Mother Nature has produced some remarkable scenery, and on this vacation, you’ll have the opportunity to experience some of nature’s finest. This tour focuses on some of the West’s great national parks, including Grand Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park. From spectacular rock formations and deep canyons to sparking waterfalls, geysers, and lakes, you’ll see a wide variety of breathtaking natural wonders.In addition to the scenery offered throughout the tour, trip highlights include a 4-wheel-drive tour of Monument Valley with a knowledgeable Navajo guide; a wine tasting in Colorado’s wine country; a stay at the Historic State Game Lodge in Custer State Park, which served as the “Summer White House” for President Calvin Coolidge; a visit to Crazy Horse memorial; a buffalo safari in Custer State Park; a 2-night stay inside Yellowstone National Park; a 1-night stay near the rim of the Grand Canyon, offering a rare opportunity for great views; an opportunity for star gazing in Bryce Canyon National Park, one of the best places to see stars due to its remote location and lack of pollution; and more.On this vacation exploring America’s great parks, sit back, relax, and let Globus handle all the details and driving, so your only concern is taking in the majesty of the scenery and having fun.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Las Vegas. Welcome to the “Entertainment Capital of the World!” At 6 pm, meet your fellow traveling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming national park adventure.
Day #2 Las Vegas–Grand Canyon National Park. Depart the glitter lights and glamour of Las Vegas for one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Carved through the rocks of the Colorado Plateau over millions of years, the canyon is over a mile deep and 10 miles wide, revealing billions of years of geological history. Tonight, savor a sunset in one of the most beautiful places in the world. (B,D)SPECIAL FEATURE:Your hotel is located near the rim of the Grand Canyon, a rare opportunity for great views and a significant extra when traveling with Globus.
Day #3 Grand Canyon National Park–Monument Valley. This morning is at leisure. You may want to join an exciting helicopter flight over the canyon or enjoy a hike on one of the many trails. We then travel north through Arizona and into the Navajo Nation. Tonight will be spent at historic Goulding’s Lodge, where you will be treated to a [LF] NAVAJO COOKOUT and learn about the local Dineh (people) who call this land home. (B,D)
Day #4 Monument Valley–Moab. Start this morning with a [LF] 4-WHEEL-DRIVE tour of Monument Valley. Your knowledgeable Navajo guide will show you some of the valley’s most incredible scenery and share with you local legends and lore. We then head north for Moab, the “Mountain Biking Capital of the World.” Why not join our optional Canyonlands by Night outing? Enjoy one of the most unique sound and light shows as you move along the Colorado River between the red rocks. Learn about the history and creation of this beautiful region. (B)
Day #5 Moab–Arches National Park–Grand Junction–Denver. This morning, explore the incredible landscape of ARCHES NATIONAL PARK. The park contains over 2,000 natural sandstone arches and formations, including Balanced Rock, Park Avenue, Double Arch, and the Delicate Arch. Stop in Colorado’s wine country, where you’ll enjoy [LF] lunch and a TASTING. We then journey east across the Rocky Mountains to the “Mile High City” of Denver. This evening, why not stroll the city’s pedestrian 16th Street Mall and take advantage of the shopping, dining, and entertainment? (B,L)
Day #6 Denver–Custer State Park. Today, travel across the windswept landscape of Wyoming and into the Black Hills of South Dakota. Spend the next two nights in beautiful Custer State Park. Formed in 1897, the park is the second-largest state park in America, and its 73,000 breathtaking acres are home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, whitetail deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, wild turkeys, and elk. (B,D)SPECIAL FEATURE: Stay at the Historic State Game Lodge, which served as the “Summer White House” for President Calvin Coolidge. Relax with a cool drink on the front porch and let Mother Nature entertain you.
