Jodie@happytravelsagency.com
603-995-4019
Scenic Parks Explorer
Tour Type: Discovery
Brochure Type: USA Canada and Central America 2024 v2
This National Parks tour is an iconic journey, culminating at the Grand Canyon, through Zion's pink cliffs, Monument Valley's imposing mesas, Grand Tetons' alpine landscapes and Mount Rushmore's rock-hewn faces. Hear from a Native American storyteller and overnight in Yellowstone, soaking it all in in just 15 days.
Dining Summary
Brochure Type: USA Canada and Central America 2024 v2
This National Parks tour is an iconic journey, culminating at the Grand Canyon, through Zion's pink cliffs, Monument Valley's imposing mesas, Grand Tetons' alpine landscapes and Mount Rushmore's rock-hewn faces. Hear from a Native American storyteller and overnight in Yellowstone, soaking it all in in just 15 days.
Dining Summary
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 14 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch (L)
- 6 Dinner (D)
- Billings: Learn all about Billing's railroad history during a Be My Guest dinner at the historic Billings Depot. Built in 1903 as a hub for three major railroads passing through town, it is now a non-profit organization. A historian from the nearby Western Heritage Center will be your host for the evening and will share the rail industry's importance to Big Sky Montana. Afterwards, a local chef will delight you with a wonderful three-course menu .
- Palisade: Visit the 'Peach and Wine Capital of Colorado', perfectly nestled along the Colorado River. Stop at a local family's orchards, 'Connect with Locals' as you meet with family members and learn about the history of this farming family.
- Grand Canyon National Park: Meet a geologist at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to learn about how this natural marvel was formed and all the different layers that make up the Colorado Plateau.
- Las Vegas: Get a glimpse of Las Vegas from the sky as you hop on the High Roller, North America's tallest observation wheel standing 550 feet tall. The 30-minute ride offers breathtaking, 360-degree views of the glittering lights and neon of the Strip below.
- Zion National Park: Connect to history as you wander paths and trails, following in the footsteps of Native Americans and the earliest pioneers. Lush vegetation, wild rivers, roaring waterfalls and towering cliffs characterise the natural beauty of this park.
- Salt Lake City: Your Tour Director will point out key features and areas of interest on arrival to Salt Lake City.
- Bryce Canyon National Park: Pink, orange and rusty-red limestone spires, known as hoodoos, rise up from the desert floor at Bryce Canyon, home to the largest collection of these spires in the world.
- Grand Teton National Park: We head to Grand Tetons National Park for sightseeing.
- Yellowstone National Park: Without a doubt a bucket list destination for many travelers - welcome to Yellowstone National Park. Established as America's first National Park by President Grant in 1872 Yellowstone is famous for it's hot springs, bubbling mud pots, vast canyons and lush forests as far as the eye can see.
- Cody: You'll get a glimpse into the "Spirit of the West" at the Buffalo Bill Center for the West museum complex. As you wonder through this huge set of exhibits you'll feel like you've been transported back to a time of cowboys and cowgirls, gun-toting lawmen and brave Native American warriors.
- Black Hills: Contribute to the preservation of the heritage of Native Americans during a visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial. This iconic monument represents the Oglala Lakota warrior 'Crazy Horse' on land considered sacred, in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
- Little Big Horn: We travel to the famous historical site of Little Bighorn, the battlefield where General Custer and his men were roundly defeated by combined forces of Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Tribal warriors in 1876.
- Mount Rushmore: We'll visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where you can view the faces of four of America's most important presidents, dramatically etched into the granite rock face. Carved into the face of Mount Rushomore are the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.
- Vail: Vail is one of Colorado's great playgrounds. While the winter attracts the ski crows, the summer draws in guests to the European-style Vail Village. Surrounded by towering peaks the pedestrian village offers a unique mix of shops, restaurants, pubs, and cafes. The locals take pride in their friendliness and making sure that Vail has a cosmopolitan feel while at the same time remaining unprentious.
- Arches National Park: Visit Arches National Park, housing the greatest concentration of natural arches in the world. Some 6,000 natural sandstone arches can be found within the boundaries of the national park.
- Canyonlands National Park: It's on to Canyonlands National Park for a drive onto the Island in the Sky - a mesa resting 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the surrounding countryside, offering spectacular views over the dramatic sandstone formations.
