America's Magnificent National Parks - end Rapid City, Classic Group
America's Magnificent National Parks - end Rapid City, Classic Group
America's Magnificent National Parks - end Rapid City, Classic Group
15 Days Starting in Phoenix (AZ) and ending in Rapid City
Visiting: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Salt Lake City, Jackson, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful Geyser of California, Cody, Ucross, Devils Tower, Spearfish Canyon, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt. Rushmore, Rapid City
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AAMCRZN20
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Explore America's top national parks on this 15-Day guided tour. After an evening in Scottsdale, start your journey in bohemian Sedona, where spiritual seekers and nature lovers alike will revel in its red-hued mountainous landscape. Take a short jaunt to the Grand Canyon, where a Local Expert will show you the wonders of America’s most famed natural beauty. In Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Make Travel Matter and board all-terrain vehicles and ride through the desert with your Navajo guide. Glide through Zion National Park on a private shuttle, before watching the red cliffs and valleys give way to the Rocky Mountains of Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Finally, scale the 563-foot-tall Crazy Horse Memorial and stand face-to-face with the stone carving of the Lakota warrior.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Phoenix And Travel To Scottsdale
Location: Phoenix, Scottsdale
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Valley Ho, Scottsdale
Welcome to Arizona, famous for its scenic road trips, towering Monument Valley, and of course the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Head to Scottsdale at your leisure to explore Old Scottsdale, a vibrant and unique urban downtown area that introduces you the best of the state. Here, you’ll be surrounded by retro wooden buildings, rodeo inspired artwork and a selection of local stores, all radiating a classic Southwestern flair. Savor a dinner accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travelers.
Day 2: Sedona And The Wonders Of The Mighty Grand Canyon
Location: Scottsdale, Sedona, Grand Canyon National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Grand Canyon National Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel through world-renowned Red Country along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, one of only 20 designated All-American Roads nationwide. Explore bohemian Sedona with its shops and galleries, or simply take in the exceptional beauty of Red Rock Country before you make your way to the Grand Canyon. Follow Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Byway through Coconino National Forest, a breathtaking stretch of road recognized by Rand McNally as one of the Top Five Most Scenic Drives in America. On arrival, you can take an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon. Whether you prefer a helicopter or a fixed-wing plane, you'll enjoy magnificent scenery with aerial views from above. Meet your Local Expert, Tim at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to discover its wonders. You'll learn all about the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon, its rock formations and the human impact on this natural masterpiece. He'll also talk to you about the local flora and fauna, and where you might be able to spot them.
Day 3: Monument Valley And Lake Powell
Location: Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Lake Powell
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Early risers will witness one of Mother Nature's grandest shows on earth: a sunrise over the Grand Canyon. Travel along the South Rim Desert View Drive, skirting the South Rim of the canyon. We will stop at Desert View Point to see the historic Watchtower built by Mary Colter in the Puebloan style, the Colorado River turning north and the Painted Desert extending towards Navajo and Hopi Indian lands. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® as your visit supports the Grand Canyon Conservancy and their development of the Desert Viewpoint Intertribal Cultural Heritage Site. Head to the Cameron Trading Post, one of the oldest and most historic general stores in Arizona. Enter Monument Valley Tribal Park, where you'll join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet your Navajo Local Experts and board all-terrain vehicles with open sides for a private, off-the-beaten path exploration of this magical valley. Learn about Navajo history, culture and heritage from your expert as you travel deeper into the natural wonders of this unique landscape. Enjoy a Navajo cookout lunch amid the giant buttes and mesas of this unique landscape. Travel to your resort nestled in Lake Powell. This evening, enjoy dinner with wine in the Rainbow Room.
Day 4: Leisurely Lake Powell Relaxed Start
Location: Lake Powell
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is entirely yours to do as you please. Partake in one of our popular Optional Experiences, explore on your own, or simply relax by the resort swimming pool with views of Lake Powell. As an optional activity this morning, let yourself be tempted by a gentle trip down the Colorado River. Calmly float past some of the most awe-inspiring sites, like the iconic Horseshoe Bend and Petroglyph Beach. Or, explore the iconic and picturesque Antelope Canyon with a local Navajo (Diné) guide. Tonight, Navajo culture takes center stage with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Red Heritage. This Navajo-owned preforming arts theater will delight as you see local tribal members sing, share a colorful pow wow dance, flute playing and live drum music over dinner and drinks.
