From Yellowstone to Grand Canyon

Welcome to Salt Lake City! Arrive at your hotel via airport shuttle or local taxi and settle in after your long journey. Take time to relax this evening in preparation for the great adventures ahead. Overnight: Crystal Inn - SLC, 1 night

Meals:  Nil

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 start off with an enjoying stroll through the vibrant streets of Salt Lake before jumping in the van to head north towards the Teton Mountains. *At Grand Targhee we take the chairlift up the mountains to 2000 ft (620 m) in elevation to enjoy unsurpassed views of the amazing peaks of the Grand Teton Mountain Range. From there, we head back to Idaho to spend the night. (The Grand Targhee Chairlift is open from mid June to mid September. If closed we will walk uphill to enjoy the views). *authorized permittee of Grand Teton National Park Overnight: Super 8 Hotel, 1 night Drive time: 350mi / 560 km, or 5.5 hrs Hiking: 2 mi/ 3 km, 2 hrs, +/-200 m (more if chairlift closed)

Meals:  B,L

Head into the world’s oldest National Park today, Yellowstone 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. The slow-moving Yellowstone River meanders across the valley from south to north, attracting a diverse array of animals – keep your eyes peeled for grizzlies and bison. We’ll enjoy a hike to some scenic lookouts and possible views of falls in the ‘Grand Canyon of Yellowstone’ as we hike along on the Wapiti Trail on the south side of the river. There is also a chance to walk along Uncle Tom's Trail and enjoy the amazing waterfall views. Overnight: Alpine Motel, Cooke City, 2 nights Drive time: ~200 mi / 320km, or 4 hrs Hiking: 4.5 mi / 7.2 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-200 m

Meals:  B,L

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'll continue to explore the Upper and Lower Geyser Basins, which highlight Yellowstone's geothermal wonders. Expect a day filled with walking and discovery as we marvel at the vibrant hues of the Grand Prismatic Spring, with its striking shades of orange and blue, alongside bubbling, hissing, and steaming springs. At Old Faithful, you’ll have the opportunity to traverse boardwalks past various erupting geysers and witness the iconic eruption of Old Faithful. Overnight: Alpine Inn, Cooke City Drive time: 200 mi / 320 km, or 4 hrs Various hikes and boardwalks: 5-7 mi / 8-12 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-100m

Meals:  B,L

Exploring this spectacular area continues today heading to the steaming hot pools at West Thumb Geyser. *We continue the day heading into Grand Teton National Park where we will walk 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. You’ll have time to stroll the historic streets of the bustling western town of Jackson, Wyoming, before we settle into our hotel for the evening in the small cowboy town of Pinedale. *authorized permittee of Grand Teton National Park Overnight: Pinedale Hotel & Suites, 1 night Drive time: 250 mi / 400 km, or 6 hrs Hiking: 6 mi / 10 km, 3 hrs (2 mi / 3 km extra to Inspiration Point. Shorten the hike by using the ferry)

Meals:  B,L

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. You'll be treated to spectacular views of the mountains, including Vermillion Falls in Wilson Place, Colorado. If the timing is right we’ll take a moment to admire the striking red-hued waterfall cascading over rugged terrain. We stop for the night in the famous hot springs town of Glenwood Springs. Overnight: Courtyard Marriott - Glenwood Springs, 2 nights Drive Time: ~340 mi / 550 km, or 6 hrs

Meals:  B,L

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. Visit some of the towns renowned boutiques, relax with a coffee, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Overnight: Courtyard Marriott - Glenwood Springs, 1 night Hiking: 6 mi / 10 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-200m

Meals:  B,L

Today, we follow spectacular remote 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. Those interested have the opportunity to take the famous Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge railroad (approx. USD125, not included), voted among the world’s 10 best railroad journeys. If you opt for the train, the group will meet you in Durango where you'll have time to spend exploring this historic town nestled in the San Juan Mountains. We overnight at the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park. Overnight: Best Western Turquoise Inn - Cortez, 2 nights Drive time: 300 mi / 480 km, or 5.5 hrs (less if taking the train instead)

