The American West hiking edition
Offered by Scenic Roads
19 days of freedom on the roads of the American West, between hiking in national parks, Far West landscapes and discoveries of iconic cities.
Duration
19 days
From
US$2,700/pers.
Style
Self-drive tour
Travelers
Couple, Family, Solo, With friends, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
Take the wheel for a 19-day road trip in the American West, discovering landscapes that invite adventure and freedom. From desert expanses to the mountains of the Sierra Nevada, each day holds new discoveries and changing panoramas.
Travel the legendary roads of the West, explore the trails of national parks and let yourself be surprised by the diversity of terrain and colors. Between vertiginous canyons, natural arches, rock formations and redwood forests, nature reveals itself in all its forms. This journey places a strong emphasis on hiking, with itineraries suited to different levels and numerous outdoor activity options.
The immersion continues on Navajo lands, in the heart of landscapes marked by the history and traditions of the Far West. Urban stops bring another dimension to the adventure, with entertainment, cultural discoveries and contrasting atmospheres.
A self-drive tour at your own pace, to take time to explore, marvel and fully experience the American Grand West.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Las Vegas
Aéroport De Las Vegas → Las Vegas
Pick up of the rental vehicle at the airport, then check-in at the hotel located on the Strip, the main avenue of the city.
Las Vegas, ideal starting point towards the great parks of the West, offers a unique atmosphere: casinos, shows, shopping... the city never stops.
Valley of Fire, then heading to Utah
Las Vegas → Zion National Park
Departure to Utah and its five great national parks. Then drive to the red sandstone cliffs of the Zion National Park, the first national park of the trip.
First stop at Valley of Fire State Park: desert landscapes, brightly colored rocks and ancient petroglyphs, to discover on numerous trails.
Hiking: 3 hours
Hiking in Zion
Full day at Zion National Park.
Signature hike: the Narrows, a gorge carved by the Virgin River, to be hiked partly with your feet in the water (3 to 16 km depending on your level).
Alternative: the Emerald Pools – lower basin (1.9 km round trip), lower and middle basins (3.2 km round trip) or all three basins (4 km round trip). The first two trails are wide and easy; the climb to the upper basin is more demanding (sand and rocks).
Hike: 3 h
Driving time: 30 min – 40 km
Hiking in Bryce Canyon
Zion National Park → Bryce Canyon
Road to Bryce Canyon, famous for its "hoodoos", these colorful rock chimneys that form a spectacular landscape.
Trails for all levels: on the canyon rim for panoramic views (Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point) or at the canyon floor for total immersion.
Common wildlife: deer, coyotes, eagles.
Other possible activities: mountain biking, horseback riding, stargazing.
Hiking: 3 hours
Optional: Rodeo
Scenic Byway 12
Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef National Park
Route from Bryce to Capitol Reef National Park via Route 12, considered one of the most beautiful roads in the United States: a succession of plateaus and multicolored rocks with numerous viewpoints.
Hiking possible at Calf Creek (flat trail, Anasazi remains: petroglyphs, granaries) with swimming at Calf Creek Falls, or on the Grand Wash, Cassidy Arch and Frying Pan trails.
Hiking: 3 hours
Capitol Reef, then Moab
Day at Capitol Reef National Park, one of the five parks in Utah: deep canyons, colorful cliffs and a dome-shaped relief reminiscent of the Capitol. Hikes of all levels with beautiful viewpoints.
Hiking: 3 hours
Arches and Canyonlands
The Arches National Park features nearly 2,000 sandstone arches.
Recommended stops: The Windows and Double Arch. Hikes to Delicate Arch, Utah's emblem (approx. 5 km), or in Devil's Garden with its eight arches, including the longest in the world (8 km).
In the afternoon, Canyonlands, Island in the Sky section: viewpoints Grand View Point, Green River Overlook and Mesa Arch; trails Upheaval Dome and Aztec Butte.
The Colorado River runs through the park and is suitable for rafting (book in advance, depending on water levels).
Hiking: 4 hours
Car travel: 40 min – 40 km
Optional: Zip-lining, rock climbing, kayaking, canyoning, rafting, mountain biking
Monument Valley – the Far West
Route towards Monument Valley, in Navajo territory, setting for many westerns.
Iconic sandstone monoliths: Three Sisters, Totem Pole, Yei Bi Chei, Merrick and Mitchell Buttes, John Ford Point.
Hiking possible on the Wildcat Trail and short walks at John Ford Point or Cly Butte.
Horseback riding for 2 hours possible (additional cost).
Activity: 2 hours
Optional: Jeep tour, horseback ride
Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend
Route towards Page, near the Lake Powell, reservoir created by the Glen Canyon Dam.
Kayaking or paddling in submerged canyons, hiking or relaxing on the beaches.
Activity: 3 hours
Must-see: Horseshoe Bend, the horseshoe meander of the Colorado.
Also worth seeing: Upper and LowerAntelope Canyon, accessible only on guided tours (additional fee).
