Exploring America's Great Parks

Welcome to the “Entertainment Capital of the World!” At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and fellow travel companions for a welcome drink. FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE in Las Vegas with the free time to stroll the bright lights of the Strip, enjoy world-class entertainment, dine at celebrity chef’s restaurants, maybe throw a few dice, or try your hand at the slot machines. Your Tour Director has all the tips you need to experience Vegas in style. Check your GlobusGO mobile app for maps and dining suggestions as well!

Life is Grand Depart the glittering lights and glamour of Las Vegas for one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Grand Canyon National Park. Carved through the rocks of the Colorado Plateau over millions of years, the canyon is more than a mile deep and 10 miles wide, revealing billions of years of geological history. Tonight, savour a sunset in one of the most beautiful places in the world. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Grand Canyon National Park spans 278 miles of the Colorado River on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes. Marvel at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World as you experience the dramatic views across one of the most spectacular examples of landscapes carved by water and wind found anywhere in the world-unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Afternoon arrival allows free time to explore the canyon rim on your own. Be sure to take an evening stroll to savour the magnificent sunset.

Ancient Lands This morning, you may want to join an exciting helicopter flight over the canyon or enjoy a hike on one of the trails. Then travel north through Arizona and into the Navajo Nation to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park for a 4-wheel-drive backcountry adventure. Your local Navajo guide will show you some of the valley’s most incredible scenery. Tonight will be spent at historic Goulding’s Lodge, where you will be treated to a private Navajo backcountry cookout. (B,D) LOCAL FAVOURITE CULTURE & TRADITION Join a Navajo Guide for an authentic experience in the red rock backcountry with a private cookout. Hear fascinating stories of legends and folklore that bring this remarkable region to life.

Rock Stars   Today, travel north to Moab for a bit of free time before continuing to the incredible landscape of Arches National Park. Later, cross into Colorado to Grand Junction for a free evening. (B)  TOUR HIGHLIGHT   NATURAL WONDERS Arches National Park features more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches and formations, including the legendary Balanced Rock, Park Avenue, and Delicate Arch. See the world through this sculpted landscape carved through timeless wind and water.

Rocky Mountain Highs   This morning, visit a hidden gem, the Colorado National Monument, for sweeping views of sheer-walled canyons and the desert land of the high Colorado Plateau below. Then journey east across the Rocky Mountains to the “Mile High City” of Denver. This evening is free to explore the vibrant city. Stroll the city’s pedestrian 16th Street Mall, explore the renovated Union Station, or take advantage of the shopping, dining, and entertainment. (B)  FREE TIME TIPS  EXPLORE MORE with a free evening in Denver. Stroll the pedestrian 16th Street Mall, dine in LoDo (Lower Downtown), watch the sun set over the mountains, or explore the renovated Union Station evoking the golden era of train travel. Your Tour Director and GlobusGO mobile app have loads of tips, maps, and major sights to see.

Where the Bison & the Antelope Play   Travel across the windswept landscape of Wyoming and into the Black Hills of South Dakota. Spend the next two nights in beautiful Custer State Park. Formed in 1897, the park is the second-largest state park in America. Its 73,000 breathtaking acres are home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, whitetail deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, wild burros, and elk. (B,D)  TOUR HIGHLIGHT  ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Stay at the historic State Game Lodge, which served as the “Summer White House” for Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Dwight D. Eisenhower. The gracious native stone and wood lodge, built in 1920, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Relax with a cool drink on the front porch and let Mother Nature entertain you.

Carved in History This morning, visit a shrine to democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The epic sculpture depicts the faces of four legendary American presidents who symbolise this nation’s rich history, rugged determination, and lasting achievement. Then, visit the Crazy Horse Memorial, built in honour of the fearless Lakota Chief, Tasunke Witco, known as Crazy Horse, who ensured Custer’s last stand at the Battle of Little Bighorn. Learn about the sculpture, his family, and the future of the project. Later, return to Custer State Park and be a part of an exciting Buffalo Safari with a Local Expert. Have your camera ready for great photo opportunities! Then, enjoy a backcountry chuckwagon cookout, complete with Western entertainment. (B,D) LOCAL FAVOURITE WILD WONDERS Explore the Wild West across the Black Hills of South Dakota. Board an open-air off-road vehicle in search of Bison herds with a Local Expert. Hear the history and legends of this beautiful landscape and the importance of the American Bison. Later, enjoy an authentic chuckwagon cookout with western music and dance. A trip back in time to the Old West’s untamed beauty.

