2019 USA National Parks » Small Group Tour

Australia to Salt Lake City

Depart Australia on flights through to Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah. This city is bordered by the buoyant waters of the Great Salt Lake and the snow-capped peaks of the Wasatch Range. Downtown’s 10-acre Temple Square (headquarters of the Mormon Church), is home to the 19th-century Salt Lake Temple and the neo-Gothic Assembly Hall. The acclaimed Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs in the square’s domed Tabernacle. Crystal Lake Inn (2 nights)

Salt Lake City Sightseeing Tour

Our sightseeing tour of the city takes us to the magnificent six spired Salt Lake Mormon Temple, the Governor's Mansion, the Old Mormon Pioneer Trail, the Pony Express Station, the Olympic Village and the University of Utah.

Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole

We continue our tour by driving 440km north through Utah, into Idaho and finishing in Wyoming’s magnificent Grand Teton National Park. We spend two evenings in the Wild West mountain resort town of Jackson Hole, a valley between the Teton Mountain Range and the Gros Ventre Range. Quality Inn and Suites (2 nights)

Grand Tetons Touring

From Jackson Hole, we head out for a full day of adventure exploring the marvellous Grand Teton National Park. Established in 1929, the national park was named after the mighty Grand Teton, the tallest mountain in the range standing at 13,775 ft. The park is just one mile north of Jackson Hole and is beautifully rich with wildlife, pristine lakes and alpine terrain. You’ll find these mountains are truly magic and will inspire your imagination!

Jackson Hole to Yellowstone

Today’s journey promises gorgeous vistas as we travel 285km northeast through Wyoming to the Wild West town of Cody. Founded by and named after iconic Wild West figure Buffalo Bill (William Frederick Cody) in 1896. This classic American cowboy town is full of historic memorabilia and is the gateway to the glorious Yellowstone National Park. Comfort Inn (2 nights)

Yellowstone National Park Touring

Today we tour one of the marvels of the world, Yellowstone National Park. It houses over 10,000 hot springs and geysers, including Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs and the rainbow coloured Grand Prismatic Spring. Filled with deep canyons, rocky peaks and alpine rivers, it’s also home to a range of wildlife including bison, elk, wolf, moose and bear.

Yellowstone to Rapid City

We continue our journey heading 600km east through Wyoming and into South Dakota. Rapid City is known as the Gateway to ‘The Black Hills’ and ‘The City of Presidents’. Before heading to Mt. Rushmore you might like to stroll down ‘Presidential Walk’ to see full-size statues of the American Presidents. Hotel Alex Johnson (3 nights)

Mt Rushmore Touring

Into the Black Hills we go, where we visit the famous Mt. Rushmore National Monument, with its 60ft granite presidential faces. Here you can meet Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln!

Blackhills and Custer State Park

Adventuring out of the city and back into the Black Hills, you’ll notice this area is a very spiritual and sacred place for Native Americans. We travel south through the Black Hills and into Custer State Park. Wide open plains surround us as well as bison herds, fishing lakes and huge rock formations such as the Needle’s Eye.

Rapid City to Cheyenne

We journey 465km south back into Wyoming to Cheyenne. Originally a small Wild West town, Cheyenne has kept true to its cowboy heritage, despite now being the state’s capital! Plains Hotel (1 night)

Cheyenne to Snowmass via Rocky Mountain National Park

This morning we depart Wyoming and travel 460km south into Colorado. We journey through the spectacular Rocky Mountain National Park to the town of Snowmass. The village was settled by ranching families in the 1890s. Snowmass is surrounded by mountain peaks and lovely walking trails. Wildwood Inn and Suites(2 nights)

Aspen Touring

Today we have an opportunity to explore the heart of Colorado Rockies. In summer, the snow melts and a natural wonderland is revealed. Lush Aspen trees soar toward the sky, providing a canopy of green. Shadows dance between leaves, while sunlight sparkles on the surface of the Roaring Fork River.

