Great american national parc from Bozeman to San Francisco

A trip across the famous parks of the American West from Yellowstone to Yosemite to the Pacific coast! Who has never dreamed of crossing the most beautiful parks of the American West and ending up with feet in the water in San Francisco?
This trip begins in the Rockies with the parks of Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Lakes, geysers, and forests are on the agenda before continuing south towards Moab. This is where the second part of the trip begins in a more desert-like atmosphere, with parks featuring unique geological formations. We hike through Zion, Bryce Canyon, and even the Grand Canyon. After a break in the mythical city of Las Vegas, the last part of the trip takes us through Death Valley before arriving at Yosemite. We explore hiking trails before ending on the Pacific coast in the heart of San Francisco.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 BOZEMAN

    Departure towards Bozeman where we arrive in the evening. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Meals on your own.

    Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 2 BOZEMAN - PARC NATIONAL DE YELLOWSTONE - MAMMOTH HOT SPRING

    Today, we hit the road to Yellowstone. Famous for its geothermal phenomena, this park is home to two-thirds of the world's geysers and many hot springs. We hike at Mammoth Hot Springs and its limestone terraces. Then, we continue to the park's canyon, stretching 38 km and was highly appreciated by painters. The highest falls can reach up to 94 meters. We take advantage of the various viewpoints to explore the walls with colors ranging from yellow to orange.

  • Day 3 YELLOWSTONE

    We embark on a hike in the park amidst lakes and pine trees, providing the opportunity to discover the local fauna and flora. Some trails gain elevation, offering magnificent viewpoints of the surroundings.

    Accommodation: Camping

  • Day 4 YELLOWSTONE - GEYSER OLD FAITHFUL - GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARC

    We hike and admire the world's most beautiful and largest geysers along the Firehole River, such as Turban Geyser, Grand Geyser, and Old Faithful, whose eruptions reach 35 meters in height at a temperature of 103°C. We take various trails to admire these wonders of nature. Then, we drive to Grand Teton National Park, a mountain range composed of 12 steep peaks (the Tetons) rising over 4,000 meters above a valley where the Snake River flows.

    Accommodation: Camping

  • Day 5 EXPLORING GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK

    Day hike in Grand Teton National Park. Grand Teton National Park does not allow guided hikes in the park. Your guide will go with you to the starting points of various trailheads, provide you with the route, and offer recommendations for your visit.

    Option to visit the village of Jackson Hole with its country atmosphere. Return to the campsite in the late afternoon.

    Accommodation: Camping

  • Day 6 PN DE GRAND TETON - JACKSON HOLE - MOONSHINE ARCH - VERNAL

    Today, we hit the road heading to Moab with a stop for the night in Vernal. We pass through Jackson Hole and its ski resort before continuing further south. Then, we make a stop for a short hike to see Moonshine Arch, a hidden treasure of Utah, before settling in for a night of camping.

    Accommodation: Camping

  • Day 7 VERNAL - NATIVE AMERICAN PETROGLYPHS - MOAB

    We set out to discover petroglyphs along a trail alongside cliffs, where we'll have the chance to observe the Three Kings panel, which fascinates archaeologists from around the world and historians. We thus uncover the rich past of this region and the Fremont culture before hitting the road towards Moab. Installation for two nights in a motel.

    Accommodation: Motel

  • Day 8 MOAB - ARCHES

    From Moab, we head to Arches National Park. We take advantage of the morning to access superb viewpoints on foot, such as the "Devil's Garden" and the famous "Delicate Arch". On the horizon, we catch sight of the La Sal Mountains, often snow-capped. Return to Moab in the evening.

    Elevation gain: 300m / Elevation loss: 300m

    Accommodation: Motel

  • Day 9 MOAB - CANYONLANDS - CAPITOL REEF

    We drive to Canyonlands National Park, arriving in the northern part of the park known as "Island in the Sky". We explore this vast desert territory sculpted by erosion, visiting different viewpoints by minibus and on foot. Transfer to Capitol Reef where we settle into camping.

