U.S. National Parks 12 days / Nature & Wildlife Tours
About This Experience
Follow in the footsteps of the explorers on this tour of North America’s national parks—the country’s greatest natural treasure. Each day displays a new destination, and with it a new landscape and a new adventure. Explore the mysterious cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde; hike into the depths of the Grand Canyon; and stand in the shadow of the Grand Tetons. And, within the borders of the parks, discover the amazing cultural and geographic diversity of the Southwest.
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
Zion's dramatic, all-natural “skyscapers”
America’s most iconic landmarks
The endurance & richness of the pueblo cultures
Creative, multicultural Santa Fe
The towering spray of Old Faithful in Yellow Stone
Grand Teton & Grand Canyon
Santa Fe, New Mexico2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Land in New Mexico—Land of Enchantment
Dinner
Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled flight to Albuquerque, New Mexico, aboard a major airline. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and then accompanies you on the transfer to Santa Fe. You’ll be assisted with check-in at your hotel. At an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow travelers.
Day2
Uncover the cultural crossroads of Santa Fe
Breakfast
This morning, an expert local guide leads your sightseeing tour of Santa Fe, a city settled by a Spanish conquistador nearly 400 years ago. Today, the city is an exuberant blend of Spanish, Mexican and Native American influences, and on your tour you’ll see some of its landmarks which may include the Cross of the Martyrs, Loretto Chapel and Saint Francis Cathedral. The afternoon is free to continue exploring on your own, or to join our optional Southwestern Cooking Demonstration.
Optional Excursions
Southwestern Cooking Demonstration $79* pp
Grab an apron and get ready to try something new during a cooking demonstration. With the help of a local chef, you'll learn about the artistry and history of southwestern cuisine, a hybrid of Spanish, Mexican and Native American culinary practices. Your guest chef will teach you new culinary techniques, and you'll sample some New Mexican favorites. Please note: This excursion requires advanced booking at least 20 days before your departure.
Mesa Verde National Park1 night - hotel info
Kayenta, Utah1 night - hotel info
Day4
Climb the cliffs of Mesa Verde and the buttes of Monument Valley
Breakfast
Mesa Verde, Monument Valley
This morning, visit Mesa Verde National Park. On your guided tour, you’ll view the fascinating 800-year-old cliff dwellings that honeycomb the canyon walls. Later today, pass through Monument Valley before arriving in Kayenta, Arizona, where you’ll spend the night.
Grand Canyon2 nights - hotel info
Day5
Contemplate the enormity of the Grand Canyon from Lipan Point
Breakfast, Dinner
Grand Canyon
Reach the Grand Canyon. One mile below the rim runs the Colorado River, while the rocky canyon sides reflect millions of years of geological evolution in their striated patterns. Begin your exploration of the canyon with this afternoon’s visit to the South Rim. Dinner is included tonight.
Day6
Explore the canyon from above or from below
Breakfast
With a full free day to explore the Grand Canyon at your leisure, you might choose to walk along the rim, or hike down to a plateau. Alternatively, soar over the canyon and take in breathtaking views on an optional helicopter ride.
Optional Excursions
Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride $215* pp
Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon aboard a thrilling half-hour helicopter ride. Soar over the massive canyon, taking in a unique perspective on the striated terrain far below. From high above the Canyon rim, you can begin to fully appreciate the immense scale of this natural wonder. Please note: This excursion is weather dependent.
Zion National Park1 night - hotel info
Day7
Soar over Zion for views of vibrantly colored sandstone cliffs
Breakfast
Zion National Park, tram ride
Pass by Lake Powell, a favorite southwestern vacation destination, on your way to Zion. During your visit to Zion National Park—including a tram ride—discover why the Mormon settlers of the 19th century named it after their heavenly city. Zion is famous for its dramatically eroded sedimentary rocks, whose yellow and orange hues create magnificent vistas contrasted with the thick green foliage along the riverbanks
Salt Lake City, Utah1 night - hotel info
Day8
Hike through the rosy, rocky landscapes of Bryce Canyon
Breakfast
Bryce Canyon National Park
Your journey through Utah continues with today’s visit to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon is known for its distinctive pink sandstone, which forms awe-inspiring arches, spires, steps and bridges across the landscape. Tour the park by bus and by foot for up-close views of this fascinating phenomenon. Later today, reach Salt Lake City, capital of Utah and host city of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, for an overnight stop
Jackson, Wyoming3 nights - hotel info
Day9
Snake through a landscape of jagged peaks and lush valleys
Breakfast
Grand Teton National Park
Cross into Wyoming and visit Grand Teton National Park. The Grand Teton, which is the highest mountain of the Teton range, rises to 13,770 feet above sea level, while 12 other Teton peaks are higher than 12,000 feet. This range is particularly interesting to geologists because it is the youngest range in the Rockies but displays some of North America’s oldest rocks. Reach the town of Jackson, a colorful resort town popular with skiers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Day10
Get sprayed by geysers and watch for wildlife in Yellowstone
Breakfast
Yellowstone National Park
Today’s destination is Yellowstone, the world’s first national park (so designated in 1872). See the park’s famous hot springs and geysers, including Old Faithful. Wildlife within the park includes grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk. You’ll spend the entire day experiencing the majesty of Yellowstone’s awe-inspiring views and terrain.
