The high plains, deserts, lakes and canyons of Arizona and Utah offer some of the most outstanding scenery anywhere on the planet. We visit the Navajo Reservation at Monument Valley, camp under the stars and gaze into the breathtaking depths of the Grand Canyon. Besides exploring the finest of the USA's national parks, there's also time to try our hand at horseriding, raft down rivers beneath thousand-foot-high cliffs or take an exhilarating speedboat across Lake Powell.

LAS VEGAS, ROUTE 66 & THE GRAND CANYON
After enjoying a laidback day in Las Vegas - the ultimate playground for all the family, our adventure starts in earnest as we strike into the desert. Crossing the Hoover Dam, we drive along the legendary Route 66 to stay in a typical motel in Williams. From here the Grand Canyon is a short drive away - but nothing can prepare you for the jaw-dropping view as you reach the edge of the precipice. There are easy day walks along the edge of the canyon, or - for the ultimate thrill - why not take a helicopter across the abyss?

LAKE POWELL & NAVAJO RESERVATION
There is time at Lake Powell to take speedboats, jet ski or explore the mysterious Antelope Canyon. Boarding our jeeps, we then drive into the Navajo reservation at Monument Valley - its eroded tabletop mountains silhouetted against the sky have been a film maker's favourite location for decades. Here we have a Navajo guide who will introduce us to the history and folklore of the native people.

UTTERLY UTAH
Crossing the Colorado River, we travel into what was once considered the USA's most inhospitable land. Here the European settlers struggled to survive against the harsh environment and it is here that we explore on foot the surreal wind-eroded landscapes of Bryce Canyon (with a chance to saddle-up at one of the nearby ranches). Zion National Park is a complete contrast: desert is replaced by water, and an immense river-carved gorge with cliffs standing thousands of feet high, frames the rock pools and waterfalls of the valley below.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Las Vegas. 2 In Las Vegas, explore The Strip. 3 Cross Hoover Dam and drive along Route 66 to Williams. 4 Drive to Grand Canyon, optional walks and helicopter overflight. 5 At Grand Canyon, drive to Lake Powell, optional water sports. 6 Drive to Monument Valley, jeep into Navajo Reservation. 7 Drive to Capitol Reef NP. 8 Drive to Bryce Canyon NP. 9 On foot in Bryce Canyon, optional horseriding, rodeo. 10 Drive to Zion NP, explore waterfalls. 11 In Zion, optional walks and activities. 12 Drive Las Vegas. 13 End Las Vegas.

Accommodation: 4nts hotel, 1nt motel, 2nts teepee, 5nts camping; 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 5 dinners included.
Transport: Maxiwagon/Jeep/On foot.
Comment: An excellent introduction to America's 'Great Outdoors'. All cooking is undertaken by our tour leader, but camp duties are shared between the group. Walks are all optional (but recommended!) If you wish to have sleeping bags provided locally, please let us know when booking your holiday (at an additional cost).
Group: Approx. 9 to 12.
Staff: Explore Leader/driver.
Trip Reference: FAS