Optional: Antelope Canyon, kayaking or boat tour on Lake Powell, kayaking + hiking at Lake Powell, kayaking at Horseshoe Bend
Native American Ruins and Arrival at the Grand Canyon
Arrival at the Grand Canyon via Desert View.
On the way, visit Wupatki, an archaeological site rich in Native American ruins. Then take a walk on the South Rim trail until sunset.
Hiking: 3 hours
Hiking in the Grand Canyon
Full day on the South Rim. The Bright Angel Trail descends into the canyon: good physical condition and preparation necessary, as the ascent is much harder than the descent.
More accessible: the Rim Trail, which runs along the South Rim and its viewpoints, to be done in full or in sections.
Hiking: 3 hours
Driving: 30 min – 40 km
Optional: Grand Canyon helicopter tour
Route 66, Return to Las Vegas
Stops at Williams and then at Seligman, the historic birthplace of the route, where you can meet Angel Delgadillo, a local figure.
Possible lunch at a retro diner in Kingman.
Las Vegas or Nature Hiking
Nature side : Red Rock Canyon, less than 30 minutes away, and its numerous trails for all levels; or the Gold Strike Hot Springs hike (some climbing sections and hot springs).
Hiking: 3 hours
Driving time: 40 min – 40 km
City side : the major hotels, the Bellagio fountains, the Venetian canals, the Caesars Palace shops, Fremont Street and its giant screen, the outlets... and an evening show.
Death Valley
Heading to Death Valley, a park of records: record temperature of 56 °C measured in 1936 and the driest place in North America.
Hiking in colorful canyons and visit to Badwater Basin, the lowest point on the continent (86 m below sea level).
Hiking: 3 hours
California's landscapes along Route 395
Grand Canyon → Mammoth Lakes
From Furnace Creek to Mammoth Lakes via Highway 395: mountains, rivers and lakes, with numerous photo stops.
Hiking: 2 hours
Yosemite
Mammoth Lakes → Mariposa
Day in the Yosemite National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site: granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoias.
Don't miss: Mariposa Grove (sequoias), Yosemite Falls, Tunnel View. Bears are sometimes visible there.
Activity: 3 hours
Route to San Francisco
Mariposa → San Francisco
Route from Mariposa to San Francisco.
Return of the rental vehicle and check-in at the hotel for two nights.
Discovery of San Francisco
Free day : Cable Car, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Nob Hill, the Victorian houses of Alamo Square, the Golden Gate Bridge and the houseboats of Sausalito.
Suggestions : visit to Alcatraz, former federal prison ; crossing the Golden Gate by bike and return by ferry.
Optional: Alcatraz visit, bike rental + ferry
Return
San Francisco → Aéroport De San Francisco
Free time according to your flight schedule.
Then private transfer from the hotel to San Francisco airport.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Flights
- ESTA Authorization
- Lunches and Dinners
- GPS
- Single Room Supplement
- Resort fees at Las Vegas (approximately $30 per night and per room)
- America the Beautiful Annual Pass (approximately $90)
- Breakfasts in Las Vegas, Tusayan, and Death Valley
- Hotel parking in Las Vegas (approximately $15 per night)
Included
- Rental car (Las Vegas → San Francisco, return on day 17) (Unlimited mileage, taxes included, Theft and collision insurance (LDW), Liability insurance (LIS) up to $1,000,000, 2 additional drivers over 25 years old)
- Accommodation (18 nights hotel, taxes included, Breakfasts, except in Las Vegas, Tusayan and Death Valley)
- Assistance (English-speaking assistance 7 days a week and 24 hours a day, Detailed road book describing the hikes in each park, Private transfer from the hotel to San Francisco airport)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Please note
• The program is adaptable: each park offers numerous trails of varying levels and lengths.
• Optional activities can complement or replace hikes.
• Lunches and dinners are free throughout the stay.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors benefit from the visa waiver program for tourist stays, with an authorization (ESTA) to request online before departure (21 USD, valid for 2 years). A valid biometric passport is required. Processing takes a maximum of 72 hours (often just a few hours). Check the specific conditions for your nationality with the embassy or consulate of your country of residence before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €250 and €430 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and activities. International flights (€400-900 return depending on the season) are additional. Distances require car rental and/or domestic flights.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — American West
Exploratrice des routes américaines, based in Miami
Bretonne expatriée aux USA depuis plusieurs années. Globe trotteuse, amoureuse des voyages et des Etats Unis , elle à créé Scenic Roads dans le but de faire vivre à chacun son american dream !
En permanence sur le terrain elle arrive toujours à nous dégoter des supers spots photos, des randonnées inoubliables, des restos atypiques, bref vous l' aurez compris c est la référence pour vous proposer les petit bijoux aux USA
Ses coups de coeurs aux USA :
L'ouest Américain, l'Alaska , la Louisiane ainsi que le Wyoming et le Texas pour les cowboys !!
Ses expériences préférées :
Faire du chien de traineaux en Alaska
De la plongée à Hanauma bay à Hawaii
Manger des gumbos à la Nouvelle Orléans
Monter au Summit de New york
Rouler pendant des heures sur les routes des USA, cette sensation de liberté est unique
