G Adventures
Southwest Road Trip: Zion, the Grand Canyon & Santa Monica Sunsets
Southwest Road Trip: Zion, the Grand Canyon & Santa Monica Sunsets
An American Southwest Special, this trip encompasses some of the absolute best spots in the United States. Featuring deserts, canyons, hoodoos and beaches, this seven-day adventure takes you through four National Parks as you soak up nature at its very finest. Swap stories around the campfire, hike legendary trails with equally epic views, and have a drink under the stars as you experience the beautifully bizarre Santa Monica Pier. If this sounds like your perfect week, you came to the right trip.
Highlights
Hike and camp your way through four iconic U.S. National Parks, Marvel at the towering cliffs of Zion National Park, Hike along the zig zagging paths in Bryce Canyon, Embrace the views along the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, Drive along Route 66, Share laughs and stories under the California stars, Hear the waves of the Pacific Ocean crash as you walk along the Santa Monica Pier
Accommodation
Camping (5 nts) & hostel (1 nt).
Group Leader
1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Group Size Notes
Max 13
Meals Included
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
What’s Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment – Meet Your CEO and Group. Bryce Canyon National Park Visit. Zion National Park Visit. Horseshoe Bend Hike. Grand Canyon South Rim Visit. Visit Route 66. Joshua Tree National Park Visit. Free time in Santa Monica. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
| Day 1 |
Bryce Canyon is one of the most magnificent pieces of natural beauty any where in the world. Incredible
rock formations and scenic hiking trails make this a very favorite destination. |
| Day 2 |
The iconic red sandstone cliffs and winding canyon of Zion National Park beckon you. Located near Utah's southern border, Zion is one of the most popular national parks in the American Southwest and a favorite spot for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and camping. Stunning Zion Canyon follows the weaving path of the Virgin River and offers a variety of spectacular trails with scenic viewpoints of vast canyons, impressive mountains, and emerald pools. Highlights of Zion National Park include the Kolob Canyons, the Temple of Sinawava, the Lower Emerald Pools Trail, and the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (accessible only by the park's shuttle buses). |
| Day 3 |
The iconic red sandstone cliffs and winding canyon of Zion National Park beckon you. Located near Utah's southern border, Zion is one of the most popular national parks in the American Southwest and a favorite spot for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and camping. Stunning Zion Canyon follows the weaving path of the Virgin River and offers a variety of spectacular trails with scenic viewpoints of vast canyons, impressive mountains, and emerald pools. Highlights of Zion National Park include the Kolob Canyons, the Temple of Sinawava, the Lower Emerald Pools Trail, and the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (accessible only by the park's shuttle buses). |
| Day 4 |
Located on the Arizona/Nevada border, this is one of the largest and most picturesque canyons in the World. Tours and flights are available out of Las Vegas. The South Rim is easily accesible of Route 66, west of Flagstaff, Arizona. |
| Day 5 |
Joshua Tree National Park, located in Southern California, is a desert wonderland that draws visitors with its dramatic landscapes, unique flora, and surreal beauty. Named after the striking Joshua trees, which resemble natural sculptures with their twisting branches and spiked leaves, the park is a haven for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. Its vast open spaces, scattered rock formations, and clear desert skies create a mesmerizing backdrop, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the golden light transforms the landscape into a magical canvas. For outdoor enthusiasts, Joshua Tree is a premier destination for rock climbing, with world-renowned climbing spots like Hidden Valley and Barker Dam offering challenges for both novice and expert climbers. Hikers can explore a variety of trails, from the easy 1.5-mile Hidden Valley Trail, which takes you through iconic rock formations, to the more challenging Ryan Mountain hike, where panoramic views of the park's rugged terrain await at the summit. The park's unique blend of two desert ecosystems, the Mojave and Colorado, makes it a fascinating place for anyone interested in biodiversity and geology. Stargazing is another draw for visitors to Joshua Tree. The park's remote location and lack of light pollution make it one of the best places in Southern California to marvel at the night sky. On a clear evening, the Milky Way stretches across the sky in stunning detail, providing an unforgettable experience for both casual stargazers and seasoned astronomers alike. The park even hosts stargazing programs throughout the year, offering guided tours of the celestial wonders above. Fun fact: The Joshua tree is not actually a tree but a type of yucca plant, and it was named by early Mormon settlers who thought its branches resembled the biblical figure Joshua raising his hands in prayer. Joshua Tree National Park not only offers adventure but also a deep connection with the natural world, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking both serenity and excitement. |
