From Grand Canyon to Yellowstone

Welcome to Las Vegas! Arrive at your hotel via airport shuttle or local taxi and settle in after your journey. Take time to relax this evening or explore a bit of the famous Las Vegas Strip before the adventures ahead begin. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: The STRAT Hotel & Casino or similar

Meals:  Nil

Depart Las Vegas this morning and journey along iconic stretches of historic Route 66, one of America’s most legendary highways. Traveling this classic route offers a nostalgic introduction to the Southwest, with vintage roadside stops, wide-open desert landscapes, and a glimpse into the golden age of American road travel. Upon arrival at Grand Canyon National Park, we set out together for a scenic group hike along the canyon rim, taking in sweeping views of one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders as the colors of the canyon shift throughout the afternoon light. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel or similar, Tusayan • Drive time: 270 mi / 440 km, or ~4 hrs total _____________________________________________________________________________ • Hiking: Rim Trail up to 4 mi / 6.5 km, minimal elevation gain

Meals:  B,L

Take the day to relax and take in the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. Stretching 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep, the canyon is far too vast to experience all at once, but today’s rim walk offers an unforgettable introduction to its scale, color, and ever-changing light. Start the visit by taking the shuttle to Hermit’s Rest, the westernmost point along the South Rim’s Hermit Road corridor, then walk back toward Grand Canyon Village along one of the most scenic stretches of the rim. Along the way, the trail reveals sweeping canyon views, dramatic overlooks, layered rock formations, and quiet moments away from the busiest viewpoints. Guests who prefer a shorter walk are welcome to hop on the shuttle earlier along the route, making this a flexible rim experience that can be adjusted for comfort, pace, and energy level. For those searching for a little excitement, helicopter tours, bike rentals and an IMAX theater (to be paid locally, not included in tour package) are available as well. As our day winds down, we shuttle to Page for the evening. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: The Clarion Inn or similar, Page • Drive time: 135 mi / 217 km, or ~3 hrs total _____________________________________________________________________________ • Activity: Hike up to 7.9 mi / 12.7 km; Elevation gain: 650 ft / 198 m

Meals:  B,L

Today begins with two of the Colorado Plateau’s most memorable sights: Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River curves dramatically around towering sandstone cliffs, and Antelope Canyon, where a guided tour takes us through sculpted sandstone passageways. Later, we journey through Monument Valley on Navajo Nation lands, taking in the iconic sandstone buttes that rise from the desert floor before continuing north toward Cortez for the evening. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Holiday Inn Express or similar, Cortez • Drive time: 250 mi / 400 km, or ~4.5 hrs total _____________________________________________________________________________ • Hiking: Horseshoe Bend, 1.5 mi / 2.5 km, 1 hr

Meals:  B,L

Today, we journey north through the spectacular San Juan Mountains along the famed Million Dollar Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the American West. Towering peaks, alpine forests, historic mining towns, and dramatic mountain passes unfold around every corner as we make our way toward Glenwood Springs. Along the route, your guide will stop at scenic overlooks and mountain towns where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the incredible scenery of southwestern Colorado. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Courtyard Marriott, Glenwood Springs • Drive time: 300 mi / 480 km, or ~5.5 hrs total

Meals:  B,L

This morning we depart for Aspen and the spectacular Maroon Bells, where towering peaks reflect in crystal-clear alpine lakes surrounded by dense aspen forests. Due to park regulations, today’s hike is self-guided, allowing you to explore the scenic trails at your own pace. This afternoon, enjoy free time in Aspen, one of the most picturesque mountain towns in the United States, known for its charming boutiques, cafés, and vibrant outdoor atmosphere. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Courtyard Marriott, Glenwood Springs • Drive time: 80 mi / 128 km, or 2 hrs _____________________________________________________________________________ • Hiking: 2 mi / 3 km, 2 hrs, +/-50 m

Meals:  B,L

Today we continue north and west into Dinosaur National Monument, where ancient fossil beds and dramatic canyon landscapes reveal the region’s prehistoric past. Explore towering cliffs embedded with dinosaur fossils and enjoy scenic desert trails before we continue onward through northeastern Utah toward Vernal for the evening. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Dinosaur Inn or similar • Drive time: ~172 mi / 277 km, or ~3 hrs total _____________________________________________________________________________ • Hiking: 4.5 mi / 7.2 km

