U.S. National Parks - The Rockies to San Francisco

Upon arrival at Denver International Airport, transfer independently to your hotel and you will meet your Tour Director.

This morning, enjoy a short city tour of the "Mile High City", including the gold-domed State Capitol whose 13th step on the west side of the building is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level - one mile high. A short distance from Denver you'll enter Rocky Mountain National Park where you'll feel like you're on top of the world. Here, 415 square miles encompass and protect spectacular mountain environments.



And if you thought the journey to the park was beautiful, just wait until you experience Trail Ridge Road. Known appropriately as the "Highway to the Sky", and offering incomparable views in every direction, Trail Ridge Road winds past countless peaks, through tundra high above the tree line, and crosses the Continental Divide at 12,183 feet. Continue to Cheyenne, Wyoming's capital city that embodies the spirit of the Old West. Considered the nation's railroad capital, Cheyenne is home to a collection of steam engines, including Old Number 4004, the world's largest steam locomotive and one of the eight remaining Big Boys on display throughout the country.

Your journey begins this morning with a visit to Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Originally established as a private fur trading fort, this "grand old post" evolved into the largest and best-known military post on the Northern Plains and witnessed the entire sweeping saga of America's western expansion. Continue through the majestic beauty of South Dakota's the Black Hills to Mount Rushmore National Memorial where you'll come face to face with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, and America's rich heritage.

Today, crossing back into Wyoming en route to Cody, you'll travel through Bighorn National Forest where undisturbed rolling hills, alpine lakes, craggy cliffs, thick pine forests and the Bighorn Mountains dominate the landscape. Upon arrival in Cody you'll visit the Buffalo Bill Museum. Celebrating the spirit of the American West, including the culture and art that bring the heritage of Wyoming alive, the Buffalo Bill Museum focus' on the life and times of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, the town founder and a living legend. In the evening enjoy attractions that include rodeos, gun fight reenactments and cowboy music (seasonal).

Today, take an unforgettable journey into America's first national park and nature's wonderland - Yellowstone National Park. Here, the Earth is in action with geysers, mountain ranges and rivers, waterfalls, and ancient volcanoes. The iconic spots - Old Faithful and Yellowstone Canyon - will be familiar from photographs, but seeing them in person is a humbling experience. They're not just as good as you've heard - they're better. This mountain wildland is also home to eagles, grizzly and black bears, buffalo, elk and much more, so you're bound to see wildlife wherever you go.

An exquisite mountain landscape where jagged peaks tower more than a mile above the Jackson Hole valley, Grand Teton National Park is located just south of Yellowstone. Rising above a scene rich with extraordinary wildlife, pristine lakes and alpine terrain, the Teton Range dominates the park's skyline and stands as a monument to the people who fought to protect it. A stop will be made at the Snake River Overlook, a location made famous by Ansel Adams, where views of the Snake River flowing along the mountains puts the size of the Tetons into perspective. Continue to Jackson Hole, an area encompassed on all sides by mountain barriers.

Today's journey takes you through scenic Southern Idaho to Salt Lake City, the Mormon state of Utah's capital & most populous city. Upon arrival, enjoy views of the State Capitol Building & downtown's historic Temple Square, home to the 6-spired Salt Lake Temple & domed Tabernacle of the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir, prior to arriving at your hotel. This evening we recommend dining at The Roof Restaurant (optional). The Roof offers an extravagant buffet & inspiring views of the Salt Lake Valley & Temple Square.

Your tour ends upon check out from your hotel. We hope you have had a memorable journey on our Rocky Mountain High tour!