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U.S. National Parks: The Rockies to Yellowstone

with The Badlands & Mount Rushmore extension
  • Duration: 9 or 13 days
  • Group size: 15-35
  • Reviews: 78
Go west and discover the America of legends and folklore.

Stand in awe of extraordinary landscapes and embrace your pioneering spirit on this breathtaking adventure. From the soaring peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the mesmerizing sandstone cliffs of Moab to the wildlife of Yellowstone, this is America at its most majestic.

Your tour package includes
  • 8 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 8 breakfasts
  • 3 dinners with beer or wine
  • 6 guided sightseeing tours
  • Expert Tour Director & local guides
Included highlights
  • Downtown Denver
  • Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Vail
  • Arches National Park
  • Park City's historic Main Street
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Day-by-day itinerary
Print itinerary
Denver, Colorado2 nights
Day 1: Arrival in Denver
Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Colorado! Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers this evening.

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Denver
Included meal: Breakfast

Explore Colorado’s capital city on a tour led by a local guide.

• See the Colorado State Capitol Building and the Denver Public Library

• View the Botanic Gardens and the Denver Mint

• Pass through the city’s vibrant art and museum districts

Enjoy a free afternoon in Denver or add an excursion.

Garden of the Gods & Cave of the Winds
Excursion (additional cost)
Rocky Mountain National Park Region, Colorado1 night
Day 3: Rocky Mountain National Park
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Set out to explore the wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park.

• Drive along the Trail Ridge Road, which soars to 12,000 feet in elevation (weather-dependent)

• Take several short trail walks

• Look out for wildlife including elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and bears

Sample local brews during an included beer tasting and dinner this evening.

Moab, Utah2 nights
Day 4: Moab via Vail
Included meal: Breakfast

Make several stops as you travel through the Rockies and Glenwood Canyon en route to Moab, Utah.

• Stop in Vail, a famous resort town

• Visit the charming mountain town of Glenwood Springs

Then, continue along the continental divide to Moab.

Day 5: Arches National Park
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free morning in Moab or add an excursion.

This afternoon, gaze at the red rock sculptures carved by nature as you explore Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 arches, spires, domes, pinnacles, and fins.

Please note: The order of activities may vary based on season.

Enjoy a free evening in Moab or add an excursion.

Colorado River Raft Trip
Excursion (additional cost)
Canyonlands River Cruise & Old West Dinner
Excursion (additional cost)
Park City, Utah1 night
Day 6: Transfer to Park City & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy the open spaces and fantastic scenery as you travel north to Park City, a popular ski resort that’s also known for hosting the Sundance Film Festival. With your Tour Director leading the way, get to know the city on a guided tour.

• Explore the historic Main Street, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979

• Pass the Park City Museum, where you can discover the city’s rich past

Jackson, Wyoming2 nights
Day 7: Transfer to Jackson & Grand Teton National Park
Included meal: Breakfast

Make your way to Jackson, Wyoming this morning. Then, spend the afternoon exploring Grand Teton National Park with your Tour Director.

• Admire the Grand Tetons, the youngest mountain range in the Rockies

• Take short walks to view the park’s unique wildlife

Day 8: Yellowstone National Park
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to Yellowstone, which was designated the world’s first national park in 1872.

• Marvel at natural wonders as you explore Yellowstone National Park

• Spot hot springs and geysers, including the iconic Old Faithful

• View wildlife including bison, grizzly bears, elk, and wolves

Enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers this evening.

Flight Home
Day 9: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to visit the Badlands and Mount Rushmore.

Extension to The Badlands & Mount Rushmore

Head further into Wyoming while also enjoying time in Montana and South Dakota. You'll visit national monuments including the Little Bighorn Battlefield, Devils Tower, and Crazy Horse to learn more about the area's rich Native American roots. Then, spend a full day getting to the heart of two of the region's top sites—Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore.

Cody, Wyoming1 night
Day 9: Transfer to Cody & Buffalo Bill Museum Center of the West
Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to Cody and visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which was founded in 1921 by Buffalo Bill’s foster son Johnny Baker.