    Accommodation: Camping

  • Day 10 CAPITOL REEF - BRYCE

    We embark on a hike in the park known for its multiple colors. Departure via the magnificent road that traverses postcard-worthy landscapes and scenes from Western movies. As we approach Bryce Canyon, the fairy chimneys punctuate the landscapes more and more. Upon arrival, we enjoy the sunset over the amphitheater at Sunset Point.

  • Day 11 BRYCE CANYON - ZION

    We hike amidst the "Hoodoos," these colorful limestone towers reaching over 20 meters high. Trails wind through this limestone city with its amphitheater and cathedral. In the afternoon, we head out for Zion where we settle in.

    Elevation gain: 250m / Elevation loss: 250m

    Accommodation: Camping

  • Day 12 DAY 12: ZION NATIONAL PARK

    We take the park shuttle to the starting point of our Angel's Landing hike. This hike offers a unique viewpoint of Zion Canyon. After reaching the first summit, we finish on a narrow but protected ridge. Then, we head to the very end of the valley into the Narrows Canyon, walking in the river. Return to our campground in the evening.
    Note: Those who prefer not to go to Angel's Landing can stay at the summit, where the view is also panoramic.

    Elevation gain: 650m / Elevation loss: 650m

    Accommodation: Camping

  • Day 13 ZION - PAGE - GRAND CANYON

    We leave Zion for the Grand Canyon. On the road, we stop at Page on the shores of Lake Powell. This is an opportunity for those interested to explore Antelope Canyon (optional) with its sculpted walls. We visit Horseshoe Bend before entering the Grand Canyon National Park via the East entrance. We set up camp on the south rim of the canyon.

    Accommodation: Camping

  • Day 14 GRAND CANYON

    Our guide suggests descending into the heart of the legendary Grand Canyon via the "Bright Angel" trail to Plateau Point, which was the first trail opened by pioneers to connect the southern part to the northern part of the Grand Canyon. It takes about two hours to descend, plus more to reach the plateau. We observe the different rock layers. The ascent is a bit more challenging. Return to the campground.

    Accommodation: Camping

  • Day 15 GRAND CANYON - LAS VEGAS

    Departure in the morning for Las Vegas. Arrival in the afternoon. Free evening. We stroll through this city dedicated exclusively to shows, games, and entertainment. After a nature-focused first part of the journey, the contrast is striking as we discover the entertainment and frenetic life in the casinos.
    Dinner on your own.

    Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 16 LAS VEGAS - PARC NATIONAL DE LA VALLÉE DE LA MORT - BISHOP

    In the morning, we head to the legendary "Death Valley." After the frenzy of Vegas, we pass through desolate and arid lands. Throughout this day, we observe a variety of unsuspected landscapes: Golden Canyon and its red cathedral, Dante's View (panoramic viewpoint of the valley), Badwater (salt and dried mud formations), Artist's Palette (black and ocher mountains). The contrast is striking upon our arrival in Bishop, a small town at the foot of the mountains. Set up camp.

    Accommodation: Camping

  • Day 17 BISHOP - MONO LAKE - YOSEMITE

    We cross Yosemite National Park from East to West via the Tioga Road. This long mountain road offers many viewpoints and various hiking opportunities. Before entering the park, a stop at Mono Lake is a must. We explore this lake with stalactite formations. We hike along the Tioga Road in the alpine meadows. Set up camp near Yosemite Park.

    Accommodation: Camping

  • Day 18 YOSEMITE

    Today's hike is dedicated to exploring Yosemite Valley with its granite walls and waterfalls. We join on foot towards Nevada Falls, a perfect spot for a picnic. Yosemite Valley is also an ideal habitat for wildlife observation: black bears, coyotes, mountain lions, foxes, and deer, in addition to all the small rodents present in the park. Return to the campground in the evening.

    Elevation gain: 800m Elevation loss: 800m

    Accommodation: Camping

  • Day 19 PARC NATIONAL DE YOSEMITE - SAN FRANCISCO

    This morning, we head towards San Francisco. We arrive in San Francisco in the afternoon and explore the city's main attractions with our guide: Chinatown, Union Square with its luxury boutiques, and Fisherman's Wharf with its famous sea lions. Then, we have free time to continue exploring the city at our own pace.
    Meals on your own.

    Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 20 SAN FRANCISCO - PARIS

    Flights back to France in early evening. Meals on your own

    Accommodation: Plane

  • Day 21 ARRIVAL IN PARIS

    End of the trip.

Dates & prices

Departures for French-speaking groups:

No departure for now

International departures:

No departure for now

Trip code: USAYESF

Included

  • Supervision by a tour leader (and an assistant guide for groups of 9 or more participants)
  • Ground transportation
  • Detailed excursions as described in the itinerary
  • Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
  • Full board except for meals mentioned as "on your own" in the itinerary
  • Park permit fees
  • Angel’s Landing permit

Not included

  • Travel insurance
  • International flights and air taxes
  • Registration fees
  • Carbon offset for your trip to the American West: €10 per person
  • United States Travel Authorization (ESTA), approximately $21, to be requested before your departure - see the "formalities" section
  • Airport transfers in case of flights different from the group's

Terms and conditions

Inscription

Booking a trip with Altaï Peru implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 30% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.

Invoice

Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. Altaï Indonesia reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.

Cancelation

If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, Altaï Peru require written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:

  • Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
  • Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained

Special cases:

Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.
  • Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan
  • Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.
  • Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.

Please note that fees apply according to the date Altaï Peru receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.

If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.

Contract modification

If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact Altaï Peru in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Altaï Indonesia may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.

Price

The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. We reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.

Name transfer

If you are unable to travel for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.

Practical info

Food

In the morning and evening, a hot meal is prepared with local products. Lunch is in the form of a picnic. Cooking equipment and utensils are provided by us. Please note that meals in Las Vegas and San Francisco are not included.WaterDuring your stay, drinks including mineral water are at your expense. You can refill your water bottles in villages, springs, and hotels. It is advisable to treat it with purifying tablets (such as micropur or hydrochlorazone). Avoid buying plastic bottles that need to be recycled as much as possible.If you need to buy bottled water, we recommend buying 10-liter (or 5-liter) bottles to refill your bottles as needed. If you wish to purchase these bottles, you can inform your guide at the beginning of the tour to plan a stop at the supermarket.

Accommodation

- Comfortable standard hotels/motels in cities, in double rooms.
- Campsites: 3-person tents for 2 people, Thermarest-type mattresses, picnic tables, and kitchen shelters for dinner and breakfast. Tableware and cooking equipment are provided. Please bring your own sleeping bag and towel. Most campsites offer a restroom block with running water, showers (sometimes with a fee of $3-6), and toilets. Some campsites only offer dry toilets and cold water. Whenever possible, campsites are located inside the parks where there is vegetation, and in privately managed campsites on the outskirts of parks for desert regions.
- Here is an indicative list of the accommodations we typically reserve for this trip:
Bozeman: Comfort Inn Bozeman
Yellowstone National Park: West Gate KOA
Grand Teton National Park: Fireside Buffalo Valley
Moab: Moab KOA Campground 
Arches National Park: Sandcreek RV Park
Bryce Canyon National Park: Ruby’s Inn RV Park
Zion National Park: Zion Canyon Campground
Grand Canyon National Park: TEN X group site
Las Vegas: Circus Circus Las vegas
Bishop: Brown's Town Campground
Yosemite National Park: Yosemite Lakes RV ResortSan Francisco: Oasis Inn

Transportation

In the United States, we use regular flights departing from Paris (operating all year round and at fixed times). You will mainly fly on American Airlines, Delta Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, or United Airlines. Depending on availability at the time of your registration, we may also offer other companies than those mentioned above.

Indicative flight schedules departing from Paris:
- Delta Airlines: Outbound departure 10:20 - arrival 17:35 / Return departure 16:10 - arrival 16:20 the next day
- United Airlines: Outbound departure 10:55 - arrival 18:30 / Return departure 19:40 - arrival 10:35 the next day

Private 12-seater minibus, with a trailer from 9 participants.PortageYou carry your belongings for day hikes, including your picnic.

