Compare Parks & Canyons Spectacular with Denver by Globus vs Utah's National Parks from Las Vegas by Tours of Distinction
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
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5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 5,709 | $ 4,305 |
| Price Per Day | $ 381 | $ 538 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description | Grand Canyon or Grand Teton? Yellowstone or the Black Hills? Wild Bill or Crazy Horse? You don’t have to decide which famous canyon, park, or personality to discover on your next tour of the Western U.S. With visits to the country’s most fascinating destinations in one spectacular vacation, this national parks tour is a buffet of bucket-list adventure. Dig into the natural wonders of Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Canyon National Parks – as well as the manmade masterpieces of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial – as you digest the beauty of South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona. A slice of cowboy life awaits in the Old West towns of Deadwood, Sheridan, Cody, and Jackson, where you’ll travel by horse-drawn wagons into the Cache Creek Canyon for a chuckwagon cookout. More adventure is served in the stunning landscapes of Lake Powell and the Painted Desert – and decadent Las Vegas. Kick off your national parks vacation by kicking around Colorado’s cosmopolitan capital. The list of things to do in the “Mile High City” is easily a mile long. Museums and music, breweries and boutiques, and performing arts and parks await. |
Marvel at the surreal tableau of unforgettable landscapes exploring Utah’s mighty five National Parks… cruise Route 66, take leisurely cruise on scenic Lake Powell, experience Navajo culture, step into a painting at Antelope Canyon and unwind at a BBQ under the stars… experience the west on this tour like never before. |
Day 1: DENVER, COLORADO
Welcome to Denver! Free time in the Mile-High City this evening.
FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE At 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver is called the Mile-High City for a reason. This gateway to the Rocky Mountains is the perfect place to kick back with a view of the sunset over Mount Evans while enjoying a local IPA or Colorado coffee after dinner. Explore the best eateries in LoDo (lower downtown) or other exciting venues this beautiful city has to offer.
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Day 2: DENVER–RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA
The City of Presidents Meet your Tour Director this morning and enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Hills to Rapid City. At 6 pm, join your Tour Director and fellow travel companions for a welcome drink. Free time this evening. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS From a distance, the Black Hills of Dakota cut a dark figure rising above the plains, giving it the Lakota name of Paha Sapa (black hills). Upon closer inspection, this region is overflowing with western wildlife and natural wonders that go on as far as the eye can see. Keep an eye out where the deer and the antelope play – as well as herds of bison that roam the rolling hills.
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Day 3: RAPID CITY. EXCURSION TO CRAZY HORSE & MOUNT RUSHMORE MEMORIALS
Stone-Faced Patriots After an orientation tour of Rapid City, visit Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT MONUMENTAL HISTORY Visit the dramatic depiction of Chief Crazy Horse at the massive memorial built in honor of the fearless Sioux Chief – forever remembered for the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Afterward, explore Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which features the monumental likenesses of four U.S. presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt—carved on the face of a mountain. Take a stroll along the Presidential Trail for more intimate views of this moving monument or visit the Information Center.
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Day 4: RAPID CITY–DEADWOOD–SHERIDAN, WYOMING
Sheriffs & Sharpshooters This morning, enjoy a scenic drive through Black Hills National Forest and experience the area’s fascinating history on a guided tour of Deadwood. Then, continue through the Black Hills to the cattle town of Sheridan at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local family-run restaurant featuring true Rocky Mountain hospitality. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDS & LORE The legendary town of Deadwood is home to the ghosts of the Wild West, where bold frontiersmen and optimistic gold miners set down stakes in this untamed mining town. Hear the rip-roaring stories of legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Potato Creek Johnny while exploring the streets where shoot-outs and sheriffs ruled the day.
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Day 5: SHERIDAN–LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD NATIONAL MONUMENT–CODY
Buffalo Bill & Brave Warriors Journey this morning into southern Montana to visit Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Continue your scenic drive through the Bighorn Mountains, arriving in Cody – named for its native son, Buffalo Bill Cody. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY HISTORY Visit Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, the site commemorating one of America’s most famous battles. Tour the battlegrounds where Custer was defeated by approximately 7,000 Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors, and visit the museum.
