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 Valley of Fire State Park (approx. 1hr). Here we undertake a couple of shorter hikes taking in interesting points and scenery. First, 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.

Today we have a full day to enjoy Zion NP, exploring trails to see some of the best highlights of the park. We'll take on the slightly more challenging hike affording incredible views of Zion Canyon. After gaining a modest amount of elevation, the trail contours above the Virgin River for a few hundred meters, before climbing 'Walter's Wiggles', a series of 21 switchbacks, to Scout Lookout (5.8km, 340m). This flat saddle overlook yields an unbelievable view over the expansive canyon vista and the fertile oasis formed from the flowing water of the Virgin River. The canyon valley is host to a lush riparian woodland. The trail to Emerald Pools (4.8km, 260m) highlights life in the park. The delicate balance of the ecosystem is almost symbolized by the gracefully cascading falls that feed the series of pools. After a fun day in the park, we return to our camp to enjoy a camp meal.

This morning, we drive (approx. 2 hours) to Bryce Canyon NP. Here, the upper layers of the Colorado Plateau expose themselves in spectacular fashion. Multi-hued rock formations and spires called hoodoos eroded into fantastical shapes create a maze of polychrome trails. 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. Overlooks along the rim and ridges on route also feature jaw-dropping views of across the sea of colourful hoodoos, pinnacles and fins. After our day of walking, we return to 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. 2.5 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 towards one of America's most famed natural wonders, 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 the National Park is easy. Explore the park at your own pace using the free shuttle service to access your choice of trails along the South Rim. Opt to join one of the ranger walks within the National Park or choose to walk down one of the marked trails to viewpoints within the canyon itself, such as 'Ooh-Aah Point' and 'Cedar Ridge'. Although the option to hike a marked trail that descends below the rim of the canyon will be unguided due to permitting restrictions, your tour leader will be able to provide information about the park and give important details about the trails, including approximate timings, distances, and safety considerations as advised by The National Park Service.

In the morning, we have our last time at the Grand Canyon before taking to the road, but parts of this journey aren't just along any road. Today we stop on "The Mother Road", Route 66. After around 2 hours we stop in Seligman for lunch (not included). Seligman captures a vibrant slice of Americana along this preserved section of Route 66, but it's more than a quirky small town. The people of Seligman help preserve the historical significance and legacy of Rt 66, the largest National Monument in the US. After lunch we continue getting our "kicks on (and off) Rt 66" along our road trip to our campground just outside Joshua Tree National Park (3.5 hrs).

We have the full day to explore Joshua Tree National Park by car and on foot. Cholla Cactus Garden offers an easy loop to admire thousands of densely concentrated, naturally growing cholla cactus (30 minutes). Arch Rock (1 hour) and Skull Rock (1-2 hrs) trails, are a couple of short and easy hikes to explore desert washes and boulder piles including the striking Skull Rock. Ryan Ranch (1 hour) is 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 across the San Andreas Fault, 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.

Our journey continues North towards the towering Sierra Nevada Mountains (4 hrs). On a clear day, Mt Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous US, glistens in the backdrop above the townsite of Lone Pine. The nearby Manzanar National Historic Site preserves an important but often overlooked part of American history. More than 10,000 Japanese Americans were relocated to this site during World War II. We'll take the opportunity to learn from our history with a visit to the site's exhibits that tell the strory of what life in this internment camp was like. The Manzanar trail navigates through traces of what has been left behind (4km, 1 hr). A sobering past paves the way towards a brighter future in Owens Valley. Its majestic setting is known better today for its lure to outdoor adventurers and filmmakers.

This morning, we journey into The Alabama Hills, traveling a dirt track known as Movie Road, gaining its namesake for the more than 400 films that have been captured here. Discover the landscapes that served as a canvas for their stories. We'll stop at multiple trailheads to explore labyrinths of rounded rock formations and eroded hills set at the base of the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada. You may even recognize a few of the locations from movies such as Iron Man or Django Unchained. Enjoy short walks on trails such as Shark Finn trail and Mobius Arch Loop. The small town of Lone Pine hosts its very own Museum of Western Film History which collects, preserves, and exhibits a broad and diverse collection of film memorabilia, spanning generations, largely associated with the American Western film genre and its influence on other genres. On our visit, uncover the movie magic and learn how the area has doubled as a backdrop setting for locations all around the world. If the weather cooperates, the real showcase of stars will be tonight under the dark skies back at camp.

Today we venture into eponymous Death Valley (approx. 2hr30). Straddling the border of California and Nevada, this below-sea-level basin is a land of extremes and wonder, known as one of the hottest places on earth during the 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 Badwater Basin. Later in the afternoon we travel on (approx. 1.5 hrs) to our campground in the remote desert town of Tecopa Hot Springs. Life is different out in the desert. It's a hardy lifestyle so it's good to find time to relax. Opt to soak in mineral rich hot spring baths or to grab a local beer from Death Valley Brewing.

Today we make our final transfer back to our hotel in Las Vegas (approx. 2hrs). On arrival, your tour leader will get you oriented with The Strip and how to easily navigate the city. Tonight, 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.