Our members get extra discounts
American Parks Trail - End Rapid City, Small Group
American Parks Trail - End Rapid City, Small Group
Bonneville Salt Flats near Salt Lake City
Bear Lake
Mount Moran in Grand Teton National Park
Clearmont, Florida
An aerial view of the Black Hills
Devils Tower, USA
Badlands Nat. Park, USA
Mount Rushmore near Rapid City
Crazy Horse Memorial
$5095
American Parks Trail - End Rapid City, Small Group
9 Days Starting in Salt Lake City, USA and ending in Rapid City, USA
Visiting: Salt Lake City, Bear Lake, Jackson, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Cody, Bighorn National Forest, Clearmont, Devils Tower, Black Hills, Oglala Lakota Living History Museum, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Rapid City
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the American West with the "American Parks Trail - End Rapid City, Small Group" tour. This adventure takes you from the vibrant city of Salt Lake City to the historic landscapes of Rapid City, exploring iconic national parks and monuments along the way. Marvel at the majestic peaks of the Teton Range, witness the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, and experience the unique beauty of the Badlands. Discover the cultural significance of Devils Tower and the monumental artistry of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Enjoy authentic dining experiences and choose between a scenic horseback ride or a fishing outing at Ucross. Travel in comfort aboard a luxurious coach, ensuring a seamless and enriching exploration of America's natural and cultural treasures.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Ucross: Live the American frontier dream with a scenic morning country horseback ride.
- Ucross: Take a leisurely fishing outing and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Top Rated Highlights
- Jackson: Historic Jackson, where the majestic peaks of the Teton Range act as your constant backdrop. Feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you walk through the town's famous landmark arch of tangled elk antlers. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the town’s boutiques and stores, which blend the Old West and the modern West harmoniously.
- Yellowstone National Park: The world’s first National Park, Yellowstone spans 2,219,789 acres and even has its own Grand Canyon. The park is home to half of the world’s hydrothermal features, more than 10,000, of which over 300 are geysers. Yellowstone is also a wildlife paradise. Some 1,700 species of plants and 400 species of birds, fish and mammals live in the park, including bison, wolves, bears, elk and moose.
- Grand Teton National Park: Travel through a mountainous landscape like no other. Witness the striking Grand Tetons thrust skyward 6,562 feet (2,000 meters) from the valley floor and keenly watch for exciting wildlife that call these mountains home. Including the grizzly bear, bald eagles, moose, bison, and elk.
- Yellowstone National Park: Catch the renowned colorful bubbling mud pots and observe Old Faithful geyser shooting water over 120 feet (37 meters) into the air. The Upper Geyser Basin boasts the highest concentration of spouting geysers, hot springs and steaming fumaroles in the world.
- Cody: Explore the award-winning Buffalo Bill Center of the West, known for its excellent Western art collection and natural history.
- Yellowstone National Park: Travel out of Yellowstone NP through Shoshone Canyon and Absaroka Rocky Mountains to the Wild West Town of Cody.
- Black Hills: View the awe-inspiring Devils Tower National Monument, a butte that protrudes from the landscape and is considered sacred by the Lakota and other tribes.
- Custer State Park: Continue venturing through the Black Hills to arrive at Custer State Park. Renowned for its beautiful landscape and abundance of wildlife. Home to a famous herd of 1,500 free roaming bison, accompanied by elk, mule deer, white tailed deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, mountain lions and feral burros.
- Badlands National Park: Steep yourself in all that is the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Preserved here are 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires, blended with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in America. The unique beauty of this landscape is like no other. Sightseers as well as scholarly scientists are attracted to the area for its astounding beauty and the opportunity to gaze into an ancient world.
- Black Hills: View iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial where carvings of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt overlook the landscape.
Make Travel Matter
Philip: Discover the past, present, and future of the Lakota people at the Oglala Lakota Living History Village. Walk the trails through displays of 19th-century living quarters. Local artists present culture and tradition through their crafts and storytelling. Your visit contributes to the sustainability and resilience of the Lakota community.
Authentic Dining
Salt Lake City: At 18:00, join your Travel Director for a dinner with wine where you'll have the chance to mingle with fellow guests.
Ucross: Savor a hearty ranch style dinner prepared by your local hosts.
Custer: Toast to the finale of your trip at a dinner served at your lodge in Custer State Park.
Insight Choice
Ucross: Live the American frontier dream with a scenic morning country horseback ride.
Ucross: Take a leisurely fishing outing and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Salt Lake City
Location: Salt Lake City
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Salt Lake City
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah. Situated between Wasatch Range and the Great Salt Lake, this mountainous city is perfect for lovers of the outdoors, with a strong focus on skiing and hiking. Savor a dinner accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travelers.
