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

12 days  |  15 days with Missoula & Glacier National Park extension  |  Estimated monthly payments as low as $198

Group size
15–35 travelers
Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars

496
Activity level

This tour’s itinerary varies over time. Select when you would like to travel:

Discover the untouched wilderness and enduring spirit of the American West on this National Parks Tour.

This itinerary is proof that you don’t have to go far to satisfy your wanderlust. Each day displays a new destination—and with it, new landscapes and adventures swathed in dusty oranges, sherbet pinks, and gemstone greens. You’ll follow the footsteps of America’s Indigenous peoples and learn about the explorers and settlers that followed them. Explore the ingeniously carved cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde in Colorado, gaze into the depths of the Grand Canyon in Arizona and stand in the shadow of the Grand Teton in Wyoming. And if frontier life beckons, consider extending your trip to Montana’s gritty, glacial expanse.

Special departures

Your tour package includes

  • 11 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 11 breakfasts
  • 1 lunch
  • 3 dinners with beer or wine
  • 8 sightseeing tours
  • Expert Tour Director & local guides
  • Private deluxe motor coach

Included highlights

  • Loretto Chapel
  • Mesa Verde National Park
  • Monument Valley
  • Grand Canyon
  • Zion National Park
  • Bryce Canyon National Park
  • The Grand Tetons
  • Yellowstone National Park

Itinerary

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Day 1: Arrival in Albuquerque & transfer to Santa Fe

Welcome to New Mexico! You’re officially in “The Land of Enchantment.” The monicker has been in use since the 1930s and when you look around, you’ll know why. As you transfer to your hotel in Santa Fe, keep an eye out for the Sandia Crest. This spruce- and fir-topped ridge is the highest point in the Sandia-Manzano Mountains at 10,679 feet, about twice the elevation of Denver, Colorado. Settle into your hotel this evening and prepare to meet the oldest state capital in the United States. (Santa Fe was founded in 1610—but the area was inhabited by Pueblo peoples for hundreds of years prior.)  

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Santa Fe

Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome lunch

Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of New Mexico’s capital. Santa Fe was settled by a Spanish conquistador nearly 500 years ago, and while we often picture America’s oldest buildings standing on the East Coast, this city boasts both one of the oldest European-style homes and one of the oldest churches in the United States. Join your guide today for a panoramic tour of this haven of history and art, known as “The City Different” for its inimitable mix of cultures.

  • Catch a sweeping view of Santa Fe, the Jemez Mountains, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains from the Cross of the Martyrs overlook. The cross honors 21 Franciscan friars who perished in the 1680 Pueblo Revolt, one of the few successful Indigenous rebellions against colonial settlers.
  • Pass the Romanesque Revival Saint Francis Cathedral, built of yellow limestone quarried in nearby Lamy. (Did you know: Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Willa Cather wrote a fictionalized account of the cathedral’s origins in Death Comes for the Archbishop.)
  • Travel through the plaza in the heart of the city to view a pair of beloved icons: the circa-1610 Palace of the Governors and the State Capitol, known as the “Roundhouse.” From above, the only circular state capitol in the United States resembles the Zia sun symbol (You’ll recognize it from the New Mexico state flag.) Although the resemblance wasn’t intentional, the circular design was chosen to symbolize openness and inclusivity.
  • Enter Loretto Chapel to view its miraculous staircase, whose construction is an engineering marvel steeped in lore. This intricately turned staircase makes two full 360-degree twists to reach the choir loft without a center pole for structural support, resting its entire weight on the bottom stair. Legend has it that a mysterious carpenter appeared with a donkey and tools to build the staircase—only to then disappear without a trace.

Later in the afternoon, enjoy a welcome lunch served with beer or wine with your fellow travelers.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars

Overall rating based on 496 traveler ratings

Showing 1-6 of 430 traveler reviews

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4 out of 5 stars

2nd-time traveler Donna, traveled in May 2025

5 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Anonymous, traveled in May 2025

National Park Tour

5 out of 5 stars

2nd-time traveler Anonymous, traveled in May 2025

2400 miles in 12 days! I’ve always wanted to see the Wild West and this trip provided an incredible itinerary! I never felt trapped on a bus, I felt the gift of being able to relax and wait for the next experience to unfold before me! There was never a dull moment! Phil is a...