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Day 6: CODY–YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Legends of the Wild West This morning, visit the Buffalo Bill Center of The West, a comprehensive museum of historic weapons and Western art. Then, continue through Shoshone National Forest to Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, where wild animals roam freely in vast meadows and forest. Enjoy several photo stops along the way to your hotel. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Cavalry scout, Pony Express rider, ranch hand, wagon train driver, city planner, railroad contractor, bison hunter, fur trapper, gold prospector, Native American advocate, feminist, and inventor of modern Show Business, William Cody’s legend rides on as a symbol of the unbridled possibilities of the early American West. “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s horsemanship and sharpshooting skills gained notice by the U.S. Army and his Wild West shows endeared him to the elite audiences of Europe.
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Day 7: YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
The Living Earth Spend the day exploring Yellowstone. Travel along Grand Loop Road to Fountain Paint Pot to see the bubbling mud. See the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone for magnificent views of the Canyon and the spectacular Lower Falls—almost twice as high as Niagara Falls! Next, stop at Mammoth Hot Springs and take a short trail walk through steaming limestone terraces. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Designated as a national park by law 150 years ago, President Ulysses S. Grant worked to preserve and protect the wild landscapes, native heritage, spectacular wildlife, and extraordinary geologic and ecological phenomena that make this Rocky Mountain paradise a treasure today and for future generations to treasure. From geysers to grizzlies and great bison, no one leaves the park without being changed forever by the natural wonder witnessed in any of its 2.2 million acres of pristine wilderness.
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Day 8: YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK–GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK–JACKSON
Glacial Giants Journey south into breathtaking Grand Teton National Park. Visit beautiful glacier-fed Jenny Lake at the foot of the rugged spires for a delightful walk along the shore. Enjoy freshly made [LF] huckleberry ice cream while enjoying your beautiful surroundings. Continue to the all-Western town of Jackson. This evening, enjoy an experience dinner at [LF] Bar T-5 Chuckwagon Cookout and Wild West show. (Breakfast,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Out West, life’s simple pleasures never go out of style…like fresh Huckleberry ice cream served in the great outdoors of Jenny Lake. Another Local Favorite to experience the Wild West is aboard a horse-drawn covered wagon ride through the forest to Cache Creek Canyon. Enjoy an authentic Bar T-5 Chuckwagon Cookout and Wild West Show, while dining on slow-cooked chicken from a traditional Dutch oven, along with other delicious western specialties. Wagons ho!
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Day 9: JACKSON
Peak Experiences Spend a full free day to explore this spectacular Rocky Mountain town beneath the Grand Tetons. (Breakfast)
FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in Jackson with an optional float trip along the Snake River, stroll along the downtown boardwalks to enjoy a drink at one of the local saloons, or explore one of the many galleries that call Jackson home.
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Day 10: JACKSON–SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
This is the Place Today’s journey continues alongside some of Wyoming’s most beautiful mountain ranges into Utah, home to five national parks. Arrive in Salt Lake City, founded by Brigham Young in 1847. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Capitol city and its historic monuments before arriving at your hotel. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT The capital city of Utah was first established in 1847 by early pioneer settlers led by Brigham Young, who exclaimed, “This is the right place,” upon seeing its vistas and verdant landscapes. Today, Salt Lake City remains the heart of the Mormon faith, as well as a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, skiers, and a diverse population of ideas and lifestyles.
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Day 11: SALT LAKE CITY–BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Rock Stars Today, travel through sagebrush landscape to Bryce Canyon National Park. The balance of the day is at your leisure. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Explore Bryce Canyon’s fantastically sculpted rock formations called Hoodoos that resemble castle towers, cathedral spires, and squatting goblins. As the light changes throughout the day, the natural amphitheaters and canyons glow between distinct oranges, reds, and yellows creating a striking background for photographic masterpieces. Spend the day hiking into the park’s natural amphitheaters, photographing the changing light on the Hoodoos, or searching for one of the dozens of species that call this unique place home.
