Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain Trails
Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain Trails
14 Days Starting in Salt Lake City and ending in
Visiting: USA
Tour Overview
On this superb hiking adventure we bring to life western USA's most famous parks, home to some of the most dramatic wind and water sculptured landscapes in the world. During a series of selected hikes, we absorb the geysers, giant waterfalls, prolific wildlife and valleys full of boiling mud pots in Yellowstone, trek in the Grand Canyon, visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon and hike in the dramatic Rocky Mountains. From Aspen and Glenwood Springs we undertake some world class day hikes in the Rockies and enjoy picture postcard vistas, such as Maroon Bells. Linking the parks and hikes are stunning drives such as the 'Million Dollar Highway', considered to be the most scenic in North America. A visit to Mesa Verde UNESCO World Heritage Site and Monument Valley and our final night in Las Vegas rounds off this exhilarating adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Salt Lake City
Today is an arrival day to Salt Lake City, Utah. Please make your own way to the hotel in the centre of town.
Overnight: Crystal Inn or similar.
Day 2 : Grand Teton National Park
This morning we have an 8:00am introductory meeting (leave your packed bags in your room and meet your group after breakfast in the lobby). We enjoy a stroll through the vibrant streets of Salt Lake before heading north towards the Teton Mountains. At Grand Targhee we take the chairlift to enjoy unsurpassed views of the amazing peaks of the Grand Teton Mountain Range. (The Grand Targhee Chairlift is open from mid June to mid September. If closed we will walk uphill to enjoy the views).
Overnight: Super 8 Hotel or similar. Rexburg, Idaho
Hiking: 3km/2miles, 2hrs, +/-200m (more if chairlift closed)
Drive time: 550km/350miles, approx 5.5hrs
Day 3 : Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is the world’s oldest National Park. It protects the world’s most impressive geothermal area, along with one of the densest collections of mega fauna outside of Africa which includes bison, wolf, elk, moose and, of course, bear. Today we hike along on the Wapiti Trail on the south side of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the first large canyon on the Yellowstone river. There is also a chance to walk along Uncle Tom's Trail and enjoy the amazing waterfall views.
Overnight: Alpine Inn, Cooke City (2nights) or similar
Hiking: 7km/4.5miles, 3-4 hrs of hiking, +/-200m
Drive time: 320km/200miles, approx. 4hrs
Day 4 : Yellowstone National Park
Today we explore the world's largest geothermal area starting in the Mammoth Hot Spring area at the remote northern end of the park. We will spend most of the day exploring the views, springs, colours, geysers and of course we will not miss the eruption of Old Faithful!
Overnight: Alpine Inn, Cooke City or similar
Hiking: 8-12km/5-7miles, 3-4hrs of hiking, +/-100m
Drive time: approx. 320km/200 miles, all day
Day 5 : Jenny Lake Ferry, Drive To Jackson, Wyoming
Exploring this spectacular area continues today heading to the steaming hot pools at West Thumb Geyser. We continue the day back in another section of Grand Teton NP walking along Jenny Lake with the towering peaks above (possible side extension to Inspiration Point). Enjoy a ferry ride across Jenny Lake, meeting your tour director at the end of the hike with your transport to continue on to the historic town of Jackson, Wyoming. Time for a stroll through Jackson before heading to the small cowboy town of Pinedale.
Overnight: Baymont Inn & Suites, Pinedale or similar
Hiking: 10km/6miles, 3hrs. (3km/2miles extra to Inspiration Point)
Drive time: 400km/250miles 6hrs
Day 6 : Colorado Rockies To Glenwood Springs
In the rain shadow of the Rockies we drive south into the heart of Colorado’s Rockies. We cross the vast expanse of the “Great American Desert” that challenged many pioneers, heading west. We follow part of the old ‘Oregon Trail’ through the dry prairie, before we enter the green hills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. We stop in the famous hot springs town of Glenwood Springs for 2nights.
Overnight: Cedar Lodge, Glenwood Springs (2nights) or similar
Drive Time: 680kms/430miles, approx. 7hrs
Day 7 : Maroon Bells
This morning we head off hiking through dense aspen forests in the Elk Mountains towards the pristine, glacial Maroon Valley. You will enjoy the spectacular twin peaks of Maroon Bells reflecting in the tranquil alpine lakes (due to park regulations this hike is self-guided). This afternoon you are free to explore Aspen. One of the most picturesque towns in the USA, Aspen started as a gold rush town and is now a famous ski and outdoor adventure town.
