.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Epic Wonders of the National Parks
17 Days Starting in Denver, CO, USA and ending in Las Vegas, NV, USA
Visiting: Denver, Rapid City, Sheridan, Cody, West Yellowstone, Salt Lake City, Moab, Cortez, Tusayan, Kanab, Las Vegas, United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
UAPLB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 35
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Please make us aware of any specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Cameras at the ready! On this holiday, you are going to encounter some of the most spectacular sights and scenery the USA has to offer.
Your road trip starts in Denver, Colorado and takes you through seven different states to the bright lights of Las Vegas. Along the way, you will discover historic sites and landmarks dedicated to those who helped define the country’s history and step into the cowboy world of the ‘Wild West’.
This meticulously planned journey travels through no less than nine of America’s national parks. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and see spouting geysers in Yellowstone, then prepare yourself for the beauty of the Rocky Mountains in Grand Teton. Discover vast, rugged landscapes shaped by the power of nature, visit ancient cave dwellings and marvel at geological wonders galore. From dramatic red-rock arches to hoodoos, towering cliffs and the iconic Grand Canyon, this trip is packed full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. And with time in between for you to explore at leisure, sip a quiet drink or enjoy a cosy meal, you can slow things down and relive every moment
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 Uk - Denver
Location: Denver
Accommodation Name: Aloft Gateway Park Denver
Meals Included: No Meals
Your journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in America is about to begin. After dropping off your bags and clearing security, why not treat yourself to a drink at the airport before boarding your flight to Denver. On arrival, we'll drive you to your overnight hotel.
Day 2 Denver - Rapid City
Location: Rapid City
Accommodation Name: Country Inn & Suites By Carlson
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD
Your adventure begins in earnest today with a journey to Rapid City in South Dakota. On the way, we're going to stop at the former military and trading outpost of Fort Laramie. This is where Chief Red Cloud signed the treaty that gave the supposedly worthless Black Hills to the Sioux. Just six years later, Custer discovered gold in the Black Hills, prompting the Gold Rush and ultimately causing the Battle of Little Bighorn. There's a treat in store tonight as we head to Fort Hays Chuckwagon supper and cowboy music show located on the film set of 'Dances with Wolves'. Here we'll enjoy a hearty meal and some foot-stomping fun and entertainment.
Day 3 Mount Rushmore & Badlands
Location: Rapid City
Accommodation Name: Country Inn & Suites By Carlson
Meals Included: Breakfast, B
Your day begins with a visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, famous for its majestic granite sculptures of Presidents Roosevelt, Lincoln, Washington and Jefferson. Carved between 1927 and 1941 by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and around 400 workers, each face is around 18 metres high. You're also going to see the Crazy Horse Memorial, another monument carved into the Black Hills. An immense masterpiece that's still being worked on, it honours the heroic 19th-century leader of the area's native people.
The highlights keep on coming as we embark on an afternoon tour of Badlands National Park. Here you'll discover an eerie world of geological wonders that was carved over millions of years by the forces of nature
Day 4 Rapid City - Deadwood - Sheridan
Location: Sheridan
Accommodation Name: Ramada Plaza Sheriden Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, B
You're heading into 'Wild West' territory today with a drive through the Black Hills to Deadwood, a town created on the back of the Gold Rush. The entire city is a national historic landmark and there's time for you to have a good look around. Maybe you'll visit Adams Museum and learn about the history of the Black Hills, browse the shops for souvenirs or enjoy lunch in a bar or saloon. We'll then head to Sheridan for the night.
Day 5 Sheridan - Little Bighorn Battlefield - Cody
Location: Cody
Accommodation Name: The Cody
Meals Included: Breakfast, B
The highlight of your day is a visit to the historic site of the Battle of Little Bighorn, fought in June 1876 between the US Army and Native American warriors. A guided tour gives you the chance to relive Custer's Last Stand and get a fascinating insight into one of the most famous conflicts of the American Indian Wars. Afterwards, you'll have a chance to delve deeper into the history of the battle with free time at the visitor centre and museum.
There's an inviting selection of restaurants in Cody, so after arriving at the hotel why not venture out for dinner. Your Holiday Director can point you in the right direction if you need a recommendation.
