- Witness the awe-inspiring landscapes of nine of America’s most popular National Parks
- Enjoy entry to three of Denver’s top attractions with our Denver city pass (included)
- Spend an evening in exciting Las Vegas
- Enjoy the Grand Canyon at sunset or sunrise
- Drive through the beautiful Rocky Mountains and the Arapaho National Forest
- Marvel at the stone carvings of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial
- Visit charming mountain towns and discover the spirit of the Wild West
- Witness glorious geysers and mountain ranges in Yellowstone National Park
- Denver city pass with choice of two attractions

Ultimate Canyons & Rocky Mountains National Parks Tour
Highlights
Discover the American West on this tour through nine spectacular national parks. The fascinating history, diverse landscapes, and stunning views on this itinerary will captivate you!
Activity level
- Easy Going
- Moderate
- Active
- Very Active
Active
Tour Includes
Locations Visited
- Las Vegas
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Zion National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Arches and Canyonlands National Park
- Grand Junction
- Denver
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Fort Laramie
- Mount Rushmore
- Crazy Horse Memorial
- Sheridan
- Cody
- Yellowstone National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Jackson Hole
- Salt Lake City
Hotel Accommodations
- 18 nights
- Moderate hotels based on twin/double occupancy
Meals
- 17 breakfasts
Service
- A professionally trained tour director who is knowledgeable about the area will provide you with a wealth of information. Their friendly service will make your trip a memorable experience.
Baggage Handling
- To and from your hotel room throughout your land tour for one piece of checked baggage per person.
Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas! Guests who book their air through YMT will be greeted by a YMT representative and transferred to their hotel. The night is yours to enjoy this city. Just outside your hotel’s doorstep await neon lights, gambling, or glamorous shows. The choice is yours!
Hampton Inn Tropicana or similar
Add-On: Vegas! The Show & Dinner
Start your tour with the grandest of all parks in the West—the Grand Canyon! Travel via I-40, crossing historic Route 66 before you enter the spectacular Grand Canyon, and end your day by the South Rim. The park shuttle system makes it easy to take it all in at your own pace. The evening and the sunset, which lights the canyon in many hues of red and purple, is yours to enjoy!
Meals: Breakfast
Red Feather Lodge or similar
Add-On: Signature Grand Canyon Sunset Hummer Tour
Wake up to a spectacular sunrise over the canyon this morning! Today we see Lake Powell, supported by the Glen Canyon Dam. Lake Powell is a beautifully situated water reservoir on the Colorado River, surrounded by red rocks. Our drive then continues to Horseshoe Bend, a u-shaped area of the Grand Canyon along the Colorado River near Page, Arizona. Marvel at the view of this stunning rock from 1,000 feet above—be sure to bring your camera for a spectacular shot!
Meals: Breakfast
La Quinta Inn & Suites Page at Lake Powell
This morning, head to Zion National Park. The half-mile deep park floor is lush with foliage, as well as mule deer, wild turkeys, gray foxes, and the occasional porcupine. Then, continue your journey to Bryce Canyon City.
Meals: Breakfast
Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn or similar
Today we visit Bryce Canyon. Despite its name, Bryce is not a canyon but a collection of giant natural amphitheaters. Its distinctive geological structures, called hoodoos, were formed by frost weathering and stream erosion from the river. Standing at the rim, you are offered spectacular views in red, orange and white that will surely be spellbinding.
Meals: Breakfast
Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn or similar
Add-On: Cowboy Dinner Show at Ebenezer’s
Discover Capitol Reef National Park. The area boasts a diverse landscape unlike anywhere else in Utah—stunning red rock formations and canyons, pristine meadows, alpine forests, and lush green valleys. Also throughout the park, you’ll find the Capitol Reef Petroglyphs, impressive rock art figures created by ancient Native Americans. Continue to your hotel in Moab this evening, the ideal gateway for a visit to both Arches and Canyonlands National Park.
Meals: Breakfast
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab or similar
A stunning highlight awaits! For the past 150 million years, the more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches of Arches National Park have been sculpted by the natural erosion of wind, water, sun, and frost—creating an unmistakably unique landscape. See Balanced Rock, one of the park’s most iconic features; the impressive 52-foot tall Delicate Arch; and the Windows Section, a unique area with many arches that is considered the beating heart of the park.
