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7 Day US National Parks Tour from Denver to Las Vegas

7 days, 1 country and 9 cities

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6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners

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Descend from the Mile High City into the foothills of the Rockies and through the badlands, canyons, and arches rising from desert landscapes. From Arches and Canyonlands National Parks tours and a Be My Guest lunch experience at a family owned organic farm to the Grand Canyon, it’s the best-of experiences not to be missed.

Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?

Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

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7 days itinerary trip from Denver to Las Vegas visiting 1 country and 9 cities

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

The Grand Canyon, Monument Valley

Discover Denver, Moab and Las Vegas

Visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Cameron Trading Post

See Delicate Arch in Arches National Park

Scenic Drive along Desert View Drive along parts of Route 66

View the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, Desert Viewpoint

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

All transport and transfers shown

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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Sound & Light Show Tour

Sunset Jet Boat with Dinner

On the colorado river.

Imagine rockin' and rollin' on the river with good tunes and great drinks.

Come Enjoy Beautiful Moab, Utah!

Canyonlands by Night and Day has been operating tours in the Moab area for more than 51 years!

Vacations Created Especially for You

Canyonlands by Night & Day is a unique tour operator with a variety of packages for your Moab vacation.

Moab, Utah—An Unforgettable Place

Our neighborhood is filled with some of the most wild and awe-inspiring natural landscapes and canyons in the entire nation.

Canyonlands by Night Tours & Events

Canyonlands by Night and Day is the Best Colorado River Boat Tour as recognized in The Official Best of Travel TV show.

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Canyonlands Tours & Trips

• Canyonlands Small Group
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• Canyonlands Fall/Autumn 2024
• Canyonlands 7 day

26 Canyonlands tour packages with 55 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking
• Christmas & New Year

Mighty 5 From Las Vegas

Excellent tour of the Mighty 5 in Utah. Just enough time was allocated for hiking the trails.

USA – 5 Days Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Backpacking Adventure

Hiking the Best of the Grand Canyon

Hiking in the Grand Canyon: North & South Rims

Summer Rim to Rim

Nevada Trails to Rails small group beginner and intermediate bike and hike 7 day tour- max of 8 guests.

The food way amazing! I couldn't recommend Bindlestiff more highly.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Painted Canyons of the West featuring Utah’s Five National Parks (Denver, CO to Las Vegas, NV) (2024)

Best of Grand Canyon Tour

Grand Circuit Inn Based Tour

Winter Hiking and Backpacking in Grand Canyon: Rim to Rim

Grand Canyon and Sedona Tour

Hermit Loop Hike

Grandview Trek

Grand Canyon Classic

• Winter Walks

Winter Rim to Rim to Rim

What people love about canyonlands tours.

Excellent tour of the Mighty 5 in Utah. Our guide Robin was knowledgeable and accommodating throughout the tour. Just enough time was allocated for hiking the trails, viewing the sites in the distance and even visiting the Visitor Centers in each park. Hotel/motel accommodations were good and chosen for access to restaurants. Lunch stops with corresponding places to eat were well planned and the food and service was good. We thoroughly enjoyed our time.

This trip was an incredible way to access and ride an entire blossoming network of trails in and around Ely whihc are otherwise rather hard to navigate without a guide. The food way amazing! The staff were incredible - helpful, very experienced and knowledgeable. I couldn't recommend Bindlestiff more highly.

Top operators

"Ja, our guide, was fun, professional and knowledgeable about the parks. Ja was well prepared with water, hotel reservations and dining options. This trip exceeded our expectations

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Amazing Canyonlands National Park Tours

Canyonlands National Park Tours are much more "involved" than in Arches. Canyonlands National Park is vast and divided into four districts, each slightly different: Needles District, Maze District, Island in the Sky District, and Rivers District. Understanding the upside-down geography of Canyonlands from the overlook at Mesa Arch or Grand View Point is only a tease - a beautiful tease. You will instantly want to know and understand more about this alluring beauty. 4x4 Jeep tours will take you on some of the overland routes amongst the colossal cliffs and towers, and hiking can get you lost a little slower. Slicing past each district, in a much more linear (albeit winding) path is the Colorado River, met by the Green River at the head of Cataract Canyon. This is the heart of the Rivers District, and of Canyonlands itself. It's time to learn more about our Canyonlands National Park Tours!

