USA National Park Splendour Self Drive • View Itinerary
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Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA, Aerial view
Los Angeles, California
Las Vegas strip, Nevada
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Ghost town, Cody, Wyoming
Thermopolis, Hot Springs Wyoming
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Steam Locomotive, Durango & Silverton Railway, Colorado
Lake Powell, Arizona
Grand Canyon Skywalk
Grand Canyon
Palm Springs, California
Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles

National Park Splendour

15 day Fly Drive – from £1915

With flights from £2515

Explore the best of the the American West on this circular self drive, visiting some of the World’s greatest natural wonders.

Highlights:
  • Marvel at the incredible natural amphitheaters of Bryce Canyon
  • Witness the grandeur of Yellowstone’s Old Faithful
  • Experience the immense scale of the Grand Canyon
  • See the dramatic landscapes and towering buttes of Monument Valley
  • Discover the iconic landmarks of Los Angeles and Las Vegas

Your Itinerary

Expand All

This itinerary is customisable. Just let us know if you would like to add extra nights, activities or destinations.

Los Angeles, California

Day 1 – Welcome to Los Angeles

Arrive in Los Angeles for the start of your 15 day National Park Splendour Self Drive….

Arrive in Los Angeles for the start of your 15 day National Park Splendour Self Drive. Collect your car from the airport depot and make your way into the city to begin the exploration of L.A.’s wonderfully diverse neighbourhoods. Take a stroll along Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, drive through picturesque Beverly Hills or maybe make your way to the beachside haven of Santa Monica to stroll along its famous pier – there’s plenty for you to see and do in this iconic city.

    Four Points By Sheraton Los Angeles Int’l Airport or similar

Los Angeles, California
Las Vegas strip, Nevada

Day 2 – Las Vegas

Cross the Mojave Desert this morning on your way to Las Vegas. This city roars with…

Cross the Mojave Desert this morning on your way to Las Vegas. This city roars with excitement, growing faster and more vibrant with every new night. Enjoy the city’s nightlife which is filled with fabulous shows by some of the world’s finest performers, fast-paced casinos, dancing and so much more.

    Los Angeles > Las Vegas | 271 miles

    Platinum Hotel & Spa or similar

Las Vegas strip, Nevada
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Day 3 – Bryce Canyon

Leaving Las Vegas behind, travel to Utah to visit impressive Zion National Park where a million…

Leaving Las Vegas behind, travel to Utah to visit impressive Zion National Park where a million years of water flow has eroded the red and white beds of Navajo sandstone to form the famous ‘Narrows’. Unlike the Grand Canyon where one stands on the rim and looks out, Zion Canyon is best viewed from the bottom looking up.

After some time exploring the canyons of Zion, continue to Bryce Canyon. This unique National Park has some of Earth’s most colourful rocks which have been sculpted into pillars known as ‘Hoodoos’. The parks dramatic landscape is best viewed at sunrise and sunset when the park comes alive with vibrant colour.

    Las Vegas > Bryce Canyon | 249 miles

    Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn or similar

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah

Day 4 – Salt Lake City

Today you will travel north to Salt Lake City. Once settled into your hotel, head out…

Today you will travel north to Salt Lake City. Once settled into your hotel, head out into the city to explore. Salt Lake City’s most popular attractions can be found in Temple Square, three city blocks in downtown which contain nearly 20 attractions related to Mormon pioneer history and genealogy, including the Salt Lake Temple, the famous Tabernacle and the Family History Library.

    Bryce Canyon > Salt Lake City | 271 miles

    Little America Hotel or similar

Salt Lake City, Utah
Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA, Aerial view

Day 5 – Yellowstone National Park

Leave Salt Lake City behind and head towards Yellowstone. America’s first national park is well…

Leave Salt Lake City behind and head towards Yellowstone. America’s first national park is well known for its wildlife and geothermal features. On your way there, drive past the spectacular Teton Mountain Range. The highest and most prominent peak of the Range is Grand Teton, standing at an awe-inspiring 13,770 feet from the valley’s floor.

