Formally Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Mt. Rushmore

Rugged frontier towns of the Old West and renowned national historic sites are hallmarks of this 11-day escorted tour across America's western frontier. Your Wild West discovery begins in Chicago, where you board the legendary California Zephyr for your journey across the Rocky Mountains to Provo, Utah. From Provo, your travels take you to the cowboy town of Jackson and Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, Little Bighorn Battlefield, Badlands National Park, the Black Hills of South Dakota aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and more!

View Dates and Prices Images & Route Map Tour Highlights and Inclusions View Itinerary

Amtrak rail accommodations can be provided from your closest Amtrak station to Provo, Utah. Contact a rail specialist at 877-929-7245 for details.

• One-way transportation aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago to Provo, UT (one night on train)
• Transportation aboard a deluxe motorcoach
• Hotel accommodations for 9 nights
• 18 meals
• Sightseeing and scenic excursions per itinerary
• Services of a professional tour manager
• Baggage handling
• Taxes and service charges

Scenic highlights include:

• Grand Teton National Park
• Old Faithful
• Hayden Valley
• Pahaska Teepee
• Buffalo Bill Historic Center
• Little Bighorn Battlefield
• Black Hills
• Wall Drugs
• Mt. Rushmore
• Crazy Horse

Day 1 - California Zephyr across the Western Frontier
Your tour to the Old West and some of America's best-loved National Parks, historic sites, and monuments begins at Chicago's Union Station, where you meet your tour manager and fellow travelers at 12:30 pm for a brief meeting before boarding the California Zephyr for your 2:00 pm departure. As this iconic train makes it way west, take time to get acquainted with your fellow travelers and the train's many features. Overnight train. (D)

Day 2 - Across the Rockies to Provo
Keep your camera handy today because you're traveling through some breathtaking scenery 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. The train is scheduled to arrive in Provo at 9:26 pm. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Overnight Marriott. (B, L, D)

Day 3 - Discover Jackson
After breakfast, make the scenic journey by coach to Jackson, Wyoming. Upon arrival, the day is yours to stroll the wooden plank sidewalks and enjoy stunning views of the majestic Grand Teton mountain range. Overnight Antler Inn. (B)

Day 4 - Snake River Float Trip
This morning hit the water for a float trip along the Snake River as you wind through Grand Teton National Park. Keep an eye out for elk and other wildlife indigenous to the area. This afternoon is free for you to explore Jackson on your own. This evening enjoy a delicious chuckwagon dinner and entertainment. Overnight Antler Inn. (B, D)

Day 5 - Explore Grand Teton National Park
Discover the hidden treasures of Grand Teton National Park this morning, Later, travel by coach to America's first National Park, Yellowstone. As you travel to your lodge, located within the confines of the Park, you may catch a glimpse of herds of buffalo as well as awe-inspiring rock formations. After checking into your room, the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park. (B)

Day 6 - Yellowstone Sightseeing
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park has the world's most extensive region of geothermal activity with thousands of hot springs and fumaroles that dot the landscape. Today's Lower Loop sightseeing tour showcases some of the Park's most renowned sights including Old Faithful, the Fountain Paint Pots, Artist Point, Canyon Village, and Hayden Valley. Overnight Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park. (B, D)

Day 7 - Pahaska Teepee / Buffalo Bill Historic Center
Wyoming is steeped in Old West history. Begin the day with a visit to Pahaska Teepee, a former hunting lodge of Buffalo Bill Cody listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Continue on to the Buffalo Bill Historic Center, preserving and celebrating the history of the Old West since 1917. Learn about Buffalo Bill Cody's early days riding for the Pony Express; his exploits as an expert tracker, sharpshooter, and showman; and, other renowned Old West personalities including Annie Oakley, Sitting Bull, and Texas Jack. Overnight Holiday Inn Sheridan. (B, D)

Day 8 - Little Bighorn Battlefield
Today's travels take us toward Rapid City, stopping first at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, a memorial to General Custer's 7th Cavalry on the site of the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn. Continue on, past Devil's Tower, rising 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River, until you reach Rapid City. Overnight Holiday Inn Express. (B, L)

Day 9 - Black Hills Central Railroad / Mt. Rushmore / Crazy Horse
This morning embark on a 1880's train excursion through South Dakota's Black Hills aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad. Refurbished train cars take travelers along the same route once used by miners and the carvers of Mount Rushmore. Scenic highlights include the Black Hills National Forest and breathtaking views from Harney Peak.

Next, visit two iconic national sites. Admire Mt. Rushmore and its towering visage of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt—one of the most inspiring sights throughout the United States—as well as the Crazy Horse Memorial that pays tribute to the Native Americans who lived in the Black Hills. Overnight Holiday Inn Express. (B)

Day 10 - Badlands National Park
A highlight of the day is a visit to Badlands National Park, featuring 244,000 acres of protected prairie and home to bison, bighorn sheep and the endangered black-footed ferret among other animals. Next, visit Wall Drug, "America's Favorite Roadside Attraction." Discover a variety of western souvenirs and classic pieces of Americana in this Old West emporium. Overnight Holiday Inn Express. (B, D)

Day 11 - Tour Conclusion
Your tour concludes after breakfast this morning but you will have memories of this Wild West adventure to last a lifetime. A group transfer to the Rapid City airport is available. Please arrange your flight home for anytime after 10:00 am. (B)

Marriott: Located near Utah Lake State Park and less than hour from Salt Lake City and Temple Square, the hotel features 330 guestrooms and suites, a restaurant and lounge, a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and a sauna.

Antler Inn: Located 1 block south of Jackson's town square and steps away from restaurants, shops, art galleries, and nightspots, the hotel features a hot tub, fitness center, and guest laundry among other amenities.

Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park: Located on the southwestern shore of Yellowstone Lake—about 20 minutes from Old Faithful— the complex includes six 2-story buildings, each containing 50 rooms. There are two restaurants with lake views, a lounge, and a small gift store.

Holiday Inn Sheridan: This 212-room hotel features a new state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor pool, sauna and whirlpool, a cocktail lounge and two restaurants.

Holiday Inn Express: Located near Mt. Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and Badlands National Park, the 63-room hotel has an indoor pool and business center.