Cataract Canyon 2-Day Express

New high-speed, custom rafts now allow you to journey through the Colorado River’s legendary 100-mile Cataract Canyon in just 2 days–perfect for those with busy schedules yearning for a quick, but refreshing dose of adventure.

• Duration: 2 days
• Departure Times: 7:30 AM
• Season: May – July

Cataract Canyon 4-Day Classic

Experience an all-inclusive 4 day rafting journey through Utah's legendary Cataract Canyon just outside of Moab Utah. Exciting whitewater combined with the indescribable scenery of Canyonlands National Park make this the ideal river trip.

• Duration: 4 days
• Season: May – September

Canyonlands National Park Airplane Tour

A spectacular flight over six remote arches in the Needles district: Angel, Druid, Elephant, Kirk, Wedding Ring, and Castle.

• Duration: Approximately 1 hr
• Departure Times: 9:00 AM Daily
• Season: Year Round

Arches and Canyonlands Airplane Tour

There is no other way to visit these parks so comprehensively and comfortably. Gain access to the remote, restricted districts of Canyonlands and bypass the lines and crowds in Arches.

• Duration: Approximately 80 minutes

Canyonlands Sunset Airplane Tour

Fly over the gnarled, twisting, and spectacular red rocks of Utah’s world-famous canyon country surrounding Canyonlands National Park during the golden hour of sunset.

• Departure Times: Times vary per season

Canyonlands National Park Tours Reviews

Cataract canyon 4 day, once in a lifetime trip.

More Ways to Explore Canyonlands

Starting at $139 per person

Starting at $305 /day per person

Starting at $955 per person

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What to take, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and a few little secrets on the side. Our Moab Insiders Guide will provide you with all the essentials for a perfect Moab experience.

What to take, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and a few little secrets on the side. Not unlike your own personal Jiminy Cricket, (minus the worries of the little guy getting smooshed) the Moab Insiders Guide will provide you with all the essentials for a perfect Moab experience.

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Enjoy Our Canyonlands National Park Tours from Las Vegas

Enjoy Canyonlands National Park on the Southwest Highlights Tour, and explore the beautiful and diverse desert landscapes it has to offer, with rock formations you won’t find anywhere else.

If you’re looking for things to do on Canyonlands National Park tours, look no further! If you only have a short amount of time, consider a short hike to Island in the Sky or The Needles, but carry a map if you do! While all hikes have small rock pile markers, a failsafe option is essential.

If you’re planning on trying Canyonlands Tours from Vegas or the surrounding area, there are many activities you can do in the park. Outdoorsy folks are in luck, as you can explore the park by hiking, on horseback, on a bike, and more!

There’s the option to embark on something a little higher octane on most Canyonlands National Park excursions. For example, you could try boating down the whitewater of Cataract Canyon. There are 14 miles of rapids that range in difficulty and a permit is required to boat here.

Every Canyonlands National Park trip is unique and the landscape feels like it’s never the same twice. If you camp overnight in the park and stargaze, you can enjoy the wonders of the skies unhampered by light pollution and noise.

Join our Canyonlands National Park guided tours to discover all this and more, as well as the rich Native American history of the groups who traditionally inhabited this land. You can find evidence of these ancient and contemporary cultures in structures and rock markings.

Located in southeastern Utah, Canyonlands National Park can be found near the town of Moab. The park preserves a colorful landscape eroded into countless canyons, mesas, and buttes by the Colorado River, the Green River, and their respective tributaries.

The park is divided into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the combined rivers—the Green and Colorado—which carved two large canyons into the Colorado Plateau.

The colorful rock formations of Canyonlands showcase its unique geological history that began more than 300 million years ago.