Day 6 Cody - Yellowstone National Park
Location: West Yellowstone
Accommodation Name: Crosswinds Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, B
After today, you'll be able to say that you have set foot in the world's first national park. Yellowstone is a wonderland of spouting geysers, hot springs, boiling pools and bubbling mud pots. On your tour you'll see the extraordinary Yellowstone Canyon with its waterfall twice the height of Niagara and, of course, 'Old Faithful', the famous geyser which erupts every 93 minutes or so. The park is also a wildlife sanctuary with bears, elk, moose and herds of bison all roaming freely, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for sightings.
Day 7 Grand Teton National Park
Location: West Yellowstone
Accommodation Name: Crosswinds Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, B
The next national park you'll tick off your list is Grand Teton. It's home to the Teton Range, a series of mountains that form part of the Rockies and stretch for 40 miles from Yellowstone National Park towards Jackson. The park is famed for its beautiful landscape of snow-capped peaks, lakes and glaciers and you can take in these exceptional sights today.
Day 8 Yellowstone - Salt Lake City
Location: Salt Lake City
Accommodation Name: Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, B
We'll head to Utah today for an overnight stay in the state capital, Salt Lake City. Founded by the Mormons, Salt Lake City is set on the shores of the Great Salt Lake and at the foot of spectacular mountains. When we arrive this afternoon, our first port of call will be the elegant Utah Capitol Building, which overlooks the city from a hilltop setting. Surrounded by manicured gardens planted with trees and shrubs, you can step inside to see the Supreme Court and House of Representatives with a tall rotunda in the centre. Be sure to look up and admire the painted ceiling of the rotunda, a celebration of the state bird, the seagull.
You'll then have some free time to explore downtown Salt Lake City. A good place to start is Temple Square, the area surrounding the Salt Lake Temple, a place of worship for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Here you'll discover a collection of museums, libraries and historic houses interspersed with gardens and monuments. As one of the world's largest genealogical libraries, the city's Family History Library is another interesting place to visit.
Day 9 Salt Lake City - Canyonlands National Park - Moab
Location: Moab
Accommodation Name: Aarchway Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, B
Today we make our way to Canyonlands National Park, an incredible rugged landscape of canyons carved by the Colorado River. The Islands in the Sky district of the park offers expansive views of the spectacular canyon wilderness stretching for miles below. We'll make several stops to take in the magnificent scenery, so be sure to have your camera at the ready. Later we'll arrive in Moab for an overnight stay where you can take an optional sunset jet boat ride on the Colorado River. This scenic trip gives you the chance to view the red rock cliffs from the water and is followed by a cowboy-style dinner.
Day 10 Moab - Arches National Park - Cortez
Location: Cortez
Accommodation Name: Baymont by Wyndham Cortez
Meals Included: Breakfast, B
Your next base is Cortez, which we reach via a visit to Arches National Park. This unfathomable red-rock landscape is home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, giant rock formations and pinnacles. The story of this geological wonder dates back around 65 million years to when the sandstone sculptures began to form. Shaped by water and erosion the scenery evolved over time and is ever-changing to this day. We'll spend this morning exploring the park and you'll have the opportunity to get a closer view of one of the arches on a short walk.
Day 11 Mesa Verde National Park
Location: Cortez
Accommodation Name: Baymont by Wyndham Cortez
Meals Included: Breakfast, B
Mesa Verde National Park is also within reach from Cortez, and it's where your tour takes you today. This archaeological masterpiece was once the home of the Ancestral Pueblo people and is famed for its well-preserved cliff dwellings. Centuries ago, thriving communities lived, worked and played in this rugged wilderness and we've arranged for a Local Guide to escort us on a tour of this fascinating site. One of the highlights is Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America with more than 150 individual rooms.
After our tour, we'll drive to Park Point, the highest peak of Mesa Verde National Park. On a clear day, the incredible view stretches for hundreds of miles over Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Day 12 Cortez - Monument Valley - Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Tusayan
Accommodation Name: Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, B
Today we are heading to Monument Valley, instantly recognisable as the setting for many western movies with its wide-open spaces dotted with incredible sandstone monoliths. The park sits within the Navajo Nation Reserve and is said to be one of the most photographed places on Earth, with sandstone rock formations towering up to 300 metres tall. An optional tour narrated by an expert Navajo guide is available if you'd like to find out more about this fascinating destination and the heritage of the Navajo people.
Our journey continues with a drive to the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and we'll catch our first glimpse of this iconic natural wonder this afternoon.
