Hiking the American West: Inside Our National Parks Tour

The American West is where the scale of the United States stops being a statistic and starts being a view. Our national parks hiking tour strings the greatest hits — Zion’s canyon walls, Bryce’s impossible hoodoos, the Grand Canyon’s rim trails — into one itinerary where somebody else handles the two things that break DIY parks trips: driving distances and lodge bookings.

What the trip actually looks like

Days are built around one signature walk — Zion’s riverside narrows or Angels Landing’s lower reaches for the brave, Bryce’s Queens Garden loop among the hoodoos, rim trails at the Grand Canyon timed for sunset. Those lucky enough to secure an Angels Landing permit can continue to the summit, while others enjoy the equally spectacular lower reaches and Riverside Walk. Between parks, the drives are part of the show: red-rock country that makes the bus fall silent. Evenings land in park lodges or gateway towns, boots off, enormous American dinners earned.

How fit do you need to be?

Moderate — the same honest grading we use for European walking holidays. Signature walks run two to four hours with shorter alternatives every day, at elevations of roughly 1,200–2,700 metres that ask you to slow down rather than train up. If you walk regularly at home, you’ll be mid-pack. Summer heat is the real adversary: hikes start early, and that’s a feature.

The lodge problem (and why it decides your dates)

Accommodation inside the parks — sleeping at the Grand Canyon rim rather than an hour outside it — is the single biggest quality difference in a parks trip, and the scarcest commodity in American travel. Many of the premier park lodges open bookings around thirteen months in advance, and the most sought-after summer dates often sell out within days or weeks. Touring itineraries hold that inventory in bulk, which is frankly the strongest argument for doing the West on a tour rather than solo. For 2027 summer departures, the planning conversation belongs in 2026.

When to go

May, June, September and early October offer the best balance of weather, open trails and manageable crowds. July–August works at altitude but cooks the canyon floors. Combine with two or three city nights — Las Vegas is the practical gateway, San Francisco or LA the pretty ones — and it’s a comfortable two to two-and-a-half week trip from Australia or New Zealand.

Your questions answered

How far ahead do US park lodges book out?

Thirteen months for the marquee properties, and summer weekends go almost immediately. This is the least flexible booking calendar we work with anywhere.

Do I need a visa for the USA?

Australian and New Zealand passport holders travel under the ESTA visa-waiver for stays up to 90 days — apply online well before departure, and confirm requirements for your specific circumstances when booking.

Is the tour suitable for non-hikers travelling with hikers?

Yes — every park offers easier walking options, accessible viewpoints and scenic drives, so one partner can summit while the other spectates in style.

See Hiking the National Parks of the West, browse our North America collection, or ask the Pack Ya Bags team about 2027 departures.