The rock that exists in the park today traveled by wind and water, having been eroded from the ancestral Rockies and Appalachians. In its new home, this rock deposited to become distinct layers of sedimentary rock. Some layers were deposited by rivers, surrounded by lakes and swamps. These sandy channels sat apart from other thicker deposits brought by the wind. These created vast sand deserts and dune fields across the area.

The rock gradually accumulated into layered formations. Back then, canyons hadn’t yet formed. The only sights were sloping plains and rivers. While many of the rocks exposed began at sea level, they rose over time. On average, some formations now stand as high as 5,000 feet above sea level.

Geologists trace this elevation back 20 million years ago when the Earth’s crust moved and radically changed the North American landscape. These subterranean movements created cracks in the surface, allowing the melted rock to rise. At times, it cooled before reaching the surface, resulting in fragments of harder rock in sedimentary layers.

This erosion eventually exposed such harder deposits, which resulted in the creation of the mountain ranges visible from Canyonlands: the La Sals, Henrys, and Abajos.

Best Time to Visit

We often get asked, when is the best time to take one of your Canyonlands National Park trips? And the answer depends! The park is open eight hours a day, 365 days a year. However, we recommend visiting in either spring or fall.

The climate is much milder in these seasons, plus there are fewer visitors in the park. This means you can enjoy your hikes uninterrupted and get great shots of the landscape. Temperatures average from 60 to 80 F and the nights are cooler.

Featured Tour

Our spotlight tour is Incredible Adventures’ Southwest Highlights Camping Tour – 7-Day Adventure from Las Vegas . Join us for a week of eight amazing destinations, plus a bunch of unforgettable activities.

From seeing the birthplace of Route 66 to hiking Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, and Grand Canyon National Parks, our tour of the real wild west will give you a camera full of beautiful images and memories to last a lifetime.

All Canyonlands National Parks Tours

Southwest Highlights 7 Day Tour

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Canyonlands National Park  Half Day Tour

Private Tours  starting at $550

Group Tours starting at $180

price does not include taxes and fees or park entry

Folks visiting the parks on their own typically only see what is along side the pavement road - this tour will venture into the 4x4 backcountry for an exquisite and unique National Park experience.

If you’re looking to get the most out of your National Park experience in Moab, our Canyonlands half day backcountry 4x4 Tour is just what you're looking for. You’ll discover hidden gems, hear surprising stories and leave feeling like you missed nothing.

This tour explores the backcountry of  Canyonlands National Park  (Island in the Sky District) in approximately 4 hours. You will ride along in one of our 4x4 backcountry vehicles with heat and a/c for optimal comfort during all seasons.

Throughout this half day experience you will learn all about the parks, history, and geology of the Moab area. Your guide will point out Arch formations, and other towering landscapes along the way. Since our tours are private we can stop for photos at any point. 

Sight seeing areas on this tour include but are not limited to Potash Mine, Shafer Trail, Musselman Arch, Ancient Indian Petroglyphs (Rock Carvings), Thelma and Louise point, and breathtaking canyon views. This tour will include both pavement sections and 4x4 road sections that are not paved. 

Water and snacks are always provided for free.

If you have a National Park Pass, or plan on visiting more than one National Park on your vacation - we recommend that you purchase an annual pass. The link is provided below. 

Entry costs $30 per vehicle . This is not included in your tour package. You can opt in to purchase your entry during the booking process. You can waive the fee as well if you already have a pass. 

Please make sure you bring your pass along on the tour.

GROUP TOURS - 4 seats must be reserved in order to run the trip. We will do our best to pair groups together to meet this minimum. If the trip doesn't meet this criteria, we will contact you about other options available. 

Pets are NOT permitted inside the National Parks. We may be able to accommodate you and offer pet-sitting during the duration of your tour. Please inquire within if this is something you may need. 

Our Vehicles: Our vehicles are enclosed vehicles Toyota  Sequoias. If you are reserving a vehicle for

1-6 passengers you will be riding in a Sequoia. Please note that the back 2 seats should be used for children or small adults only. The Sequoias  seat up to 7 passengers and have a back row and middle row that seats 3 guests (bench).

If you have specific vehicle requests or questions, please call us. You can view the seating arrangements below for your reservations group size. Click on " Vehicle Seating".

