America the Beautiful: From Moab to Mount Rushmore 12 days / Nature & Wildlife Tours
About This Experience
Go west and discover the America of legends and folklore—a place where adventurers and explorers can revel in the extraordinary landscapes and the pioneering spirit. From the graceful sandstone sculptures of Moab to the stern stone faces of Mount Rushmore, this is America at its most majestic, certain to inspire and amaze.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
11 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 4 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
America’s most iconic national landmarks
The endless, impressive Rockies
The dramatic Arches in Moab
The tower of spray from Old Faithful
Crazy Horse Monument & Mount Rushmore
The bleak otherworldly beauty of Badlands
Denver, Colorado1 night - hotel info
Moab, Utah2 nights - hotel info
Day2
Westward ho—across the mountain landscapes and into canyon country
Breakfast
Travel through the Rockies and across the Continental Divide on your way to Moab, passing through Vail, the famed ski resort, and stopping in one of the many charming mountain towns along the way for lunch before crossing into Utah’s canyon country.
Day3
Marvel at Mother Nature’s incredible architecture
Breakfast
Arches National Park
This morning, opt for a rafting tour down the Colorado River. This afternoon, immerse yourself in the red rock sculptures carved by nature over the past 150 million years of Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 arches, spires, domes, pinnacles and fins. Tonight, enjoy our optional Canyonlands by Night light show on the canyon walls of the Colorado River.
Optional Excursions
Colorado River Raft Trip $59* pp
Take a leisurely rafting trip down a tranquil stretch of the Colorado River, where you’ll see some of the most majestic sights of the American West. You'lll float through Majestic Castle Valley and past the Fisher Towers during your time on the river. Though your raft will ride a current, you'll travel through the river’s mildest stretch. Please note: This optional requires advanced reservation and must be booked 20 days prior to departure.
Optional Excursions
Canyonlands by Night Show $79* pp
Following the lights and shadows on the red rock canyon walls, you’ll hear a story about the formation, creation and history of the Moab area—a tale as fascinating as the ever-shifting colors in the canyon. Enjoy dinner before boarding a boat for a fascinating cruise through the ages, as you discover the passage of time etched on the Canyonland walls. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked 20 days prior to departure.
Salt Lake City, Utah1 night - hotel info
Day4
Explore the temples and tabernacles of Salt Lake City
Breakfast
Depart for Salt Lake City, capital of Utah and host city of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. This afternoon, after you’ve arrived and settled into your hotel, take a guided sightseeing tour of the city center, including Temple Square, where you’ll see the six-spired granite Salt Lake Temple, the domed Tabernacle, home to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, or the Gothic-style Assembly Hall.
Jackson, Wyoming2 nights - hotel info
Day5
Day6
Hike the valleys and scan the peaks of the towering Tetons
Breakfast
Grand Teton National Park
Enjoy a free morning in Jackson, one of the West’s premier arts communities, and then spend the afternoon in Grand Teton National Park, the youngest mountain range in the Rockies. You’ll have the opportunity to explore, take short walks, and view the park’s unique wildlife.
Cody1 night - hotel info
Day7
Get soaked by geysers and watch for wildlife at Yellowstone
Breakfast
Yellowstone National Park
Today’s destination is Yellowstone, the world’s first national park (so designated in 1872). Enjoy an excursion through the wonders of Yellowstone National Park, from the hot springs and geysers to the bison, grizzly bears, elk and wolves. Then, transfer to Cody, named after its most notorious native son, William “Buffalo Bill” Cody.
Sheridan, Wyoming1 night - hotel info
Day8
Follow in the footsteps of William “Buffalo Bill” Cody
Breakfast
Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum
Today, tour the Buffalo Bill Museum, where you’ll see Sitting Bull’s bow and arrows, Buffalo Bill’s show outfits and Frederick Remington’s Portrait of a Ranch Hand, as well as Buffalo Bill’s grave. Founded in 1921 by Johnny Baker, Buffalo Bill’s foster son, the museum introduces you to the life, times, and legend of William F. Cody. Arrive in Sheridan later this afternoon.
Rapid City, South Dakota2 nights - hotel info
Day9
Walk among the massive monuments of the Black Hills
Breakfast
Cross Wyoming’s high plains and then enter the Black Hills, where you’ll stop to gaze at Devils Tower National Monument, a sacred site for Native Americans which was declared the country’s first national monument by Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. Then, travel through Custer State Park to reach the monument that rivals Mt. Rushmore in both size and scope. The world’s largest mountain sculpture, the Crazy Horse Monument is an ongoing memorial to the spirit of the legendary Lakota Chief Crazy Horse and his culture.
Day10
Gaze at the faces of the presidential greats at Mount Rushmore
Breakfast, Dinner
Mt. Rushmore Visitor’s Center, President’s Walk
This morning, travel on to two of the most otherworldly sights you’ll ever see. First, you’ll visit Badlands National Park a desolate landscape of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires that look more like a lunar landscape than anything resembling earth. Next, it’s on to Wall Drug, South Dakota’s favorite general store. Aside from the huge jackrabbit sculpture and the wagon out back, the best part of Wall Drug is the fascinating mix of people—and their uniquely decorated cars—that frequent it. This afternoon, travel to Mt. Rushmore. Few attractions stir the emotions of pride and patriotism the this monumental site does. Tonight enjoy an included dinner at Mt. Rushmore.
Denver, Colorado1 night - hotel info
Flight homefor a day
Extend Your Stay
Add Denver $299*
Welcome to the Mile High City. Explore Colorado’s vibrant capital, from the blooming botanical gardens to the Molly Brown House to the Denver Mint. Beer lovers can sample some of the nation’s most inventive microbreweries. And nature lovers can spend their time soaking in the greenery and the scenery of this outdoorsy city and the surrounding Rockies on an optional excursion to Pike’s Peak.