- Mesa Verde National Park: Admire the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people, carved out of the sandstone of the canyon walls, at the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park. Several hundred of these dwellings, in addition to thousands of known archaeological sites, are preserved in this protected area and you'll have an opportunity to see several during your visit to the park, as you ride along the Mesa Top Loop, and Cliff Palace Loop, where you can see the magnificent Cliff Palace.
- Grand Canyon National Park: Arrive at one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the second most visited national park in the United States, the Grand Canyon. Encompassing 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world and offers unmatched vistas along its rim.
- Rapid City: Meet Stephen Yellowhawk or a Lakota Tribe Member and discover the history of his tribe during a festive evening of dance and song.
- Monument Valley: Make Travel Matter on a journey through the desert to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where you will board all-terrain vehicles to explore the valley with your Navajo guide.
- Grand Canyon: Travel to Desert View and bask in the views of the Grand Canyon and the iconic watchtower decorated with its Hopi artist murals. Make your way to an Inter-tribal Cultural Heritage site where members share their stories, family histories and provide cultural demonstrations such as carpet weaving and traditional song and dance performances. Our visit and donation provide a continuous source of seed funding for the heritage site while allowing guests to engage directly with Indigenous community members.
- : Explore the Grand Canyon with Tim, a Local Specialist and Geologist
- : Visit Zion, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park, Arches, Mesa Verde, Grand Canyon National Parks, Jackson, The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Little Bighorn Battlefield, The Mile High City of Denver, Monument Valley, Las Vegas
- : Discover the High Roller in Las Vegas
- : Discover Salt Lake City
- : View Crazy Horse Memorial, iconic Mount Rushmore in South Dakota
- : See iconic Delicate Arch
- : Scenic Drive along Desert View Drive
- : 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
- 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
Call (603) 995-4019 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17471685
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2023
- Duration
- 15 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Las Vegas | Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas: The desert playground of Las Vegas launches our encounter with the soul-stirring natural landscapes of America's most beloved national parks. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and then soar 550 feet above the center of the Las Vegas Strip on the High Roller, the world's tallest observation wheel. Horseshoe Las Vegas |
| Day 2 | Zion National Park | Ride Through Colourful Zion National Park: Zion National Park's towering cream, pink and red cliffs are our first stop today for sightseeing and lunch as we journey towards the enchanting landscapes of Bryce Canyon. Admire the rusty red limestone spires that rise up surreally from the desert floor to meet Utah's skies. In the evening enjoy Ebenezer's Dinner and Show - an unforgettable evening of old fashioned western fun, music and great cowboy food! Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel |
| Day 3 | Salt Lake City | Uncover The History Of Salt Lake City: Travel north to Utah's capital and see its Mormon center, Temple Square, and discover the basic beliefs and history of the Mormon pioneers who settled here. Explore the city to find local dining all surrounded by picturesque mountains. Sheraton Salt Lake City |
| Day 4 | Jackson Hole | North to Jackson: Take in views of Powder Mountain and Bear Lake as you head north this morning from Salt Lake City. You'll have time for lunch on your own before continuing to Jackson, which stands in the shadows of the Teton Range, whose icy peaks will be your constant backdrop. You'll have time this afternoon to settle in and explore this mountain town, which has an Old West look with a modern twist. Modern Mountain Motel |
| Day 5 | Grand Teton National Park | Travel Through Scenic Grand Teton National Park: Cross the alpine landscapes of Grand Teton National Park en route to Yellowstone's geothermal wonderland. We overnight at one of the lodges within the national park. (When the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park is closed due to weather conditions, the itinerary will travel west from Jackson via Idaho and enter the park through the west entrance.) National Park Lodges Yellowstone |
| Day 6 | Yellowstone National Park | See the Grandeur of Yellowstone National Park: Enjoy a full day of exploring one of the world's oldest national parks. Alongside your Travel Director, marvel at Old Faithful, the thousand-year-old geyser which has been catapulting water into the Wyoming sky every 90 minutes for centuries, amazing on lookers like clockwork. Exploring much of the park's geological wonders in this awe-inspiring day, we stop at Lake Yellowstone, which contains the largest number of wild cutthroat trout in North America. We'll also view Artists Point, a viewpoint from which you look upon the stunning cascade of the Lower Falls. You'll also see the impressive Fountain Paint Pot area with its bubbling mud pots and geysers. National Park Lodges Yellowstone |
