What treasures Mother Nature will unfold on this incredible journey through five of America's most splendid national parks! You'll visit the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Grand Teton and Yellowstone, each beautiful, yet strikingly different. You'll begin your journey in spectacular Scottsdale, Arizona, and the artist colony of Sedona. Enjoy a scenic cruise on lovely Lake Powell before arriving at the Grand Canyon, staying at the only in-park hotel. During your stay, you'll enjoy a special dinner at the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. Bryce Canyon and Zion Canyon National Parks present spectacular colors in their rock formations and cliffs, and are truly awe-inspiring. After a two-night stay in Salt Lake City, a fun-filled evening of cowboy entertainment and dinner is yours to enjoy during your visit to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Then you're off to view the famous Old Faithful Geyser at the amazing Yellowstone National Park. Your journey winds its way through the territory of the Great Sioux Nation, stopping at one of the country's most famous landmarks, Mount Rushmore, en route to your final stop at Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Scottsdale, Arizona - Tour Begins - Join tour group on a tour through five of America’s most splendid national parks. Your tour begins in Arizona, where you will enjoy a stay in the world-famous resort town of Scottsdale.
Day #2 Scottsdale - Sedona - Lake Powell - Begin the day with a visit to the artists' colony of Sedona where you will see the amazing rock formations change hue with each turn in the road. Later today, you arrive at Lake Powell.
Day #3 Lake Powell - Grand Canyon - This morning you embark on a delightful breakfast cruise* on scenic Lake Powell. Then travel to Carl Hayden Visitors Center and look out over Glen Canyon Dam and see to the end of Lake Powell. Afterwards, travel to Marble Canyon before arriving at the spectacular Grand Canyon, staying at the only in-park hotel. The original Grand Canyon Lodge was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1937 by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood. Its rustic construction of limestone walls and timbered ceilings complements the North Rim's lush beauty. The Lodge offers peace and comfort to the North Rim visitor and is a National Historic Landmark. Dinner this evening takes place in the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, offering fine dining in a casual atmosphere, with magnificent views overlooking the rim of the Canyon.
Day #4 Grand Canyon - Bryce Canyon, Utah - Zion National Park - Today you travel to Bryce Canyon National Park, truly one of the most spectacular scenic wonders of the world. The formations within Bryce Canyon National Park, called Hoodoos, are the creation of wind and water erosion over eons of time. Iron oxidizing within the rock causes the natural orange and red hues that color these formations. Your final destination for the day is the red and white sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park. In sheer magnitude and color, Zion is very likely one of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the world.
Day #5 Zion National Park - Salt Lake City - A drive north takes you to Salt Lake City, the “City of the Saints,” where you will enjoy a two-night stay. Perhaps you will want to explore Temple Square. This beautifully landscaped 10-acre plot of ground in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City is one of Utah's most visited attractions. The centerpiece of the square is the 6-spired granite Salt Lake Temple, and adjacent to this imposing edifice is the domed Tabernacle**, home of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir** and the great Tabernacle organ.
Day #6 Salt Lake City - Enjoy a tour of Salt Lake City, featuring the Great Salt Lake, the state capitol and the residential district. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day #7 Salt Lake City - Jackson Hole, Wyoming - En route to Wyoming you will see the majestic Bear Lake Summit. Later you will arrive in the cowboy town of Jackson Hole.
Day #8 Jackson Hole - The day is yours to explore Jackson Hole. Some optional activities include shopping, canoeing, hiking and river rafting trips. Tonight, a fun-filled evening of cowboy entertainment and dinner is in store at the Bar J Chuckwagon***.
Day #9 Jackson Hole - Grand Tetons - Yellowstone - From Jackson Hole, pass through Grand Teton National Park. Towering more than a mile above the valley of Jackson Hole, the Grand Teton rises to 13,770 feet. Twelve Teton peaks reach above 12,000 feet and support a dozen mountain glaciers. The Teton Range is the youngest range in the Rockies and displays some of North America's oldest rocks. Later, arrive at the amazing Yellowstone National Park where you will enjoy an overnight stay at your lodge nestled in the heart of this wonderful park. One of the many highlights is the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser, a fountain of steam that rises more than 60 feet in the air.
Day #10 Yellowstone - Cody - Sheridan - A delightful day of sightseeing begins with a trip along Lake Yellowstone and over Sylvan Pass. From the mountains to the prairies, the scenery is simply amazing. As you pass through Cody, a stop will be made at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, a tribute to one of the most colorful figures of the old west, Buffalo Bill Cody. Before turning in for the night in Sheridan, you drive through the incredible Bighorn Mountains and journey through the territory of the Great Sioux Nation.
Day #11 Sheridan - Custer State Park, South Dakota - See one of the country’s most famous landmarks, Mount Rushmore, before visiting the Crazy Horse Monument, a memorial dedicated to the Native Americans of our great land. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Native American Cultural Center to learn about their culture and customs. Here, Native Americans discuss the movements of their dances and the significance of wearing different feathers and clothes. Later, you will arrive at Custer State Park, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Join your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner and share your experience at our nation’s wonderful parks.
Day #12 Custer State Park - Tour Ends - Your tour ends, leaving you with many wonderful memories.