Denver, Colorado2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Day2
Steam to the snow-covered summit of Pike’s Peak
Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in Denver, or join our optional excursion to Pike’s Peak.
Optional Excursions
Pike's Peak $45* pp
Ascend to the summit of Pike’s Peak, the mountain that inspired “America the Beautiful.” Nikola Tesla conducted some of his most electrifying experiments here, but you’ll be swept away by the awe-inspiring views. On this excursion, you’ll board a bus for the base of Pike’s Peak, then enjoy a scenic train ride up the mountain. High atop the Rockies, you’ll have time to explore as you please before returning to Denver.
Passport & Visa
Valid government-issued identification is required for air travel within the United States. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please be sure to have your required identification with you as well.
Transportation / Walking on tour
All included transportation on your tour is by private motor coach.
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying policies on weight restrictions and checked luggage. Charges for one or more checked bags may apply when traveling domestically. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Clothing & Packing Tips
Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. Hiking boots might come in handy, if you plan to do any extensive walking or hiking. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. Restaurants are typically informal in this region of the United States.
Health
Please be aware that you will be traveling at altitudes between 7,000 and 9,000 feet above sea level on this tour. These high altitudes can sometimes cause difficulty breathing and other health problems with travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks. Even healthy travelers may sometimes experience altitude sickness, a temporary condition featuring symptoms of headache, fatigue, nausea and light-headedness. Until your body acclimates to the higher altitudes, we suggest that you drink plenty of fluids and limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol. Otherwise, there are no major health risks when traveling to this region. During the summer months, take care for sun exposure and heat. It is always advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider for the latest updates and personal travel requirements.
Cuisine
One of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling is the delightful variety of local cuisine—even if you’re not traveling abroad. After all, the United States contains some of the most varied food in the world, and your tour will visit many different historic regions. Most of the cuisine is well-known to Americans, but look out especially for delicious Rocky Mountain cuisine.
Currency
U.S. dollars will be the currency on your tour.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash.
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Best tour director!!!
This was an excellent tour. I had the good fortune to have Nancy O'Kane Schrag as my tour director. She is beyond good. She is the most intelligent, hardworking, charming, exciting and compassionate tour director. She made this trip fantastic. The sights were amazing. Our country is truly one of the most beautiful. Nancy went out of her way to make make this trip an unforgetable experience. Our busdriver Jerry was also excellent. He was a safe driver, courteous and friendly. I highly recommend this trip especially if Nancy is your tour director.
fabulos tour
this tour was great nancy and lucky made this enjoyable and were fountians of knowledge. anyone who wants to see the rockies greatest highlights this is your tour.
America is Beautiful
Our America the Beautiful was breathtaking. We covered over 2800 miles and took in many spectacular sites - - Arches National Park, The Grand Tetons, Devil's Tower, Temple Square in Salt Lake City, and Mt. Rushmore to name a few. Our tour guide, Nancy, was wonderful! She always went the extra mile to ensure that fun was had by all! Our driver, Jerry, was a terrific driver and contributed his knowledge of our destinations. The group we traveled with was a good mix and fit. Our experience was memorable and we would certainly recommend this tour.
America the Beautiful
Fantastic from beginning at the airport to ending at the airport Please see additional comments under Please Tell Why I would recommend Go Ahead Tours to a friend.
America IS beautiful!!
Our trip to national parks in UT, WY, and SD was fabulous. We saw lots of wildlife, gorgeous scenery, and interesting places. My favorite town was Jackson, Wyoming. It is such a clean cowboy town with lots to do. We enjoyed the theater and saw the Ballad of Cat Ballou. Yellowstone Park is the best because of all the variety in the park such as geysers, mudpots, springs that bubble colors, and the number and variety of wildlife. I loved seeing so many prairie dog towns on the journey. We don't have this on the east coast. They are so cute and unafraid of people. Another favorite place was the Badlands. They have a unique beauty you can't imagine in the desert. Our tour guide, Nancy Schrag, was the one who made the trip so enjoyable. She revised when we would see what so that we made the best use of time and didn't spend so much time on the bus. I love the many ways she shared what we were going to see and do. She's a "natural" for the job and an expert on the tour. I highly recommend this tour especially if you have Nancy as your guide.
Go Ahead excels again!!!
We can't say enough wonderful things about this tour experience. The scenery, the wild life, the extra tours, the accomodations, and most especially, Nancy, our tour director, were fantastic. It has been our experience that Go Ahead's tour directors go above and beyond to make sure the tours are a success. We saw big horn sheep and a heard of buffalo cross the road in front of our bus and a gyser that went off as we were leaving the site of Old Faithful that made Old Faithful look like old wimpy. The only disappointing item on the entire trip was the Canyon by night tour. The narration was good; the meal was good, the boat ride was nice but the lights fell well short of our expectations. I would highly recommend this tour.
America the Beautiful
Best tour yet. Best tour director (Nancy Schrag). The tour was all I had hoped for and more. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see the western part of our country.
Trip of a life time
I saw lots and lots of sights and things that I never would have throught I would ever get to see in my life time. Nancy and Jerry was the best!!!!!
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL
We thought we had a good idea of the sites we might see, however, we never dreamed we would be swept away by the beauty of the parks we visited. Our tour guide, Nancy, was wonderful making the tour interesting with her knowledge of the sites, wit and personality. This tour would not be good for children as it is quite active with several days on the bus. However, I would suggest that active adults would find this a great trip.
America the Beautiful
GREAT! We had the BEST tour director and bus driver---Nancy and Jerry!!! We would want to travel with them the next time for sure!!! Wonderful sights and info all 12 days!!
