14 Day The Classic West USA

Overview

Discover many of the classic sights of the Western USA with this 14-day self-drive tour, starting in Los Angeles and finishing in San Francisco. Spend your time exploring some of the USA’s most iconic national parks and landforms at your own pace. From the canyons of Zion National Park to the wonders of the Grand Canyon, this trip really does let you see it all. Plus, you'll also get to spend two nights in Las Vegas right in the middle of your trip.

At Travelbag, we'll take care of every element of your holiday. Your flights, car hire, accommodation and even driving directions are all included – so you can look forward to an easy-peasy getaway.

Day 1

Arrive in Los Angeles

Arrive in Los Angeles, collect your hire car and drive to your hotel, where you'll enjoy a one-night stay in LA.

Overnight – Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport or similar

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Day 2

Los Angeles - Mojave Desert - Laughlin

This morning, drive east through the Mojave Desert for Laughlin in Nevada – an oasis bordered by rugged desert and the Colorado River. From outdoor adventures on the Colorado River to indoor entertainment indulgences, Laughlin offers a wide variety of activities.

Overnight – Aquarius Casino Resort, BW Premier Collection or similar

Drive – 295 miles

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Day 3

Laughlin - Kingman - Grand Canyon

Today, you'll head east for Kingman where you'll join the famous Route 66, and travel along the longest stretch that remains of this historic route to Seligman. Continue north to Grand Canyon National Park – a natural wonder that you simply have to see to believe. You can spend the day discovering the distinct South Rim of the Canyon. Stop at one of the numerous overlooks, walk part of the Rim Trail or along the historic Hermit Road, visit a Photo Hot Spot, or climb to the top of a stone Watchtower for panoramic views that extend over 100 miles on clear days.

Overnight – Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon or similar

Drive – 199 miles

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Day 4

Grand Canyon - Painted Desert - Monument Valley/Keyenta

We suggest waking up early to watch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon, as this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity should not be missed. Later on, drive east through the Painted Desert for an unforgettable encounter with Arizona's nature. Continue through the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation before arriving at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where sandstone pinnacles, arches and mesas of rich red and orange rise out of the barren, sandy landscape.

Overnight – Kayenta Monument Valley Inn or similar

Drive – 156 miles

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Day 5

Monument Valley/Kayenta - Lake Powell/Page

Venture east through Black Mesa – a complex of huge ridges that cover hundreds of square miles in the Navajo and Hopi Nations in Arizona – as you make your way to Lake Powell. This vast, blue man-made lake is surrounded by beautiful sandstone walls and is considered a virtual playground for visitors.

Overnight – Rodeway Inn at Lake Powell or similar

Drive - 98 miles

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Day 6

Page/Lake Powell - Kanab - Bryce Canyon

This morning, hop in your car and head west for Kanab, where the exhilarating scent of sage and cedar fills the clear southwest air. You'll continue north to Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. Famous for its unique geology, Bryce Canyon consists of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheatres, where the power of wind and water has etched the pink cliffs and shaped the colourful limestone rock into thousands of spires, known as "hoodoos".

Overnight – Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn or similar

Drive – 149 miles

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Day 7

Bryce Canyon - Zion National Park - Las Vegas

Spend the morning exploring more of Bryce Canyon before heading west to Zion National Park. Utah's oldest national park, this place is famous for its incredible canyons and spectacular views. You can follow the paths of ancient native peoples and gaze at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink and red, soaring high into the bright blue sky. Afterwards, continue west to Las Vegas – a city that needs no introduction.

Overnight – Excalibur Hotel and Casino or similar

Drive – 264 miles

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Day 8

Las Vegas

Enjoy a full day, Las Vegas-style. Walk the famous Strip lined with mega-resorts and flashing neon lights. Have a flutter in one of the many casinos, dine at world-class restaurants, catch the latest must-see show, browse designer boutiques, ride a rollercoaster, relax by the pool – the list goes on. Whatever you're into, you'll have no trouble filling 24 hours in Sin City.

Overnight – Excalibur Hotel and Casino or similar

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Day 9

Las Vegas - Death Valley

Today's journey takes you west to the lowest elevation in North America: Death Valley National Park. Here, the Mojave is at its most magnificent, showcasing a harsh, rugged and sublime section of California. You could enhance your desert experience with a stop at Zabriskie Point, where you can look forward to spectacular views of the vibrantly coloured Badlands.

Overnight – Death Valley Inn or similar

Drive – 398 miles

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Day 10

Death Valley - Yosemite**

This morning, travel north into the High Sierra where Tioga Road – the highest drivable pass in California – leads you to Yosemite National Park. You can delve into the depths of the park with a walk to a waterfall, or learn about the wonders of Yosemite during a ranger-guided stroll. With approximately 800 miles of trails, Yosemite serves up endless hiking adventures. Explore a giant sequoia grove and marvel the biggest trees on Earth, or spend an evening under the stars.

**From early November to late May, Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will need to drive the southern route through Bakersfield and Fresno into the Yosemite area.

Overnight – The Pines Resort or similar

Drive – 220 miles

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Day 11

Yosemite - Lake Tahoe

Leave the wonder of Yosemite behind as you journey north via Bridgeport and Devil's Gate Pass, en route to Lake Tahoe. Here, where California and Nevada meet, you can discover this pristine jewel of nature surrounded on all sides by the Sierra Nevada Mountains. There are many ways you can explore the lake. Why not rent a speedboat from the marina? Or simply stroll along the shore and dip your toes in the cool mountain water.

Overnight – Harvey's Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino or similar

Drive – 188 miles

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Day 12

Lake Tahoe - Sacramento - San Francisco

Today's journey west takes you through Gold Rush-era attractions and California's state capital, Sacramento, before reaching San Francisco. Considered one the greatest cities in the world, San Francisco offers one-of-a-kind sights, attractions and experiences.

Overnight – Parc 55 San Francisco, a Hilton Hotel or similar

Drive – 188 miles

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Day 13

San Francisco

Covering 49 square miles, San Francisco serves up plenty of amazing things to do. Spend a full day exploring the beloved City by the Bay's neighbourhoods, such as Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Union Square, Nob Hill, the Embarcadero/Financial District, and Golden Gate Park. Visit world-famous Alcatraz, stroll past the Painted Ladies, cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge, and take a ride on one of the city's iconic cable cars.

Overnight – Parc 55 San Francisco, a Hilton Hotel or similar

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