Snowmass to Moab

We drive 360km to Moab, the gateway to the remarkable Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The town is surrounded by some of the most stunning red rock landscapes on Earth. Moab has a unique combination of small town hospitality, beautiful scenery and the cool waters of the Colorado River. Archway Inn (3 nights)

Moab - Canyonlands and Arches

During our stay in Moab, we will take day tours to Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Millions of years ago, the Colorado and Green Rivers cut winding paths deep into rock, creating a series of rocky canyons that form the heart of this stunning wilderness. We take scenic drives through the parks, where you’ll see natural stone arches and amazing rock formations, which appear as though they have been shaped by an artist’s hand.

Moab - Canyonlands and Arches

During our stay in Moab, we will take day tours to Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Millions of years ago, the Colorado and Green Rivers cut winding paths deep into rock, creating a series of rocky canyons that form the heart of this stunning wilderness. We take scenic drives through the parks, where you’ll see natural stone arches and amazing rock formations, which appear as though they have been shaped by an artist’s hand.

Moab to Mesa Verde National Park

Today we journey 190km from Moab to the unique Mesa Verde National Park. Surrounded by wilderness, our lodging is right in the middle of park. Far View Lodge (3 nights)

Mesa Verde National Park Touring

We explore Mesa Verde, an incredible archaeological site which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park’s fascinating features are the 600 cliff dwellings, which were built into the canyon walls and inhabited by Puebloan people. These range from small houses to the 150-room Cliff Palace.

Silverton and Durango Railway

This morning we head to the former mining town of Silverton, where we board the famous 3ft narrow gauge ‘Silverton to Durango’ heritage railroad. Durango is a charming historic model of life in the 1800s with its saloons, historic mansions and old-time hotels.

Mesa Verde to Grand Canyon via Monument Valley

We depart Colorado and drive 440km into Arizona, the home of the Grand Canyon. Along the way we view the famous and spectacular buttes and mesas of Monument Valley, quite a sight! These ancient rocks have been the backdrop for numerous movies and TV shows. Red Feather Lodge (2 nights)

Grand Canyon Touring

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore one the world’s most phenomenal natural wonders. The Grand Canyon is 350km long and ranges in width from 6km to 29km. The mighty Colorado River runs along the canyon floor, at some points the canyon is over a mile deep!

Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon via Antelope Slot Canyon

In the morning we begin our 460km drive to Bryce Canyon. On the way we visit Antelope Slot Canyon, located on Navajo Land. An absolute feast for the eyes, this is one of the deepest and most photographed slot canyons in the world. We venture back into Utah and travel to Bryce Canyon National Park. BW Ruby’s Inn (2 nights)

Bryce Canyon

There is really no place like this in the world. Today we set off on our picturesque drive through Bryce Canyon National Park. Despite its name, it’s not actually a canyon; it’s a series of deep amphitheatres and coloured rock formations and hoodoos. These natural sculptures are the trademark of the park and will truly amaze you!

Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park

Today we head east through Utah travelling 135km into Zion National Park. You’ll notice the scenery changing from the fairy chimneys and bright reds and oranges of Bryce Canyon, to the scatterings of green amongst the red and white peaks of Zion National Park. Truly stunning. Bumbleberry Inn Zion (2 nights)

Zion National Park Touring

Zion is often said to be the most beautiful place in America. At the heart of this park is Zion Canyon, which was carved by the Virgin River, running through the canyon. This spectacular corner of Utah is a masterpiece of towering cliffs, deep red canyons buttes and massive monoliths.

Zion Park to Las Vegas

On the last leg of our tour we drive southeast into the Nevada desert to Las Vegas. Famous for ‘The Strip’, the city’s main street is lined with casinos and fancy hotels. NASA has named Las Vegas the brightest spot on Earth, with lights so bright can be seen from space! Las Vegas is commonly known as ‘The Entertainment Capital of the World,’ with some of the best shows on earth. The city’s image has often made it a popular setting for films and television programs. Gold Nugget Hotel (1 night)

Las Vegas to San Francisco to In Flight

In the afternoon we transfer to the airport and board our flights back to Australia.

In Flight

In Flight to Australia