SHORTLIST

American Parks Trail with Rocky Mountaineer Option, Classic Group - 09 May 2025 to 26 Sep 2025

Experience the rugged and wild West during this 13-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.

Tour details

Tour Provider	Insight Vacations
Price From	$9,015
Number of Days	13
Start Location	Salt Lake City, United States Of America
End Location	Salt Lake City, United States Of America
Age Range	Avg. 50+
Group Size	30 to 40
Tour Style	Luxury
Tour Themes	Virtuoso
Physical Rating	Easy to Moderate

Itinerary Open all

Arrive Salt Lake City

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. Savour a dinner accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travellers.

Jackson and the Tetons

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.

Yellowstone National Park Relaxed Start

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.

Geysers and Hot Springs

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.

The Ranch at Ucross

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.

Devils Tower into the Black Hills Relaxed Start

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 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.

Custer and the Wild, Wild West

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.

Black Hills Monuments Relaxed Start

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 honour of the Lakota warrior. With exclusive access not available to the general public, guests ascend 172 m (563 ft) for the opportunity to face the monument up close. Tonight, celebrate your travels over dinner with your Travel Director and new found friends.

Denver to Glenwood Springs on the Rocky Mountaineer

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.

Glenwood Springs to Moab

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.

Moab

Enjoy the day exploring Moab at your own leisure. Known as the Adventure Capital of Utah, there is no shortage of activities to choose from in Moab.

Moab and depart Salt Lake City

Your adventure with Rocky Mountaineer ends as you transfer from Moab to downtown Salt Lake City ending at the Grand America Hotel. Make your own way to the airport or book another night in town on your terms.

Inclusions

3 Dinner (D)
10 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch (L)

Departure dates

All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply

Start	End	Availability	Price NZD
16 May 2025	28 May 2025	onRequest	$9,015
23 May 2025	04 Jun 2025	onRequest	$9,065
06 Jun 2025	18 Jun 2025	onRequest	$9,035
22 Sep 2025	04 Oct 2025	Available	$9,346