Overnight: Cedar Lodge, Glenwood Springs or similar
Hiking: 10km/6miles, approx. 3-4 hrs of hiking, +/-200m
Day 8 : 'Million Dollar Highway' To Mesa Verde
Following spectacular mountain roads south through the Rockies to Mesa Verde. En route, we drive the famous ‘Million Dollar Highway’, considered by many to be one of the most scenic highways in North America. You have the opportunity to take the famous Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge railroad (approx. USD125 to be paid locally), voted among the world’s 10 best railroad journeys. We overnight at the entrance to Mesa Verde.
Overnight: Baymont Inn, Cortez (2nights) or similar
Drive time: 450kms/280miles (or less if taking the train), 4-5hrs
Day 9 : Mesa Verde National Park & Monument Valley
Today we explore Mesa Verde, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We take a ranger led walk through 1000-year-old ruins and hike the rims and mesas to impressive view points through Spruce Canyon and Petroglyph Point Trail.
Overnight: Baymont Inn, Cortez or similar
Hiking: 8-10km/5-6miles, approx. 3-4hrs +-/300m
Drive time: approx. 300km/200 miles, 3-4 hrs
Day 10 : Monument Valley And Horseshoe Bend
Today we travel through the amazing red desert of the Colorado Plateau to arrive at the magical Monument Valley of the Navajo Indians. We recommend an optional Jeep tour here with a local guide to see the full beauty of this remarkable place (optional excursion at additional cost). In the afternoon we continue to Page on Lake Powell. We take a short walk out to the spectacular Horsehoe Bend, also referred to as the 'east rim of the Grand Canyon'.
Overnight: Quality Inn, Page or similar
Hiking: 1hr
Drive time: 320km/200miles approx. 3.5hrs
Day 11 : Antelope And Grand Canyon
This morning we recommend you explore Antelope Slot Canyon. Antelope Canyon is known for its incredible rock formations, colours and lights and is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world. You can decide to do a tour with a local guide (optional excursion at additional cost). This afternoon we head to the grandest of all canyons - the Grand Canyon. Time for an afternoon walk along the rim waiting for the sun to set over this magnificent sight.
Overnight: Red Feather Lodge (2nights) or similar
Hiking: 8-10km/5-6miles approx. 2-3hrs
Driving: 200km/130miles approx. 2.5hrs
Day 12 : Grand Canyon
Today we enjoy another full day at the Grand Canyon which is at your own leisure. We recommend a leisurely hike along the West Rim of the canyon where you can enjoy incredible views or down into the depths for the famous Plateau Point. Due to park regulations all walks are self-guided inside Grand Canyon NP.
Overnight: Red Feather Lodge, Grand Canyon
West Rim: Hiking approx. 4 hrs, 13km/8 miles, +/- 50m
Plateau Point: Hiking approx. 8-12hrs, 20km/12miles, +/-1150m
Day 13 : To Las Vegas
Along Route 66 we head towards Las Vegas and our hotel in the city. This evening is free to indulge yourself in Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps.
Overnight: La Quinta Las Vegas or similar.
Drive time: 433km/270miles, 4hrs
Day 14 : Trip Concludes In Las Vegas
The hotel offers a free airport shuttle for your onward flights.
PLEASE NOTE: Drive times provided above are approximate and may vary according to weather, traffic and changes in road conditions.
What's Included
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13 breakfasts, 12 picnic lunches plus trail snacks on hikes
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Accommodation in tourist class hotels and lodge
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Private transport throughout
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Services of an experienced driver-guide
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National park entry fees, trekking permits & sightseeing as specified
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Flight and airport taxes
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Cost of laundry, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages
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Meals not included in the itinerary
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Tour through Antelope Canyon
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Travel insurance (compulsory)
What's Not Included
Accommodation
13 nights hotel/lodge
Accommodation is in twin share. Most nights are spent in comfortable 3 star hotels, and 2 nights are spent in a lodge just 1 mile from the south entrance of Grand Canyon National Park. All have private bathrooms.
What You Carry
During all walks you will need a daypack. In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc.
Wildlife
Wildlife depends on habitat. In the mountains of California and the Rockies we find: black bear, elk, herds of mule deer, coyote, and the occasional wolf along with a wide range of rodents (marmots, beaver, etc). There are a lot of birds here, including eagles, hawks, jays and blue birds. In the Rockies you are also likely to see herds of wild bison, brown bear, wolf packs, moose, antelopes, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, porcupines, skunks and fox. The Rockies are a birder’s paradise, producing birds such as cranes, singing swans, white pelican, bald eagles and many migratory species.
In the desert, wildlife is more elusive. Due to the heat, it is mostly nocturnal. The most common animals to see while hiking are birds: hawks, eagles, vultures, road runners, jays, blue birds, and the majestic California condor. Ground squirrels and deer are often seen near trails. However, with a little luck we will also see coyotes, ring tail cat, cactus mouse. At times groups see mountain lions, bobcats, or the elusive and endangered big horn sheep.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.