Day 5: Bryce Canyon National Park
Location: Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Zion National Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey across a wide-open landscape punctuated by colorful sandstone cliffs, sagebrush-covered flats, and high ridges dotted with piñon pine and juniper. Travel through Bryce Canyon Country on a portion of the Scenic Highway 89, recognized by National Geographic as the No. 1 Driver's Drive in the world. You will be struck by the beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park, an otherworldly landscape of red rock pillars known as hoodoos, pink cliffs, and endless vistas. Follow the Rim Trail from Surprise Point to Bryce Point. Stops will be made at the major viewpoints and there will be time for a leisurely walk along Sunset Point or a more physical hike down the canyon. Either way, you will be spellbound by the beauty and majesty of this dramatic natural landscape.
Day 6: Zion National Park Relaxed Start
Location: Zion National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Zion National Park Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning, as you have a full day to explore the Zion National Park. After a leisurely breakfast, you will tour the canyon aboard a privately chartered open-air vehicle, with live commentary from a Local Expert to show you the many scenic highlights of the canyon. Explore Zion National Park further with Insight Choice. Choose to join your Travel Director for a guided hike to the Emerald Pools. Alternatively, take a self-guided leisurely stroll along the Virgin River Walk and keep your eye out for wildlife.
Day 7: Salt Lake City
Location: Zion National Park, Salt Lake City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Salt Lake City
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you make your way out of Zion National Park and travel to Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah. In the evening join your fellow travelers for a dinner with wine at the hotel.
Day 8: Jackson And The Tetons
Location: Salt Lake City, Jackson
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Elk Country Inn, Jackson Hole
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before leaving Salt Lake City, take in the State Capitol building. Drive along the scenic Logan Canyon, over the Wasatch Mountain Range, and up to the Bear Lake Summit. Stop for lunch on your own near Bear Lake offering views of beautiful turquoise waters. You will then head north across the Oregon Trail to historic Jackson. Have your cameras ready for the famous elk antlers at the central square, while eager shoppers will find a number of charming traditional boutique galleries to browse. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure, with your hotel located only a short walk away from Jackson's Town Square.
Day 9: Yellowstone National Park
Location: Jackson, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to a mountainous view like no other and witness the striking Grand Tetons thrust skyward 13,775 feet (4,199 m) from the valley floor. This morning, you have the opportunity to partake in an optional scenic float down the Snake River (signed waiver required) inside Grand Teton National Park. In keeping with today’s rustic country charm, you’ll enter Yellowstone, the world’s first National Park. Known for its unique geothermal activity, spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife, you’ll experience Wyoming in all its glory. Keep an eye out for black bears or wolves. Tonight you’ll stay in the National Park Lodges, allowing you to experience the park after hours, in its natural habitat.
Day 10: Geysers And Colorful Hot Springs
Location: Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful Geyser of California
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Meals Included: Breakfast
Savor the surreal surroundings of Yellowstone with a relaxed start. Walk among the rainbow tinted hot springs and watch the erupting geysers as you take in the history of the park on an informative stroll with your Travel Director. Catch the renowned colorful bubbling mud pots and observe Old Faithful geyser shooting water over 120 feet (37 meters) into the air. In the afternoon, enjoy the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone as you take in stunning natural wonders. While driving through Hayden Valley, famous for its wildlife, keep an eye out for wolves, bears, elk and hundreds of bison. The rest of the evening is at leisure for you to relax.
Day 11: The Ranch At Ucross
Location: Yellowstone National Park, Cody, Ucross
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ranch at UCross, Clearmont
Meals Included: Breakfast
Set off on your travels through the stark Shoshone Canyon and Absaroka Rocky Mountains, leading you to the Wild West Town of Cody. Channel your inner showman and learn more about America’s great Western legends at the Buffalo Bill Center, known for its Western art collection, firearms, and natural history. Travel through the Bighorn National Forest to the Ranch at UCross. Take in the rustic charm as you're hosted at a traditional Wyoming Family ranch. Start off the evening with a cocktail hour in the historic Ranch House bar. After a home-cooked dinner, enjoy a fire pit with live entertainment, including country, folk and bluegrass music.
