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

Welcome to New Mexico! Settle in to your hotel this evening.

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.

Cross into Colorado, stopping in the Old West mining town of Durango 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.

Take a guided tour of Mesa Verde National Park.

• 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, as you travel to Kayenta, Arizona. Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

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

Enjoy a free day at the Grand Canyon or add an excursion.

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

En route to Utah’s capital city, stop to visit 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

Then, continue on to Salt Lake City.

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

Please note: The visit to Grand Teton National Park may take place on day 10 depending on seasonality and weather.

Enjoy a free evening in Jackson.

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

Enjoy a free day in Jackson or add an excursion.

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

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