Meals:  B,L

Today we travel through the dramatic landscapes surrounding Flaming Gorge, where vivid red canyon walls rise above the winding Green River far below. Along the way, we enjoy a scenic hike with sweeping canyon views and opportunities to spot local wildlife such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, and soaring birds of prey. Later, we continue north toward Jackson, Wyoming, gateway to Grand Teton National Park. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: 49er Inn and Suites or similar, Jackson • Drive time: ~287 mi / 462 km, or ~5 hrs total _____________________________________________________________________________ • Hiking: 3 mi / 4.8 km

Meals:  B,L

Today is yours to enjoy independently and at your own pace in the lively mountain town of Jackson, Wyoming. Step out on foot to explore the historic Town Square, browse local boutiques and art galleries, or settle into a café to soak up the relaxed western atmosphere. For time outdoors, walk the scenic Flat Creek Pathway as it meanders through open green space with mountain views. You may also choose to ride the Snow King gondola, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or take an easy stroll through downtown. For a memorable time on the water, consider booking an optional Snake River scenic float or whitewater trip with Dave Hansen Whitewater, whose downtown office is just a short distance from the hotel. Please note that today is designed as an independent day, so guide services, transportation, optional activities and excursions are not included in the tour package. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: 49er Inn and Suites or similar

Meals:  B,L

Today we journey into the spectacular landscapes of Grand Teton National Park, where jagged mountain peaks rise dramatically above the crystal-clear waters of Jenny Lake. Enjoy an included scenic ferry ride across the lake before setting out on a self-guided hike along one of the park’s most iconic trails. Your Tour Director will meet you at the end of the hike with transportation to continue the day’s adventure. Later, we continue north toward Yellowstone National Park and the lively gateway town of West Yellowstone. *Authorized permittee of Grand Teton National Park _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Kelly Inn or similar, West Yellowstone • Drive time: ~140 mi / 225 km, or ~4 hrs total _____________________________________________________________________________ Hiking: 6 mi / 10 km, 3 hrs; 2 mi / 3 km extra to Inspiration Point; shorten the hike by using the ferry

Meals:  B,L

No visit to Yellowstone would be complete without exploring the park’s incredible geothermal features. Still considered an active volcano, Yellowstone’s dramatic geological past is visible throughout the landscape. We begin with a visit to Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States, famous for its vibrant rainbow-like colors created by heat-loving microbes. We then hike through geyser basins and waterfalls before arriving at the famous Old Faithful area, where we witness the iconic geyser eruption and explore the surrounding thermal features. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Kelly Inn or similar, West Yellowstone • Drive time: ~140 mi / 225 km, or ~3-4 hrs total _____________________________________________________________________________ • Hiking: Various hikes and boardwalks, 5-7 mi / 8-12 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-100

Meals:  B,L

Today we explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, one of the park’s most dramatic landscapes. Carved by the Yellowstone River and framed by vividly colored canyon walls, this spectacular area offers an unforgettable glimpse into the volcanic forces that shaped Yellowstone. We hike along the canyon rim to several scenic overlooks, including the famous Artist Point, where the powerful Lower Falls plunges deep into the canyon below. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Yellowstone Big Rock Inn or similar, Gardiner • Drive time: ~78 mi / 125 km, or ~3 hrs _____________________________________________________________________________ • Hiking: 5 mi / 8 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-200

Meals:  B,L

Today we continue exploring Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park and home to one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife and geothermal activity on Earth. Our final hike takes us through the Mammoth Hot Springs area, where steaming terraces, resident elk herds, and fascinating thermal formations create a fitting finale to our Yellowstone experience. Later, we transfer north to Bozeman, where we settle in for the final evening. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Days Inn, Bozeman • Drive time: ~100 mi / 160 km, or 2.5 hrs _____________________________________________________________________________ Hiking: 5.5 mi / 8.9 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-220 m

Meals:  B,L

Our tour comes to an end in the lively mountain town of Bozeman. Wake up refreshed and enjoy a relaxed final morning before departing at your leisure for the airport, home, or wherever your next adventure takes you.

Meals:  B