EF Go Ahead Tours

Thank you for sharing your amazing journey! We’re so glad your adventure exceeded your expectations and gave you the freedom to relax and...

Great tour!

5 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Anonymous, traveled in Apr 2025

I found this tour very challenging but absolutely great! One park after another which were spectacular & unique! Tour director divine & so knowledgeable! Bus driver amazing & absolutely professional & safety minded! Recommend everyone to go but be physically fit for the...

Balloon festival

3 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Michael, traveled in Oct 2024

The tour was good, other than losing our hotel at Bryce Canyon and waiting to re-schedule another hotel. Still don’t know who was at fault. We had an expensive item stolen at our first hotel. We had insurance, but we were led to believe to do the claim after our trip was...

Go Ahead Tours

Thank you for leaving a review. We did reach out to you directly to offer support regarding your lost item, and we’re sorry to hear that...

Great tour albeit 5hour bus breakdown with no comp

3 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Carol, traveled in Oct 2024

First I would to say I really enjoyed this tour, the tour guide Phil and bus driver Rory were excellent. However I would give the company a 3/5 stars as our bus broke down on the highway and it took 5 hours before a replacement could reach us, that could not be helped, but I...

EF Go Ahead

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your tour overall and that Phil...

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Showing 1–6 of 430 reviews

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.

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Sante 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 Meow Wolf, El Rancho de las Golondrinas, and the Santa Fe Botanical Garden.

Mesa Verde National Park - 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 be surrounded by the beautiful wilderness.

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 Monument Valley Tribal Park, Navajo Cultural Center, and stunning desert views.

Grand Canyon - Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel

This welcoming hotel is located in Tusayan, Arizona. Guests enjoy comfortable rooms with Southwestern decor, a seasonal outdoor pool and year-round indoor spa for relaxation, and an on-site restaurant serving Southwestern fare...

Zion National Park - Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale

Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park is set amidst the towering red rock cliffs of Zion National Park, adjacent to the Virgin River. Discover the majesty of Zion from our hotel and enjoy easy access to quaint...

Salt Lake City - Hampton Inn Salt Lake City Downtown

This inviting hotel is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Guests enjoy comfortable rooms with ergonomic workspaces, a heated indoor pool for year-round relaxation, and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet to start your day off...

Jackson - 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 Grand Teton National Park, the National Elk Refuge, and Jackson Hole.

Glacier Region - Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kalispell

This comfortable hotel is located in Kalispell outside of Glacier National Park. Guests enjoy the indoor pool, sun deck, and fitness center. Nearby you'll find Mission Trail Park, the Hockaday Museum of Art, and Flathead Lake.

Missoula - Courtyard by Marriott Missoula

This relaxing hotel is located in Missoula. Guests enjoy the indoor pool, fitness center, and bistro. Nearby you'll find Glacier National Park, the Aerial Fire Depot and Smoke Jumpers Center, and a handful of restaurants.

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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 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

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This itinerary varies over time

DateExtensionPrice
2025
Call to book
Available
$4,789
Call to book
Available
$4,789
Available
$4,769
Available

$4,539, $150 off $4,689

Waitlisted
Available
$4,759
3 spots left
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$4,759

$4,559, $200 off $4,759

5 left at this price

$4,309, $450 off $4,759

$4,379
WaitlistedSpecial departure
$4,819
$4,379
WaitlistedSpecial departure
$4,819
Special departure
$4,819
$4,379
2026
Available
$4,879
Available
$4,879
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$4,729, $150 off $4,879

Available

$4,729, $200 off $4,929

Available

$4,829, $150 off $4,979

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$4,959
Available
$4,959
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$4,959
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$4,809, $150 off $4,959

Available
$4,959
Available

$4,769, $200 off $4,969

Available

$4,719, $200 off $4,919

$4,919
Special departure
$4,979

$4,939, $150 off $5,089

WaitlistedSpecial departure
$4,979
Special departure
$5,029
$4,939
2027
Available
$4,879
Available
$4,909
Available
$4,909
Available
$4,909
Available
$4,959
$4,959
Available
$5,009
Available
$4,989
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$4,989
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$4,989
Available
$4,949
Available
$4,949
$4,949
$4,969
Special departure
$5,009
$4,969
Special departure
$5,009
Special departure
$5,009