| Day 7 | Billings | Experience Blue Skies And The Wild West Connect with Locals: Pay tribute to "Buffalo Bill" in his hometown of Cody where you'll visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West museum complex to gain a deeper understanding of the "Spirit of the American West." You'll take your wild west adventure to the next level as we make our way towards Big Sky Country where we enjoy an authentic Western Be My Guest dinner. At the historic Billings Depot built in 1903 as a hub for three major railroads, you'll learn all about Billing's railroad history from a local historian from the nearby Western Heritage Center while you get your fix of western hospitality. Savor every bite of local Chef Jordan Hodson's three-course menu featuring local produce, a choice of entrees, a seasonal dessert, and beer and wine. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Billings |
| Day 8 | Rapid City | Unlock The History Of Little Big Horn Dive Into Culture: Our day begins with a visit to Little Bighorn, the battlefield where the ill-fated Custer led his men against a battalion of Sioux and Cheyenne warriors. Venture into the Black Hills of South Dakota as you make your way to the base of Crazy Horse Memorial. Admire the colossal carved face of the famed Lakota war chief and learn about preserving Native American Culture before continuing to Rapid City. The Rushmore Hotel & Suites |
| Day 9 | Rapid City | Delve Into Native American Culture Make Travel Matter: Visit Mount Rushmore to view the faces of former American presidents etched into the granite rock-face, then choose to venture into Badlands National Park. This evening we enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience as we meet with Stephen Yellowhawk, who will regale you with stories of his tribe's history during a festive dinner. The Rushmore Hotel & Suites |
| Day 10 | Denver | Journey Through The Prairies To Denver: Travel south through the expansive prairies of Wyoming to Denver, the Mile High City, where you'll enjoy a light dinner. Sheraton Denver Downtown |
| Day 11 | Moab | Roam The Rockies: Ascend into the foothills of the Rockies and cross the Continental Divide en route to the alpine village of Vail, renowned for its epic powder-filled alpine basins that have attracted skiers since the 1960s. We then make our way to the town of Palisade for a Be My Guest lunch at a local peach orchard. Learn how peaches are grown and harvested before enjoying a lunch inspired by local ingredients. We continue to Moab for an evening on your terms. Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn |
| Day 12 | Moab | Take In The Views Of The Canyonlands: Our national park journey takes us to Canyon Country, where we see first-hand the power of the Colorado River carving its way through the rocky red landscape at Canyonlands National Park. Next up, the Arches National Park provides an insightful encounter with thousands of natural sandstone arches formed by rain and wind where you may choose to take a short hike to iconic Delicate Arch view point. Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn |
| Day 13 | Monument Valley | Journey to the Heart of Monument Valley Make Travel Matter: Admire the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people, carved out of the sandstone of the canyon walls at the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park. Deepen your connection with the first nations of this land as we head toward Monument Valley - home to the Navajo Nation and the backdrop of many famous Hollywood Western movies. The afternoon and evening are at leisure. Goulding's Lodge |
| Day 14 | Grand Canyon National Park | Tour The Remarkable Grand Canyon Make Travel Matter: Explore Monument Valley with a Local Specialist as you drive in an open-air vehicle past its towering sandstone buttes and mesas that rise up from the barren landscape on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience. Continue through the ancestral home of the Navajo, arriving at Cameron Trading Post to stretch your legs or find some Indigenous crafts to take home. Driving along the scenic Desert View Drive, gaze into its mesmerizing multi-coloured depths. Stop at Desert View Intertribal Cultural Heritage Site to hear stories, family histories and cultural demonstrations by tribal members on another MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience. Lastly, take in the geological wonders of the Grand Canyon on a private nature walk with a geological expert, Canyon Tim. Join your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner toasting to America's National Parks. National Park Lodges Grand Canyon |
| Day 15 | Las Vegas | End Your Journey In Las Vegas: Consider an optional helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft flightseeing trip over the canyon. End your journey in Las Vegas where a transfer is provided to Las Vegas International Airport arriving at approximately 3:30 pm, or to Horseshoe Las Vegas for guests extending their stay. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