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Day 12: BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK–ZION NATIONAL PARK–LAKE POWELL
Stones that Touch the Sky After breakfast, say goodbye to the Hoodoos and descend into a stunning ½-mile-deep canyon for Zion National Park. Enjoy a boxed picnic lunch on the front lawn of Zion Lodge with free time to explore. Continue into Arizona and the town of Page, nestled on the shores of Lake Powell. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATIONAL PARK PERFECTION Meaning a place of peace and refuge known to nourish the soul, Zion’s sandstone walls rise thousands of feet above the valleys and cliffs high above the canyon floor’s lush greenery and snaking Virgin River. Here, Native people and pioneers first gazed skyward at soaring cliffs of cream, pink, and red piercing the brilliant blue sky.
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Day 13: LAKE POWELL–PAINTED DESERT–GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Life is Grand This morning, you may wish to join our optional flight over Monument Valley for a bird’s-eye view of the red-sandstone monoliths, made famous by many Western movies and TV shows. Afterward, cross the Painted Desert with its ever-changing colors, and catch your first glimpse of the world-famous Grand Canyon National Park. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Grand Canyon National Park spans 278 miles of the Colorado River on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Marvel at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World as you experience the dramatic views across one of the most spectacular examples of landscapes carved by water and wind found anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Afternoon arrival allows free time to explore the canyon rim on your own. Be sure to take an evening stroll to savor the magnificent sunset.
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Day 14: GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK–LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Route 66 to Vegas! After a bit of free time this morning, travel on a stretch of legendary Route 66 to Las Vegas, one of America’s most famous cities. Enjoy a sightseeing tour while en route to your hotel, located in the heart of the “Strip” for easy access to all the mega-casinos and attractions. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (Breakfast,Dinner)
FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take our optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon, before driving to Las Vegas. Enjoy free time to stroll the bright lights of the Strip, maybe throw a few dice, or try your hand at the slot machines. Your Tour Director has all the tips you need to experience Vegas in style. Check your GlobusGO mobile app for maps and dining suggestions as well!
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Day 15: LAS VEGAS
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more in las Vegas? Additional nights are available for purchase. (Breakfast)
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Day 1 - Arrive Las Vegas, NV
Today, transfer to the airport for your flight to Las Vegas. Upon our arrival, we transfer to our hotel on the Las Vegas strip. This evening, there is a Tours of Distinction exclusive welcome reception with the remainder of the evening free to explore the vibrant nightlife that is Vegas.
Day 2 - Grand Canyon Village, AZ
After breakfast, we depart Las Vegas and travel past Lake Mead and Hoover Dam as we enter Arizona. We stop in Kingman to tour the Route 66 Museum, which highlights the glory days of cross country automobile travel. We travel Route 66 heading east through northern Arizona. This afternoon, we will see “One of the Wonders of the World,” Grand Canyon National Park. This 1.2 million acre national park hosts a vast variety of wildlife and scenic wonders. We will learn about the geology and history of the canyon while taking in its breathtaking beauty at all the best view points along the South Rim, including Grand Canyon Village. After, we check into our hotel just outside of the park. Dinner is included this evening.
Day 3 - Lake Powell, UT
Breakfast is included this morning before we make one more pass along the south rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. We include a stop at Desert View before exiting the park. Then, enter the Navajo Nation with a rest stop at Cameron Trading Post with time to explore the amazing gift shop. Next travel past the Vermillion Cliffs as you make your way to Page for an included lunch. Then take a spectacular tour through Antelope Canyon. The mysterious and haunting beauty of Antelope Canyon awaits the adventurous traveler who seeks to discover one of the most spectacular attractions of the Lake Powell area. A tour to this awe-inspiring sculpture set in stone is a must for amateur and professional photographers alike. An optional short hike to Horseshoe Bend for a stunning view of the Colorado River is available. Arrive Lake Powell Resort with the evening free to explore and have dinner on your own.