Budget & exchange

To know the real-time exchange rate, we recommend visiting the website www.xe.com.
Using a credit card is the best way to obtain money. However, your bank may charge you fees for withdrawals in foreign currencies. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most establishments and ATMs. Traveler's checks are also easy to exchange in cities but not very practical to use in rural areas.

Tips

Please note that the service charge is not included in the bill at restaurants in the United States. Therefore, you should systematically add 15 to 20% to the total amount of the bill. The same applies to bars and taxi services.

For this trip, we recommend a tip of €5 per person per day for your guide who accompanies you throughout the journey.

Vital equipment

Pack some additional city clothes for the first and last day.
- Cap or hat for sun protection
- 1 pair of sunglasses with a strap to prevent loss
- Wool or fleece hat
- 1 scarf or large scarf, useful in windy and dusty conditions
- Waterproof anorakJacket or Gore-Tex type coat (windproof, waterproof, and breathable)
- 2 quick-drying synthetic T-shirts
- 1 light shirt to protect from the sun
- Sweater or fleece jacket
- Sweatshirt or fleece base layer
- 1 lightweight long-sleeve sweater
- Set of medium-weight thermal underwear (top and bottom)
- T-shirt (Capilene type, polypropylene...)
- Swimsuit
- Nylon pants
- Nylon shorts
- Waterproof pants
- A warm pair of tights or leggings for the evening or to wear under trekking pants in cold weather
- Light clothing for medium-altitude stages and valleys (loose-fitting canvas pants, shorts)
- 1 pair of thin gloves
- 2 pairs of wool socks
- Good trekking or hiking shoes

For walks on trails, walkers can use lightweight and breathable shoes (that allow sweat to evaporate) with a mid or high collar for better foot support. They should have a grippy sole.You can also bring sandals for walking in water.Lightweight shoes

Helpful equipment

- Medium 3-season sleeping bag in summer (0 to -5°C) and warm in autumn (-10°C), made of compressible synthetic materials or down.
- Compression sack.
- GEAR
- Walking stick (optional)
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
- Pocket knife
- Sunscreen (SPF 30)
- 1-liter water bottle

Luggage

We suggest 2 king of luggage :
-1 travel bag with front opening (80 to 100 liters).
- 1 small backpack (30 to 40 liters) for your daily belongings, which can also serve as a carry-on bag on the plane.

It is recommended to have a TSA-approved lock on your suitcase so that customs officers can open it without damaging it: http://www.ma-valise-voyage.fr/cadenas-tsa-homologue-pour-valise/Please note, some countries prohibit the importation and use of electronic cigarettes, so we strongly recommend that you inquire with the appropriate authorities (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassy, consulate) before your departure.

Medicine

Your guide has a first aid kit for emergencies during the tour. However, we recommend bringing your own medications:
- Personal medications
- Pain reliever such as Paracetamol
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic treatmentIntestinal bandage
- High-protection sunscreen for lips and skin
- Eye drops
- Moisturizing cream for superficial burns (blisters and sunburns)
- Adhesive elastic bandage, box of adhesive bandages, and disinfectant wipes
- Purifying tablets for water disinfection
- Mosquito repellent
- Moleskin for blisters.

Passport

Passports must be valid for 6 months after the return date.

Upon registration, please provide us with your passport information (Last Name - First Name - Date of Birth - Passport Number - Date of Issue and Expiration). We need this information to book your domestic flights or make requests for entry into certain sites.

ATTENTION:
You must provide us with the information from the valid passport you will take with you. If you need to renew your passport, wait until you have the new one to provide us with the information, otherwise you may be refused entry at certain sites.

ALL CHILDREN, regardless of age, must have an individual passport. Children listed on their parents' passport (even if the passport is biometric) will need to obtain a visa.

