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Scenic Parks Explorer
15 Day US National Parks Tour from Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore
This National Parks tour is an iconic journey, culminating at the Grand Canyon, through Zion’s pink cliffs, Monument Valley’s imposing mesas, Grand Tetons’ alpine landscapes, and Mount Rushmore’s rock-hewn faces. Hear from a Native American storyteller and overnight in Yellowstone, soaking it all in in just 15 days.
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Trip code
DSPA
Scenic Parks Explorer
15 Day US National Parks Tour from Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore
This National Parks tour is an iconic journey, culminating at the Grand Canyon, through Zion’s pink cliffs, Monument Valley’s imposing mesas, Grand Tetons’ alpine landscapes, and Mount Rushmore’s rock-hewn faces. Hear from a Native American storyteller and overnight in Yellowstone, soaking it all in in just 15 days.
The desert playground of Las Vegas launches our encounter with the soul-stirring natural landscapes of America’s most beloved national parks. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and then soar 550 feet above the center of the Las Vegas Strip on the High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Horseshoe Las Vegas
Zion National Park’s towering cream, pink and red cliffs are our first stop today for sightseeing and lunch as we journey towards the enchanting landscapes of Bryce Canyon. Admire the rusty red limestone spires that rise up surreally from the desert floor to meet Utah’s skies.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand
Travel north to Utah's capital to see its Mormon center – Temple Square – and discover the basic beliefs and history of the Mormon pioneers.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Sheraton Salt Lake City
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 4
North to Jackson
Travel from Salt Lake City to Blackfoot, Idaho home to the Idaho Potato Museum. Following a self-guided visit, you will be treated to a real Idaho baked potato with all the fixings followed by potato ice cream. Later, we arrive in Jackson where you can enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Modern Mountain Motel
Cross the alpine landscapes of Grand Teton National Park en route to Yellowstone’s geothermal wonderland. We overnight at one of the lodges within the national park.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - National Park Lodges
*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 Sep, subject to weather conditions.
Adult Price: $93.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
See The Grandeur Of Yellowstone National Park
Enjoy a full day of exploring one of the world’s oldest national parks. Alongside your Travel Director, marvel at Old Faithful, the thousand-year-old geyser which has been catapulting water into the Wyoming sky every 90 minutes for centuries, amazing on lookers like clockwork. Exploring much of the park’s geological wonders in this awe-inspiring day, we stop at Lake Yellowstone, which contains the largest number of wild cutthroat trout in North America. We’ll also view Artists Point, a viewpoint from which you look upon the stunning cascade of the Lower Falls. You’ll also see the impressive Fountain Paint Pot area with its bubbling mud pots and geysers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Vegas Nights Helicopter Flight (12-15 mins)
Enjoy the "City of Lights" from the best view possible – aboard a helicopter, flying from the New York-New York skyline to the Bellagio fountains and the never-fading light of the Luxor pyramid. You are also afforded unparalleled views of Downtown Las Vegas’ historic Fremont Street, home to the city’s first casinos. Prior to your departure from the Las Vegas heliport, you will be served champagne. Then, you will experience breathtaking sights from inside an ECO-Star helicopter, the "limousine of the sky." (flight time approximately 12-15 mins) Round-Trip hotel transportation included. Subject to weather conditions.
Adult Price: $154.00
Day 7
Experience Blue Skies And The Wild West
Pay tribute to "Buffalo Bill" in his hometown of Cody where you'll visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West museum complex to gain a deeper understanding of the "Spirit of the American West." You’ll take your wild west adventure to the next level as we make our way towards Big Sky Country where we enjoy an authentic Western Be My Guest dinner. At the historic Billings Depot built in 1903 as a hub for three major railroads, you’ll learn all about Billing's railroad history from a local historian from the nearby Western Heritage Center while you get your fix of western hospitality. Savor every bite of local Chef Jordan Hodson’s three-course menu featuring local produce, a choice of entrees, a seasonal dessert, and beer and wine.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Doubletree by Hilton Billings
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 8
Unlock The History Of Little Big Horn
Our day begins with a visit to Little Bighorn, the battlefield where the ill-fated Custer led his men against a battalion of Sioux and Cheyenne warriors. Venture into the Black Hills of South Dakota as you make your way to the base of Crazy Horse Memorial. Admire the colossal carved face of the famed Lakota war chief and learn about preserving Native American Culture before continuing to Rapid City.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
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.
Adult Price: $26.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Delve Into Native American Culture
Visit Mount Rushmore to view the faces of former American presidents etched into the granite rock-face, then choose to venture into Badlands National Park. This evening we enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as we meet with Stephen Yellowhawk, who will regale you with stories of his tribe’s history during a festive dinner.
Badlands National Park in southwest South Dakota preserves 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in America. Without a doubt, a hidden gem in the national park system, the unique beauty of the Badlands landscape is like no other. Sightseers as well as scholarly scientists are attracted to the area for its astounding beauty and the opportunity to peek into an ancient world. And no trip to the Badlands would be complete without a stop at famous Wall Drug. An establishment which became known for offering free ice water to thirsty travelers in the 1930s is today one of the top roadside attractions in the country.
Adult Price: $46.00
Day 10
Journey Through The Prairies To Denver
Travel south through the expansive prairies of Wyoming to Denver, the Mile High City, where you’ll enjoy a light dinner.