Once inside the park, you can visit the hot springs, steam vents, mud pots and geysers which make Yellowstone so famous. And of course, a visit to Yellowstone wouldn’t be complete without witnessing the eruption of Old Faithful, the parks most predictable geyser.

    Salt Lake City > Yellowstone National Park | 383 miles

    Yellowstone Park Hotel or similar

Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA, Aerial view
Ghost town, Cody, Wyoming

Day 6 – Cody

The tour continues today as you head to Cody, home of the famous cowboy Buffalo Bill…

The tour continues today as you head to Cody, home of the famous cowboy Buffalo Bill Cody. Once there you may want to visit the famous Buffalo Bill Historical Centre, a large and modern facility comprised of five museums in one, offering a comprehensive look at the history, art and culture of America’s West. There is The Whitney Gallery of Western Art, The Plains Indian Museum, The Cody Firearms Museum, The Drapper Museum of Natural History and The Harold McCracken Research Library.

    Yellowstone National Park > Cody | 134 miles

    Buffalo Bill Cabin Village or similar

Ghost town, Cody, Wyoming
Thermopolis, Hot Springs Wyoming

Day 7 – Cheyenne

Look out for Thermopolis as you cross the plains of Wyoming, its home to the world’s…

Look out for Thermopolis as you cross the plains of Wyoming, its home to the world’s largest mineral hot springs. Later you will arrive in the Wyoming state capital, Cheyenne. This city offers non-stop activity and hospitality at its western best! Re-enactments of gunfights, western skits and many other Wild West activities take place in famous Old Town Square in the downtown area.

    Cody > Cheyenne | 392 miles

    Little America Hotel & Resort or similar

Thermopolis, Hot Springs Wyoming
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Day 8 – Denver (via Rocky Mountain National Park)

Today the journey continues to Estes Park and Rocky Mountains National Park. The valley town of…

Today the journey continues to Estes Park and Rocky Mountains National Park. The valley town of Estes Park is known as the gateway to the Rockies, a glorious wilderness filled with towering mountains and abundant wildlife. As you drive through the park you will travel along a portion of The Trail Ridge Road, a route that provides some of the most spectacular mountain views available from any roadside in the USA.

You should be arriving in Denver, the ‘Mile High City’, in the late afternoon. Denver has all of the urban charms of an industrious city, combined with all of the mystery and romance of the old West.

    Cheyenne > Denver | 194 miles

    DoubleTree Curtis Hotel or similar

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Steam Locomotive, Durango & Silverton Railway, Colorado

Day 9 – Durango

Depart early this morning across the Rockies to Grand Junction, a great spot so break for…

Depart early this morning across the Rockies to Grand Junction, a great spot so break for lunch, before continuing to the western mining town of Silverton. One of Colorado’s most atmospheric mountain towns Silverton appears lost in the American past. Here you can visit the town’s highlights, which revolve around its mining past, or, take a train ride on the famous Durango – a Narrow Gauge Railroad that travels through 44 miles of breathtaking scenery.

    Denver > Durango | 372 miles

    Historic Strater Hotel or similar

Steam Locomotive, Durango & Silverton Railway, Colorado
Lake Powell, Arizona

Day 10 – Lake Powell

Today, a short drive will bring you to Mesa Verde, which was home to the Anasazi…

Today, a short drive will bring you to Mesa Verde, which was home to the Anasazi or the ‘Ancient Ones’ who lived in dwellings here between 600 AD and 1300 AD. As you make your way through the park you are also likely to see some of the abundant wildlife that calls the park home, including mule deer, coyote, grey fox, mountain lion, black bear, elk, marmot and if you’re lucky you might even spot a porcupine or two.

Continue the drive on to iconic Monument Valley. Over the years, Monument Valley has been the setting for more Western movies than any other site in the United States. Unique sandstone formations punctuate the sometimes barren landscape and spires rise into strange formations that have inspired names such as ‘Three Sisters’ and ‘The Thumb.’ At dawn and dusk, the park comes to life when the sun transforms this area into a bright canvas, painting the monoliths with light and colour. Continue to Lake Powell where you will stay the night.