PAYMENT DISCLOSURE - CANCELLATIONS

All trips should be reserved the day before the trip or earlier if possible. A $50 non refundable deposit will be charged to your card at time of reservation for any over-the-phone reservations. Deposits made online will include an online booking fee and is not refundable. No-show guests and cancellations within 48 hours of scheduled trip departure are subject to forfeit full fare. If any trip is cancelled due to weather, mechanical failure, or insufficient reservations, a full refund will be provided.

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Canyonlands National Park

Things to do in canyonlands national park.

In Canyonlands National Park, the adventures don’t stop at camping and hiking. Utah’s largest national park is brimming with exciting things to do at every turn. Take advantage of some of the world’s darkest night skies and stargaze, experience a rush on a whitewater rafting trip or take a stunning scenic drive that will leave you speechless. Boundless options await you in Canyonlands National Park.

Hiking & Backpacking

Canyonlands National Park is a must-visit for hikers and backpackers. Trails range from short day hikes to multi-day expeditions, depending on your hiking region. The park has three regions: The Needles, Island in the Sky and The Maze. Read on to learn more about each region or explore each region's best hiking trails.

The Needles

The Needles district is home to the most established hiking trails (about 74 miles), and is generally the most popular destination for visitors. These trails are well-maintained, with many loop trails and a good selection of easy-to-moderate hiking options and backpacking opportunities. Most trails have sections of slickrock sections, so get used to following cairns to find your way.

Island in the Sky

Although the trail network in Island in the Sky is less extensive than The Needles, hikers can still pick wonderful hikes. The serious hiker will enjoy one of the many trails that drop off the mesa and connect with the White Rim Trail, but many excellent short hikes stay on top of the mesa. If you’re feeling up to it, try and make time for both types of hikes — the views from atop and below the mesa are equally incredible. 

The Maze district is certainly the most remote area in the park and possibly the most remote place you’ve ever been. This network of twisted sandstone canyons is for seasoned hikers who can care for themselves and their vehicles. Be aware that when you venture into The Maze, you’re on your own, and you should consult with a ranger at Canyonlands Visitor Center first. However, once prepared, you’ll embark on a journey that most anybody would envy.

Overlook at Canyonlands National Park

Photo: Jay Dash

Where to stay for the best access to trails? Camping opportunities abound in Canyonlands, from established camping at one of three developed campgrounds to more solitary, primitive camping in the backcountry. Most campers will stay in either Needles Campground, Willow Flat Campground or nearby Dead Horse Point State Park Campground, but the backcountry camp areas are also worth visiting for well-prepared visitors.

Needles Campground

Needles Campground lies just three miles west of the Needles entrance station. The Needles Campground has 26 individual sites for a nightly free. You can reserve some individual sites in spring and fall. Other times of the year, individual sites are first-come, first-served. Sites fill quickly in spring and fall. The campground has drinking water, fire pits, picnic tables, tent pads, ADA sites, and flush and vault toilets. Plus, large groups can reserve a group campsite that accommodates up to 50 people and ten vehicles. The group sites are not open during winter. Reservations are accepted for regular and group campsites, so book early.

Willow Flat Campground

The smaller yet equally beautiful Willow Flat Campground is approximately nine miles southwest of the Island in the Sky entrance station. Willow Flat has no water, so be sure to come prepared. There are 12 basic sites (first-come, first-served with a nightly fee) with fire pits, picnic tables, tent pads and vault toilets. Junipers and piñon pines decorate this small campground, a good place to explore the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands National Park. Several trails are nearby, leading to striking vistas, arches and other geologic wonders. There is also a great mountain bike loop trail that goes through this section of the park. Campers should be sure to visit the Green River Overlook to see one of the finest sunset viewpoints in the park.

Dead Horse State Park

Last, Dead Horse Point State Park can be reached by turning east of UT 313 before you enter Canyonlands' northern entrance. The campground at this state park has electrical hookups and water, and, unlike the first-come-first-served national park campgrounds, reservations are available online . If camping’s not your style, there are plenty of hotels in nearby Moab .

