USA

From the red-rock canyons of Utah to the ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest, the USA offers some of the world’s most spectacular hiking terrain. Our active holidays take you deep into America’s iconic national parks with expert guides who know every trail.

The Grand Canyon needs little introduction, but experiencing it on foot — descending from the South Rim to the Colorado River via the South Kaibab Trail, spending a night at Phantom Ranch, and climbing back out on the Bright Angel Trail — is an adventure that stays with you for life. Nearby, Zion National Park’s Angels Landing trail delivers heart-stopping exposure and extraordinary scenery, while the Narrows hike through a slot canyon is utterly unique.

Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks — Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches — can be combined into an epic multi-park road trip. Each offers a distinct geological landscape, from Bryce’s otherworldly hoodoos to the delicate sandstone arches of Arches National Park. Further north, Yellowstone and Grand Teton deliver volcanic wonders and alpine grandeur.

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer the most comfortable hiking temperatures in the Southwest, with fewer crowds than the summer peak. British passport holders need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for visa-free travel. The US dollar is the currency. Direct flights to Las Vegas, the gateway to the Southwest parks, depart daily from London.