Wild West Tour

As soon as all tour members arrive, we come together for a heartfelt welcome and engaging introductions. The night progresses with an enjoyable agenda aimed at fostering connections among us, highlighted by a communal dinner showcasing genuine American cuisine. For participants eager to continue the excitement after the day’s travel, there’s an opportunity to relax at a local bar close by, infusing our adventure’s start with a sense of fellowship.

The first day of our drive is an eclectic journey through urban landscapes, highways, and along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway 1, leading us to the lively city of San Diego. We’ll get accustomed to driving in California’s conditions and enjoy the weather, ensuring everyone is ready for the trip. About 30 minutes in, we’ll stop at Long Beach to thoroughly check motorcycles, gear, and riders, preparing us for the adventures ahead.

Look forward to a delightful lunch at Ruby’s Diner in Laguna Beach, where indulging in the old-fashioned milkshakes is a must! Afterward, we head straight for San Diego. Upon reaching, we’ll explore the Historic Old Town, settle into our hotel, and immerse ourselves in the city’s vibrant offerings. The remainder of the day is set to be a deep dive into the excitement and charm that San Diego has in store!

Leaving behind the captivating city of San Diego, we set out on a day filled with thrilling motorcycle rides along the scenic paths of Historic Route 94 and 98, enhanced by the allure of Old Hwy 80. These serpentine roads cut through stunning landscapes, presenting countless breathtaking moments.

A significant portion of our ride runs parallel to the Mexico border, under the watchful eyes of the U.S. Border Patrol. We’ll stop for a delightful Mexican lunch at a well-loved local diner in Calexico, infusing our journey with authentic flavors.

After Calexico, we venture northeast, making our way through the Imperial Sand Dunes. This segment offers an experience akin to traversing a vast sandy desert, flanked by towering dunes. This unique adventure is sure to be a standout moment of the day, including a special pause amidst the desert landscape before we push on to Blythe.

As the day winds down, we make our way to a local steakhouse in the evening. It’s here that we indulge in the quintessential American dining experience with a succulent steak, perfectly concluding our day of discovery with a sumptuous taste of the local fare.

For many, this is the pinnacle of the tour. Welcome to the Grand Canyon! Our adventure today begins with an exciting ride on twisty motorcycle roads as we exit Oak Creek Canyon, pass through Flagstaff, briefly join Historic Route 66, and journey through stunning landscapes. Approaching the Grand Canyon, we reach the helicopter base. Those who have booked the helicopter tour in advance are in for an unforgettable experience. Flying over one of the world’s seven wonders offers a near-magical perspective on this majestic natural marvel. It comes highly recommended! Note: Helicopter tours need to be arranged separately ahead of time.

Following the aerial tour, a brief ride brings us to the visitor center to watch the world’s most famous Imax movie. Watching this film gives you the sensation of being within the Grand Canyon itself. Lunch will also be served here. Then, we proceed into the Grand Canyon to spend the remainder of the day, a perfect opportunity for this year’s vacation photoshoot. Later, we head towards another iconic natural wonder, Monument Valley, with an overnight pause in Tuba City en route.

Kicking off the day, we make our way to Monument Valley, a natural spectacle that ranks among the most photographed on the planet. Words fall short of capturing the essence of Monument Valley; it demands to be lived. Up close, we’re greeted by the quintessential Wild West vista of sandstone buttes and mesas, all bathed in a stunning reddish hue. It’s only upon standing amidst these formations that one fully grasps their iconic influence on the Wild West imagery. Riding through this landscape, we find ourselves in Navajo territory, enveloped by a profound spiritual atmosphere.

Our journey proceeds to Mexican Hat, a curiosity that blurs the line between a natural rock formation and the likeness of a sombrero. From there, we venture north towards Lake Powell and the national parks of Utah, embarking on a drive that promises to be unforgettable. We’re surrounded by astonishing rock formations, offering a panoramic view that includes both breadth and height. The day is filled with riding on exceptional roads, through scenery that’s breathtaking. Today’s journey, passing through Goosenecks State Park, Natural Bridges National Monument, Glen Canyon, Lake Powell, Goblin Valley, and Horseshoe Canyon, stands out as one of the tour’s ultimate highlights.

Our journey through Utah continues, unfolding an array of stunning landscapes. The national parks appear in succession, each like a gem on a strand: Goblin Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Otter Creek State Park. Yet, the journey through the elevations of the Escalante staircase is perhaps the most exhilarating. It’s a ride we believe will keep you grinning from ear to ear! A significant highlight of our tour is the enchantment of Bryce Canyon. The rock formations here are beyond words, offering an experience that rivals that of the Grand Canyon.We then move through Dixie National Forest to Zion National Park, another marvel of nature. Zion is not just about the majestic rock formations; it’s also home to some of the most thrillingly curvy roads – notably, “the switchbacks of Zion.” While Yosemite and the Grand Canyon are awe-inspiring in their own rights, Zion offers a different kind of beauty, one that encourages a deeper aesthetic appreciation of nature.

Prepare for an exceptional day ahead! We commence with a drive through the magnificent Zion National Park. Here, not only will you witness some of the most stunning rock formations globally, but you’ll also navigate through the famously winding “switchbacks of Zion.” Zion offers a distinct, more aesthetically pleasing natural beauty compared to the vastness of Yosemite and the Grand Canyon.

