A Grand Tour - USA Part I (Las Vegas & Grand Canyon)

Summer 2016 saw four of us embark on a trip of a lifetime across Nevada, California, Utah & Arizona taking in;

Las Vegas - The Grand Canyon - Death Valley - Zion NP - National Monument; Bryce Canyon NP - Arches NP - Monument Valley - Grand Canyon (again) and London Bridge (Lake Havasu).  

Las Vegas

I'm not a fan of Las Vegas but it was the perfect starting point for the trip ahead and also a direct flight from London. Naturally, and with a 'while in Rome' mentality, we did some of the tourist things (see left), the highlight undoubtedly being the helicopter flight into western end of the Grand Canyon which also took in Hoover Dam. Our trip also included landing in the canyon and having 'champagne' (it was alcoholic at least). 

Accommodation is cheaper during the week in Vegas, we stayed at the Stratosphere as we arrived and then The Luxor at the end of our trip.  

The helicopter flights were booked through viator.com

Used with permission from Samuel Hollingworth.
I haven't asked him yet but I'm sure he'd say yes.

Back in Vegas we visited The Neon Museum (http://www.neonmuseum.org/) in which you are shown around many of the old Vegas neon signs by a guide who regales tales of yesteryear. Well worth a visit but make sure you book ahead. Evening tours would be best too.   

Next up... 

Death Valley