Day11
Take in the Teton scenery on horseback or by river raft
Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a free day in Jackson. Peruse the shops and restaurants. Alternatively, join our optional Grand Tetons by Horseback excursion this morning. This afternoon, opt for a scenic float down the Snake River. Join your fellow travelers tonight for an included Farewell Dinner.
Optional Excursions
Snake River Float $69* pp
One of the best ways to see the Grand Tetons—the glorious peaks that surround Jackson—is from the Snake River. On a raft ride, you'll have a great chance of glimpsing some of Wyoming's wildlife, including soaring eagles and graceful mountain lions. Please note: This excursion is seasonal from mid-May through mid-September.
Optional Excursions
The Grand Tetons by Horseback $79* pp
Jackson is home to fewer than 9,000 people, but it’ll feel like the big city after today’s horseback riding excursion through the Grand Tetons. Suitable for riders of every skill level, this trip into Wyoming’s back country will highlight the scenic beauty of the Snake River Valley. As you trot down mountain paths, keep your eyes peeled for the incredible array of wildlife that calls this area home. Please Note: This excursion is seasonal and will only be offered from mid May through September 1.
About This Experience
Follow in the footsteps of the explorers on this tour of North America’s national parks—the country’s greatest natural treasure. Each day displays a new destination, and with it a new landscape and a new adventure. Explore the mysterious cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde; hike into the depths of the Grand Canyon; and stand in the shadow of the Grand Tetons. And, within the borders of the parks, discover the amazing cultural and geographic diversity of the Southwest.
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
Zion's dramatic, all-natural “skyscapers”
America’s most iconic landmarks
The endurance & richness of the pueblo cultures
Creative, multicultural Santa Fe
The towering spray of Old Faithful in Yellow Stone
Grand Teton & Grand Canyon
Santa Fe, New Mexico2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Land in New Mexico—Land of Enchantment
Dinner
Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled flight to Albuquerque, New Mexico, aboard a major airline. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and then accompanies you on the transfer to Santa Fe. You’ll be assisted with check-in at your hotel. At an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow travelers.
Day2
Uncover the cultural crossroads of Santa Fe
Breakfast
This morning, an expert local guide leads your sightseeing tour of Santa Fe, a city settled by a Spanish conquistador nearly 400 years ago. Today, the city is an exuberant blend of Spanish, Mexican and Native American influences, and on your tour you’ll see some of its landmarks which may include the Cross of the Martyrs, Loretto Chapel and Saint Francis Cathedral. The afternoon is free to continue exploring on your own, or to join our optional Southwestern Cooking Demonstration.
Optional Excursions
Southwestern Cooking Demonstration $79* pp
Grab an apron and get ready to try something new during a cooking demonstration. With the help of a local chef, you'll learn about the artistry and history of southwestern cuisine, a hybrid of Spanish, Mexican and Native American culinary practices. Your guest chef will teach you new culinary techniques, and you'll sample some New Mexican favorites. Please note: This excursion requires advanced booking at least 20 days before your departure.
Mesa Verde National Park1 night - hotel info
Kayenta, Utah1 night - hotel info
Day4
Climb the cliffs of Mesa Verde and the buttes of Monument Valley
Breakfast
Mesa Verde, Monument Valley
This morning, visit Mesa Verde National Park. On your guided tour, you’ll view the fascinating 800-year-old cliff dwellings that honeycomb the canyon walls. Later today, pass through Monument Valley before arriving in Kayenta, Arizona, where you’ll spend the night.