• Learn about the life, times, and legend of William “Buffalo Bill” Cody

• View Buffalo Bill’s show outfits

• See Frederick Remington’s Portrait of a Ranch Hand as well as Sitting Bull’s bow and arrows

Sheridan, Wyoming1 night
Day 10: Sheridan via Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Included meal: Breakfast

Head north into Montana to pay a visit to the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.

Then, head south into Big Horn County, Wyoming and soak in the views of the mountains and wildlife as you travel to Sheridan.

Rapid City, South Dakota2 nights
Day 11: Rapid City via Devils Tower & Crazy Horse
Included meal: Breakfast

Cross into South Dakota, making several stops before continuing on to Rapid City for the evening.

• Visit the soaring Devils Tower National Monument, a sacred site for Native Americans

• View the Crazy Horse Monument, the world’s largest mountain sculpture and memorial for the legendary Lakota Chief

Day 12: The Badlands & Mount Rushmore
Included meal: Breakfast

Set out to admire some of the country's most famous attractions.

• Visit Badlands National Park, a desolate landscape of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires

• Stop at Wall Drug, South Dakota’s favorite general store

• Stand in awe of Mount Rushmore

• Enter the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center

Flight Home
Day 13: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Dates and prices
Choose your dates to start a quote
14 Departures
Tour prices are per person, before flights, and based on two travelers per hotel room.
Sep 7–Sep 15, 2019
Extension available
Call to book
$4,099CAD
Only 6 spots left!
Sep 28–Oct 6, 2019
Extension available
Call to book
$4,099CAD
May 9–May 17, 2020
Extension available
$3,949CAD
Jun 6–Jun 14, 2020
Extension available
$4,099CAD
Jul 11–Jul 19, 2020
$4,099CAD
Aug 1–Aug 9, 2020
Extension available
$4,099CAD
Sep 5–Sep 13, 2020
$4,099CAD
Sep 26–Oct 4, 2020
Extension available
$4,099CAD
Oct 3–Oct 11, 2020
$3,899CAD
Jun 5–Jun 13, 2021
Extension available
$4,099CAD
Aug 7–Aug 15, 2021
$4,099CAD
Sep 4–Sep 12, 2021
Extension available
$4,099CAD
Sep 25–Oct 3, 2021
Extension available
$4,099CAD
Oct 9–Oct 17, 2021
$3,899CAD
Reviews
4.8 average
U.S. National Parks Tour - June, 2019
by 3rd time traveler 

We recently returned from EF Go Ahead tour of the U.S. National Parks: The Rockies, Arches and Yellowstone. I would highly recommended this tour if you are a fan of national parks. We started in Denver CO and ended in Rapid City, SD over a 13 day period. We visited the following locations: Rock...

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by 3rd time traveler 

This tour was certainly worth its value. Upon arrival in Denver, the next two weeks were worry free. Our tour director, Ashley was friendly, courteous, informative and professional. Ashley thoroughly prepared for this trip, gathered all relative facts on each location that we visited and was a we...

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Excellent Tour!
by 2nd time traveler 

Overall, my mom and I loved this trip and would definitely recommend this to anyone who would like to see the landscape out west and national parks. Our tour director, Ashley, was excellent! She was always making sure we were comfortable and had plenty of bathroom breaks. We also had a small group o...

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Rockies Trip
by 3rd time traveler 

Really good trip. Great tour director and bus driver.

by 2nd time traveler 

I would have like more hot meal choices. I am not used to eating at places with so many soup, sandwich and salad choices. There were also times when we were told that there were restaurants that were in close waling distance, but they were not always that close. One of the main ones that we were loo...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 10/30/2018

Dear Brad, Thank you for leaving us a review. We a...

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Our reviews are authentic and unedited.
Hotels, flights, & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Elk Country Inn

This western hotel is located in the Historic neighborhood. Guests enjoy a fitness room, a free ski shuttle, and a picnic area. Nearby, you’ll find Gr...

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Hampton Inn & Suites Park City

This lodge-style hotel is located near Park City's outlet shopping center. Guests enjoy an indoor pool, fitness center, and laundry services. Nearby, ...

