Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos End Rapid City
Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos End Rapid City
$3825
Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos End Rapid City
9 Days Starting in Salt Lake City, USA and ending in Rapid City, USA
Visiting: Salt Lake City, Montpelier, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Billings, Rapid City, Badlands National Park, Black Hills
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DWWARZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Special Guest Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the American Wild West with the "Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos End Rapid City" tour. Starting in Salt Lake City, this adventure takes you through iconic destinations like Jackson Hole, Cody, and Billings, culminating in Rapid City. Discover the rich Indigenous culture of Montana, explore the breathtaking landscapes of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and marvel at the monumental Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore. Engage with local tribes, learn traditional crafts, and enjoy a unique dining experience at Billings Depot. Stay in historic accommodations like the Alex Johnson Hotel, and enjoy the expertise of a dedicated Travel Director. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and historical exploration, all while supporting sustainable travel initiatives. Join us for a journey that promises to be as educational as it is exhilarating.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Your Travels In Salt Lake City
Location: Salt Lake City
Accommodation: The Little America Hotel
Accommodation Name: Little America
Meals Included: Dinner
Saddle up for a Wild West family adventure starting with a relaxing afternoon together in Salt Lake City before meeting your travel companions for a rootin’ tootin’ evening Kick-off Party with your Travel Director.
Day 2: National Oregon/California Trail Center
Location: Montpelier
Accommodation: Hotel Alex Johnson Rapid City
Accommodation Name: Modern Mountain Motel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Relive the adventures of an 1850s westbound wagon train with a visit to the National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, Idaho. Accompanied by actors playing wagon masters and pioneers, you'll journey back in time, exploring historically accurate attractions, including a gun shop, mercantile, and a ride in a covered wagon. After a picnic-style lunch at the Center, you're off to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where you can walk through the town's famous landmark arch of tangled elk antlers. Step back in time as you explore the Town Square with its Western boardwalks, craft boutiques and ice cream shops, all surrounded by the majestic Rockies.
Day 3: Visit Grand Teton National Park
Location: Grand Teton National Park
Accommodation Name: Kelly Inn West Yellowstone
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Family fun awaits every day of this trip and today is no exception. If the season is right, today is your chance to get out on the water for some adventures. Rise early to float down the Snake River on an optional, scenic wilderness float trip. It’s the most relaxing way to experience the river as you learn about its history, geology, and wildlife from an expert guide. Travel onward to your hotel for the night.
Day 4: Yellowstone Sightseeing
Location: Yellowstone National Park
Accommodation Name: Kelly Inn West Yellowstone
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you’ll enjoy a full day’s exploration of the geothermal wonderland of Yellowstone. You’ll join your Travel Director, marvelling at Old Faithful, the thousand-year old geyser which has been shooting up water every 90 minutes for centuries. See the wonders of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone whose colors and shapes are a sight to behold. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy on your own terms.
Day 5: Immerse Into The Culture Of The Old West
Location: Billings
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Billings
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
You’ll get a glimpse into “Spirit of the West” at the Buffalo Bill Center for the West museum complex. As you wander through this huge set of exhibits, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to a time of cowboys and cowgirls, lawmen and brave Native American warriors. The complex gives you the opportunity to explore the Buffalo Bill Museum, Plains Indians Museum, Whitney Western Art Museum, or the Draper Natural History Museum. Round out the day with a Be My Guest experience at Billings Depot where you’ll meet the owners 406 Native Roots, an Indigenous arts and education center, before dining in a historic train terminal. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about tipis and engage in a sweetgrass braiding activity led by a local Indigenous artist.
Day 6: Venture Into Rapid City
Location: Rapid City
Accommodation Name: Alex Johnson Rapid City
Meals Included: Breakfast
We continue our discovery of the Wild West heading through the "Energy Capital of the US," Gillette, WY. Then, we travel to South Dakota to spend the afternoon getting familiar with a famed Lakota warrior at Crazy Horse Memorial. You’ll gaze in awe of this colossal carved tribute to Crazy Horse, which you’ll learn is the largest mountain carving in the world.
Day 7: Explore Badlands National Park Make Travel Matter
Location: Badlands National Park
Accommodation Name: Alex Johnson Rapid City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, participate in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to the Oglala Lakota Living History Village, introducing you to the beautiful landscape of the past and present Lakota culture, and of indigenous knowledge of Pine Ridge Reservation. Your visit contributes to the sustainability and resiliency of the Lakota community. Walk with a local guide on the trails through displays of living quarters used through the 19th and 20th centuries. Meet local artists who, through crafts and storytelling, provide insight into their cultures and traditions. Later, visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, the perfect place to prepare for your visit of Badlands National Park. Learn about the local earth science, wildlife and history as you explore museum exhibits, visit a working Fossil Preparation Lab or learn about Indigenous communities who one inhabited the land.
Day 8: Encounter The Traditions Of Black Hills Make Travel Matter
Location: Black Hills
Accommodation Name: Alex Johnson Rapid City
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, head for the famous Black Hills of South Dakota to view the giant faces of former American presidents etched in the stone cliffs of Mount Rushmore. This evening, join your fellow adventurers at a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and Farewell Dinner featuring your Lakota Sioux Tribe Member Stephen Yellowhawk (or another tribe member).
Day 9: Farewell Rapid City
Location: Rapid City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your Wild West adventure comes to an end after breakfast. Say so long to your newfound friends this morning. Depart from Rapid City at your leisure.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted is included.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are part of the tour.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are provided.
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All transport and transfers shown
All transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary are included.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and free time
Optional experiences and free time are part of the tour.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations of the tour are not included.
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Visa fees
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included in the tour package.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with luxury air-conditioned coaches equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey across the stunning landscapes of the USA. All transport and transfers are included, providing seamless travel between destinations.
Accommodation
Experience the charm of the Alex Johnson Hotel in Rapid City, a historic establishment with handcrafted décor and Germanic Tudor-inspired architecture. Enjoy the comfort of the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City and the modern amenities of the Kelly Inn West Yellowstone.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Oglala Lakota Living History Village where you can learn about Lakota culture and indigenous knowledge. You will also have the opportunity to meet Stephen Yellowhawk, a Lakota Sioux Tribe Member, who will share his tribe's history through dance and song. Additionally, in Billings, you can participate in a sweetgrass braiding activity and learn about Native American culture.
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What activities are available at the National Oregon/California Trail Center?
At the National Oregon/California Trail Center, you can relive the adventures of an 1850s westbound wagon train with actors playing wagon masters and pioneers. The center features historically accurate attractions such as a gun shop, mercantile, and a ride in a covered wagon.
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What can I expect during the visit to Yellowstone National Park?
During the visit to Yellowstone National Park, you will explore the geothermal wonders, including the famous Old Faithful geyser and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The day is dedicated to sightseeing and marveling at the natural beauty of the park.
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What is the significance of the Crazy Horse Memorial visit?
The visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial allows you to see the largest mountain carving in the world, which is a tribute to the famed Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse. It is an opportunity to learn about the history and significance of this monumental sculpture.
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What is included in the 'Be My Guest' experience in Billings?
The 'Be My Guest' experience in Billings includes an educational presentation about Montana's local tribes, a tipi-building demonstration, and a sweetgrass braiding activity. The evening is complemented by a dinner prepared by an award-winning chef and sampling Native American Fry bread.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD 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 trafalgar 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.
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Terms and Conditions