American Parks Trail with Rocky Mountaineer Option, Classic Group
American Parks Trail with Rocky Mountaineer Option, Classic Group
American Parks Trail with Rocky Mountaineer Option, Classic Group
12 Days Starting and ending in Salt Lake City (UT)
Visiting: Salt Lake City, Jackson, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful Geyser of California, Cody, Ucross, Devils Tower, Spearfish Canyon, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Denver, Glenwood Springs, Moab
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AAPSN19
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the rugged and wild West during this 12-Day tour. Start in Salt Lake City, and then head to Jackson & the Grand Tetons. The adventure continues to Yellowstone National Park where you will walk beside the rainbow-hued hot springs and watch Old Faithful spew water more than 120 feet into the air. In Cody, see a firearms collection at the Buffalo Bill Center. Travel to Devils Tower, a butte of igneous rock jutting from the craggy Black Hills mountains. Here, you will also learn about the Western legends Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Then head to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where the visages of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt are carved into the mountainside. And ascend 563 feet to the top of Crazy Horse Memorial, named for the Lakota warrior, and stand face-to-face with the world’s largest mountain carving.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Salt Lake City
Location: Salt Lake City
Accommodation: Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel, Salt Lake City
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner with Wine
Welcome to Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah. Situated between Wasatch Range and the Great Salt Lake, this mountainous city is perfect for outdoorsy types, with a strong focus on skiing and fishing. At 18:00, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner with wine, where you will meet your fellow guests.
Day 2: Jackson And The Tetons
Location: Salt Lake City, Jackson
Accommodation: Elk Country Inn, Jackson Hole
Accommodation Name: Elk Country Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before leaving Salt Lake City, take in the State Capitol building. Drive along the scenic Logan Canyon, over the Wasatch Mountain Range, and up to the Bear Lake Summit. Stop for lunch at Garden City, Utah while enjoying views of the beautiful turquoise waters of Bear Lake. You will then head north across the Oregon Trail to historic Jackson. Have your cameras ready for the famous elk antlers the central square, while eager shoppers will find a number of charming traditional boutique galleries to browse. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure, with your hotel located only a short walk away from Jackson's Town Square.
Day 3: Yellowstone National Park
Location: Jackson, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park
Accommodation: Yellowstone National Park Lodge
Accommodation Name: Yellowstone National Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to a mountainous view like no other and witness the striking Grand Tetons thrust skyward 6,562 feet (2,000 metres) from the valley floor. This morning, you have the opportunity to partake in an optional scenic float (8) down the Snake River inside Grand Teton National Park. In keeping with today’s rustic country charm, you’ll enter Yellowstone, the world’s first National Park. Known for its unique geothermal activity, spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife, you’ll experience Wyoming in all its glory. Keep an eye out for black bears or wolves. Tonight you’ll stay in the National Park Lodges, allowing you to experience the park after hours, in its natural habitat.
Day 4: Geysers And Colourful Mudpots Relaxed Start
Location: Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful Geyser of California
Accommodation: Yellowstone National Park Lodge
Accommodation Name: Yellowstone National Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Savour the surreal surroundings of Yellowstone with a relaxed start. Walk among the rainbow tinted hot springs and watch the erupting geysers as you take in the history of the park on an informative stroll with your Travel Director. Catch the renowned colourful bubbling mud pots and observe Old Faithful geyser shooting water over 120 feet (37 metres) into the air. In the afternoon, enjoy the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone as you take in stunning natural wonders. While driving through Hayden Valley, famous for its wildlife, keep an eye out for wolves, bears, elk and hundreds of bison. The rest of the evening is at leisure for you to relax.
Day 5: The Ranch At Ucross Relaxed Start
Location: Yellowstone National Park, Cody, Ucross
Accommodation: Ranch at UCross, Clearmont
Accommodation Name: Ranch at UCross
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Set off on your travels through the stark Shoshone Canyon and Absaroka Rocky Mountains, leading you to the Wild West Town of Cody. Channel your inner showman and learn more about America’s great Western legends at the Buffalo Bill Centre, known for its Western art collection, firearms, and natural history. Travel through the Bighorn National Forest to the Ranch at UCross. Take in the rustic charm as you're hosted at a traditional Wyoming Family ranch. Start off the evening with a cocktail hour in the historic Ranch House bar. After a home-cooked dinner, enjoy a fire pit with live entertainment, including country, folk and bluegrass music.
Day 6: Devils Tower Into The Black Hills Relaxed Start
Location: Ucross, Devils Tower, Spearfish Canyon
Accommodation: Spearfish Canyon Lodge, Spearfish Canyon
Accommodation Name: Spearfish Canyon Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Live the American frontier dream and begin your day with a scenic country horseback ride accompanied by a Ranch Hand. If playing cowboy isn’t your thing, perhaps go fishing or merely relax and take in your beautiful surroundings, the choice is yours. Make your way to Devils Tower, an astounding geological feature that protrudes out of the surrounding the Black Hills. This symbolic landmark is considered sacred to the Lakota and other tribes. Experience Spearfish Canyon, a favoured spot among wildlife enthusiasts and one famous for its elvish woodland beauty. The limestone palisades of this creek-carved gorge are more ancient than the Grand Canyon itself.
Day 7: Custer And The Wild, Wild West
Location: Spearfish Canyon, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park
Accommodation: State Game Lodge, Custer State Park
Accommodation Name: State Game Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
A day for those looking to explore the Wild West, try to spotting the fastest mammal in North America, the pronghorn antelope as you cross the great high plains to the Black Hills of South Dakota. We visit Badlands National Park in South Dakota, 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in America. Without a doubt, a hidden gem in the national park system, the unique beauty of the Badlands landscape is like no other. Sightseers as well as scholarly scientists are attracted to the area for its astounding beauty and the opportunity to peek into an ancient world. Continue on to Custer State Park, renowned for its beautiful landscape and abundant wildlife.