| Day 6 |
Joshua Tree National Park, located in Southern California, is a desert wonderland that draws visitors with its dramatic landscapes, unique flora, and surreal beauty. Named after the striking Joshua trees, which resemble natural sculptures with their twisting branches and spiked leaves, the park is a haven for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. Its vast open spaces, scattered rock formations, and clear desert skies create a mesmerizing backdrop, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the golden light transforms the landscape into a magical canvas. For outdoor enthusiasts, Joshua Tree is a premier destination for rock climbing, with world-renowned climbing spots like Hidden Valley and Barker Dam offering challenges for both novice and expert climbers. Hikers can explore a variety of trails, from the easy 1.5-mile Hidden Valley Trail, which takes you through iconic rock formations, to the more challenging Ryan Mountain hike, where panoramic views of the park's rugged terrain await at the summit. The park's unique blend of two desert ecosystems, the Mojave and Colorado, makes it a fascinating place for anyone interested in biodiversity and geology. Stargazing is another draw for visitors to Joshua Tree. The park's remote location and lack of light pollution make it one of the best places in Southern California to marvel at the night sky. On a clear evening, the Milky Way stretches across the sky in stunning detail, providing an unforgettable experience for both casual stargazers and seasoned astronomers alike. The park even hosts stargazing programs throughout the year, offering guided tours of the celestial wonders above. Fun fact: The Joshua tree is not actually a tree but a type of yucca plant, and it was named by early Mormon settlers who thought its branches resembled the biblical figure Joshua raising his hands in prayer. Joshua Tree National Park not only offers adventure but also a deep connection with the natural world, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking both serenity and excitement. |
| Day 7 |
Santa Monica, California, a gem on the Pacific coast, offers a quintessential Southern California experience. The city is renowned for its iconic Santa Monica Pier, which features an amusement park, aquarium, and family-friendly dining. A ride on the historic Ferris wheel provides stunning ocean views and a sense of nostalgia. The adjacent Santa Monica Beach stretches for 3.5 miles, inviting visitors to sunbathe, swim, or stroll along the soft sands. Explore the vibrant Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian-friendly shopping district that buzzes with street performers, shops, and eateries. This bustling area is a great place to experience local culture and enjoy some outdoor entertainment. For a more relaxed outing, head to Palisades Park, where you can take a scenic walk along the bluff overlooking the ocean, or simply enjoy the lush greenery and ocean breeze. Santa Monica is also home to the Santa Monica Farmers Market, known for its fresh produce, local crafts, and vibrant community atmosphere. Held every Wednesday and Saturday, this market is a perfect spot to savor the flavors of California. Fun Fact: Santa Monica was the site of the first-ever yoga class in the United States, held in the early 1900s. Today, the city continues to embrace wellness with numerous yoga studios and health-conscious eateries. To fully enjoy Santa Monica, consider visiting between March and May or September and November, when the weather is pleasantly warm and the crowds are more manageable. The combination of beachside relaxation, lively entertainment, and local culture makes Santa Monica a memorable destination for any traveler. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
07/08/25 - 07/15/25 |
Starting At $1,149 |
Get A Quote | |
|
07/29/25 - 08/26/25 |
Starting At $1,099 |
Get A Quote | |
|
06/30/26 - 07/14/26 |
Starting At $1,149 |
Get A Quote | |
|
07/28/26 - 09/01/26 |
Starting At $1,099 |
Get A Quote |
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