    Durango > Lake Powell | 325 miles

    Lake Powell Resort or similar

Lake Powell, Arizona
Grand Canyon Skywalk

Day 11 – Grand Canyon

Enjoy the beauty of man-made Lake Powell this morning, here red rock spires and cliffs rise…

Enjoy the beauty of man-made Lake Powell this morning, here red rock spires and cliffs rise from the crystal blue depths. After a leisurely breakfast, depart to the Grand Canyon. The canyon offers spectacular vistas, majestic rock formations and experiences to savour for a lifetime. The myriad colours and constantly changing features include exquisite waterfalls, pools and the mighty Colorado River, as well as the often-photographed rock formations.

    Lake Powell > Grand Canyo

    Yavapai Lodge Grand Canyon or similar

Grand Canyon Skywalk
Grand Canyon

Day 12 – Phoenix / Scottsdale

This morning, the journey continues through scenic Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona. Oak Creek Canyon is…

This morning, the journey continues through scenic Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona. Oak Creek Canyon is a spectacular 16 mile gorge with streams and waterfalls between sheer rock walls. Breathtaking in its red rock beauty, the Canyon with its clear perennial stream provides a strong contrast to Sedona’s red rocks. After lunch, continue to the Phoenix/Scottsdale area for a mid-afternoon arrival.

    Grand Canyon > Phoenix | 228 miles

    Doubletree By Hilton Phoenix/Mesa or similar

Grand Canyon
Palm Springs, California

Day 13 – Los Angeles (via Palm Springs)

Today, head west toward Los Angeles through desert country where you will encounter the exclusive re

Today, head west toward Los Angeles through desert country where you will encounter the exclusive resort town of Palm Springs. Situated in the shadow of the San Jacinto Peak, Palm Springs serves as a playground to the rich and famous; it brims with lush farming land and manicured golf courses which does not conform to the typical desert image. Stop here for lunch before continuing to Los Angeles.

    Phoenix > Los Angeles | 374 miles

    Hollywood Hotel or similar

Palm Springs, California
Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California

Day 14 – Los Angeles

Today is yours to explore the City of Angels. If movie making is what you fancy,…

Today is yours to explore the City of Angels. If movie making is what you fancy, visit Universal Studios Hollywood to tour the sets and cast yourself in the thrilling rides, shows and attractions that bring the movies to life. In the evening, enjoy Universal City Walk filled with restaurants and nightclubs. 

    Hollywood Hotel or similar

Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles

Day 15 – Farewell from Los Angeles

The tour comes to an end today. After returning your car at the depot, head to…

The tour comes to an end today. After returning your car at the depot, head to Los Angeles airport for your scheduled flight to the UK.

Los Angeles

Your Itinerary

This itinerary is customisable. Just let us know if you would like to add extra nights, activities or destinations.

Day 1

|

Welcome to Los Angeles

Arrive in Los Angeles for the start of your 15 day National Park Splendour Self Drive. Collect your car from the airport depot and make your way into the city to begin the exploration of L.A.’s wonderfully diverse neighbourhoods. Take a stroll along Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, drive through picturesque Beverly Hills or maybe make your way to the beachside haven of Santa Monica to stroll along its famous pier – there’s plenty for you to see and do in this iconic city.

    Four Points By Sheraton Los Angeles Int’l Airport or similar

Los Angeles, California

Day 2

|

Las Vegas

Cross the Mojave Desert this morning on your way to Las Vegas. This city roars with excitement, growing faster and more vibrant with every new night. Enjoy the city’s nightlife which is filled with fabulous shows by some of the world’s finest performers, fast-paced casinos, dancing and so much more.

