Day 1 - Depart Chicago aboard the California Zephyr
Arrive at Chicago Union Station and board the California Zephyr. Settle into your onboard accommodations and prepare for your overnight rail journey. Travelers may elect to travel from San Francisco or points in-between and meet your tour manager in Provo. Overnight train.
Day 2 - California Zephyr through the Rocky Mountains
Keep your camera handy today as the Zephyr climbs across the Colorado Rockies, through the Moffat Tunnel, and along the Byers, Glenwood and Ruby Canyons. Make time to visit the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge car for panoramic views of the passing scenery, as well as for an educational Trails and Rails presentation conducted by volunteer park rangers as you travel between Denver and Grand Junction. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Overnight Provo, UT.
Day 3 - Jackson, Wyoming
After breakfast, board the coach for a scenic journey through the beautiful Star Valley to Jackson, Wyoming. Once we arrive, the afternoon is yours to stroll the wooden plank sidewalks and enjoy stunning views of the Grand Teton mountain range. Browse the shops and galleries of the Town Plaza, enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many local favorites, get a picture of yourself in front of the elk antler arches, or sit on one of the saddle bar seats at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Overnight Jackson, WY. (B)
Day 4 - Snake River Float Trip
This morning, enjoy a scenic float trip along the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park. Keep an eye out for elk and other wildlife indigenous to the area. The afternoon is free for you to explore Jackson on your own, then this evening, enjoy a delicious chuckwagon dinner with cowboy entertainment. Overnight Jackson, WY. (B, D)
Day 5 - Grand Teton National Park
Discover the hidden treasures of Grand Teton National Park this morning. Highlights include a stop at the new Moose Visitor Center, the breathtaking Jenny Lake Overlook, Jackson Lake Lodge and more. Later, we travel by coach to America's first National Park, Yellowstone, with a photo stop at Lewis Falls as we enter the Park. As you travel to your lodge, which is set within the park, keep an eye peeled for herds of buffalo and impressive rock formations. The evening is at your leisure. Overnight Yellowstone, WY. (B)
Day 6 - Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park has the world's most extensive region of geothermal activity, with thousands of hot springs and fumaroles dotting the landscape. Today's sightseeing tour showcases some of the park's most renowned sights, including Hayden Valley, the spectacular Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Artist Point. Walk around Fountain Paint Pots and, finally, stop at the famous Old Faithful Inn and Geyser Basin. There is time to explore the Old Faithful area and see the most famous geyser erupt before returning to our lodging. Overnight Yellowstone, WY.
Day 7 - Buffalo Bill Center of the West Museum
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we set out for today's adventure to Cody, Wyoming. Our first stop along the way is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. This complex contains five museums under one roof: the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Remington Firearms Museum, the Whitney Museum of Western Art, the Plains Indian Museum and the new Draper Natural History Museum. After lunch, it is off to the ranch where ranch activities and a delicious dinner await*. Overnight Clearmont or Sheridan, WY (D)
*July 12 departure will visit Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in lieu of the ranch.
Day 8 - Deadwood / Mt. Rushmore
Journey to Deadwood this morning. Our late morning arrival gives you ample time to explore the town and have lunch. This South Dakota town is steeped in history and was once home to some of the West's most legendary figures. After lunch, we embark on the Original Deadwood Tour. Hear stories of the old west and pay your respects to Wild Bill and Calamity Jane at Mt. Moriah Cemetery, aka, "Boot Hill." From Deadwood we head to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, whose four presidents represent the first 150 year of America's history. After ample time to explore Mount Rushmore we head to Rapid City where the evening is at leisure to explore the town. Overnight Rapid City, SD (B)
Day 9 - 1880 Train / Crazy Horse / Custer State Park
This morning we head to Hill City, where we board the vintage cars of the 1880 Train for a ride through the Black Hills to Keystone. From here we make our way to the Crazy Horse Memorial. Explore the museum and learn about the construction of this amazing memorial. From here, we move on to the town of Custer for a lunch stop and a little exploring, before making our way into Custer State Park. Board your Safari Jeep for a fun-filled afternoon of adventure. Overnight Rapid City, SD. (B, D)
Day 10 - Badlands National Park
This morning we travel through spectacular scenery on our way to the Badlands National Park. This Park features 244,000 acres of protected prairie and is home to bison, bighorn sheep, and the endangered black-footed ferret. A guided tour through the park provides the best opportunities for wildlife viewing and in-depth information about the land and history of the park. Next, visit Wall Drug, "America's Favorite Roadside Attraction," for lunch on your own. Discover a variety of western souvenirs and classic pieces of Americana in this Old West Emporium. The final stop for the day is Bear Country USA. This wildlife park features the world's largest private viewing habitat of the American Black Bear Enjoy a drive through this unique park and then stroll through the Wildlife Center where you will find the small animals and also the baby bears. Your final adventure finds you back at Mount Rushmore for the evening lighting ceremony. See this incredible monument in a different light as you enjoy this patriotic celebration. Overnight Rapid City, SD (B)
Day 11 - Tour Conclusion
Your tour concludes this morning. A group transfer to the Rapid City Airport will accommodate flights departing after 11:00 a.m.
Destination & Sightseeing
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