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History comes alive on this family adventure into the wild west! Travel and watch Old Faithful put on a show at Yellowstone on this epic National Parks tour. Stay on a cowboy ranch, have lunch in a wagon on the Oregon Trail, stand in awe at Mount Rushmore, and say ‘hi’ to Buffalo Bill, each a memory that will have your family reminiscing for years.
History comes alive on this family adventure into the wild west! Travel and watch Old Faithful put on a show at Yellowstone on this epic National Parks tour. Stay on a cowboy ranch, have lunch in a wagon on the Oregon Trail, stand in awe at Mount Rushmore, and say ‘hi’ to Buffalo Bill, each a memory that will have your family reminiscing for years.
Saddle up for a Wild West family adventure starting with a relaxing afternoon together in Salt Lake City before meeting your travel buckeroos for a rootin’ tootin’ evening Kick-off Party with your Travel Director.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Little America
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Kickoff Party
Day 2
Idaho Potato Museum and Scavenger Hunt
Put on your cowboy hats, pull up your boots and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime. Experience the rich history and culture of the world’s most humble vegetable – the potato! Visitors to the Idaho Potato Museum will learn about the many facets of the potato industry from planting and irrigation to harvesting and processing. There’s no place better to showcase potatoes than in “The Potato Capital of the World,” Blackfoot, Idaho! Followed by a potato-themed lunch including potato ice cream! Walk through the town's famous landmark arch of tangled elk antlers and step back in time as you explore the Town Square with its Western boardwalks, craft boutiques and ice cream shops-all surrounded by the majestic Rockies. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in town.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Modern Mountain Motel
Family fun awaits every day of this trip and today is no exception. If the season is right, today is your chance to get out on the water for some adventures. Rise early to float down the Snake River on an optional^, scenic wilderness float trip. It’s the most relaxing way to experience the river as you learn about the history, geology, and wildlife from an expert. guide. Later, discover dramatic shimmering peaks of the Teton range rising above alpine forests and lakes in iconic Grand Teton National Park. Travel onward to your hotel for the night.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - National Park Lodges
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 4
Yellowstone Sightseeing
Today you’ll enjoy a full day’s exploration of the geothermal wonderland of Yellowstone. Tonight, we stay inside the UNESCO-listed Yellowstone National Park, where, from western-themed furnishings to massive stone fireplaces to a national historic landmark, each lodge has its own unique setting and atmosphere. You’ll not only stay conveniently right in the park but feel good about your visit knowing that all Yellowstone National Park Lodges are stewards of the park, keeping a focus on preserving it for future generations. You’ll also enjoy Old West Dinner Cookout where you’ll line up for real western beef steaks cooked to order, the signature Roosevelt Baked Beans, potato salad, coleslaw, cornbread muffins, and fruit crisp.
This morning we make our way to Gillette, WY and enjoy a Be My Guest lunch at the Durham Bison Ranch. You will be treated to a tour of the 55,000 acre farm housing over 3,000 bison. Tip your Stetson to “Buffalo Bill” in his hometown of Cody and get a glimpse into the Spirit of the American West at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Delve into culture of the cowboy, the role of the firearm in the early days and the culture and art of the Indigenous Peoples of the Great Plains.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 6
Venture Into Rapid City
After a hearty breakfast, visit the Durham Bison Ranch Tour and experience one of the world’s largest and oldest working buffalo ranches. With around 3,000 bison currently on 55,000 acres, Durham Ranch has been actively engaged in the raising of bison since the mid-1960s. Then your journey continues on to South Dakota and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Gaze at the towering tribute to legendary Lakota leader Crazy Horse being carved into the mountain and learn how your visit helps to preserve the culture of his people. The evening is yours to explore in Rapid City. Or consider an optional trip to the Mount Rushmore Lighting Ceremony, a chance to see one of America's most famous landmarks from a different perspective.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Sheridan
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 7
Badlands NP and Oglala Lakota Living History Village
Start your visit at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center is the perfect place to get yourself oriented for your morning visit of Badlands National Park. Learn about the rich earth, science, wildlife, history, and more. You may explore museum exhibits, visit a working Fossil Preparation Lab, or stop by the park bookstore. Then you are off for some sightseeing with stops along the way to snap your best pictures. Later in the afternoon, you will Make Travel Matter with a visit to the Oglala Lakota Living History Village. It is the entry point to the beautiful landscape of the past and present culture, and of indigenous knowledge of Lakota Country on Pine Ridge Reservation. You’ll get to walk on the trails through displays of living quarters from approximately the 1870’s to the 1960’s with a local guide. Local native artists provide an insight of the culture and tradition through their crafts and storytelling. Your visit contributes to the sustainability and resiliency of the Lakota community for generations to come.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 8
Encounter The Traditions Of Black Hills
Today, head for the famous Black Hills of South Dakota to view the giant faces of former American presidents etched in the stone cliffs of Mount Rushmore. This evening, join your fellow adventurers at a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and Farewell Dinner featuring your guide Stephen Yellowhawk (or another tribe member).
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About this trip
About this trip
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
8 nights
Accommodation
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13 Meals
1 Kickoff Party, 8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner, 1 Be My Guest, 1 Farewell Dinner
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On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Stays With Stories
Spend the night in the historic Togwotee Mountain Lodge. Built in 1923 and once a Native American trading spot nestled in the mountains of the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Contribute to the preservation of the heritage of Native Americans during a visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Meet Stephen Yellowhawk and discover the history of his tribe during a festive evening of dance and song.
Sightseeing highlights
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Explore a cowboy ranch and choose between horseback riding and river float trips
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Discover Native American culture and traditions when you meet Stephen Yellowhawk and gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the richness of the culture
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Visit the Oregon Trail Center in Montpelier, Jackson, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Cody, the Black Hills, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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All transport and transfers shown
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos End Rapid City trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
Overall rating
4.7
Out of 5
Based on 144 independent reviews
Trip rating
Customer experience
Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
4.6
Out of 5
5
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104
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32
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2
Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
Tour director was superb, very knowledgeable of all aspects of the trip. The Wellness Director was very alert and made sure the coach was sanitized and constantly remind us about the importance of wearing masks. The coach driver was alert and familiar with the route.
For activities marked with a caret (^) in the day-by-day itinerary, participation is at your own risk and a signed liability waiver will be required.
Day 9 End Denver Option (DWWD): Available for guests wishing to end in Denver.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.