    Los Angeles > Las Vegas | 271 miles

    Platinum Hotel & Spa or similar

Las Vegas strip, Nevada

Day 3

|

Bryce Canyon

Leaving Las Vegas behind, travel to Utah to visit impressive Zion National Park where a million years of water flow has eroded the red and white beds of Navajo sandstone to form the famous ‘Narrows’. Unlike the Grand Canyon where one stands on the rim and looks out, Zion Canyon is best viewed from the bottom looking up.

After some time exploring the canyons of Zion, continue to Bryce Canyon. This unique National Park has some of Earth’s most colourful rocks which have been sculpted into pillars known as ‘Hoodoos’. The parks dramatic landscape is best viewed at sunrise and sunset when the park comes alive with vibrant colour.

    Las Vegas > Bryce Canyon | 249 miles

    Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn or similar

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Day 4

|

Salt Lake City

Today you will travel north to Salt Lake City. Once settled into your hotel, head out into the city to explore. Salt Lake City’s most popular attractions can be found in Temple Square, three city blocks in downtown which contain nearly 20 attractions related to Mormon pioneer history and genealogy, including the Salt Lake Temple, the famous Tabernacle and the Family History Library.

    Bryce Canyon > Salt Lake City | 271 miles

    Little America Hotel or similar

Salt Lake City, Utah

Day 5

|

Yellowstone National Park

Leave Salt Lake City behind and head towards Yellowstone. America’s first national park is well known for its wildlife and geothermal features. On your way there, drive past the spectacular Teton Mountain Range. The highest and most prominent peak of the Range is Grand Teton, standing at an awe-inspiring 13,770 feet from the valley’s floor.

Once inside the park, you can visit the hot springs, steam vents, mud pots and geysers which make Yellowstone so famous. And of course, a visit to Yellowstone wouldn’t be complete without witnessing the eruption of Old Faithful, the parks most predictable geyser.

    Salt Lake City > Yellowstone National Park | 383 miles

    Yellowstone Park Hotel or similar

Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA, Aerial view

Day 6

|

Cody

The tour continues today as you head to Cody, home of the famous cowboy Buffalo Bill Cody. Once there you may want to visit the famous Buffalo Bill Historical Centre, a large and modern facility comprised of five museums in one, offering a comprehensive look at the history, art and culture of America’s West. There is The Whitney Gallery of Western Art, The Plains Indian Museum, The Cody Firearms Museum, The Drapper Museum of Natural History and The Harold McCracken Research Library.

    Yellowstone National Park > Cody | 134 miles

    Buffalo Bill Cabin Village or similar

Ghost town, Cody, Wyoming

Day 7

|

Cheyenne

Look out for Thermopolis as you cross the plains of Wyoming, its home to the world’s largest mineral hot springs. Later you will arrive in the Wyoming state capital, Cheyenne. This city offers non-stop activity and hospitality at its western best! Re-enactments of gunfights, western skits and many other Wild West activities take place in famous Old Town Square in the downtown area.

    Cody > Cheyenne | 392 miles

    Little America Hotel & Resort or similar

Thermopolis, Hot Springs Wyoming

Day 8

|

Denver (via Rocky Mountain National Park)

Today the journey continues to Estes Park and Rocky Mountains National Park. The valley town of Estes Park is known as the gateway to the Rockies, a glorious wilderness filled with towering mountains and abundant wildlife. As you drive through the park you will travel along a portion of The Trail Ridge Road, a route that provides some of the most spectacular mountain views available from any roadside in the USA.

You should be arriving in Denver, the ‘Mile High City’, in the late afternoon. Denver has all of the urban charms of an industrious city, combined with all of the mystery and romance of the old West.

    Cheyenne > Denver | 194 miles

    DoubleTree Curtis Hotel or similar

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Day 9

|

Durango

Depart early this morning across the Rockies to Grand Junction, a great spot so break for lunch, before continuing to the western mining town of Silverton. One of Colorado’s most atmospheric mountain towns Silverton appears lost in the American past. Here you can visit the town’s highlights, which revolve around its mining past, or, take a train ride on the famous Durango – a Narrow Gauge Railroad that travels through 44 miles of breathtaking scenery.

