America Gap Year Tours

Best of the West - 16 Days Camping Tour

We begin our trip with a tour of the highlights of San Francisco before heading east through Gold Country on our way to Yosemite National Park. Our two-day stop gives us enough time to enjoy the beauty of the valley and the many outdoor activities available. For the daring try the seventeen-mile hike to Half Dome or for an easier option have a stroll under Yosemite Falls and El Capitan.

We enjoy an afternoon wandering through the mighty Sequoias before setting up our camp at the base of the valley’s towering granite cliffs.

After enjoying this gem of the Sierra Nevadas we exit the park by the Tioga Pass on our way into Nevada. We carry on into Idaho headed for Nat-So-Pah Hot Springs to soak in the therapeutic waters.

From Idaho we travel straight to Wyoming to explore the wilderness and wildlife of Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone was the first national park of America. This diverse park was protected because of its geothermic wonders such as Old Faithful geyser. It also is home to the biggest animals on the continent, bison. These and other animals such as buffalo, elk, wolves, mountain lion and bear roam freely through the park.

Our two-day stop will truly leave you amazed at the wildlife and surrounds. Heading south we pass the stunning Grand Teton on our way to Jackson, Wyoming with a real cowboy feel.

We visit Dinosaur National Monument to understand the history and age associated with this area and head further south into the land of red rocks- Moab. This is the ideal place to stop for 3 days to explore the surrounding parks or Canyonlands and Arches. Endless opportunity awaits; take a stroll to Delicate Arch, mountain bike down “Slick Rock Trail”, raft down the Colorado River, enjoy the sunset or take a journey into the high terrain on a jeep tour.

We travel out of Utah and into Indian Territory. Our own Navajo guide who will take us on a guided tour of Monument Valley will meet us.

From red rock country to Indian Territory, we travel out of Utah and on to the Navajo Reservation. Met by a Navajo guide, we will be taken on an included Jeep tour of the Monument Valley Tribal Lands. Get a better understanding of the culture and rich history of the Navajo Indians. Learn how about they have embraced this harsh environment and about their relationship with the world around them.

A day like this could only be topped by a fantastic sunset and an evening around the campsite!

Next stop is at the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. This canyon is a truly spectacular place to visit. Venture down Bright Angel Trail whilst exploring the rim of the canyon. We have plenty of time to take in the walks, views and possibly even a scenic flight over the Colorado River.

Our last national park stop and one of the regions’ best-kept secrets is Zion National Park. This park is brimming with spectacular scenery and diverse backdrops. There are many hikes and short walks that are well worth taking to enjoy the cedar ridge or The Narrows in the Virgin River Gorge. The options don’t end here, as you may want to hike up to Angel's Landing for spectacular views or take it easy by the Emerald Pools. As we leave Zion we head for the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, the Neon Capital of the World.

Included

Transportation by adventure vehicle
Services of a tour leader
All camping fees & equipment
Nat-So-Pah Hot Springs
Admission & Navajo guided Jeep Tour of Monument Valley
Admission to all National Parks as per the itinerary

Not Included

International Flights
Travel Insurance
Spending Money
Food (Kitty will be collected USD$9 per day)

Meals
You will contribute to a food kitty of $9 per day. This will provide for 3 meals a day usually; eating fresh food that we purchase as we travel to satisfy the international flavour of the group- a healthy way to travel at an unbeatable price. While on the tour you will take turns cooking meals.

Stops
Departs our San Francisco hotel at 0730 hrs.

1. Yosemite National Park
2. Yosemite National Park
3. Nat-So-Pah Hot Springs
4. Yellowstone National Park
5. Yellowstone National Park
6. Jackson, Wyoming
7. Dinosaur Nat'l Monument
8. Moab / Arches Nat'l Park
9. Moab / Arches Nat'l Park
10. Moab / Canyonands NP
11. Monument Valley
12. Grand Canyon Nat'l Park
13. Grand Canyon Nat'l Park
14. Zion National Park
15. Zion National Park
16. Las Vegas

All nights camping included in the price.

Optional Activities
Whitewater rafting
Limos in Las Vegas
IMAX Theater
Mountain Biking
Watersports
Western horseback riding
Grand Canyon scenic flight
Excellent national park hikes