Itineraries — Western Parks

The Western American Parks form one of the world's largest natural landscape reservoirs — unique concentration of canyons, mesas, geysers, sequoia forests, deserts and mountains spread across 5 states (Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Wyoming, Montana) covering the equivalent of all France. This region inspired the very concept of national park (Yellowstone created in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant, the world's first), forging American Old West mythology and remains today the ultimate US road trip pilgrimage.

The region organises around several complementary sets. Las Vegas (Nevada, 660,000 inhabitants, 2.3 million metro, 40 million visitors/year) is the oversized and improbable base camp — artificial casino-city in the Mojave desert. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona, 4h drive from Vegas) — absolute must, 1,829 m deep. Colorado Plateau and Utah parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Monument Valley (Navajo land), Antelope Canyon (Navajo land Page). Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming-Montana-Idaho) — world's first national park (1872), active supervolcano, 50% of world's geysers, bison and grizzlies. Grand Teton, Glacier National Park complete the offering.

Our recommended formula for a successful trip: 14 days for the classic loop Las Vegas → Grand Canyon → Page → Monument Valley → Arches → Bryce → Zion → Las Vegas. In 21 days, add Death Valley + Sequoia + Yosemite + return San Francisco (Western parks + California combo). Yellowstone is a separate trip (Bozeman Montana or Jackson Hole Wyoming direct flight from US hub, 7-10 days). Essential SUV rental, significant distances, lodge booking 6 months ahead.