Grand Canyon2 nights - hotel info
Day5
Contemplate the enormity of the Grand Canyon from Lipan Point
Breakfast, Dinner
Grand Canyon
Reach the Grand Canyon. One mile below the rim runs the Colorado River, while the rocky canyon sides reflect millions of years of geological evolution in their striated patterns. Begin your exploration of the canyon with this afternoon’s visit to the South Rim. Dinner is included tonight.
Day6
Explore the canyon from above or from below
Breakfast
With a full free day to explore the Grand Canyon at your leisure, you might choose to walk along the rim, or hike down to a plateau. Alternatively, soar over the canyon and take in breathtaking views on an optional helicopter ride.
Optional Excursions
Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride $215* pp
Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon aboard a thrilling half-hour helicopter ride. Soar over the massive canyon, taking in a unique perspective on the striated terrain far below. From high above the Canyon rim, you can begin to fully appreciate the immense scale of this natural wonder. Please note: This excursion is weather dependent.
Zion National Park1 night - hotel info
Day7
Soar over Zion for views of vibrantly colored sandstone cliffs
Breakfast
Zion National Park, tram ride
Pass by Lake Powell, a favorite southwestern vacation destination, on your way to Zion. During your visit to Zion National Park—including a tram ride—discover why the Mormon settlers of the 19th century named it after their heavenly city. Zion is famous for its dramatically eroded sedimentary rocks, whose yellow and orange hues create magnificent vistas contrasted with the thick green foliage along the riverbanks
Salt Lake City, Utah1 night - hotel info
Day8
Hike through the rosy, rocky landscapes of Bryce Canyon
Breakfast
Bryce Canyon National Park
Your journey through Utah continues with today’s visit to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon is known for its distinctive pink sandstone, which forms awe-inspiring arches, spires, steps and bridges across the landscape. Tour the park by bus and by foot for up-close views of this fascinating phenomenon. Later today, reach Salt Lake City, capital of Utah and host city of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, for an overnight stop
Jackson, Wyoming3 nights - hotel info
Day9
Snake through a landscape of jagged peaks and lush valleys
Breakfast
Grand Teton National Park
Cross into Wyoming and visit Grand Teton National Park. The Grand Teton, which is the highest mountain of the Teton range, rises to 13,770 feet above sea level, while 12 other Teton peaks are higher than 12,000 feet. This range is particularly interesting to geologists because it is the youngest range in the Rockies but displays some of North America’s oldest rocks. Reach the town of Jackson, a colorful resort town popular with skiers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Day10
Get sprayed by geysers and watch for wildlife in Yellowstone
Breakfast
Yellowstone National Park
Today’s destination is Yellowstone, the world’s first national park (so designated in 1872). See the park’s famous hot springs and geysers, including Old Faithful. Wildlife within the park includes grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk. You’ll spend the entire day experiencing the majesty of Yellowstone’s awe-inspiring views and terrain.
Day11
Take in the Teton scenery on horseback or by river raft
Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a free day in Jackson. Peruse the shops and restaurants. Alternatively, join our optional Grand Tetons by Horseback excursion this morning. This afternoon, opt for a scenic float down the Snake River. Join your fellow travelers tonight for an included Farewell Dinner.
Optional Excursions
Snake River Float $69* pp
One of the best ways to see the Grand Tetons—the glorious peaks that surround Jackson—is from the Snake River. On a raft ride, you'll have a great chance of glimpsing some of Wyoming's wildlife, including soaring eagles and graceful mountain lions. Please note: This excursion is seasonal from mid-May through mid-September.
Optional Excursions
The Grand Tetons by Horseback $79* pp
Jackson is home to fewer than 9,000 people, but it’ll feel like the big city after today’s horseback riding excursion through the Grand Tetons. Suitable for riders of every skill level, this trip into Wyoming’s back country will highlight the scenic beauty of the Snake River Valley. As you trot down mountain paths, keep your eyes peeled for the incredible array of wildlife that calls this area home. Please Note: This excursion is seasonal and will only be offered from mid May through September 1.
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
Flights arrive in Albuquerque, where a Go Ahead representative escorts you to Sante Fe for hotel check-in. Flights depart from Jackson. All included ground transportation on this 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 lightheadedness. 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 hit many different historic regions. Most of the cuisine is well-known to Americans, but look out especially for delicious Mexican and Spanish food in New Mexico.
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 in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $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 the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.