Day 13 Grand Canyon National Park - Kanab
Location: Kanab
Accommodation Name: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wynham Kanab
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, BL
As highlights go, the Grand Canyon is hard to beat, and today is the day that you get to fully take in the magnificence of this spectacular sight. This mile-deep, steep-sided canyon, carved by the Colorado River is a breathtaking sight however viewed, but an optional helicopter flight gives you the thrilling chance to see it from the air.
As we continue our journey to Kanab, we'll stop at the Native Grill and enjoy a traditional frybread taco. This food truck is run by a local Navajo family and supported by our Travelsphere Cares programme.
Day 14 Bryce Canyon National Park
Location: Kanab
Accommodation Name: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wynham Kanab
Meals Included: Breakfast, B
There are just two more national parks to go now, and today you'll view the spires of rock, known as hoodoos, which form the unique geology of Bryce Canyon. The most iconic section of the park is a bowl-shaped area known as the Bryce Amphitheatre and we'll admire its beauty from a series of viewpoints.
Day 15 Kanab - Zion National Park - Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation Name: Horseshoe Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
Meals Included: Breakfast, B
A day of contrasts begins with a visit to Zion National Park, where you'll see mesmerising rock formations and sheer cliffs in shades of pink and cream. You've time to explore at your leisure and can use the park's free shuttle bus to discover highlights including the Temple of Sinawava, a natural amphitheatre carved by the Virgin River and surrounded by dramatic canyon walls. Equally as enthralling is your destination tonight, the man-made wonder that is Las Vegas. To appreciate the city in its neon-lit glory, why not join a sightseeing tour this evening.
Day 16 Las Vegas - Uk
Location: United Kingdom
Meals Included: Breakfast, B
Spend today exploring Las Vegas at your leisure. Marvel at the epic buildings lining the famous Strip and watch the incredible dancing fountains outside the Bellagio. Try your luck in one of the elegant casinos or shop till you drop; the opportunities are endless! Later, we'll meet up for the final time and travel to the airport for our flight home.
Day 17 Uk
After an unforgettable holiday, you'll arrive back in the UK today.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Great quality hotels -
Return flights from London
-
15 nights in hotels of a good standard plus 1 night in flight
-
Overseas transfers and other transportation
-
Porterage
-
Travelsphere Holiday Director and Specialist Local Guide
-
17 meals: 15 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner and welcome drink
-
17 meals: 15 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner and welcome drink
-
Travelsphere Holiday Director and Local Guide
-
Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage
-
15 nights in great quality hotel plus 1 night in flight
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
Country Entry Visas
-
Any other item not mentioned or listed as optional
Accommodation
- Holiday Inn Denver - Cherry Creek
- Holiday Inn Denver Cherry Creek is situated in Denver.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, safe, hairdryer, TV and tea/coffee-making facilities.
- Country Inn & Suites By Carlson
- Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Rapid City is situated in South Dakota close to local attractions such as Badlands National Park, Jewel Cave and Custer State Park. Hotel facilities include a fitness centre, indoor pool, two hot tubs and a breakfast buffet. Bedroom facilities include cable TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, iron & ironing board, refrigerator, telephone and private bathroom facilities.
- Best Western Sheridan Center
- The Best Western Sheridan Center is located in downtown Sheridan, at the base of the Bighorn Mountain Range.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar/lounge, indoor swimming pool, spa and hot tub. Bedrooms have private facilities, TV, coffee/tea-maker, hairdryer and iron.
- The Cody
- The Cody is located in the heart of the American West in Cody.
Hotel facilities include an indoor swimming pool, hot tub and fitness room. Bedrooms have private facilities, microwave, refrigerator, hairdryer, TV and coffee/tea-maker.
- Brandin' Iron Inn
- The Brandin Iron Inn in West Yellowstone is the perfect base from which to discover the splendour of Yellowstone National Park. It is also close to a selection of restaurants and shops.
Hotel facilities include a hospitality room and lobby. Bedrooms have private facilities, coffee-maker, TV, air-conditioning, refrigerator and hairdryer.
- The Virginian Lodge
- Located 5 miles from Grand Teton National Park, The Virginian Lodge offers a seasonal heated outdoor pool, hot tub, bar & restaurant. Guests can enjoy an evening at the Western-themed saloon bar which offers a dance floor and live music. Rooms are furnished with cable TV, air-conditioning and private facilities.
- Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites
- The Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites is in the middle of downtown Salt Lake City.
Hotel facilities include an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and fitness room. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, microwave, refrigerator, coffee-maker, iron, hairdryer and TV.
- Baymont Inn & Suites Cortez
- The Baymont Inn & Suites in Cortez is located in scenic Southwest Colorado, offering sweeping views of the Blue Mountains.
Hotel facilities include an indoor pool, fitness centre and sauna. Bedrooms have private facilities, TV, coffee/tea-maker and refrigerator.
- Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel
- Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel is situated in Tusayan, within reach of the Grand Canyon.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, hairdryer, complimentary Wi-Fi, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kanab
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kanab is situated in the centre of Kanab.
Hotel facilities include a breakfast room and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, hairdryer, complimentary Wi-Fi, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV.
- Harrah's Las Vegas
- Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is situated at the heart of the Las Vegas strip.
With a range of different restaurants to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice at this hotel. From a Steak house, to a Bar and Grill, and even an Oyster Bar. The hotel also has a Starbucks.
Why not enjoy a drink at the hotel bar if you want to unwind after exploring all day, the hotel bars have a choice of beers and cocktails for you to choose from. Or enjoy a poolside cocktail while you enjoy the warmer climates by the outdoor swimming pool if you choose to opt for some relaxation during your time here.
All hotel rooms are furnished with a mini-bar and a TV.
Other hotel facilities include:
• Shops
• Salon, located at the spa
• Ben & Jerrys ice-cream parlour
• Casino
• Fitness centre with gym
• Hotel bars
Excursions Included
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Badlands National Park
- The Crazy Horse Memorial
- Battle of Little Bighorn site
- The world’s first national park, Yellowstone
- Grand Teton National Park
- Arches National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Monument Valley
- The monument at Four Corners
- The iconic Grand Canyon National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park’s unique geology
- Zion Canyon National Park
- The neon-lit city of Las Vegas
- Stay on the Las Vegas Strip
At certain times of year it is possible that Yellowstone may experience snow which may mean we need to use a different route.
Altitude: During this tour you will travel to altitudes of over 10,500ft. This should not be a problem, although everyone should take it easy at first. If you suffer from heart or respiratory conditions or have any other concerns please consult your doctor.
Optional Excursions
- Scenic river float trip at the ski resort of Jackson Hole
- Great Salt Lake and City
- Narrated tour of Monument Valley
- Helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon
- Las Vegas by night
- Pre-bookable excursions: Great Salt Lake and City and Las Vegas by night can be pre-booked as a package.
Check out our Q&As
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
-
Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Requirements do change, and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure so that you have the correct documentation and are adequately vaccinated. Information on health is available from your GP surgery and from the National Travel Health Network and Centre www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
-
Are flights included in this tour?
Yes
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No. Min age is 18 years.
-
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Travelsphere’s Flexibility Promise has been created to give you complete peace of mind and make you feel confident when booking your holiday with us. We have also been awarded the WTTC safe travels stamp which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Travelsphere has been operating escorted touring holidays for 60 years
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travelsphere, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
You will receive Holiday conformation upon booking, and then several documents detailing any adddiotnal information and the optional excursions that you can book before you travel. The final information covering your flights, hotels and itinerary will be sent to you around 14 days before your departure date.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, we do not offer single share options
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, Im afraid not
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If we can accomadate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - and make sure you have your booking number to hand.
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Our Travelsphere Cares programmes, in partnership with the Planeterra Foundation, support local projects and social enterprises by helping them earn an income from tourism. We simply donate a portion of the funds from our tours, so it’s great to know that when you travel with us you are helping to change lives and turn travel into real impact.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like minded travellers
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Travelsphere allows you to make 4 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Travelsphere allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform travelsphere, 75 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Travelsphere requires a minimum deposit of 21% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travelsphere charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Book with Confidence
When you book your holiday with Just You, you can have complete peace of mind. Your money is 100% protected through our Independent Trust Fund, any money you pay to us is held by them & governed by 3rd?party trustees. It is also a condition of our ATOL license and is regularly monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority. We don’t receive any money until after you’ve come back from your holiday – so your money is 100% protected no matter what. If you have any questions you can speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable holiday advisors.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
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..."