Day 4 - Monument Valley
The morning starts with breakfast and a scenic cruise on Lake Powell. The contrast of the red rock walls and emerald blue waters are a stunning sight as we glide through the canyons. After, there is time for lunch, on own. This afternoon, we depart Lake Powell and travel to famed Monument Valley, a sacred place to the Navajo. We will be immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the ‘Dineh’ people. Their arts, music and livelihood are all closely tied to the dramatic desert landscape that is their home. After checking in to our hotel, we meet our Navajo guide and board a 4-wheel drive vehicle for a scenic tour of Monument Valley; location for scores of famous western films, television programs and commercials. As we travel through the valley and visit famous locations, such as John Ford Point, Artist Point and The Totem Pole, we will also learn more of the Navajo traditions and way of life. This evening, we experience Navajo culture, food and entertainment at a Navajo Cookout. After a wonderful day, we settle into our hotel.
Day 5 - Arches National Park
After breakfast, we depart Monument Valley and head north, arriving at Dead Horse Point State Park for a picnic lunch and one of the most spectacular scenes in the southwest. We have the chance to see the expanse of Canyonlands National Park stretching to the south and the mighty Colorado River 2,000 feet below. From here, we are off to nearby Arches National Park for sightseeing. The 18,000 square-foot visitor center (with over 2,000 named arches within its 73,000-acre boundary) will introduce us to the unique geologic forces that created the highest concentration of natural arches in the world. We visit all of the park’s highlights including: Park Avenue, Balance Rock, The Windows and Delicate Arch. In the late afternoon, we embark on a fabulous experience, as we take a Jet Boat Ride on the mighty Colorado River through spectacular red rock canyons. As the sun dips in the west, the canyon colors come to life while we learn about the river’s ecosystem, geology and history. After the thrilling ride, we enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner served on the banks of the Colorado River. We later arrive at the beautiful Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge which is located on the bank of the mighty Colorado, and check in for a two night stay. This area has been the site of numerous classic western movies including Rio Grande with John Wayne.
Day 6 - Canyonlands National Park
Our day starts after breakfast by meeting our professional driver guide and board 4x4 vehicles for a Jeep Tour of Canyonlands National Park. The Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park is the focus of this outstanding tour. Set 2,000 feet above the canyon floor, we descend from the top of the mesa via the famous Shafer Trail. Using switchbacks, the tour will take us from atop the mesa to the meandering river corridor below. Throughout the tour, our guide will provide information on the Park and the scenery. What an exciting morning in Canyonlands! Enjoy free time in Moab to have lunch on own, and to do some shopping and exploring. This afternoon, we return to Red Cliffs where we have the rest of the day free to relax and soak in the scenery. There is time to visit the Utah Movie Museum and the Castle Creek Winery, both included, at your leisure. Dinner, this evening, will be served outside with the quintessential western scenery of Castle Valley in full view.
Day 7 - Bryce Canyon National Park
From breakfast, we depart Moab for Capitol Reef National Park. We pass through the town of Green River and the San Rafael Swell. We will see ancient petroglyphs, beautiful rock formations, deep canyons and pioneer history followed by a wonderful picnic lunch under towering cottonwood trees. We will drive scenic Highway 12, designated as an ‘All American Road,’ through Grand Staircase ~ Escalante National Monument, before arriving at Bryce Canyon National Park for sightseeing. Later, we check into our hotel for the evening. This evening is free to enjoy dinner, on own.
Day 8 - Zion National Park - Depart Las Vegas
We depart after breakfast on a short drive to see Utah’s oldest and most famous national park, Zion National Park. The Paiutes believed mischievous spirits lived among the 2,000-foot high towers and would not enter the canyon alone or remain there after dark. There will be time for lunch on own before crossing the desert returning to the glitz and glam of Las Vegas. After an amazing trip through some of our nation’s greatest natural treasures, we enjoy a farewell dinner before being transferred to the airport for your flight home.