Tent camping in Canyonlands

Mountain Biking

Although there is no singletrack mountain biking in Canyonlands, the 100-mile White Rim Road at the Island in the Sky is a go-to bike-packing  trip for riders . This classic bike tour takes riders below the cliffs at Island in the Sky and promises ever-changing scenery — some of the best in Canyonlands. Plan on taking two or three days for the entire trip. We recommend you have a capable support vehicle to carry supplies and, most importantly, extra water. 

The Maze also offers multi-day biking opportunities but will be even more demanding. If you ride in this district, ensure your support vehicle is up to the task.  Guided trips are available for many routes in Canyonlands, and hiring a guide would be a good idea if you want to venture into the Maze.

Primitive campsites are available along many of these bike routes. Permits are required for camping, although day trips do not require permits. White Rim Road is very popular, so plan on making your reservations months in advance.

Mountain biking the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands

Guided Tours

As the largest national park in Utah, Canyonlands can be daunting to approach on your own. With a guided tour, you will have your pick of the best viewpoints, trails, and experiences the park offers and develop a stronger connection with the land. The local guides that frequent Canyonlands National Park are advocates for its natural beauty and protection. Exploring the park with a seasoned pro will help you learn how its commanding canyons formed, discover the rich Ancestral Puebloan culture, and be better prepared for your next solo adventure.

Guided hiking tours, scenic drives, rafting tours and biking tours are all available. To get started, start exploring Canyonlands guided tours .

Whitewater Rafting

Looking for a more adrenaline-filled way to spend your time? Canyonlands is home to the Cataract Canyon section of the Colorado River, a whitewater rollercoaster known as North America’s most exciting whitewater rapids during the spring runoff season. Rafting Cataract Canyon can take anywhere between three to five days to complete. Guided trips are available, and recommended for those who don’t have advanced rafting experience. The feeling you’ll get as you the Class III-V rapids of “The Confluence” may only be topped by a sense of awe as you float below the canyon’s towering red rock cliffs — so be sure to pack your swimsuit.

Rafting Cataract Canyon

Scenic Drives

There’s no easier way to experience Canyonlands and its natural beauty than by car. Two paved roads lead into the park: UT 313 from the north and UT 211 from the east. There are also many dirt roads to explore for those equipped with four-wheel-drive vehicles and prepared for the rigors of desert travel.

The well-marked turnoff for the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park is on the left at Highway 313, six miles north of the Arches turnoff on U.S. 191 north of Moab. A few miles along Highway 313, note Monitor and Merrimac Buttes on the right, looking like their namesake Civil War ships. Eventually, you’ll come to a prominent fork: Dead Horse Point State Park is four miles to the left, and Canyonlands/Island in the Sky is four and a half miles straight ahead. Dead Horse Point is an isolated peninsula of stone jutting out over the deep gorge of the Colorado River, which is one of the best photo opportunities anywhere in the park. The overlook provides some of the most famous views in the region, especially of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below. It is well worth a side trip.

Island in the Sky, the name given to the elevated northern section of Canyonlands National Park, is almost precisely that: an isolated piece of land far above the deep canyons of the Green and Colorado Rivers. And it certainly does have the airy and Olympian aura of a floating island, detached from the earth below. The two great rivers carved this narrow “peninsula in the sky” as they flowed closer to their confluence at Cataract Canyon. The views from this height are spectacular in all directions, and several strategically placed overlooks offer fine panoramas and short, easy trails with interpretive signs describing the intricate maze of canyons below.

Stretch of the Green River

Come nightfall, some of the darkest skies in the world cloak Canyonlands National Park and much of the land surrounding Moab. Since the park is so lonely, and many areas are miles from the nearest civilization, there is no light to inhibit your view of the galaxy. As a result, Canyonlands has become a world-class destination for stargazing and photography (day or night). No matter what brings you to the park, be sure to pack a chair, binoculars, flashlight and camera — you may find yourself gazing into the night skies to find more stars than you’ve ever seen.

