National Parks of America - Itinerary
Featuring five of our nation’s most breathtaking national parks, begin at the artist’s colony of Sedona, Arizona and make a stop at the spectacular Oak Creek Canyon. Following a delightful Lake Powell breakfast cruise, continue on to the Grand Canyon. Superlatives simply don’t do it justice – you’ll find yourself searching for words to describe it. Stay at the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, a National Historic Landmark that is also the only in-park hotel.
Admire the orange and red rock formations known as “Hoodoos” at Bryce Canyon National Park and the red & white sandstone cliffs of Zion Canyon National Park. In Salt Lake City, tour Temple Square, Great Salt Lake, and the state capitol building. In Jackson Hole, revel in a fun-filled evening of cowboy entertainment and dinner at the Bar J Chuckwagon. Travel to Grand Teton National Park where 12 peaks reach above 12,000 feet and support a dozen mountain glaciers. At Yellowstone National Park, visit Old Faithful Geyser; and in Cody, pay tribute to Buffalo Bill Cody. End with an exhilarating visit to one of the country’s most famous landmarks, Mount Rushmore.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1: Arrive Phoenix, Arizona - Scottsdale
Welcome as you join us on a tour through five of America’s most splendid national parks. Your journey begins in Arizona, where you will enjoy a stay in the world-famous resort town of Scottsdale. (D)
Day 2: Scottsdale - Sedona - Lake Powell
Begin the day with a visit to the artists’ colony of Sedona before stopping at the spectacular Oak Creek Canyon. See the amazing rock formations change hue with each turn in the road. Later today, you arrive at Lake Powell. (B, D)
Day 3: Lake Powell - Grand Canyon
This morning you embark on a delightful breakfast cruise on scenic Lake Powell. Afterwards, travel to Marble Canyon before arriving at the spectacular Grand Canyon, staying at the only in-park hotel. The original Grand Canyon Lodge was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1937 by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood. Its rustic construction of limestone walls and timbered ceilings complements the North Rim's lush beauty. The Lodge offers peace and comfort to the North Rim visitor and is a National Historic Landmark. Dinner this evening takes place in the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, offering fine dining in a casual atmosphere, with magnificent views overlooking the rim of the Canyon. (B, D)
Day 4: Grand Canyon - Bryce Canyon, Utah - Zion Canyon
Today you travel to Bryce Canyon National Park, truly one of the most spectacular scenic wonders of the world. The formations within Bryce Canyon National Park, called Hoodoos, are the creation of wind and water erosion over eons of time. Iron oxidizing within the rock causes the natural orange and red hues that color these formations. Your final destination for the day is the red and white sandstone cliffs of Zion Canyon National Park. In sheer magnitude and color, Zion is very likely one of the most awe-inspiring National Parks in the world. (B, D)
Day 5: Zion Canyon - Salt Lake City
A drive north takes you to Salt Lake City, the “City of the Saints,” where you will enjoy a two-night stay. (B)
Day 6: Salt Lake City
Enjoy a tour of Salt Lake City, featuring the Great Salt Lake, the state capitol, the residential district and the Kennecott Copper Mine. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps you will want to explore Temple Square. This beautifully landscaped 10-acre plot of ground in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City is one of Utah's most visited attractions. The centerpiece of the square is the 6-spired granite Salt Lake Temple, and adjacent to this imposing edifice is the domed Tabernacle, home of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the great Tabernacle organ. (B)
Day 7: Salt Lake City - Jackson Hole, Wyoming
En route to Wyoming you will see the majestic Bear Lake Summit. Later you will arrive in the cowboy town of Jackson Hole. A fun-filled evening of cowboy entertainment and dinner is in store at the Bar J Chuckwagon. (B, D)
Day 8: Jackson Hole
The day is yours to explore Jackson Hole. Some optional activities include shopping, canoeing, hiking and river rafting trips. (B)
Day 9: Jackson Hole - Grand Tetons - Yellowstone
From Jackson Hole, pass through Grand Teton National Park. Towering more than a mile above the valley of Jackson Hole, the Grand Teton rises to 13,770 feet. Twelve Teton peaks reach above 12,000 feet and support a dozen mountain glaciers. The Teton Range is the youngest range in the Rockies and displays some of North America's oldest rocks. Later, arrive at the amazing Yellowstone National Park where you will enjoy an overnight stay at your lodge nestled in the heart of this wonderful park. One of the many highlights is the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser, a fountain of steam that rises more than 60 feet in the air. (B, D)
Day 10: Yellowstone - Cody - Sheridan
A delightful day of sightseeing begins with a trip along Lake Yellowstone and over Sylvan Pass. From the mountains to the prairies, the scenery is simply amazing. As you pass through Cody, a stop will be made at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, a tribute to one of the most colorful figures of the old west, Buffalo Bill Cody. Before turning in for the night in Sheridan, you drive through the incredible Bighorn Mountains and journey through the territory of the Great Sioux Nation. (B, D)
Day 11: Sheridan - Custer State Park, South Dakota
See one of the country’s most famous landmarks, Mount Rushmore, before visiting the Crazy Horse Monument, a memorial dedicated to the Native Americans of our great land. Later, you arrive at Custer State Park, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Join your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner and share your experiences at our nation's wonderful parks. (B, D)
Day 12: Custer State Park - Rapid City - Depart for Home
Head for home with many wonderful memories of your tour. (B)