Day 8: Mountain Monuments Of The Black Hills Relaxed Start
Location: Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park
Accommodation: State Game Lodge, Custer State Park
Accommodation Name: State Game Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Travel to the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Here, carvings of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt overlook the landscape. Join an Insight Experience at the Crazy Horse Memorial- the world's largest mountain carving created in honour of the Lakota warrior. Curated with a view to help protect and continue the living heritage of the Native Americans, this experience details how the memorial was carved from land sacred to the tribes. With exclusive access not available to the general public, guests ascend 563 feet (172 metres) and have the opportunity to face the monument up close.Join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a Celebration Dinner with wine, as you reflect on your adventure across the wide-open spaces of America's national parks.
Day 9: Depart Rapid City For Denver
Location: Denver
Accommodation Name: The Westin Denver Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you'll say goodbye to your fellow travellers and had to Denver. Prepare to continue your adventure on the Rocky Mountaineer as you enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel before embarking on the rail journey of a lifetime the following morning.
Day 10: Denver To Glenwood Springs On The Rocky Mountaineer
Location: Denver, Glenwood Springs
Accommodation: Assigned by Rocky Mountaineer
Accommodation Name: Assigned by Rocky Mountaineer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Rise early this morning and make your way independently to Union Station where you will check in and board a coach for a quick transfer to the Rocky Mountaineer train. Hop on and get comfortable as you wave goodbye to Denver and cross the Continental Divide. Take in the spectacular views of rugged canyons and the Colorado River through panoramic windows. Enjoy the staff’s commentary and comradery of your newfound friends while indulging in the menu and service. Perhaps you’ll even choose to step out onto the vestibule to get a breath of fresh air and experience the many tunnels that have been carved into the mountains before arriving at the resort town of Glenwood Springs where you will disembark and enjoy an overnight stay.
Day 11: Glenwood Springs To Moab
Location: Glenwood Springs, Moab
Accommodation: Assigned by Rocky Mountaineer
Accommodation Name: Assigned by Rocky Mountaineer
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return to the Rocky Mountaineer this morning and leave charming Glenwood Springs behind. Another day of awe-inspiring sights awaits as you make your way across the Colorado-Utah border. Stunning mountain views, red sandstone landscapes and even occasional wildlife such as pronghorn emerge as you approach Moab, the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Part ways this afternoon and transfer to your Moab hotel. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please.
Day 12: Moab And Depart Salt Lake City
Location: Moab, Salt Lake City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your adventure with Rocky Mountaineer ends as you transfer from Moab to Salt Lake City via motorcoach. You will arrive at Salt Lake City International Airport at approximately 15:00, please be aware when booking your return flights.
What's Included
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Meals
Includes 10 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L), and 3 Dinners with Wine (DW).
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Accommodation
Stay in National Park Lodges, a traditional Wyoming Family ranch, and the State Game Lodge.
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Transportation
Travel through the Shoshone Canyon and Absaroka Rocky Mountains, with luxury coach travel included.
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Expert Guide
Our highly-skilled Travel Director will serve as your expert guide, organiser, and friend overseas.
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Exclusive Experiences
Includes visits to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Mount Rushmore, and more with exclusive access and activities.
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Additional Services
Hotel and restaurant tips, baggage handling, taxes, porterage charges, and Wi-Fi in coach and hotels included.
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International and domestic airfare are not included and must be arranged by travelers.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers to cover unexpected events.
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered, providing you the opportunity to explore local dining options.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities outside of those included in the itinerary may incur additional costs.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs are not included.
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Additional Transportation
Any transportation not mentioned in the itinerary, including transfers to and from airports, is not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through the stark Shoshone Canyon and Absaroka Rocky Mountains, leading you to the Wild West Town of Cody. Cross the great high plains to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Travel out of Yellowstone NP through Shoshone Canyon and Absaroka Rocky Mountains to the Wild West Town of Cody.
Accommodation
Stay in the National Park Lodges, allowing you to experience the park after hours, in its natural habitat. Enjoy the rustic charm as you're hosted at a traditional Wyoming Family ranch. Stay at the State Game Lodge.
Check out our Q&As
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What are the included meals in the American Parks Trail with Rocky Mountaineer Option, Classic Group tour?
The included meals in the tour are 3 Dinners with Wine (DW), 1 Lunch (L), and 10 Breakfasts (B).
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What activities are available at Ucross?
At Ucross, you can live the American frontier dream with activities such as a scenic country horseback ride, a leisurely fishing outing, and enjoying the serene surroundings.
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What are some of the highlights of the American Parks Trail with Rocky Mountaineer Option, Classic Group tour?
Some highlights include visiting Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Black Hills, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Activities include horseback riding in Ucross, exploring the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, and enjoying a Celebration Dinner at Custer State Park.
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What type of accommodation is provided in Yellowstone National Park?
In Yellowstone National Park, accommodation is provided in the National Park Lodges, allowing guests to experience the park after hours in its natural habitat.
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Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Yes, complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi is available (where available) to stay connected with friends and family.
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What transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes travel through various landscapes including the Shoshone Canyon and Absaroka Rocky Mountains, with transportation provided by Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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What are the COVID-19 safety measures on the tour?
The tour features enhanced hygiene protocols aligning with the latest guidance following COVID-19, including sanitized coaches, training for all Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors, and Drivers in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols, and working only with establishments adhering to high well-being standards.
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What is the departure and drop-off location for the tour?
The tour starts and ends in Salt Lake City (UT), with a pick-up time at 18:00 and a drop-off time at 15:00.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.