Gunslingers & Goldminers   Start today by exploring the Wild West town of Deadwood. Next, enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Hills to the frontier town of Sheridan, located at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. (B)  TOUR HIGHLIGHT   LEGENDARY FOOTSTEPS Take a journey through time as you travel down cobblestone streets and hear stories of all the legendary characters that contributed to the town’s history, such as Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Potato Creek Johnny.

The First National Park   Travel over the Big Horn Mountains to Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park. Spend the next two days exploring the beauty of this National treasure, spanning nearly 3,500 square miles atop a volcanic hot spot. (B)  TOUR HIGHLIGHT   NATURAL WONDERS Designated as a national park by law 150 years ago, President Ulysses S. Grant worked to preserve and protect the wild landscapes, native heritage, spectacular wildlife, and extraordinary geologic and ecological phenomena that make this Rocky Mountain paradise a treasure today and for future generations to treasure. From glaciers and geysers to grizzlies and great bison, no one leaves the park without being changed forever by the natural wonder witnessed in any of its 200+ acres of pristine wilderness.

The Living Earth   Spend the day exploring all the wonders of Yellowstone. (B,D)  TOUR HIGHLIGHT   WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE Explore the untamed wilderness of Yellowstone National Park. See the world famous Old Faithful Geyser, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Fountain Paint Pot. Be on the lookout for some of the park’s extraordinary wildlife, including moose, bison, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, wolves, bear, fox, coyote, and beaver.

The Frontier Spirit   Journey south today and visit Grand Teton National Park on your way to Jackson. (B)  TOUR HIGHLIGHT   MOUNTAIN MAJESTY Is it any wonder that Grand Teton National Park draws millions of visitors each year? With its magnificent peaks and glacial landscapes, this Rocky Mountain marvel is the perfect pairing of natural grandeur and frontier spirit of the town of Jackson. Find serenity on the shores of gorgeous glacier-fed Jenny Lake and stroll along the shore before continuing to Jackson. This evening, consider a visit to the Antler Arches, enjoy a drink at the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, or shop for the perfect cowboy hat!

This is the Place   Continue your journey south today through Wyoming and into Utah. Arrive in Salt Lake City for an orientation tour before arriving at your hotel. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening (B,D)  TOUR HIGHLIGHT  HISTORIC SPOT The capital city of Utah was first established in 1847 by early pioneer settlers led by Brigham Young, who exclaimed, “This is the right place,” upon seeing its vistas and verdant landscapes. The city played host to the 2002 Winter Olympics and offers a vibrant downtown with a variety of stores, attractions, and restaurants.

Seeing Stars   Today’s highlight is a visit to unique Bryce Canyon National Park. Spend time in the park capturing the magnificent contrasts of bright red, yellow, and pink pillars called “hoodoos.” Years of erosion have carved colourful sandstone into thousands of spires, arches, and mazes for an unforgettable sight. Free time this evening. (B)  TOUR HIGHLIGHT  EPIC RIDE Explore Bryce Canyon’s fantastically sculpted rock formations called Hoodoos that resemble castle towers, cathedral spires, and squatting goblins. As the light changes throughout the day, the canyons glow between distinct oranges, reds, and yellows creating a striking background for photographic masterpieces. And stars? The Bryce area is one of the best places for stargazing thanks to its remote location and lack of pollution. On some nights, more than 7,500 stars are visible!

Stones that Touch the Sky After breakfast, say goodbye to the hoodoos and descend into a stunning 0.5-mile-deep canyon for Zion National Park. Enjoy a boxed picnic lunch on the front lawn of Zion Lodge with free time to explore. Continue to Las Vegas where your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner. (B,L,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATIONAL PARK PERFECTION Meaning a place of peace and refuge known to nourish the soul, Zion’s sandstone walls rise thousands of feet above the valleys and cliffs high above the canyon floor’s lush greenery and snaking Virgin River. Here, Native people and pioneers first gazed skyward at soaring cliffs of cream, pink, and red piercing the brilliant blue sky.

Safe travels until we meet again!   Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more in Las Vegas? Additional nights are available for purchase. (B)