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Overview Itinerary Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Yellowstone

with Missoula, Montana & Glacier National Park extension

Duration: 12 or 15 days
Group size: 15-35
Reviews: 248

Discover North America’s greatest natural treasures.

Follow in the footsteps of the explorers on this U.S. national parks tour. Each day displays a new destination, and with it new landscapes and adventures. Explore the mysterious cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, gaze into the depths of the Grand Canyon, and stand in the shadow of the Grand Tetons. On this guided tour through America's wilderness, discover the amazing cultural and geographic diversity of the national parks out West.

Your tour package includes

11 nights in handpicked hotels
11 breakfasts
1 lunch
3 dinners with beer or wine
8 guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

Loretto Chapel
Mesa Verde National Park
Monument Valley
the Grand Canyon
Zion National Park

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Day-by-day itinerary

Santa Fe, New Mexico2 nights

Day 1: Arrival in Albuquerque

Welcome to New Mexico! Arrive in Albuquerque and transfer to your hotel in Santa Fe. Then, gather with your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome drink.

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Santa Fe

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of New Mexico’s capital city, settled by a Spanish conquistador nearly 400 years ago.

• See the Cross of the Martyrs and Saint Francis Cathedral

• Pass through the plaza in the heart of the city to view the State Capitol Building and Palace of the Governors

• Enter Loretto Chapel to view the miraculous staircase

This afternoon, enjoy a welcome lunch with your fellow travelers.

Mesa Verde National Park1 night

Day 3: Mesa Verde via Durango

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cross the Colorado border, stopping in the Old West mining town of Durango, Colorado, en route to Mesa Verde.

• Pass by Chimney Rock and Abiquiu Lake

• Take in the stunning landscapes that inspired the work of artist Georgia O’Keeffe

• Explore Durango to feel its frozen-in-time charm

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Kayenta, Arizona1 night

Day 4: Mesa Verde National Park & transfer to Kayenta

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Take a guided tour of Mesa Verde National Park before transferring to Kayenta, Arizona, through Monument Valley.

• View fascinating 800-year-old cliff dwellings that honeycomb the walls of the canyon

• Enjoy free time to visit either the gift shop or Spruce Tree House and Museum

• Pass by Monument Valley’s iconic “Mexican Hat,” a sombrero-shaped rock formation

Sit down for an included dinner in Kayenta this evening.

Grand Canyon2 nights

Day 5: The Grand Canyon via Tuba City & the Cameron Trading Post

Included meal: Breakfast

Pay a visit to the Navajo Code Talkers Museum to meet with Navajo leader Peter MacDonald and learn about the World War II Code Talkers.

Please note: Meeting Peter MacDonald is not guaranteed.

Then, stop at the Cameron Trading Post before arriving at the Grand Canyon. Upon arrival, take a scenic walk along the South Rim with your Tour Director.

• Marvel at the rocky formations that reflect millions of years of geologic evolution

• View the Colorado River running one mile below

Day 6: Free day visiting the Grand Canyon

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day at the Grand Canyon to explore its rims and plateaus on your own or add an excursion.

Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride

Excursion (additional cost)

Zion National Park, Utah1 night

Day 7: Transfer to Zion National Park

Included meal: Breakfast

Pass by the beautiful Vermilion Cliffs National Monument before arriving in Zion National Park.

• Discover why 19th-century Mormon settlers named the park after their heavenly city

• View the yellow-and orange-hued dramatically eroded sedimentary rocks

• Take in magnificent vistas on an open-air tram ride with guided commentary

Salt Lake City, Utah1 night

Day 8: Bryce Canyon National Park tour & transfer to Salt Lake City

Included meal: Breakfast

En route to Utah’s capital city, stop for a visit to Bryce Canyon National Park.

• Tour the park by bus and on foot

• Take in up-close views of its distinctive pink limestone and sandstone formations, including awe-inspiring arches, spires, and bridges

• View colorful rock pinnacles known as “hoodoos”

Jackson, Wyoming3 nights

Day 9: Transfer to Jackson & Grand Teton National Park

Included meal: Breakfast

Cross into Wyoming on a scenic drive en route to the resort town of Jackson. Then, set out to explore Grand Teton National Park, home to the youngest mountain range in the Rockies.

• Drive through stunning Logan Canyon and past turquoise Bear Lake

• Tour Grand Teton National Park by bus and on foot

• Try to spot elk, coyotes, black bears, wolves, and the elusive mountain lion

Enjoy a free evening in Jackson.

Day 10: Yellowstone National Park

Included meal: Breakfast

Venture out into Yellowstone National Park, designated the world’s first national park in 1872, for a full day of sightseeing.

• Drive through the park with stops for photos

• See cascading waterfalls, bubbling mud pots, and the famous geyser, Old Faithful

• Keep an eye out for the bison, mountain goats, moose, and grey wolves that call the park home

Day 11: Free time in Jackson

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a free day in Jackson or add an excursion.