Star Party under Canyonlands Dark Skies

Photo: National Park Service

More Canyonlands Inspiration

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Canyonlands is home to many different types of travel experiences, from sublime solitude in the more remote stretches of the park to moderate hikes through the Needles district to the opportunity to create your own version of one of the West's most photographed landforms, Mesa Arch.

Canyonlands National Park Camping

Desert landscapes by day and stunning starry skies by night make camping in this park an unforgettable experience.

Canyonlands National Park Hikes

Not sure which trails to hike on your next Canyonlands trip? Here are the 6 best hikes in the park, as well as some very close by!

How to Visit Canyonlands National Park

Successful desert travel starts here: Find tips, maps, weather, fees, grocery stores and directions to Canyonlands visitor centers: Island in the Sky Visitor Center and Needles Visitor Center.

As the largest national park in Utah, Canyonlands is brimming with adventures for everyone. Start planning your trip.

Winter in Canyonlands National Park

As the largest national park in Utah, Canyonlands provides a variety of winter adventures, including winter hiking and stargazing.

Well-prepared travel is responsible travel.

Do your part by planning ahead

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Want to bike L.A.’s coast? Try these six must-see stops

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Few experiences exemplify California living more than a bike ride on the Marvin Braude Bike Trail . Also known as the Strand, the 22-mile oceanfront path between Pacific Palisades and Torrance winds past five piers, two marinas, volleyball games, hang gliders, street performers and skate parks. Much of it is accompanied by views of the Pacific Ocean and Southern California’s famously wide beaches.

I started biking the Strand more than 20 years ago when I lived an easy ride away from it in Marina del Rey. The more I traverse it (now with my husband and kids), the more I realize that it’s not just an extraordinarily scenic exercise path. It boasts historic landmarks, old-growth trees and native plants. It’s also home to many delicious restaurants and food stands that go beyond typical boardwalk fare.

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Now that temperatures are finally rising, it’s a perfect time to take advantage of one of our most prized assets: the beach. Whether you cover the whole bike path in either direction or stick with a section closest to home, here are six easy-to-overlook spots that are worth a stop. Each one celebrates L.A.’s signature coastal scene in its own way.

The Original Muscle Beach It’s easy to confuse this sprawling outdoor gym with the smaller membership-based weightlifting one in Venice. Santa Monica’s Muscle Beach was a top fitness spot from 1938 until 1958, when out-of-control crowds and onlookers led the city to shut it down. It was restored in 1999, and it’s now filled with kids and adults enjoying its swing sets, rings and ropes course and parallel bars. It’s a great place to people-watch and soak up the action of the Santa Monica Pier from a distance.

The Venice Canals Bikes aren’t allowed on the canal paths, but you can lock up your wheels and take a walking tour of the miniature Italy-inspired community built by Abbott Kinney in 1905. It’s a surprisingly peaceful experience right off a busy stretch of the trail that parallels Washington Boulevard. The lively patio at nearby Baja Cantina makes a nice pit stop for weekday happy-hour deals from 3 to 6 p.m., including $10 margaritas and $4.50 birria tacos.

Oxford Basin Nature Loop In 2016, a contaminated flood control basin in Marina del Rey was turned into a park filled with native plants and trees. The Strand winds right through this shady oasis with benches and birdwatching opportunities. Just south of the park is a sleek new shopping center called the Boardwalk, with tiered outdoor seating areas and primo daytime views of the small-craft harbor.

Bruce’s Beach Before enjoying the outstanding views of this Manhattan Beach park, learn about its incredible history as a popular resort catering to Black families in the 1900s. The land below the park, where the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Training Center now sits, was improperly seized from owners Willa and Charles Bruce and demolished by the town in the 1920s; the county-owned portion of the land was eventually returned to the Bruce family’s descendants, who sold it back to the county in 2023.

Its grassy hillsides sit just above the Strand, featuring basketball hoops, shade trees and benches perfectly positioned for a reflective moment by the ocean.

Hermosa Beach Pier This is one of the more congested areas of the Strand, and you will be required to walk your bike through it on peak summer days. But if you time it right, you can snag a bench on the pier and watch early morning surfers (with coffee in hand, it makes a soothing start to the day.) Or stroll it as the sun sets and fishermen cast their lines for corbina and mackerel. You may recognize it as the setting in “La La Land” where Ryan Gosling sings and dances to “City of Stars.”