Ascend into the foothills of the Rockies and cross the Continental Divide en route to the alpine village of Vail, renowned for its epic powder-filled alpine basins that have attracted skiers since the 1960s. We continue to Moab for an evening on your terms.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 12
Take In The Views Of The Canyonlands
Our national park journey takes us to Canyon Country, where we see first-hand the power of the Colorado River carving its way through the rocky red landscape at Canyonlands National Park. Next up, the Arches National Park provides an insightful encounter with thousands of natural sandstone arches formed by rain and wind where you may choose to take a short hike to iconic Delicate Arch view point.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 13
Journey To The Heart Of Monument Valley
Admire the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people, carved out of the sandstone of the canyon walls at the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park. We deepen our connection with the first nations of this land continues as we enjoy a cookout Regional Dinner in Monument Valley in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Explore the red valley floor of Monument Valley in a special open-air vehicle, accompanied by a Local Specialist. Visit the land of the Navajo people, stopping at the historic Cameron Trading Post, before arriving at the UNESCO-listed Grand Canyon where you’ll meet a Local Specialist. Dive Into Culture to gain a deeper understanding of into how this immense canyon came to be and why, as Theodore Roosevelt once proclaimed, “it is beyond comparison—beyond description”. Toast to the Trafalgar Highlights of America’s national parks and enjoy a Farewell Dinner with new friends.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - National Park Lodges
Consider an optional helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft flightseeing trip over the canyon. End your journey in Las Vegas where a transfer is provided to Las Vegas International Airport arriving at approximately 3:30 pm, or to Horseshoe Las Vegas for guests extending their stay.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 5
*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 Sep, subject to weather conditions.
Adult Price: $93.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Vegas Nights Helicopter Flight (12-15 mins)
Enjoy the "City of Lights" from the best view possible – aboard a helicopter, flying from the New York-New York skyline to the Bellagio fountains and the never-fading light of the Luxor pyramid. You are also afforded unparalleled views of Downtown Las Vegas’ historic Fremont Street, home to the city’s first casinos. Prior to your departure from the Las Vegas heliport, you will be served champagne. Then, you will experience breathtaking sights from inside an ECO-Star helicopter, the "limousine of the sky." (flight time approximately 12-15 mins) Round-Trip hotel transportation included. Subject to weather conditions.
Adult Price: $154.00
Available on day 8
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.
Adult Price: $26.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 9
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park in southwest South Dakota preserves 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in America. Without a doubt, a hidden gem in the national park system, the unique beauty of the Badlands landscape is like no other. Sightseers as well as scholarly scientists are attracted to the area for its astounding beauty and the opportunity to peek into an ancient world. And no trip to the Badlands would be complete without a stop at famous Wall Drug. An establishment which became known for offering free ice water to thirsty travelers in the 1930s is today one of the top roadside attractions in the country.
Adult Price: $46.00
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Notepad Icon You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel
Trip details
Trip details
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
14 nights
Accommodation
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24 Meals
1 Welcome Reception, 14 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners, 1 Be My Guest, 1 Regional Dinner, 1 Farewell Dinner
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On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect With Locals
Experience true Western hospitality in Montana's Big Sky Country.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Meet Stephen Yellowhawk and discover the history of his tribe during a festive evening of dance and song.
Dive Into Culture
Visit UNESCO-listed Grand Canyon, one of the highlights of your trip with a Local Specialist.
Sightseeing highlights
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Discover Salt Lake City
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Visit Zion, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park, Arches, Mesa Verde, Grand Canyon National Parks, Jackson, The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Little Bighorn Battlefield, The Mile High City of Denver, Monument Valley, Las Vegas
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View Crazy Horse Memorial, iconic Mount Rushmore in South Dakota
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 traveler reviews
Scenic Parks Explorer 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.
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Trip Rating
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5
Got to see lots of parks as well as the historical places along the way. Also the videos that were shown on the bus helped break up the trip so the bus ride itself did not seem so long.
Excellent tour director, driver, and well being director on the trip, especially the tour director, who was able to change the schedule so we could get into Yellowstone when it re-opened.
The places I was able to visit were excellent. Our guide Donard was excellent. He was deep in knowledge and did an outstanding job of leading the tour. The only negative is that he tended to underestimate the time and distance for walking to places. Our bus driver was also excellent in his driving and his personality. Miriam, our wellness person was low key, but when my wife and I had to leave the tour in Rapid City due to our testing positive for Covid, she handled ourtransistion to quarantine expertly and compassionately.
Scenic Parks Explorer, as compared to other tours, has the most number of Parks in the itinerary. We even had a great 'surprise' from *********** for taking us to Red Rocks Amphitheater ... indeed a bonus!!!
Our tour director *********** is Superb!!! He is very knowledgeable of the area, very accommodating and most of all funny! He is from Colorado but his enthusiasm made us feel that he is seeing these National Parks for the very first time too! He played The Beatles song 'Here Comes the Sun' every morning to set the tone for the day and got us in very good moods. Paul's an excellent driver and made us feel safe the entire journey of so many miles. Elizabeth made sure our hands got sanitized as needed. She even had an eyedrop solution that she lent me when something got into my eyes. These three very nice individuals represented Trafalgar in a very commendable way!!!
Welcome Reception (WR), Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D), Be My Guest (BMG), Regional Dinner (RD), Farewell Dinner (FD)
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 traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
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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.