As of January 15, 2017, a child traveling abroad without being accompanied by one of their parents must present the following 3 documents:

Valid ID for the minor: ID card or passport + visa if required by the destination country (check the country fact sheets on (diplomatie.gouv.fr)

Photocopy of the valid ID of the signing parent: ID card or passportPermission form signed by one of the parents with parental authority.

NB: This authorization may be required by some countries when the minor child travels with only one of their parents (e.g., Algeria, Morocco, Switzerland: check the country fact sheets on diplomatie.gouv.fr).

HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR PASSPORT IS VALID FOR TRAVELING TO THE UNITED STATES:

Old model passport (vertical reading of the page containing the photo): Not valid.

Optical reading passport (horizontal reading of the page containing the photo and 2 lines of code below the photo): Valid if issued before October 25, 2005.

Passport issued between 26/10/2005 and 26/10/2006, valid if it is optically readable with a digital photo printed on the identification page (the photo must not be glued).

Electronic or biometric passport (horizontal reading of the page containing the photo AND ELECTRONIC CHIP SYMBOL on the cover (below the word "PASSPORT"): Valid.

The information provided is indicative for French nationals. It may be subject to change without notice by the relevant authorities. Therefore, it is advisable to verify it with the consulates in the month before your departure.

Visa

Biometric passports and electronic passports that are valid are accepted for an ESTA request. They are recognizable by the symbol on the cover.

With other passports, a traditional visa request must be made.

Since January 2009, all passengers traveling to the United States must have previously completed the ESTA form on the following website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ to receive travel authorization under the Visa Waiver Program.

This authorization is valid for 2 years until the passport expires. Adults and children (regardless of age) are subject to this procedure. The form can be completed no later than 72 hours before departure, but it is recommended to do so as soon as the trip is planned.

This service is now chargeable: approx. 21 USD.

The form can only be filled out at the following address https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov (there are other unofficial sites on the web that charge more for this service).

ALTAI USA cannot be held responsible in the event that you need to return to France due to non-compliance with these personal health obligations.

No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry into the USA, but we recommend that you keep up to date with routine vaccinations.

Electricity

As in all of North America, the electrical system operates on 120 volts (60 cycles). The plugs have two flat prongs. To use your electrical appliances, you must therefore have an adapter and a transformer.

Altai USA is committed to organizing trips that adhere to equitable principles:
- Developing quality tourism both in terms of services provided to travelers and in optimizing local economic benefits.
- Remunerating services at fair prices.Improving the working conditions of local teams.
- Transmitting know-how to local teams.Informing and raising awareness among travelers.
- Participating in research projects of international and national institutions for the development of ecotourism.
- Engaging in concrete actions for environmental protection and sustainable development.
 
For obvious ecological reasons, Atalante has decided to no longer offer plastic bottled water on its tours. Atalante encourages its travelers to treat water with purifying tablets and to avoid, as much as possible, purchasing plastic bottles in countries where they are not recycled.

Topography

The continental United States extends from East to West, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. It shares borders with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. Alaska forms a protrusion to the northwest of Canada, and the Hawaiian Islands are located in the middle of the Pacific, 4,000 km from the west coast. The country has three major mountain ranges: the Appalachians in the East, the Rockies in the West, and the Sierra Nevada on the border between Nevada and California. It is endowed with abundant natural resources and vast expanses of fertile land.

The most populous region, the Atlantic coast, bears the imprint of its European heritage. It is home to the oldest cities, such as Boston, New York, Washington DC, and Philadelphia, and was the scene of the country's major events at the beginning of its history.

Watered by the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio rivers, the central region is the country's breadbasket.

Further west, the Great Plains and their pastures are cowboy country. The desert predominates in the Southwest, where population density remains very low due to the climate and the poverty of the soil.

On the other side of the Sierra Nevada, the West Coast was settled by Americans only 150 years ago but has since thrown itself headlong into the future.
Request a quote
Region
Ouest
Activity
Escorted Adventure Tour Trekking et Randonnée
Duration
21 days
Group
4 to 12 people
Code
USAYESF
Price
From $6,090
Level
2/5
Comfort
2/5
Language(s)
French / English

Download trip details

Request a quote