- Sort By:
- Newest
- Highest Rating
- Lowest Rating
- Photo Reviews
Awesome
Great tour of our National Parks. We had a great group of folks and a wonderful tour director as we set forth from New Mexico. There are so many wonderful, awesome sights in our country that everyone should experience. I believe the highlight of this tour for me was Zion National Park. There were a great trail to the Emerald Pools. The mile long tunnel through the mountain was amazing and then to view up the mountain from where you just came. Breath taking!!!! The hotel we were at in Springdale {Zion} had a wonderful view of the awesome cliffs. We saw so many wonderful things, but this was my favorite sight.
National Parks Tour - JUST WOW
This was the first guided bus tour that my wife and I have taken in the States and with Go Ahead. What a wonderful way to get into traveling in our retirement, we couldn't have asked for more. Excellent value and excellent sites and our tour Guide, Phil, was superb. Phil and our driver Paul kept us engaged all the time and continually went out of their way to supply whatever we may have needed and to answer every question that any of us may have asked. We traveled over 2100 miles in our 12 days together and never had a dull moment, we even found ourselves in the middle of a bison herd, hows that for unusual. The National Parks as advertised were everything we could have hoped for and so much more - just awe inspiring from start to finish, I wish we had had another two weeks. Have already recommended both this tour and Go Ahead to several folks, and would highly recommend it to anyone else reading this write up. Looking forward to planning a trip with Go Ahead for next year....just getting started. Thanks for a wonderful vacation.
National Parks
I have been on several tours and this was absolutely the best yet. Phil Pesch was a wonderful guide. The accommodations and food were above average compared to other tours. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to travel with ease at a great value!
Beware of bait & switch
The ad said "includes airfare" but when I booked I was charged $400 more because I was flying out of S.C. instead of N.Y. I think S.C. is closer to Santa Fe (where the tour orginates) than N.Y. and it was all on Delta so why?????? That put a bad taste in my mouth even before the tour started but it was a great tour
Wonderful tour!
This tour was extremely filled with information and fun! We would recommend this to everyone. We saw so many beautiful sites and met such great people. Thank you!
What a fantastic trip!
We have just returned from one of the best tours, the scenery, the weather, the tour director (Ken), the bus driver (Patrick) were fantastic Ken kept us organised and on track, his knowledge of the area was wonderful Patrick kept us on time and safe and his knowledge of the area was wonderful Our travelling companions were a wonderful group of people We got home and went straight to the latest catalog to pick out next year's trip! Thank You Ken, Patrick and the staff of Go Ahead Tours Ron & Maxine Belcher
Best trip ever!!!
The National Parks tour was without question one of the best GoAhead has to offer. Our tour director, Phil Pesch was 5 star plus. He went above and beyond from beginning to end. Our bus driver, Paul was equally as accomodating. The sights and scenery changed daily. It is hard to pick the best experience because each day was more impressive than the last. The helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon was exhilarating, the rafting on the Snake River was one of the best three hours of our trip. I had twenty-one people in my group and I think they would sign up for another one tomorrow based on this trip. Looking forward to my next Go Ahead adventure.
National Parks
This was one of the most wonderful tours I have taken. I think this because I was able to see our beautiful country for the first time. Phil, our director, was so knowledgeable and explained everything around us.He made it a wonderful trip. I think everyone was in awe of what we were seeing. It was a very fast paced tour. I felt that the bus was very cramped especially since we had so many miles to cover. Our driver Paul was alway there to help and ready with water for us in the high altitude. We all felt safe on those small winding roads. I have given out the information to many of my friends and they seem they would like to take this trip.
National Parks Tours
The grandeur of the west was mad grander by the exceptional guide we had. Phil Pesch is one of the best guides I've ever had on any tours. Go Ahead Tours is lucky to have him! I don't typically like to "walk on a rope" with guided tours, but after this National Parks experience, I'd follow Phil anywhere!.
Nature at its best
A great tour with lots of beautiful nature. It is a very active tour and you will have to get up rather early. But it"s well worth it! There are so many breathtaking views and sights that each day you will be totally amazed by nature's beauty and looking forward to getting back on the bus. This tour is a great introduction to all the parks but it makes you want to go back and explore each of them in more depth. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who has an appreciation for impressive and breathtaking sights and prefers to have someone else take care of all the "organizational" stuff. GoAhead made it easy for us to enjoy our trip from beginning to end.
