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West Coast USA Geography

Overview

Two exciting, long-haul destinations for the inspirational geography teacher who is looking for a different and utterly unforgettable experience for their students.

The area surrounding Las Vegas is home to some of the world’s most magnificent and best-known geographical landscapes, from the Grand Canyon to Death Valley.  Travelling amongst the vast desert, plateaux, mesas and buttes, mighty rivers, gorges and canyons will bring geography to life.

California, on the other hand, is a shocking contrast, with lush forests and spectacular waterfalls.  The majestic Yosemite National Park is a must-see, and San Francisco is the perfect base from which to explore it.

Our Suggested Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Flight from the UK to McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas).  Transfer to your accommodation. 

    Take in the main sights with the Las Vegas Strip Bus Tour! 

  2. Day 2

    Black Canyon Adventure - this unique day trip starts with climbing aboard a motor-assisted inflatable raft and travelling through the spectacular Black Canyon, the natural gorge of the Colorado River immediately below Hoover Dam (National Historic Monument and an extraordinarily impressive structure).  Explore miles of history and geography weaved through the canyon walls, and prepare to see desert big horn sheep, osprey and great blue heron in their natural setting.

    Visit the Hoover Dam Visitor Centre - murals, maps, photos and other displays provide an introduction to the history of the Hoover Dam.  You can also take one of the elevators 500 feet down into the wall of Black Canyon.

  3. Day 3

    Day trip to Grand Canyon: Landscape and Management

    You will receive a knowledgeable commentary from your guide, while you drive through the Mojave Desert, along the Colorado River to the Grand Canyon National Park, a World Heritage Site.  A full day spent along the South Rim, and taking in the breathtaking scenery, is an exciting opportunity to understand the geology and landscape development of the Canyon.

  4. Day 4

    Transfer to San Francisco.

    Arrive at your accommodation.

    Evening spent at Pier 39 - a must on your list of things to do in San Francisco, with sea lions, waterfront dining, street performers, live music, shopping and more!

  5. Day 5

    Day trip to Yosemite National Park.

    This vast protected parkland, stretching across the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is home to three of the world's highest waterfalls.  There are valleys carved by glaciers, giant sequoias, lakes, meadows and forests of intense beauty and interest to student groups.  Let us know if you'd like us to arrange a talk with a Park Ranger!

  6. Day 6

    Explore the laid-back city of San Francisco on a guided tour.  This takes in Union Square, the Golden Gate suspension bridge and China Town.  Visit the waterfront tourist area of Fishermen’s Wharf, where boats still pull in fresh seafood to be served at its restaurants.

    Overnight flight.

  7. Day 7

    Arrive back home.

School Trip Accommodation

Accommodation

There is a good choice of accommodation in the States suitable for school groups and we always quote on a no bed-sharing basis.  In Vegas, our schools tend to stay at the Mardi Gras Hotel and in San Francisco they tend to stay at the Hosteling International San Francisco.  Let us know if you have any particular favourites, otherwise we'll recommend the best option for you and your budget.