National Parks Loop by Green Tortoise Adventure Travel

Tour Itinerary

Day 0

San Francisco

Day 1

Ruby Mountains

Day 2

Jackson Hole

Day 3

Grand Teton National Park

Day 4

Yellowstone National Park

Day 5

Yellowstone National Park

Day 6

Big Sky Country

Day 7

Great Salt Lake

Day 8

Zion National Park

Day 9

Bryce Canyon National Park

Day 10

Arches National Park

Day 11

Monument Valley

Day 12

Glen Canyon/Lake Powell

Day 13

Grand Canyon National Park

Day 14

Grand Canyon National Park

Day 15

Las Vegas

Day 16

San Francisco

Because we don't believe you can ever have too much of a good thing, we developed our National Parks Loop to include the best of everything the West has to offer! Wake up in the Ruby Mountains of Northern Nevada and hike to the glacier-carved lakes of Lamoille Canyon, then unwind in one of our favorite hot springs. In Jackson Hole, you'll have the option to raft the class III rapids of Snake River, or take a self-guided hike beneath some of the most distinctive mountain peaks on earth. At Grand Teton National Park, hike the Paintbrush Canyon, or stroll to the base of Hidden Falls. In Yellowstone, discover a wilderness so incredible it was named the world's first National Park in order to preserve it. Catch the spectacular eruptions of Old Faithful and other geysers, view Yellowstone Falls from Artist Point, and watch for bison grazing in the surrounding meadows. Spend a day in the company of cowboys during an optional horseback ride in Big Sky Country, then revive yourself in glamorous Chico hot springs and spa. Spot wildlife on the trails of the Great Salt Lake's Antelope Island, or relax on one of the white sand beaches lining the perimeter. Hike Angel's Landing Trail for an incredible view of Zion Canyon's sheer sandstone cliffs, then take an optional inner tube ride down the Virgin River. At Bryce Canyon take the Rim Trail, or the more strenuous 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. For the ultimate Western experience, take a horseback ride or jeep tour through the rugged desert-and-mesa landscape of Monument Valley. After all that desert heat, a cool plunge in Lake Powell will be a welcome diversion. From Mather Point you'll have two full days to explore the Grand Canyon. Hike a vertical mile to the bottom of the canyon for a campout beside the Colorado River, or walk along the West Rim to Hermit's Rest for a taste of wilderness solitude. A scenic drive brings us to the heart of the legendary Route 66. Contrast small-town Americana with the big city glitz of the Las Vegas strip, where we'll spend a last night together on the town, before reboarding the bus for San Francisco.