Moonstone Park Head west at King Harbor on Marina Way from the Strand and follow it to the end. There, you’ll find Moonstone Park, which is little more than a patch of grass and a picnic table, but a rarely crowded one with waterfront views. Pick up a burger with griddled onions ($10) at Proudly Serving in southern Hermosa Beach or a swordfish sandwich ($15) from Captain Kidd’s and enjoy it while watching sea lions and stand-up paddle boarders. If you happen to be here on a Thursday morning, the farmers market at nearby Veterans Park is also a worthy stop for its ocean views and wide selection of prepared foods and produce.

Before setting off on the bike trail, make sure you’re aware of state and local biking laws. All riders under age 18 are required to wear helmets. In Hermosa Beach, e-bikes must be pedaled manually, and there’s a speed limit of eight miles per hour. In Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, cyclists are required to walk their bikes in busy areas near the piers.

Need to rent a bike? Perry’s has nine Strand locations between Santa Monica and Venice ($14 an hour; $45 a day). In Hermosa Beach, Hermosa Cyclery near Pier Plaza rents cruisers for $12 an hour or $35 a day and has three free air stations.

3 things to do

1. See Shakespeare under the stars in Topanga Canyon Theatricum Botanicum, the open-air theater founded by Will Geer in the 1970s, is kicking off its repertory season with “The Winter’s Tale” on Saturday and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on Sunday. Other shows of the season, which runs through October 20, include “Wendy’s Peter Pan,” “Tartuffe: Born Again” and “The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote.” Guests are welcome to come early and enjoy a picnic in the garden, which features specimens of plants and flowers referenced in the Bard’s works. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatricum.com .

2. Explore wetlands in Long Beach Long Beach Utilities is partnering with Friends of the L.A. River and other community and environmental groups to host an outdoor educational event Saturday in one of the city’s newest parks. Activities include making seed balls, painting terra cotta pots, live music, free milkweed giveaways and tours of the park’s freshwater wetlands and wildlife habitats. It’s free and runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information is available at www.folar.org .

3. Take a hike along the Arroyo Seco in Pasadena Join the Sierra Club on an easy evening hike along the southern section of the Arroyo Seco trail and learn about its important place in the natural and Indigenous history of Pasadena. The three-mile hike begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday by San Pasqual Stables in South Pasadena and ends around 9 p.m. Dogs are not allowed on this hike. For more details and to sign up, visit angeles.sierraclub.org .

The must-read

The Sutter Buttes are a central core of volcanic domes sheltering an oasis of verdant hills and wildlife about 60 miles north of Sacramento. I had never heard of them until reading The Times article by Jessica Garrison about the bitter, decades-long debate over public access to them. California bought about 1,800 acres on the northern side of the buttes and declared them a state park in 2005. But because all the roads leading to the park are privately owned, Garrison reports, there’s no way for the public to access the state-owned land. The impasse is going on its 20th year. Whatever happens, everyone seems to agree that the Sutter Buttes encompass “some of the most magical and otherworldly terrain in California.”

Happy adventuring,

Abalone Cove in Palos Verdes is home to the black sea hare, a slug that grows from microscopic at birth to the size of a basketball. I learned this and other fascinating facts about the California coast while listening to KCRW’s Madeleine Brand interview marine biologist and Cal State L.A. professor Patrick Krug. His new book, “Between the Tides in California: Exploring Beaches and Tidepools,” explains why creatures such as the black sea hare live where they do and offers tips on how to spot them.

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild . And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here .

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Laura Randall is a Los Angeles-based writer and author of several Southern California hiking guides. She has written about hiking and travel for a variety of newspapers and magazines and is the author of “60 Hikes 60 Miles: Los Angeles” and the Wilderness Press guide to the Pacific Crest Trail in Southern California. When she’s not hiking, she can usually be found reading L.A. noir novels at the beach or being walked by a headstrong golden retriever named Boris.

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