Arrive Las Vegas. Make your own way to the hotel. You will meet your guide and the rest of the group the next morning.

This morning we leave the bright lights and glitz of Las Vegas behind as we head out on our adventure into the US Southwest. After meeting our guide and the rest of our group in the morning we drive out to the eponymous Death Valley (approx. 2hr30). Straddling the border of California and Nevada, this below-sea-level basin is a land of extremes and wonder, thought to be the hottest place on earth in summer, yet home to a surprising array of life and unique natural formations. We explore the National Park by car and on foot, taking in scenic sites such as Zabriskie Point and the Badwater Basin. Later in the afternoon we travel (approx. 2 hrs) on to our campground for the next two nights at Lone Pine.

This morning we visit the Museum of Western Film History that collects, preserves, and exhibits a broad and diverse collection of film memorabilia associated with the American Western film genre including the landscapes that served as a canvas for their stories. After visiting the museum we hit the road on a short tour through these landscapes. The Alabama Hills are a formation of rounded rocks and eroded hills set at the base of the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada. We travel a up long dirt path with stellar views of Mount Whitney and the other Sierra Nevada peaks soaring above. More than 400 films have been captured in this scenery. Along the road we make multiple stops for short walks on Shark Finn trail, Mobius Arch and many more. Return to campground at Lone Pine.

This morning we take a ranger's walk at Manzanar historic site (25 min drive) and walk the Manzanar trail (4km, 1 hr). We then drive to Calico (approx. 3hrs30) to visit an old West mining town that was abandoned in the mid-1890s after silver lost its value and have lunch along the drive (not included). After our visit to Calico, we drive to our campground just outside Joshua Tree National Park (2hrs) where we set up camp.

Full day to explore Joshua Tree National Park by car and on foot. We start our day at Cholla Cactus Garden, walking a loop to admire thousands of densely concentrated, naturally growing cholla cactus (30 minutes) we then walk the Arch Rock (1 hour) and Skull Rock (1-2 hrs) trails, a couple of short and easy hikes to explore desert washes and boulder piles including the striking Skull Rock. We finish this walking day at Ryan Ranch (1 hour), with an easy hike along an old ranch road where you can see historic adobe structures. Keys View offers round-the-clock breath-taking vistas where visitors are treated to sweeping views of the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, and the surrounding peaks that stretch all the way to Mexico. This evening, we take an opportunity to go out for dinner (not included) in the area. Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace in nearby Pioneertown is a truly unique experience. Part honky­ tonk, part music-biz museum, part premier venue, the 'Palace' is a great place to grab a bite, kick back, and possibly even catch some live music.

Drive to Mojave National Preserve (approx. 2 hrs), where we hike to the top of the most popular sand dune, Kelso Dune. The short but steep hike is fairly strenuous, taking 2-3 hours for most people, but the views from the top are well worth it.

This afternoon we undertake our first longer hike, where we hike the Barber Peak Trail, a ten kilometre loop encircling Barber Peak. We pass the impressive Opalite Cliffs before returning to Hole-in-the-Wall via the Banshee Canyon. We set up camp at Hole-in-the-Wall at the basic campground for the night.

Transfer to Valley of Fire State Park (approx. 3hrs30). Here we undertake a couple of shorter hikes taking in interesting points and scenery. Firstly, we hike the White Domes Trail loop, a popular hike in the park thanks to its ever-changing scenery and terrain. On the 1.8km trail we hike through a sandy desert with tall colourful sandstone formations, through narrow slot canyons and even get to see old 'ruins'. We then hike the Mouse tank Trail (1.6km) to view petroglyphs and explore the rocks of this natural basin. After these walks we drive to Zion (approx. 3 hours) where we take a 5km hike on the Watchman trail as an ideal introduction to Zion's magnificence and beauty. Tonight we set up camp at our campground and head out to eat at a local restaurant (not included).

Today we have a full day to enjoy Zion. Again we split the day into 2 shorter hikes to see the best highlights of the park. We start by hiking to Emerald Pool (4.8km, 260m), after gaining a modest amount of elevation the trail contours above the Virgin River for a few hundred metres, yielding great views of the fertile oasis formed from the flowing water. After lunch we take on the slightly more challenging hike climbing 'Walter's Wiggles', a series of 21 switchbacks, to Scout Lookout (5.8km, 340m), a flat saddle with incredible views of Zion Canyon. We return to our camp to enjoy a camp meal and our last evening in the park.

This morning we drive (approx. 2 hours) to Bryce Canyon. The best way to see the canyon is combining the main trails (Queens Garden, Peek-a-Boo, and Navajo Loops) for an extraordinary day walking through a maze of multi-hued rock formations eroded into fantastical shapes. Overlooks along the rim and ridges on route feature jaw-dropping views of seas of colourful hoodoos, pinnacles and fins. After our day of walking we return of our campground on the edge of Bryce Canyon City.

Waking early we head to sunrise point for sensational views and a natural light show over the canyon as the rising sun lights up the red rock formations below. After this spectacle we drive on to Page (approx. 2 hrs) where we join a tour of the Upper Antelope Canyon, a magnificent slot canyon shaped by millions of years of water and wind erosion, led by a local Navajo guide.
We then continue on towards our final natural wonder, the Grand Canyon. On the way we make a stop at the famous Horseshoe Bend for an impressive look over the horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River. We arrive to the Grand Canyon in time to end this special day with sunset views over the canyon. We set up camp in our campground for the next 2 nights and head to a local restaurant for dinner.

Today we have a full day at the Grand Canyon. Getting around using the free shuttle service you may choose to visit the Grand Canyon Visitor's Centre, hike some of the South Rim Trail to one of many viewpoints, or join one of the ranger walks within the National Park. Alternatively you can walk down one of the marked trails to viewpoints within the canyon itself, such as 'Ooh-Aah Point' and 'Cedar Ridge' (This walk would be unguided as external tour leaders are not allowed to guide within the park - The National Park Service provide information on the available hiking routes including approximate timings and safety considerations, such as suggestions of carrying plenty of water). You tour leader will be on hand to provide you with recommendations and assistance. In the evening we return to our nearby campground for our final camp dinner.

In the morning we have our last time at the Grand Canyon before taking the road back to Las Vegas, taking in a section of 'Route 66'. After around 2 hours we stop in Seligman for lunch (not included). A quirky small town along a preserved section of Route 66 that captures a vibrant slice of Americana. After lunch we transfer back to our hotel in Las Vegas (approx. 2hrs45), where we enjoy our final dinner as a group at a local restaurant where we can reflect on our American journey.

Free time before your flight. Airport transfers are not included and can be arranged through your hotel.