    Denver > Durango | 372 miles

    Historic Strater Hotel or similar

Steam Locomotive, Durango & Silverton Railway, Colorado

Day 10

|

Lake Powell

Today, a short drive will bring you to Mesa Verde, which was home to the Anasazi or the ‘Ancient Ones’ who lived in dwellings here between 600 AD and 1300 AD. As you make your way through the park you are also likely to see some of the abundant wildlife that calls the park home, including mule deer, coyote, grey fox, mountain lion, black bear, elk, marmot and if you’re lucky you might even spot a porcupine or two.

Continue the drive on to iconic Monument Valley. Over the years, Monument Valley has been the setting for more Western movies than any other site in the United States. Unique sandstone formations punctuate the sometimes barren landscape and spires rise into strange formations that have inspired names such as ‘Three Sisters’ and ‘The Thumb.’ At dawn and dusk, the park comes to life when the sun transforms this area into a bright canvas, painting the monoliths with light and colour. Continue to Lake Powell where you will stay the night.

    Durango > Lake Powell | 325 miles

    Lake Powell Resort or similar

Lake Powell, Arizona

Day 11

|

Grand Canyon

Enjoy the beauty of man-made Lake Powell this morning, here red rock spires and cliffs rise from the crystal blue depths. After a leisurely breakfast, depart to the Grand Canyon. The canyon offers spectacular vistas, majestic rock formations and experiences to savour for a lifetime. The myriad colours and constantly changing features include exquisite waterfalls, pools and the mighty Colorado River, as well as the often-photographed rock formations.

    Lake Powell > Grand Canyo

    Yavapai Lodge Grand Canyon or similar

Grand Canyon Skywalk

Day 12

|

Phoenix / Scottsdale

This morning, the journey continues through scenic Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona. Oak Creek Canyon is a spectacular 16 mile gorge with streams and waterfalls between sheer rock walls. Breathtaking in its red rock beauty, the Canyon with its clear perennial stream provides a strong contrast to Sedona’s red rocks. After lunch, continue to the Phoenix/Scottsdale area for a mid-afternoon arrival.

    Grand Canyon > Phoenix | 228 miles

    Doubletree By Hilton Phoenix/Mesa or similar

Grand Canyon

Day 13

|

Los Angeles (via Palm Springs)

Today, head west toward Los Angeles through desert country where you will encounter the exclusive resort town of Palm Springs. Situated in the shadow of the San Jacinto Peak, Palm Springs serves as a playground to the rich and famous; it brims with lush farming land and manicured golf courses which does not conform to the typical desert image. Stop here for lunch before continuing to Los Angeles.

    Phoenix > Los Angeles | 374 miles

    Hollywood Hotel or similar

Palm Springs, California

Day 14

|

Los Angeles

Today is yours to explore the City of Angels. If movie making is what you fancy, visit Universal Studios Hollywood to tour the sets and cast yourself in the thrilling rides, shows and attractions that bring the movies to life. In the evening, enjoy Universal City Walk filled with restaurants and nightclubs. 

    Hollywood Hotel or similar

Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California

Day 15

|

Farewell from Los Angeles

The tour comes to an end today. After returning your car at the depot, head to Los Angeles airport for your scheduled flight to the UK.

Los Angeles

This Self Drive Includes

14 nights hotel accommodation
14 nights car hire, with unlimited mileage

Flights & More

With FREEDOM, you can book your National Park Splendour fly drive and flights together, as an ATOL protected package. Our Travel Experts can find the best priced Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for you.

You can also personalise your holiday. Why not add:

  • Extra nights in Las Vegas, L.A. or any location en route
  • A Grand Canyon helicopter tour

Next Step

Please get in touch with our America Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.

National Park Splendour

15 day Fly Drive – from £1915

With flights from £2515

Price is per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room and includes pre-booked accommodation, air-conditioned car and unlimited mileage. One-way fees charged locally. Hotels specified are subject to availability and may be substituted by one of a similar or higher standard.

Map

National Park Splendour Map