Later, gather with your group at a local restaurant for a farewell dinner.

Snake River Float

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to Missoula.

Extension to Missoula, Montana & Glacier National Park

Discover the beauty of Montana by exploring the city of Missoula and the untamed landscapes of Glacier National Park. From the mountains and lakes to the wildlife and fauna, you'll soak in the incredible vistas of this region.

Missoula, Montana1 night

Day 12: Transfer to Missoula

Included meal: Breakfast

Say goodbye to Jackson and drive to Missoula, Montana’s second most populous city.

• Make a stop at the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site

• Learn about the history of the cattle ranch industry

• Join a park ranger for a tour of the ranch including the main house, cowboy dorms, chuckwagon, and blacksmith facilities

Please note: The stop at the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site is time-permitting.

Glacier National Park Region2 nights

Day 13: Transfer to the Glacier National Park Region

Included meal: Breakfast

Learn about the area's culture as you make your way to the Glacier National Park region today.

• Stop at the Smokejumper Visitor Center, the largest smokejumper base in the U.S.

• Join a smokejumper for a tour of the headquarters to see the equipment used to fight fires

• Pass by the National Bison Range

Continue on to the Glacier National Park region and enjoy a free evening.

Day 14: Glacier National Park

Included meal: Breakfast

Today, hop into an iconic Red Jammer car and venture into Glacier National Park for a guided tour.

• Discover incredible mountain ranges, waterfalls, and wildflowers

• Appreciate the wilderness of the park and revel in the sight of melting glaciers that experts estimate will be gone within the coming decades

• Look for bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, moose, river otters, and mountain lions

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Flight Home

Day 15: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport in Kalispell for your flight home.

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Reviews

248

4.8 average

06/10/2019 by 5th time traveler James T.

Words can hardly describe our tour to the U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Yellowstone. Just when we thought we'd seen the most spectacular scenery, we would travel on and be blown away by more spectacular scenery. The trip was well planned out by GolAhead and we had a fantastic tour direc...

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06/03/2019 by 3rd time traveler George R.

We enjoyed the tour very much. The itinerary was great. Stephanie was a great tour director. She was a gem. Informative, caring, always pleasant, delightful and always totally involved with everyone on the tour. She made us feel at home. I would gladly want to have her as a tour director again....

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06/03/2019 by 4th time traveler Marilyn P.

There is a lot of bus travel which is necessary in order to cover six states and six national parks. The trip was hampered somewhat by poor weather. We had either snow or rain and occasional hail and therefore visibility was somewhat limited at times. However it is worth sitting on a bus and tr...

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10/22/2018 by 5th time traveler Anonymous

I would recommend this tour if you want to see the beauty of our parks. Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon were my favorites. It was also very informative. I enjoyed it very much.

AWESOME TRIP

10/19/2018 by 3rd time traveler Emily P.

WE HAD A VERY RATHER AWESOME VACATION. THE TOUR GUIDE PHIL WAS GREAT HE ARRANGED ON EVERY BIG CITY WE WENT TO FOR GUIDE TO TELL US ABOUT THE SITES WE WERE LOOKING AT.. WHICH MADE IT GREAT TO KNOW THINGS IN AMERICA. AWESOME TRIP...

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Hotels, flights, & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Lodge at Santa Fe

This Southwestern hotel is located in Santa Fe. Guests enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll find local parks...

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Far View Lodge

This newly renovated hotel is located outside Mesa Verde National Park. Guests enjoy traditional Western décor and delicious dining. Outside, you’ll b...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

U.S. citizens need valid government-issued identification for air travel within the United States.
In order to enter the United States, Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace?

You will walk for about 2 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved trails and dirt paths, with some hills. Some activities will take place at high altitudes.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Albuquerque, New Mexico and depart from Jackson, Wyoming (or Kalispell, Montana on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to this region.
Be sure to check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and personal travel requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 6,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for 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.
During the summer months, take proper care with sun exposure and heat.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

The cuisine of the American southwest combines influences from Spanish colonial settlers, Mexican staples, and Native American tradition. Expect dishes spiced with chile peppers, like enchiladas, tacos, and chili con carne.
The western region of the United States is known for barbecue, especially in the plains and mountain states of Wyoming and Colorado where the cowboy tradition lives on. Try a bison burger or a steak for a true local dining experience.

Electricity & air conditioning

All of North America operates on 110-120 volts and uses Type A or B plugs with two flat pins or two flat pins and one round pin, respectively.
The majority of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
Some of the hotels on this tour will provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed for hotels in more remote locations.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming (plus Montana on the tour extension) are on Mountain Standard Time (MST), which is two hours behind Eastern Time (ET). Please note that Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time and is on Pacific Standard Time (PST) from March through October.
When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 10am on tour.

Currency

The U.S. dollar is the currency you will be using on this tour.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your purchases for fraudulent charges.
Many banks and businesses now primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in USD.
We recommend tipping $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.