Best of the West

Product Details

Experience the wonders of the western USA, from the rugged coast of California to the colorful canyons of the Southwest. Hike through a grove of towering coastal redwoods, see the sights and sample the nightlife in Los Angeles, camp at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and try your luck in Las Vegas.

Why buy this?

Green Tortoise crawls south down the legendary Pacific Coast Highway. Hit the beach in Santa Cruz while surfers challenge the waves in Steamer Lane, or check out the Surfing Museum housed in the Mark Abbott Memorial lighthouse. Afterwards, we'll head for our campsite under the Coastal Redwoods of Big Sur. Spot cliffside mansions in Malibu before checking out some Los Angeles highlights. Visit Joshua Tree National Park. Hike the Wonderland of Rocks Trail or go bouldering, keeping an eye out for the whimsical trees for which the park was named. Hike the Angel's Landing Trail for an incredible view of Zion Canyon's sheer sandstone cliffs. At Bryce Canyon, hike the Rim Trail or the Fairyland Trail to view the bizarre wind-sculpted hoodoos of Bryce Amphitheater. Moving on to Arches National Park, hike the Devil's Garden Trail past eight of the park's best known features, including Landscape Arch. From Mather Point, you'll have two full days to explore the Grand Canyon. Hike a vertical mile to the bottom of the canyon and camp beside the Colorado River (subject to availability). Wrap up your adventure in style with a night out on the Las Vegas Strip.

Itinerary

• Day 1: Big Sur
• Day 2: Hearst Castle
• Day 3: Los Angeles
• Day 4: Joshua Tree NP
• Day 5: Las Vegas
• Day 6: Zion NP
• Day 7: Bryce Canyon NP
• Day 8: Arches NP
• Day 9: Monument Valley
• Day 10: Lake Powell
• Day 11: Grand Canyon
• Day 12: Grand Canyon
• Day 13: Las Vegas
• Day 14: San Francisco

What you get:

• All camping fees included
• All park entrance fees included
• Accommodation our custom designed Sleeper Coaches
• 70% of meals (food kitty is not optional)

What you don’t get:

• Sleeping Bag
• Tent
• Cost of optional activities
• 30% of meals

How it works

Our sleeper coaches make it easy to meet people. By day, play cards at one of the dinettes, enjoy a casual conversation with your neighbor on our custom designed couches, or take a nap in a cozy bunk. At night, the coach easily converts and is spacious enough for up to 36 passengers to sleep comfortably. On drive nights you will sleep on the bus. On camp nights you may sleep on the bus or camp out. The bus will be parked nearby. The campsites we stay at range from remote and rustic to full service with toilets and showers. A tent is highly recommended for this trip. A sleeping bag is required. This trip includes 2 nights in a hostel. The cost is not included in the price and we strongly recommend advance reservations. The meals we prepare together are mostly vegetarian. Your drivers will do the shopping and organize the menu but everyone participates. We visit some of the most stunning places in North and Central America. Please help to preserve the splendor of these places by respecting our minimal impact ideals. The diversity of our riders adds to your experience. Look forward to coexisting peacefully with people of every age, race, creed, color, religion, persuasion and hairstyle. Generally, showers are available, but not always daily.

Cancellations and refunds

You are required to put down a deposit to hold your spot. The deposit goes toward the full cost of the trip. The balance can be paid to the driver at departure. If you cancel with more than 10 days notice, your deposit is transferable to another trip, less $10. If you cancel with less than 10 days notice, you lose your deposit.

Duration Details

14 days