, one of the first six in the nation. Climbing to 12,187 feet near Fall River Pass, it is the highest continuous paved highway in the United States. Exhibits at the Alpine Visitor Center at Fall River Pass, 11,800 feet above sea level, explain life on the alpine tundra. Continue to Denver for an overnight stay.
Accommodations:
(STD) DoubleTree, The Curtis Hotelr or similar (2 nights).
(SUP) Warwick Hotel Denver or similar (2 nights).
Denver has the urban charms of an industrious city, combined with all of the mystery and romance of the old West. Located at just over five thousand feet above sea level, the “Mile High City” was one of the first settlements to not be centrally located to a navigable body of water or a functioning railway. A speck of gold was discovered here and led many eager fortune seekers to make camp. Although no major gold discovery was ever had, William H. Larimer arrived in 1859 and laid out a plan for the city. Today, Denver is a thriving center of commerce and finance with a lingering twinkle of its rugged beginnings. Walking in the Downtown area is ideal. It is bursting with greenery in its parks, pedestrian areas and tree-lined boulevards. Shops, restaurants and nightspots are all around. Top attractions like the US Mint, modeled on the Palazzo Riccardi in Florence, Denver Art Museum, and the Colorado History Museum are located in this area also.
Depart Denver for Durango and enjoy its cowboy history and culture. Take a ride back through time behind a historic coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive. Enjoy the sights and sounds of yesteryear on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad as it winds through 46 miles of the San Juan National Forest to the old mining town of Silverton, Colorado, a National Historic Landmark. You might also enjoy horseback riding at one of the local ranches. There are many outdoor tours and activities available around Durango. Take a trip deep into old gold and silver mines or explore archeological ruins. Tours of local agricultural businesses are also available. Hiking, rafting and fishing are also a great way to spend the day. For shopping, stroll along Main Avenue, where you will find an abundance of one-of-a-kind stores and boutiques located between fantastic restaurants and specialty stores.
Accommodations:
(STD) Durango Downtown Inn or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Historic Strater House or similar (1 night).
Depart Durango this morning and visit Mesa Verde National Park. The park protects over 4000 archeological sites and includes 600 cliff dwellings of the ancient Anasazi people. Stop at the Far View Visitor Center and find valuable park information and exhibits on Native American pottery and jewelry. Take a ranger-guided tour of one of the dwellings, such as Cliff Palace. Wildlife is abundant in this park. Upon entering, you are likely to see mule deer along the side of the road. You might see a coyote, gray fox, mountain lion, black bear, elk, marmot, or even a porcupine. Drive toward Monument Valley. Over the years, Monument Valley has been the setting for more Western movies than any other site in the United States. Unique sandstone formations punctuate the sometimes barren landscape and spires rise into strange formations that have inspired names such as “Three Sisters” and “The Thumb.” At dawn and dusk, the park comes to life when the sun transforms this area into a bright canvas, painting the monoliths with light and color. Located on the north and central parts of the Navajo Reservation, some of these native people still inhabit this land. Continue to Lake Powell for an overnight stay.
Accommodations:
(STD) Quality Inn Lake Powell or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Lake Powell Resort or similar (1 night).
Explore Lake Powell this morning. For thousands of years the Colorado River ran through Glen Canyon carving a tremendous canyon through the sandstone. In 1963 the Glen Canyon dam was constructed and took possession of the Colorado River, turning the natural beauty of Glen Canyon into popular Lake Powell, a body of deep blue water surrounded by red cliff walls. You may wish to visit the magnificent Rainbow Bridge, the largest natural bridges in the world. One of the natural wonders of the world, the bridge has been formed by erosion of the sandstone by water flowing from Navajo Mountain towards the Colorado River. Continue to the the Grand Canyon. The overwhelming size and brilliant colors of the Grand Canyon easily make it one of the natural wonders of the world. The Grand Canyon was carved out by natural elements including the Colorado River over vast geological spans of time. The South Rim has an assortment of viewing areas that can be reached by shuttle or car. There are many paved and unpaved walkways along the rim as well. Visit the Bright Angel Lodge for an excellent vantage point. The lodge is a historic landmark and also offers a gallery, restaurant, exhibits and a great views. Guided hikes leave from the lodge and talks are often offered by the park rangers. For the adventurous, hiking trails and guided mule rides will take you down to the Colorado River. Rafting trips along the river are also a spectacular way to enjoy the canyon. An overnight stay has been arranged here.