Day 12: Devils Tower Into The Black Hills
Location: Ucross, Devils Tower, Spearfish Canyon
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Spearfish Canyon Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Live the American frontier dream and begin your day with a scenic country horseback ride (waiver required) accompanied by a Ranch Hand. If playing cowboy isn’t your thing, perhaps go fishing or merely relax and take in your beautiful surroundings, the choice is yours. Make your way to Devils Tower, an astounding geological feature that protrudes out of the surrounding Black Hills. This symbolic landmark is considered sacred to the Lakota and other tribes. Experience Spearfish Canyon, a favored spot among wildlife enthusiasts and one famous for its elvish woodland beauty. The limestone palisades of this creek-carved gorge are more ancient than the Grand Canyon itself.
Day 13: Custer And The Wild, Wild West
Location: Spearfish Canyon, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: State Game Lodge, Custer State Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
A day for those looking to explore the Wild West, try to spot the fastest mammal in North America, the pronghorn antelope as you cross the great high plains to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Our first stop this morning is the Oglala Lakota Living History Museum for a one-of-a-kind MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Visit Badlands National Park in South Dakota, 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in America. A hidden gem in the national park system, the unique beauty of the Badlands landscape is unlike any other.
Day 14: Mountain Monuments Of The Black Hills Relaxed Start
Location: Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: State Game Lodge, Custer State Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, see the granite faces of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Later, you'll experience the Crazy Horse Memorial - the world's largest mountain carving in honor of the Lakota warrior. With exclusive access not available to the general public, guests ascend 563 feet (172 meters) and have the opportunity to face the monument up close. Tonight, celebrate your travels over dinner with your Travel Director and new found friends.
Day 15: Depart Rapid City
Location: Rapid City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey comes to end today. Say goodbye to your travel companions and depart Rapid City on a scheduled shuttle bus transfer arranged by the Travel Director. Please provide your flight details to your Travel Director as soon as possible. Guests have the option to end the tour in Rapid City or Denver at time of booking.
What's Included
-
Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
-
Fully Guided
Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
What's Not Included
Mode of Transport
Travel through Bryce Canyon Country on a portion of the Scenic Highway 89, recognized by National Geographic as the No. 1 Driver's Drive in the world. Tour Zion National Park aboard a privately chartered open-air vehicle, with live commentary from a Local Expert.
Accommodation
Stay in the National Park Lodges, allowing you to experience the park after hours, in its natural habitat. Enjoy the rustic charm of a traditional Wyoming Family ranch at the Ranch at UCross.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 14 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 1 Dinner (D)
Additional Included Highlights
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
Insight Experiences
- Grand Canyon National Park: Join your Local Expert, Canyon Tim, for an informative talk about the wonders of the Grand Canyon. With over seven years of experience in geology, you'll learn about the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon, its rock formation and its current impact. You'll also discover the local flora and fauna, and find out where you might be able to spot elk, mule deer, coyotes, grey foxes, bobcats and mountain lions.
- Black Hills: Visit Crazy Horse Memorial, which is dedicated to protecting and preserving the culture, tradition and living heritage of the Native American people. A special Insight Experience awaits as you are taken up to stand face-to-face with this impressive sculpture. Measuring 641 feet (195 meters) long and 563 feet (172 meters) high, the piece takes the record as the world’s largest mountain carving.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
Check out our Q&As
-
What is the tipping policy?
Hotel and restaurant tips are included. All taxes and porterage charges at hotels are also included.
-
What is the maximum group size?
The maximum group size is 40.
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Guests make their own arrangements for arrival transfers, and for departure transfers unless the last day is a travel day ending with an airport drop (see itinerary for airport arrival times). Insight Vacations offers the option to purchase private transfers for selected cities. Guests may check at time of booking if those are offered for the selected itinerary.
-
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
-
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Balanced- These tours generally have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day and may involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026
Saturday - Saturday
Apr 26, 2025 - May 10, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 10, 2025 - May 24, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 17, 2025 - May 31, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 24, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 31, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Friday - Friday
Jul 18, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 23, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 20, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 25, 2026 - May 09, 2026Saturday - Saturday
May 09, 2026 - May 23, 2026Saturday - Saturday
May 16, 2026 - May 30, 2026Saturday - Saturday
May 23, 2026 - Jun 06, 2026Saturday - Saturday
May 30, 2026 - Jun 13, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jun 20, 2026 - Jul 04, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 11, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 18, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jul 11, 2026 - Jul 25, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jul 18, 2026 - Aug 01, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Aug 22, 2026 - Sep 05, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Sep 19, 2026 - Oct 03, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions