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Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos End Rapid City
9 Day USA Family Tour from Salt Lake City to Rapid City
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.
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Trip code
DWWA
Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos End Rapid City
9 Day USA Family Tour from Salt Lake City to Rapid City
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 Flagstaff
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Kickoff Party
Day 2
Adventure On The Oregon Trail
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 Stays With Stories overnight nestled in the mountains of the Bridger-Teton National Forest at Togwotee Mountain Lodge. Built in 1923 and once a Native American trading spot, you’ll feast on a classic Western dinner before cozying up in their log-cabin style rooms before another big day in the fresh mountain air.
*Snake River Float Trip Through Grand Teton National Park
This gentle 10-mile float trip runs entirely within Grand Teton National Park, and covers the most scenic stretch of the Snake River in the Jackson Hole Valley. The Snake River is a lifeline to the park’s bison, elk, moose, beaver, pronghorn, deer, bear and 300 different species of birds, including osprey and eagles. Your experienced guide offers in-depth information on the geology of the Grand Tetons and the habitats of the animals you may see. Although we can’t guarantee multiple animal sightings, your chances of spotting wildlife on the Snake River – with its lush willows to feed on and deep-water pools for animals to swim in – are greater here than anywhere else in the park. Operates late May – mid September. Subject to weather conditions. Approx. duration: 3 hours
Adult Price: $87.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Roam The Wyoming Wilderness
This morning is your choice: Choose to tie up those hiking boots and embark on a nature hike with an experienced local guide trained in Wildlife Awareness to ensure peace of mind when you are exploring wildflowers, roaring streams, and distant snowclad peaks. Or choose to hop on a chairlift to get to our featured venue where the group will hone in on their archery skills with Lone Peak as your backdrop. 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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - National Park Lodges
Enjoy Wonderous Yellowstone National Park Discover Yellowstone's astounding wonders—the thundering Yellowstone Falls, brilliantly colored hot springs, bubbling mud pools and hissing steam vents. The highlight is a visit to Old Faithful, which has been spouting steam water regularly for thousands of years. Do you know how to locate a bear or tell what it's been eating? Enjoy a stroll around the boardwalks of Yellowstone and learn the answer, plus even more cool facts about the park's abundance of wildlife. In the late afternoon grab the saddles and hitch up the wagon for an evening you won’t soon forget (seasonality applies). Enjoy some real cowboy grub at the Old West Dinner Cookout including real western beef steaks cooked to order and all the fixings and dessert. Since the cookout begins at dusk, this can be a perfect time to watch wildlife in the Roosevelt area!
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 Plains Native Americans.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Sheridan
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 7
Venture Into Rapid City
After a hearty breakfast, 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 - Alex Johnson
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Mount Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony
Join a park ranger at Mount Rushmore’s outdoor amphitheater for this moving patriotic program and sculpture lighting ceremony. The program begins with a short inspirational talk, focusing on the presidents, patriotism and the nation’s history, and is followed by a 20 minute film, “Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy.” Watch in wonder as the evening culminates in the slow exposure of light to the monument until it is fully illuminated. Be sure to bundle up as the evenings can be cool. Operates seasonally, starting at 9 p.m. " Approx. duration: 4 hours
Adult Price: $25.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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).
Custer State Park is known for its beauty and serenity, but it is also a wildlife reserve that is home to a famous herd of 1,500 free roaming bison plus elk, mule deer, white tailed deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, mountain lions and feral burros. On this 90-minute scenic tour of the back country, you’ll get up close and personal with herds of buffalo and other species as your jeep driver and guide offer historical and educational information about the park and wildlife. Afterwards, enjoy an authentic chuckwagon cookout and Western entertainment at a secluded canyon. Vegetarian option is also available. Seasonal. Approx. Duration: 4 hours
Adult Price: $60.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Farewell Rapid City
Transfer to the Rapid City Regional Airport for your flight home.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 3
*Snake River Float Trip Through Grand Teton National Park
This gentle 10-mile float trip runs entirely within Grand Teton National Park, and covers the most scenic stretch of the Snake River in the Jackson Hole Valley. The Snake River is a lifeline to the park’s bison, elk, moose, beaver, pronghorn, deer, bear and 300 different species of birds, including osprey and eagles. Your experienced guide offers in-depth information on the geology of the Grand Tetons and the habitats of the animals you may see. Although we can’t guarantee multiple animal sightings, your chances of spotting wildlife on the Snake River – with its lush willows to feed on and deep-water pools for animals to swim in – are greater here than anywhere else in the park. Operates late May – mid September. Subject to weather conditions. Approx. duration: 3 hours
Adult Price: $87.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Mount Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony
Join a park ranger at Mount Rushmore’s outdoor amphitheater for this moving patriotic program and sculpture lighting ceremony. The program begins with a short inspirational talk, focusing on the presidents, patriotism and the nation’s history, and is followed by a 20 minute film, “Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy.” Watch in wonder as the evening culminates in the slow exposure of light to the monument until it is fully illuminated. Be sure to bundle up as the evenings can be cool. Operates seasonally, starting at 9 p.m. " Approx. duration: 4 hours
Adult Price: $25.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
*Buffalo Safari
Custer State Park is known for its beauty and serenity, but it is also a wildlife reserve that is home to a famous herd of 1,500 free roaming bison plus elk, mule deer, white tailed deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, mountain lions and feral burros. On this 90-minute scenic tour of the back country, you’ll get up close and personal with herds of buffalo and other species as your jeep driver and guide offer historical and educational information about the park and wildlife. Afterwards, enjoy an authentic chuckwagon cookout and Western entertainment at a secluded canyon. Vegetarian option is also available. Seasonal. Approx. Duration: 4 hours
Adult Price: $60.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All transport shown. VIP private door-to-door UK airport transfers included. *This service is excluded from UK-based trips.
The Trafalgar difference
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
Meet Stephen Yellowhawk and discover the history of his tribe during a festive evening of dance and song.
Stays With Stories
Built in 1923 and once a Native American trading spot nestled in the mountains of the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
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
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Experience Tick Thin Icon
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
4
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32
3
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2
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1
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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.
If you are looking even further ahead, this trip is available to book in 2023. Visit our website for dates and today’s best prices.
Room Share is not available on this trip.
Note: 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.
VIP private door-to-door UK airport transfers included. *This service is excluded from UK-based trips.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
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.
