Skip to main content
logo
1-800-590-1161Help & contactEarn free travel
logo1-800-590-1161
Tours
North America
U.S. National Parks:...
 

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

12 days |  15 days with Missoula & Glacier National Park extension
12 days |  15 days with Missoula & Glacier National Park extension
Group size1535 travelers
Reviews

4.7 star rating

375
Physical activity
entrance to a tan clay house with a bright blue door and pot of red flowers
monument valley in arizona at evening
two bison grazing in field
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
You have 60 days to get a full refund

Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today. Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book and if you change your mind, you'll get your money back.†

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 sightseeing tours
Read more

Included highlights

  • Loretto Chapel
  • Mesa Verde National Park
  • Monument Valley
  • Grand Canyon
  • Zion National Park
Read more
Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Talk to a Tour Consultant

Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Santa Fe, New Mexico2 nights
Day 1: Arrival in Albuquerque & Transfer to Santa Fe

Welcome to New Mexico! Transfer to your hotel in Santa Fe and settle in to your hotel this evening.

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Santa Fe
Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome 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 Park, Colorado1 night
Day 3: Mesa Verde via Durango
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

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.

  • 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.

Grand Canyon, Arizona2 nights
Day 5: Grand Canyon via Tuba City
Included meal: Breakfast

Learn about the culture and history of the Navajo tribe during a stop at the Explore Navajo Interactive Museum. Meet with Navajo leader Peter MacDonald and learn about the World War II Code Talkers.

Please note: Meeting Peter MacDonald is not guaranteed.

Then, pay a visit to 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 geological evolution
  • View the Colorado River running one mile below
Day 6: Free day at the Grand Canyon
Included meal: Breakfast

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

Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride

From $259 per person

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: Salt Lake City via Bryce Canyon National Park
Included meal: Breakfast

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.

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

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.

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, Farewell 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

From $129 per person

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 & Glacier National Park
Continue your trip and cross another incredible national park off your list. Get in the cowboy spirit with stops at Smokejumper and the Grand Kohrs Ranch, then spend a full day exploring Glacier National Park with your Tour Director.
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 Historical Museum at Fort Missoula and learn about its history as a military post in the late 1800s to its time as Internment Camp during WWII and more
  • Travel through the Flathead Indian Reservation and pass 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

Travel along Going-to-the-Sun Road, a national landmark considered to be one of the world’s most scenic drives. (Please note: Activities in Glacier National Park may vary depending on the season and weather conditions.)

  • Marvel at cedar forests, rocky cliffs, and glacial lakes as you wind your way through Glacier National Park, which makes up a portion of the UNESCO-listed International Peace Park
  • Appreciate the wilderness of the park and take in the sight of melting glaciers that experts estimate will be gone within the coming decades

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

Please note: Going-to-the-Sun Road will be replaced with a Lake McDonald cruise during May and June departures due to seasonality.

Flight Home
Day 15: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Kalispell airport for your flight home.

Show full itinerary
Book for just $99 down

That's all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Reviews

4.7 star rating

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

Based on 375 authentic traveler reviews
Sort by

    5.0 star rating

    Love Phil
    10/6/23 by 2nd-time traveler Debra

    Best trip of a life time ever

    5.0 star rating

    10/6/23 by 1st-time traveler Michael

    5.0 star rating

    Mike and Mary Anderson
    10/6/23 by 4th-time traveler Michael

    This tour was very good for us, as we saw national parks and geography of the Western states we had never seen before. The weather was very good for this, and we enjoyed our travel companions company. The views afforded us were awesome, as, for example, the views of the Grand Canyon and the Grand Te...

    Read more +
    Show more reviews

    Traveler photos

    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.
    DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santa Fe
    DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santa Fe

    This traditional hotel is located outside the Agua Fria neighborhood. Guests enjoy a fitness center, pool, and business center. Nearby, you’ll find Me...

    Read more +
    Far View Lodge
    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...

    Read more +
    Hampton Inn Kayenta
    Hampton Inn Kayenta

    This cozy hotel is located in Monument Valley on the Navajo Reservation. Guests enjoy a fitness center, pool, and laundry service. Nearby, you’ll find...

    Read more +
    Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon
    Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon

    This comfortable hotel is located just 15 minutes from the Grand Canyon National Park entrance. Guests enjoy the indoor swimming pool, a full breakfas...

    Read more +
    Holiday Inn Express Springdale - Zion
    Holiday Inn Express Springdale - Zion

    This rustic, lodge-style hotel is located in Springdale, Utah next to Zion National Park. Guests enjoy a fitness center, pool, and laundry facilities....

    Read more +
    Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City Downtown
    Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City Downtown

    This new hotel is located in the heart of Salt Lake City. Guests enjoy the indoor pool, fitness center, and spa. Nearby you’ll find the Pioneer Memori...

    Read more +
    Elk Country Inn
    Elk Country Inn

    This western hotel is located in the Historic neighborhood. Guests enjoy a fitness room, a free ski shuttle, and a picnic area. Nearby, you’ll find Gr...

    Read more +
    Hampton Inn & Suites Whitefish
    Hampton Inn & Suites Whitefish

    This modern hotel is located just a couple minutes from Whitefish’s historic downtown area. Guests enjoy a heated indoor saltwater pool, fitness cente...

    Read more +
    Hilton Garden Inn Missoula
    Hilton Garden Inn Missoula

    This contemporary hotel is located just minutes from downtown Missoula. Guests enjoy an indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, fitness center, and on-sit...

    Read more +

    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

    Print FAQ
    Passport, visa & entry requirements
    • U.S. citizens need valid government-issued identification for air travel within the United States. If you plan to use a state-issued ID or driver's license on or after May 7, 2025, it will need to meet Real ID requirements. Real ID compliant versions of these IDs will have either a yellow or black star, white star inside a yellow or black circle, or a white star inside a bear in the top righthand corner. Please visit dhs.gov for more information.
    • 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.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code NPT.
    Was this information helpful?
    YesNo
    Tour pacing & mobility
    • You will walk for at least 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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    Health
    • 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.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code NPT.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?
    Time zones
    • New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming (plus Montana on the tour extension) are on Mountain Time (MT), which is two hours behind Eastern Time (ET). Please note that Arizona does not observe daylight saving time and is on Pacific Time (PT) from March through October.
    • When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 10am on tour.
    Was this information helpful?
    Currency
    • You will use the U.S. dollar 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.
    Was this information helpful?
    Tipping
    • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in USD.
    • We recommend tipping $8USD 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.
    Was this information helpful?
    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.
    Was this information helpful?

    Compare similar tours

    U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Yellowstone
    1535
    travelers

    4.7 star rating

    375 reviews
    12 days
    15 days with extension
    Extension
    Missoula & Glacier National Park|3 nights
    Overnight stays
    Santa Fe, New Mexico|2 nights
    Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado|1 night
    Kayenta, Arizona|1 night
    Grand Canyon, Arizona|2 nights
    Zion National Park, Utah|1 night
    Salt Lake City, Utah|1 night
    Jackson, Wyoming|3 nights
    From $4,129 $3,929*
    Currently viewing
    National Parks: Canadian Rockies, Glacier & Yellowstone
    1535
    travelers

    4.6 star rating

    96 reviews
    11 days
    Extension
    No extension
    Overnight stays
    Calgary, Alberta|1 night
    Banff Region|3 nights
    Glacier County, Montana|1 night
    Missoula, Montana|1 night
    Yellowstone Region, Montana|2 nights
    Jackson, Wyoming|2 nights
    From $4,609 $4,409*