Day 2: Jackson and the Tetons
Location: Salt Lake City, Bear Lake, Jackson
Accommodation Name: Elk Country Inn, Jackson Hole
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. Stop for lunch near Bear Lake offering views of beautiful turquoise waters. Then, head north across the Oregon Trail to historic Jackson. Have your cameras ready for the famous elk antlers at 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 within walking distance of Jackson's Town Square.
Day 3: Yellowstone National Park Relaxed Start
Location: Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park
Accommodation Name: Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to a mountainous view like no other and witness the striking Grand Tetons thrust skyward 13,775 Ft (4,199 m) from the valley floor. This morning, you have the opportunity to partake in an optional scenic float 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 one of Yellowstone's National Park Lodges, allowing you to experience the park after hours, in its natural habitat.
Day 4: Geysers and Hot Springs
Location: Yellowstone National Park
Accommodation Name: Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Meals Included: Breakfast
Savor 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 colorful bubbling mud pots and observe Old Faithful geyser shooting water over 120 feet (37 meters) 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
Location: Cody, Bighorn National Forest, Clearmont
Accommodation Name: Ranch at UCross, Clearmont
Meals Included: Dinner
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 Center, 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: Devils Tower, Black Hills
Accommodation Name: Spearfish Canyon Lodge, Lead
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 National Monument, an astounding geological feature that protrudes out of the surrounding Black Hills. You'll learn why this symbolic landmark is considered sacred to the Lakota and other local tribes. Experience Spearfish Canyon, a favored 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: Oglala Lakota Living History Museum, Badlands National Park
Accommodation Name: State Game Lodge, Custer State Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
A day for those looking to explore the Wild West, try to spot the fastest mammal in North America, the pronghorn antelope as you cross the great high plains to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Our first stop this morning is the Oglala Lakota Living History Museum for a one-of-a-kind MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. 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. A hidden gem in the national park system, the unique beauty of the Badlands landscape is unlike any other.
Day 8: Mountain Monuments of the Black Hills Relaxed Start
Location: Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial
Accommodation Name: State Game Lodge, Custer State Park
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning, see the granite faces of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Later, you'll experience the Crazy Horse Memorial - the world's largest mountain carving in honor of the Lakota warrior. With exclusive access not available to the general public, guests ascend 563 feet (172 meters) and have the opportunity to face the monument up close. Tonight, celebrate your travels over dinner with your Travel Director and new found friends.
Day 9: Depart Rapid City
Location: Rapid City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey comes to end today. Say goodbye to your travel companions.
What's Included
-
Choice Highlights
Choose between a scenic morning country horseback ride or a leisurely fishing outing at Ucross.
-
Top Rated Highlights
Visit historic Jackson, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Cody, Black Hills, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
-
Make Travel Matter
Discover the past, present, and future of the Lakota people at the Oglala Lakota Living History Village.
What's Not Included
-
Optional Activities
Participation in optional activities such as a scenic float down the Snake River is not included.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
-
Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
Dining Summary
Additional Included Highlights
Insight Experiences
Well-being
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort aboard Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring a seamless journey through the stunning landscapes of the American West.Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations including the Sheraton Salt Lake City, Elk Country Inn in Jackson Hole, Yellowstone National Park Lodges, Ranch at UCross, Spearfish Canyon Lodge, and State Game Lodge in Custer State Park, each offering unique charm and comfort.Check out our Q&As
-
What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom, ensuring a comfortable journey through the American West.
-
What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will experience a variety of accommodations including the Sheraton Salt Lake City, Elk Country Inn in Jackson Hole, Yellowstone National Park Lodges, Ranch at UCross, Spearfish Canyon Lodge, and State Game Lodge in Custer State Park, each offering unique charm and comfort.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 3 dinners with wine and 8 breakfasts. You will enjoy a dinner with wine in Salt Lake City, a hearty ranch-style dinner at Ucross, and a dinner at your lodge in Custer State Park.
-
What activities are available at the Ranch at UCross?
At the Ranch at UCross, you can choose between a scenic morning country horseback ride or a leisurely fishing outing. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail hour in the historic Ranch House bar, followed by a home-cooked dinner and live entertainment including country, folk, and bluegrass music.
-
What unique experiences does the tour offer in the Black Hills?
In the Black Hills, you will visit the Crazy Horse Memorial and have exclusive access to ascend 563 feet to face the monument up close. This is part of the Insight Experiences, which includes learning about the culture, tradition, and living heritage of the Native American people.
-
What wildlife might I see during the tour?
During the tour, you may see a diverse array of wildlife including bison, wolves, bears, grizzly bears, bald eagles, elk, and the pronghorn antelope, especially in areas like Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Hayden Valley.
-
Is there an opportunity to learn about Native American culture on this tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Oglala Lakota Living History Village, where you can discover the past, present, and future of the Lakota people. Additionally, you will visit the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is dedicated to preserving Native American culture and heritage.
-
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.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
-
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.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
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.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
What are travellers saying about Tourhub
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Insight Vacations 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.
-
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.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."