Day #7 Custer State Park. Excursion to Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse. This morning, visit MOUNT RUSHMORE, which stands as a shrine of democracy. The epic sculpture depicts the faces of four exalted American presidents that symbolize this nation’s rich history, rugged determination, and lasting achievement. Then, visit the CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL, built in honor of the fearless Sioux Indian chief, whose fame is derived from the Battle of Little Bighorn. Learn about the sculptor, his family, and the future of the project. Later, return to Custer State Park and be part of an exciting [LF] BUFFALO SAFARI. Have your cameras ready for great photo ops. Then, enjoy an old-fashioned CHUCK WAGON COOKOUT, complete with Western entertainment. (B,D)
Day #8 Custer State Park–Deadwood–Sheridan. Start today by exploring the Wild West town of DEADWOOD. Take a journey through time as you travel down cobblestone streets and hear stories of all the legendary characters who contributed to the town’s history, such as Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Potato Creek Johnny. Next stop is DEVILS TOWER NATIONAL MONUMENT, established as America’s first national monument by Teddy Roosevelt in 1906. The spectacular rock formation and the surrounding countryside are home to a myriad of plant and animal life, and Native Americans consider the area a place for renewal. (B)
Day #9 Sheridan–Cody–Yellowstone National Park. This morning we make a stop in Buffalo’s Bill Western town of Cody. Visit the BUFFALO BILL HISTORICAL CENTER, which celebrates the spirit of the American West by sharing stories of the Western experience. Learn about natural history, Native culture, art, firearms, and Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. We then travel to YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park. (B,D)SPECIAL FEATURE:Enjoy a 2-night stay inside Yellowstone National Park. Each lodge has its own unique setting and atmosphere. Lodges featured are the Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. Specific lodges will be confirmed in your documents.NOTE:The routing and areas visited within Yellowstone are subject to favorable weather and/or road conditions. When conditions are unfavorable, the routing may be adjusted accordingly.
Day #10 Yellowstone National Park. Spend the day exploring all the wonders of Yellowstone. See world-famous Old Faithful Geyser, Mammoth Hot Springs, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Fountain Paint Pot. Keep a lookout for some of the park’s wildlife that can include moose, bison, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, wolves, bears, fox, otters, and beaver. (B)
Day #11 Yellowstone National Park–Grand Teton National Park–Jackson. Journey south today and visit GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK. The park’s world-renowned scenery attracts more than 4 million visitors per year. See beautiful glacier-fed Jenny Lake and enjoy a stroll along the shore before continue to Jackson. This evening, why not visit the Antler Arches, enjoy a drink at one of the swing-door saloons, or shop for the perfect cowboy hat? (B)
Day #12 Jackson–Salt Lake City. Continue your journey south today through Wyoming and into Utah. Arrive in Salt Lake City, founded by Mormon pioneer Brigham Young in 1847. More recently, Salt Lake City played host to the 2002 Olympics and now offers a vibrant downtown with a variety of stores, attractions, and restaurants. Enjoy an orientation tour before arriving at your hotel. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day #13 Salt Lake City–Bryce Canyon National Park. Today’s highlight is a visit to unique BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK. Here you’ll discover a breathtaking landscape full of pinnacles of stone and colors that defy the imagination. This evening, why not participate in a ranger-led astronomy program? Bryce is one of the best places to view stars because of its remote location and lack of pollution. On some nights, over 7,500 stars are visible. (B)
Day #14 Bryce Canyon National Park–Zion National Park–Las Vegas. This morning, visit ZION NATIONAL PARK with its dramatic landscape of canyons and soaring cliffs. On your sightseeing tour, see fantastic rock structures and some unbelievable scenic beauty. We then return to Las Vegas and overnight in the heart of the famous Las Vegas “Strip.” This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day #15 Las Vegas.Your tour ends this morning with guests departing on independent schedules. Transfers are provided to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport. (B)
Hotels:
LAS VEGAS Treasure Island (SF)
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK Grand Canyon Lodges (NP)
MONUMENT VALLEY Goulding’s Lodge (BA)
MOAB Aarchway Inn (MF)
DENVER Hilton Garden Inn Downtown (MF)
CUSTER STATE PARK State Game Lodge (NP)
SHERIDAN Best Western Sheridan Center (MF)
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK National Park Lodges (NP)
JACKSON Rustic Inn (F)
SALT LAKE CITY Radisson Hotel (F)
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel (F)