Exiting Zion, we head directly to the dazzling, neon oasis of Las Vegas, arriving around lunchtime. After parking the motorcycles, we dive into the exploration of this thrilling city for the remainder of the day. Tonight, you have the freedom to discover the renowned “Sin City” at your leisure. Enjoy! You’re in one of the world’s most entertaining cities.

Las Vegas is a city that truly has it all: astonishing architecture, unparalleled shows, bustling casinos, and endless entertainment options. It’s impossible to be bored here. Many of the city’s attractions are easily accessible on foot. We highly recommend visiting iconic spots like Caesar’s Palace, Bellagio, MGM, Stardust, Treasure Island, The Venetian, Mirage, and Wyatt, not forgetting The Fashion Show Mall, home to over 200 stores. At the Mirage, don’t miss the evening volcanic eruptions every 30 minutes, transforming the garden into a spectacular flame show. The water show outside the Bellagio is unforgettable, truly a memory to cherish.

Our day begins with a drive to Bishop, where we’ll indulge in coffee and delightful pastries at a local bakery. Afterward, we make our way to Mammoth Lakes, celebrated for its summer mountain biking and winter skiing opportunities. Our journey then takes us northward to Tioga Pass, leading into the majestic expanse of Yosemite National Park. Here, we navigate through vast granite mountains and winding motorcycle roads, demanding our full focus as we enter what can only be described as the epitome of national parks. Yosemite captivates with its array of images, from towering peaks to the diversity of its natural landscape — beautiful, wild, serene, and lush. An outdoor lunch awaits us amidst the breathtaking wilderness of Yosemite, offering a moment to truly soak in the surroundings.

We conclude our day’s adventure in Jamestown, a charming old miner’s village. The route to Jamestown promises twisty and challenging motorcycle roads that are sure to leave you grinning from ear to ear. However, we urge you to proceed with utmost caution on these exhilarating paths.

Waking up in the vibrant city of San Francisco, you might just understand why Frank Sinatra was so enchanted by this place. This city, with its quirky, unique charm and surprisingly compact size, stands as arguably the most liberal in the U.S.

San Francisco boasts a distinctly European vibe, offering a plethora of sightseeing opportunities far beyond what our brief visit can accommodate. Be sure to explore Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can meander through quaint shops and street cafes renowned for offering some of the finest seafood dishes globally. Consider taking a ride on one of the city’s iconic “Cable Cars,” a moving symbol that captures the essence of this remarkable city. Other worthwhile visits include the infamous prison island of Alcatraz (book in advance), harbor cruises, Chinatown, and Lombard Street, known as one of America’s most winding streets. For those interested, a road trip to Napa Valley for wine tasting is also a fantastic option.

We’ll emphasize it once more: just when you think nature couldn’t possibly be more stunning, today’s journey will leave you absolutely breathless. We’ll be navigating the highly acclaimed Pacific Highway 1, with the majestic mountains to our left and the expansive Pacific Ocean to our right. As we glide past Big Sur, the warm California sunshine and the refreshing salty sea breeze will grace your skin. Prepare for miles upon miles of extraordinary views and remarkable formations where the Santa Lucia Mountains embrace the Pacific Ocean, showcasing one of the most picturesque stretches of the California coastline. Today promises a gentle warm breeze and a view of a spectacular sunset.

Our route takes us through the beach resort of Pismo Beach to the “Danish” city of Solvang (the sister town of Aarhus), offering a slice of Denmark in California. Here, we’ll stay in a traditional Danish inn, dine at a Danish Brewery restaurant, and enjoy breakfast at a Danish bakery.

We bid farewell to Solvang and continue our enchanting journey towards Southern California, a region synonymous with the Beach Boys, Hollywood, and some of the nation’s most breathtaking landscapes. Our next stop is Santa Barbara, often dubbed America’s Riviera, thanks to its climate and topography that echo those of the French and Italian Rivieras.

After soaking in the charm of Santa Barbara, we make our way down the Pacific Coast Highway 1, stopping at the iconic Neptune’s Net biker restaurant & Malibu. From there, it’s straight on to Los Angeles. Upon arrival, we return our motorcycles, shed our boots, and swap our riding attire for casual summer wear. The afternoon is spent leisurely near our hotel, culminating in a farewell dinner where we’ll share memories and prepare for our journey home.

As we close the chapter on our remarkable journey through the stunning landscapes of America’s Wild West and the dynamic city of Los Angeles, the time has come to head back home. Together, we will take a shuttle to the airport, united one last time as a group. We extend our deepest thanks for the incredible adventures, the bonds formed, and, above all, for choosing to explore with Joyrides. Your participation has truly enriched this expedition.

We wish you a safe and smooth return journey and eagerly look forward to greeting you on another of our tours, be it in the United States, South America, Asia, Oceania, or Europe. Until we meet again, safe travels, and a heartfelt thank you for being an integral part of the Joyrides family!

Please note: Travelers from Europe should remember the time difference means you’ll arrive back home the day after departing from the US.

Keep in mind, that this itinerary acts as a framework for what we plan to experience together. While there might be slight alterations, rest assured our dedicated tour leaders will do everything within their power to carry out this program as detailed, adapting as necessary to ensure the best possible experience under any given circumstances. We’re always looking to improve our tours, so you might find a few delightful surprises along the way. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility and thank you for joining us on this unforgettable adventure.