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North America

Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, & Yellowstone

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11 days From $5,295 $4,995 per person
4.5 stars(135 reviews)
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Saddles, Stetsons, bison, and more offer a proper introduction to the Wild West on this adventure featuring travel on the legendary California Zephyr and visits to Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Badlands National Parks.

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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Mobility Rating 4

2025 Tour code: MRB25

About the tour

The Old West's rugged frontier towns and renowned national historic sites are hallmarks of this 11-day escorted tour. We begin our journey across America's Western frontier by joining modern technology with nostalgic travel methods, riding Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago to Provo, Utah. The route takes us across the Rocky Mountains and through hidden landscapes where the West's beauty comes to life one mile at a time. Our adventure begins in Provo, taking us to places like the cowboy towns of Jackson and Cody, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and into the Black Hills of South Dakota, where immense history and impressive landscapes collide. Memorable excursions ranging from riding a heritage train to embarking on a Jeep safari ride leave you awestruck and introduce you to the thrills only the Wild West can offer.

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Unforgettable Experiences

Cross the Country on the California Zephyr
Cross the Country on the California Zephyr
Revel in the classic experience of overnight train travel while riding Amtrak’s California Zephyr from Chicago, IL, to Provo, UT.
Float Down the Snake River
Float Down the Snake River
Watch for wildlife roaming freely in Grand Teton National Park while on a float trip on the Snake River.
Sightsee in Yellowstone National Park
Sightsee in Yellowstone National Park
See the sites that inspired President Grant to make Yellowstone America’s first national park on a guided park tour, including Old Faithful, Hayden Valley, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Visit Mount Rushmore
Visit Mount Rushmore
Look upon one of America’s most recognizable landmarks, Mount Rushmore.
Ride the Historic 1880 Train
Ride the Historic 1880 Train
Board the Black Hills Central Railroad’s 1880 Train for a ride through the incredibly scenic Black Hills region in fully restored vintage rail cars.
See the Crazy Horse Memorial
See the Crazy Horse Memorial
See the progress on the world’s largest mountain carving, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and learn about its history and inspiration.
Jeep through Custer State Park
Jeep through Custer State Park
A four-wheel-drive adventure by Jeep presents Custer State Park’s rugged terrain and wildlife loop, where herds of bison graze in the grasslands and pronghorn sheep climb the rocky cliffs.
Tour Badlands National Park
Tour Badlands National Park
Keep watch for bison, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife, and learn the history and geology of the region while touring Badlands National Park.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart Chicago aboard the California Zephyr

Arrive at Chicago Union Station, and board the California Zephyr. Settle into your onboard accommodations in preparation for your overnight rail journey. If you are traveling from the West Coast, you will meet the Tour Manager at the hotel in Provo on Day 2. 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. 

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - Snake River Float Trip

Enjoy a scenic float trip along the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park this morning. Keep an eye out for elk and other wildlife indigenous to the area. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore Jackson on your own. Overnight Jackson, WY. 

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 - Grand Teton National Park

Discover the hidden treasures of Grand Teton National Park this morning. Highlights include 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 park lodge, keep an eye peeled for herds of buffalo and impressive rock formations. The evening is at your leisure. Overnight Yellowstone, WY. 

Includes
  • Breakfast
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.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 - Buffalo Bill Center of the West Museum

We set out for today's adventure. Our first stop 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 your independent lunch, it is off to the ranch, where ranch activities and a delicious dinner await. Overnight Clearmont, WY. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Mt. Rushmore

Set in the foothills of the Big Horn Mountain Range, the Ranch at UCross is the ideal place to get in touch with nature. There are abundant hiking trails on the property and opportunities for fishing and horseback riding, among other activities. Your morning is at leisure to soak in the wonders of natural Wyoming as you please or relax alongside the heated outdoor pool. This afternoon, we depart the ranch by motorcoach, driving through protected grasslands and the picturesque Black Hills of South Dakota en route to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The four presidents carved on the rock face represent the first 150 years of America's history in an inspiring way. Overnight Rapid City, SD. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
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 remarkable memorial. From here, we move on to Custer State Park, where we board the Safari Jeep for a fun-filled afternoon of adventure. Your final experience of the day 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. 

Please Note - For departure Aug 31 we will stay the Hyatt Place Rapid City Downtown in Rapid City.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
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. Enjoy free time to explore in Rapid City on your own. This evening, enjoy a delicious chuckwagon dinner with cowboy entertainment. Overnight Rapid City, SD. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Tour Conclusion

Your tour concludes this morning. A group transfer to the Rapid City Airport accommodates flights departing after 11:00 a.m.

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

The Ranch at UCross, Clearmont

The Ranch at UCross, Clearmont

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Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa, Jackson

Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa, Jackson

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Provo Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

Provo Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

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Hotel Alex Johnson Rapid City, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Alex Johnson Rapid City, Curio Collection by Hilton

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Canyon Lodge & Cabins, Yellowstone National Park

Canyon Lodge & Cabins, Yellowstone National Park

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Trains

1880 Train
Amtrak's California Zephyr

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Reviews

4.5 stars4.5 / 5 · 135 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (77)
  2. 4 stars
    (49)
  3. 3 stars
    (8)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

rbournique

5 stars

Submitted 03 Oct 2024

Lots of great parks and sights to see. Our tour guide, Sally, was terrific.

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Brenda Overbay

5 stars

Submitted 03 Oct 2024

We were disappointed in the Amtrak experience with delays, poor food quality, and unfriendly staff. However, we had a great time once the actual tour started and wanted to give 5 stars overall, especially to our tour guide Sally Bell! Our driver Ron was also great.

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Christopher Bigg

5 stars

Submitted 30 Sep 2024

Everything was wonderful, except the Amtrak out to Utah

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Beverly Smith

5 stars

Submitted 29 Sep 2024

This was a wonderfully planned trip. A few hiccups with Amtrak but our guide Sally Bell was just the absolute Best. She has a passion and tremendous knowledge for what she is doing, I can't say enough high praise for her. Our driver Ron was excellent too. My second VBR trip and it won't be my last!

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William Owen

5 stars

Submitted 29 Sep 2024

Our tour guide was amazing! The views unbelievable. Everything we wanted to do/see was encompassed in trip. Got to meet lots of interesting people & make lasting friendships.

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William Owen
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Roxana Borris-Scheid

5 stars

Submitted 29 Sep 2024

This was the trip of a lifetime, full of scenic beauty and wildlife. Tour guide Sally and driver Ron took excellent care of us and ensured a memorable experience for all. Only complaint was the Amtrak California Zephyr train ride. We feel Amtrak could have anticipated the wheel issue and subsequent crew change that cost us 9 hours and a good night’s sleep in Provo, UT.

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