Western National Parks 7-Day Explorer: Zion to Yosemite Guided Lodging Tour
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 days (daily driving with 1–6 hour activity windows)
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in good general health who can handle several hours of walking and multiple long travel days.
Overview
Cross deserts, canyons and high Sierra passes on a seven-day guided loop from Las Vegas to San Francisco. This escorted lodging tour stitches together Zion, Bryce, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Death Valley and Yosemite with local guides and manageable walks.
Western National Parks 7-Day Explorer: Zion to Yosemite Guided Lodging Tour
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The tour begins before sunrise at a bus loading area in Las Vegas, the city lights folding behind you as the desert takes over. By midmorning the road opens into vertical color—Zion’s Navajo sandstone cliffs rising 1,500–2,000 feet over the canyon floor, the Virgin River daring you to look over its edge. Over seven days you move through contrasting kingdoms of stone: the pinnacled amphitheater at Bryce, the sculpted walls of Antelope Canyon, the cinematic mesas of Monument Valley, the vast aperture of the Grand Canyon, the baked flats of Death Valley and finally the glacial-carved heart of Yosemite.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate and carry water
Bring a refillable 1–2 liter water bottle and drink frequently between stops—desert stretches can be long and services sparse.
Pack layered clothing
Temperatures swing from desert heat to alpine chill (Tioga Pass near 9,943 ft); include a warm mid-layer and wind shell.
Sun protection is non-negotiable
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, a wide-brim hat and UV sunglasses—sun reflects intensely off sand and rock.
Respect tribal areas and cultural sites
Follow Navajo guide instructions, avoid photographing restricted areas, and support local vendors when possible.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Mule deer and various raptors
History
This route follows ancient travel corridors and sits atop the Colorado Plateau and Sierra landscapes shaped by Indigenous peoples, 19th-century explorers and the Gold Rush migration to California.
Conservation
These parks face visitor-impact and water-stress pressures; stick to trails, pack out trash and follow tribal regulations to minimize footprint.
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Adventure Hotspots in Las Vegas
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Refillable water bottle (1–2 L)
Keeps you hydrated across long desert drives and park hikes.
Sturdy trail shoes
Provides grip on slickrock, sand and paved rim trails.
Layered clothing and wind shell
Handles the temperature swing from Death Valley heat to Tioga Pass chill.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Essential for long exposure on canyon rims and open flats.
summer specific