Kick off this epic adventure to explore the best of America’s West at the glitzy casinos of Sin City. The welcome meeting is at 6pm where you’ll join your fellow travelers. Your evening is free to explore the Strip or check out the local art scene.

Depart Las Vegas and head to Zion National Park in Utah. Embark on an orientation of the park before an easy hike to the lower end of the Emerald Pools, one of the highlights in Zion. The afternoon is yours to explore – if you’re feeling adventurous, tackle the notoriously difficult hike to Angels Landing. The narrow ridge cliff trail rewards walkers with a phenomenal view of the desert.

Take a free day to explore Zion at your own pace – checking out some of the top trails in the park. We recommend hiking the Narrows, a trail through a slot canyon with steep gorges on either side. You can cool off in a river as you hike along. There are plenty of options to tailor the hike to various skill levels.

Drive to Bryce Canyon in the morning – there will be plenty of time to explore the best trails in the park throughout the day. For an easy walk, try the Rim Trail. Or for a moderately difficult hike, tackle the Queens Garden Trail. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the strenuous Peek-a-boo Loop. The group leader will join you for lunch and a hike.

Road trip to Monument Valley today, stopping at Capitol Reef National Park to admire the dramatic landscapes. Travel on Scenic Byway 12 and stop at Kiva Koffeehouse for lunch, before admiring the views at Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. Visit scenic lookouts at Goosenecks State Park and Moki Dugway before arriving in Monument Valley. After an evening jeep tour through the park, settle in for an authentic Navajo dinner and soak up the traditional songs and stories of the area around the campfire.

Start the morning with a drive to the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. You’ll have plenty of choices for hikes here – the South Rim Trail or the hike to Skeleton Point are popular. The group leader can always offer advice on which hikes to do, based on your experience and fitness levels.

With a whole day at leisure, you’re free to explore the Grand Canyon on your own time. There are several routes you may be interested in taking: travel the Bright Angel Trail for consistently epic views or the South Kaibab Trail to the lookout known as Ooh-Aah Point. There’s an option to catch a documentary at the local IMAX theater – but if you want to treat yourself to a bird’s-eye view of this phenomenal place, see it from the air on an optional helicopter flight. It’ll be an unforgettable experience.

The journey from the Grand Canyon to Joshua Tree National Park is about seven hours, but there will be several stops along the way to break up the journey, part of which is on Route 66. Seligman, with its classic cars and retro neon signs, is one of the best – it was the inspiration for the town in the animated Pixar feature Cars (2006). After arriving in Joshua Tree, you’ll notice how different the landscape is here, with many different species of cacti and desert wildlife including coyotes.

Leave the national parks behind and trade in desert vistas for cityscapes as you journey to Los Angeles. Stop at Original Farmers Market for lunch, before heading to Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach. The rest of the day is yours to explore on your own – maybe hiking to the Hollywood sign at Griffith Observatory or visiting the Getty Center for the latest exhibits.

There are no official activities planned for the last day, and you’ll be free to go your own way after breakfast. Say goodbye to the group and start the journey back home, or extend your stay in the City of Angels to catch more of the top sights.