Accommodations:
(STD & SUP) Grand Canyon Lodging* to be determined at time of booking, based on availability – Excludes El Tovar Hotel – (1 night).
* We would strive to provide accommodations inside Grand Canyon National Park for early bookings. National Park lodging must be booked well in advance, especially for the summer months. National Park accommodations, while rustic, provide an incomparable experience and many added conveniences. The park’s free shuttle buses connect the lodges with restaurants, shops, visitor centers, scenic overlooks and trailheads. Later bookings will be accommodated just outside the National Park.
Depart the Grand Canyon and begin the scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon. See the natural water slide called Sliding Rock, where visitors glide down a smooth rock surface into the water. Make a photo stop at Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, large red sandstone formations that tower around the town of Sedona. Sedona is known for its strong artistic community, eclectic shops, galleries and fantastic places to eat. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the main avenue, or take a jeep tour out into the natural landscape. Continue to Phoenix for an overnight stay. This evening visit the “Old Town” area of Scottsdale. In addition to multiple galleries and exclusive shops, here you will find an excellent collection of Southwestern and Native American art and handcrafts for sale. Enjoy the regional flavors of the southwest cooking style at one of the multiple restaurants in this area.
Accommodations:
(STD) Sleep Inn North Scottsdale or similar (1 night).
(SUP) Scottsdale Cottonwoods Resort or similar (1 night).
Drive away from the Valley of Sun today toward the fashionable resort community of Palm Springs. Here date palms grow wild and natural springs have attracted visitors for years. Now known for its golf and upscale lifestyle, tourists and celebrity visitors enjoy the luxurious amenities. Take a ride on the Aerial Tramway, a popular attraction that takes you from the desert to snow-capped mountains. This cable car ride ascends Mt. San Jacinto. At the top, there are hiking trails, mule rides, a cocktail bar and a restaurant. Moorten Botanical Garden is another interesting place to visit, proclaiming itself the “World’s First Cactarium.” The garden includes 3,000 fine examples of desert cacti and other desert plants, in a quirky Wild West setting sometimes used as a film backdrop. The Village area has a variety of restaurants, trendy shops, historic sites and annual festivals. Continue to Los Angeles for a two night stay.
Accommodations:
(STD) Sportsmen Lodge or similar (2 nights).
(SUP) Angeleno Hotel or similar (2 nights).
Today, explore the City of Angels. Visit the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Shop the famous Rodeo Drive, where luxury retail commands the street. Have lunch in Venice Beach, home to famous Muscle Beach, where the sand and surf are secondary to the lively scene of people that inhabit the sidewalk. Visit Santa Monica Pier, built in 1916 and once known as the “finish line” of legendary Route 66. It features an aquarium, an amusement park and the famous Hippodrome building, a mix of California, Byzantine and Moorish architecture that has been featured in many films. Or, make your way to Anaheim and visit the “Happiest place on earth”, Disneyland, home to everyone’s favorite characters like Minnie and Mickey Mouse. Here you will find entertainment for the young and the young at heart. For a behind the scenes look at movie making, you can visit Universal Studios. Tour the sets and cast yourself in the thrilling rides, shows, and attractions that bring the movies to life. In the evening, enjoy Universal City Walk, filled with restaurants and nightclubs.
Depart at leisure for the Los Angeles International Airport. Drop-off rental car.
This is the ultimate National Park tour as it combines the major parks of the west. From Los Angeles up the coast to San Francisco and through the most beautiful landscapes in the country, this tour captures all the breathtaking natural beauty of the west.
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