Our holiday in Andalucía was unforgettable, thanks in large part to our outstanding guide, Mike. His deep knowledge of the region’s history, agriculture, and wildlife brought every walk to life. He introduced us to native birds, local traditions, and the warmth of village life, with his fluent Spanish making each interaction effortless. From scenic trails to shared moments over sherry, Mike’s enthusiasm and expertise made the experience truly special. More than just a guide, he created a journey filled with discovery, connection, and adventure. Thanks to him, this was not just a walking holiday, but a deeper cultural experience.
Walking Holidays in the USA
USA National Park Walking Holidays
Top 5 National Parks to Visit on Walking Holidays USA
Zion National Park: Hiking along the meandering trails that lead through Zion National Park, let you discover the wonderful flora and fauna that occupies the landscape surrounding the Virgin River and emerald pools. The Zion Canyon is particularly fascinating, and you’ll learn about the Utah Mormons who referred to it as the ‘promised land’. Climb to the summit of the famous Watchman Trail to reach the viewpoint that looks out over park and the imposing Watchman Peak and explore the Zion Narrows for even more spellbinding vistas. This is a thrilling adventure as you wade through the river below the steep canyon walls.
Grand Canyon National Park: Playing host to one of the USA’s most phenomenal sites, the Grand Canyon National Park is arguably one of the most photographed and impressive of all. Until you see the Grand Canyon with your own eyes, it’s hard to imagine its immensity and sheer beauty. Formed over several millennia, the canyon is one of those natural wonders that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Winding along the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park runs between a staggering seven US states. If you get the chance, you should visit at sunset when the canyon is bathed in orange and pinks for an unforgettable experience.
Yellowstone National Park: Shrouded in mystery, Yellowstone is another of the USA’s most popular national parks. The diversity of wildflower meadows, dramatic mountains and geothermal landscapes is intoxicating. Walk around thermal hot springs, mud pools and fumaroles as you learn about the park’s volcanic history. You can also explore one of the world’s largest concentration of geysers which pepper this lunar-like landscape. Yellowstone is also renowned for being the home of the wolf, which lives among the mountains, and with any luck you’ll be able to see them in the wild on a wolf tracking tour as well as various other species of wildlife.
Bryce Canyon National Park: Famed for its unusual red rock formations, known as hoodoos, which pierce the landscape with their jagged spires, Bryce National Park has an unearthly landscape that will leave you breathless. Walk along the Rim Trail where you can peer over the enormous Bryce Amphitheatre from several viewpoints, including Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce points. Alternatively, follow the Peek-a-Boo or Navajo trails that lead you in between the hoodoos. This is a surreal experience as the huge spires tower above you in this fantastical landscape.
Glacier National Park: In stark contrast to other parks, Glacier National Park boasts an ancient landscape made up of glacial valleys, alpine meadows and emerald glacial lakes. This is a wild paradise for nature lovers and home to a hugely varied array of flora and fauna. On your hiking adventures, keep your eyes peeled for animals such as deer, grizzly bears, mountain goats, wolves and lynx. There won’t be a moment when your eyes can rest from the wildly beautiful scenery as something new surprises you at every twist and turn. To witness the picturesque glacial lakes, walk along the Hidden Lake Trail.
Our Top 5 USA National Park Hikes
- Angels Landing, Zion National Park – Fortune favours the brave, and if you have a head for heights, the Angels Landing hike offers incredible rewards. With a pleasant and scenic start, you then encounter ‘Walter’s Wiggles’, a series of 21 tight switchbacks with a fast elevation gain. As you climb higher, chains are provided to aid your steep ascent, but at the summit, you’ll experience the much-lauded panoramic view over Zion National Park.
- Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon – For a different perspective of the Grand Canyon that far less visitors experience, why not hike into the canyon itself? The Bright Angel Trail snakes its way down from rim to river, although it’s not recommended to hike all the way in one day. Plateau Point offers a great stopping point, where you can enjoy incredible views of the canyon from a whole new angle.
- Peekaboo and Navajo Loop, Bryce Canyon – Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its towering spires of rock, known as ‘hoodoos’ – and this trail gives park visitors the opportunity to walk amongst the hoodoos, staring up in awe as the sun against rock formations create shadows across the park. Eerie and fascinating, this landscape is the perfect place for photographers too.
- Delicate Arch Trail,Arches National Park – One of Utah‘s finest national parks offers a less strenuous short hike with views over one of the Southwest’s most photographed landmarks, make your way through Arches National Park to see its most famous rock formation, Delicate Arch. The red sandstone arches here have been created over millions of years by the winds that brush down the western slope of the Rocky Mountains.
- The John Muir Trail – For experienced backcountry hikers looking for their next challenge, the John Muir Trail is one of America’s most famous hiking routes. It’s not for the faint hearted – you’ll need endurance, experience and preparation for all weathers. But on an uninterrupted three week trekking holiday along the trail, you’ll be rewarded well for your efforts.
Iain Robertson Walking in Andalucia
Martin Goodman Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho RouteWe have just returned from this amazing trip.
What a wonderfully experience it was.
David the tour leader was absolutely fantastic.
He was strong and decisive leader and was exactly what we all needed to complete this tough challenge.
The porters were unbelievable and every bit of credit you read about them in other reviews is so very well deserved.
See for yourselves how dedicated to you they are.
It’s like a small village constantly on the move up the mountain together.The food was first class and there were a lot of choices for everybody.
To be fair we all ate really well and you certainly wont go hungry at all.The mess tent had a great vibe as you will find similar people wanting to do similar things as yourselves.
Our group of 11 had a great balance.
Me and my wife were the only couple together and all the others had come despite being in relationships.Advice
Don’t take a book or a kindle. There is very little ‘down time’ so you wont get the time you think you will get because there is always something to do.
I thought we’d have hours of waiting around in the afternoons but it never worked out that way.
Sometimes everybody would be tired and take a nap other times a card game would commence.
You’ll be amazed at how quickly the hours go.You will have a great group of people believe me.
You booked this trip for the same reasons that they did so embrace it.You will wear a lot of the same clothes, just ensure you have your summit night clothes fresh and ready to go.
Because we went in early February there were hot days and cold nights.
Your clothes wont smell and neither will you so take a little roll on deodorant and use it every morning.You will get a wishy washy (bowl of hot water) every morning and most afternoons too.
Remember it’s nothing like Glastonbury camping mainly because you will always be sober.
Believe it or not but the 15kg allowance is plenty.
No it really is.
Don’t stress about packing it’s all going to be OK…Don’t go mad with your snacks as there is unlimited chocolate and biscuits provided by Exodus.
The only small complaint was that the toilet tent was a bit shabby and the zipper needed attention.
The toilet itself was absolutely fine.
I’m sure Exodus can afford a new toilet tent.The organisation was first class and a lot of friendships developed.
It’s amazing how it’s all arranged and so well put together.I would recommend this trip 100% and Exodus as a company have got you covered.
They might cost a little more than other tours but you get what you pay for on the mountain.
Jim Studer Annapurna CircuitAn incredible trek during a less crowded time. Drier and cooler at this time of the year though (crossing the pass we started at -5F).
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