Meals:  B,L

Today we explore Mesa Verde, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its well-preserved Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings. We’ll embark on a ranger led hike through ancient ruins that have stood for over 1,000 years, gaining insights into the lives of their early inhabitants. After our hike we'll continue the journey and visit Spruce Canyon and Petroglyph Point Trails where short hikes will lead you stunning of dramatic landscapes and intriguing rock carvings. Overnight: Best Western Turquoise Inn - Cortez Hiking: 5-6 mi / 8-10 km, 3-4 hrs, +-/300 m Drive time: 60 mi / 100 km, or 2 hrs

Meals:  B,L

We travel through the amazing red desert of the Colorado Plateau where a short drive drops us at the magical Monument Valley of the Navajo Indians. We recommend an unforgettable Jeep tour through the valley led by the local Navajos (approx. USD70, not included), where you’ll take in panoramic views of Ear of the Wind and Big Hogan. In the afternoon we continue to Page on Lake Powell. Stretch your legs at Horseshoe Bend also referred to as the 'east rim of the Grand Canyon'. Take in the natural wonder where the Colorado River meanders in a tight, curve around a sandstone escarpment. This iconic viewpoint in the evening light offers stunning vistas of the river’s emerald green waters contrasted against the red rock canyon. We’ll settle in to our accommodations and look forward to another day of exploration after a restful evening. Overnight: Clarion Inn Page - Lake Powell Hiking: 1.5 mi / 2.5 km, 1 hr Drive time: 250 mi / 400 km, or 4.5 hrs

Meals:  B,L

This morning we recommend you take a guided tour of Antelope Canyon (approx. USD100, not included). An impressive slot canyon known for its incredible rock formations, colours and lights and is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world. Those uninterested in the Antelope Canyon tour can spend the morning exploring the Glen Canyon Dam or Lake Powell. This afternoon we head to the grandest of all canyons - the Grand Canyon. We’ll make stops at scenic views along the way. As we arrive at the Grand Canyon, we can be certain to walk along the rim waiting for the sun to set over this magnificent sight before checking in to our hotel nearby. Overnight: Red Feather Lodge Hotel, 2 nights Hiking: ~5-6 mi / 8-10 km, 2-3 hrs (depending on the excursions you choose) Driving: 140 mi / 225 km, or 2.5 hrs

Meals:  B,L

We have all day today to relax at the Grand Canyon. The Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep, showcasing nearly two billion years of Earth's geological history. While it is impossible to see it all in a day, we recommend an easy hike along the West Rim to the beautiful Hermit’s Rest overlook where you'll be treated to an ever-changing, colorful panorama of the canyon's unique rock formations.. If you are looking for a bit more action, there are some recommended hikes that will take you into the canyon itself. Note that you have to come up as far as you went down so keep that in mind to ensure you have enough food, water and plenty of time. It will take you twice as long to return to the rim as it did for you to descend. *Note: Hikes in Grand Canyon National Park are self-guided due to permit regulations. Overnight: Red Feather Lodge Hotel Havasupai Gardens via Bright Angel Trail: ~9 mi / 14.4 km, 4-5 hrs, +/-940 m Cedar Ridge via South Kaibab: ~3 mi / 5 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-300 m Hike along the rim: up to 8 mi / 13 km, up to 4 hrs, +/-50 m

Meals:  B,L

Today will be an early start for those who choose to take an optional helicopter flight. Those who opted out can enjoy a leisurely morning enjoying the park until our late-morning departure. As we head towards our final destination, via the famous Route 66, we’ll take time for lunch and few photos stops before reaching Las Vegas. Here we’ll check-in to our final hotel of the trip and you have all night to spend exploring the city that never sleeps. Overnight: Tuscany Suites & Casino, 1 night Drive time: 270 mi / 440 km, or 4hrs

Meals:  B,L

Today makes the end of our time together. Feel free to depart at a time that works best for you depending on your travel plans. 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.

Meals:  B