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Comfort Suites Moab

This comfortable hotel is located in the downtown Moab neighborhood. Guests enjoy a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and free WiFi. Nearby, you’ll fin...

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Hyatt Place Boulder

This modern hotel is located in the Transit Village neighborhood. Guests enjoy a fitness center, pool, and bar. Nearby, you’ll find Goose Creek Pond a...

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Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel

This upscale hotel is located in downtown Denver. Guests enjoy a fitness center, bar, and cafe. Nearby, you’ll find Larimer Square, Union Station, and...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:
  • Round-trip flight for your tour
  • Airport transfers at your destination
  • A great price locked in today
  • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
  • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
  • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
  • Find out more about flights
FAQ
Print FAQ
Passport & visa requirements
  • U.S. citizens need valid government-issued identification for air travel within the United States.
  • In order to enter the United States, Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
  • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, please be sure to have any additional required identification with you as well.
Tour pace
  • You will walk for about 1 hour daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and unpaved trails, with few hills.
  • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
  • You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
  • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
Transportation
  • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Denver, Colorado and depart from Jackson, Wyoming (or Rapid City, South Dakota on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
  • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
  • All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
Baggage allowance
  • Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Most domestic airlines impose charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
  • Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
  • One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
  • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
Clothing & packing tips
  • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
  • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
  • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
Health
  • There are no major health risks associated with traveling to this region.
  • Be sure to check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and personal travel requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at [cdc.gov](https://www.cdc.gov).
  • Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 6,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
  • During the summer months, take proper care with sun exposure and heat.
  • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
  • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
Cuisine
  • The cuisine of the American southwest combines influences from Spanish colonial settlers, Mexican staples, and Native American traditions. Expect dishes spiced with chile peppers, like enchiladas, tacos, and chili con carne.
  • Meals in the midwest borrow heavily from the area’s large immigrant groups, with Eastern European and Scandinavian cuisine being major favorites.
  • The western region of the United States is known for barbecue, especially in the plains and mountain states of Wyoming and Colorado, where the cowboy tradition lives on. Try a bison burger or a steak for a true local dining experience.
Electricity & air conditioning
  • All of North America operates on 110-120 volts and uses Type A or B plugs with two flat pins or two flat pins and one round pin, respectively.
  • The majority of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
  • Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
Connectivity
  • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
  • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
  • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
Time Zones
  • Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming(as well as South Dakota on the tour extension) are on Mountain Standard Time (MST), which is two hours behind Eastern Time (ET).
  • When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 10am on tour.
Currency
  • You will use the U.S. dollar on tour.
  • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
  • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
  • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your purchases for fraudulent charges.
  • Many banks and businesses now primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
Tipping
  • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in USD.
  • We recommend tipping $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and $3USD per person per day for your driver.
  • If applicable, we also recommend $2USD per local guide.
  • Tips can only be paid in cash.
Purchasing excursions on tour
  • Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
  • Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
  • Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
  • Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
Choose your dates to start a quote
14 Departures
Tour prices are per person, before flights, and based on two travelers per hotel room.
Sep 7–Sep 15, 2019
Extension available
Call to book
$4,099CAD
Only 6 spots left!
Sep 28–Oct 6, 2019
Extension available
Call to book
$4,099CAD
May 9–May 17, 2020
Extension available
$3,949CAD
Jun 6–Jun 14, 2020
Extension available
$4,099CAD
Jul 11–Jul 19, 2020
$4,099CAD
Aug 1–Aug 9, 2020
Extension available
$4,099CAD
Sep 5–Sep 13, 2020
$4,099CAD
Sep 26–Oct 4, 2020
Extension available
$4,099CAD
Oct 3–Oct 11, 2020
$3,899CAD
Jun 5–Jun 13, 2021
Extension available
$4,099CAD
Aug 7–Aug 15, 2021
$4,099CAD
Sep 4–Sep 12, 2021
Extension available
$4,099CAD
Sep 25–Oct 3, 2021
Extension available
$4,099CAD
Oct 9–Oct 17, 2021
$3,899CAD