Meals: Breakfast
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab or similar
Add-On: Canyonlands Cowboy Dinner Cruise & Light Show
Explore Canyonlands National Park, a magical outdoor wonderland of enchanting vistas! The colorful park is divided into four districts—Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the combined Green and Colorado Rivers, which carved two large canyons into the Colorado Plateau. Marvel at the wild beauty and drama of this spectacular landscape unlike anywhere else in the world. This evening, we make our way to our hotel in Grand Junction, the hub of Colorado’s wine country.
Meals: Breakfast
Tru by Hilton Grand Junction or similar
Take in the beautiful Rocky Mountains today on our drive through Colorado. Enjoy a change of scenery as you travel through Arapaho National Forest, which straddles the Continental Divide in the Front Range west of Denver. Stop for lunch on your own in the resort town of Vail, a popular getaway at the base of Vail Mountain. This evening we arrive for an overnight stay in Denver, one of the most up-and-coming cities in the U.S. The Mile High City is Colorado’s buzzing capital, where urban sophistication meets outdoor adventure!
Meals: Breakfast
Courtyard by Marriott Denver Airport at Gateway Park or similar
The day is yours to explore on your own. Included in your city pass are free entrances to 3 of the city’s top attractions!
Meals: Breakfast
Holiday Inn express Denver Downtown or similar
This morning, we’ll enjoy a city tour of Denver before traveling to spectacular Rocky Mountain National Park. Discover scenic mountains, majestic alpine lakes, and an abundance of wildlife that call this park home. Then, continue to Cheyenne, Wyoming and learn about the rodeo and railroad capital of the Old West, which became the epicenter of westward rail expansion. Enjoy a leisurely evening tonight— perhaps stop at the Cheyenne Depot Plaza and Museum.
Meals: Breakfast
Fairfield Inn Cheyenne Stillwater Ave or similar
Your first stop en route to South Dakota will be the Fort Laramie Historic Site, along the Oregon Trail. Originally a private fur trading fort, the “grand old post” became the largest and best known military post on the Northern Plains. We’ll also visit The Mammoth Site, a museum and paleontological site, before we end the evening in Rapid City.
Meals: Breakfast
Hampton Inn & Suites Rapid City Rushmore or similar
Today begins with a wonderful scenic drive through the Black Hills. You’ll have opportunities for sightseeing at Mount Rushmore National Monument and Crazy Horse Memorial, incredible and iconic stone carvings in the rock formations of South Dakota. End the day with leisure time in Custer State Park, South Dakota’s first state park, famous for its bison herds, historic sites, fishing lakes, scenic drives, and more!
Meals: Breakfast
Hampton Inn & Suites Rapid City Rushmore or similar
Immerse yourself in Wild West history; we’ll begin with a morning stop in the frontier town of Deadwood, South Dakota. This city at the heart of the Black Hills Gold Rush is where Old West figures “Calamity Jane” once lived and where “Wild Bill” Hickok played his last game of cards. Then travel to the quaint town of Sheridan, Wyoming. This charming town is where western history and dramatic mountain vistas meet modern comforts in a serene setting. Set against an awe-inspiring backdrop of the Bighorn Mountains, it’s no secret why Sheridan is known as the “heart of Ruby Valley.”
Meals: Breakfast
Best Western Sheridan Center or similar
This morning, you’ll drive through Big Horn National Forest. The winding roads carve through towering pines, rugged mountain peaks, and wide-open meadows, offering glimpses of wildlife and sparkling streams. As you emerge from the forest, the charm of Cody awaits—its Wild West spirit alive in every wooden storefront and historic saloon. Stroll the streets of this charming town, a perfect blend of nature’s grandeur and Western heritage.
Meals: Breakfast
Comfort Inn or similar
Add-On: Chuckwagon Dinner & Show/Buffalo Bill Center of the West
This morning, continue early on to nearby Yellowstone, our nation’s first national park. See spectacular geysers, lakes, and mountains during your visits here today and tomorrow morning! Have your camera ready for likely sightings of buffalo, elk, moose, gray wolves, or bears. Take in the tranquility of Hayden Valley and the vibrant colors of the geysers— Yellowstone is a feast for the eyes!
Yellowstone Park Hotel or similar
Today we pay a morning visit to Old Faithful, Yellowstone’s most famous geyser whose 20 daily eruptions attract many of the park’s 4 million annual visitors. Afterwards, we’ll continue south to Grand Teton National Park to enjoy a spectacular landscape rich with majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and wildlife. Overnight in Jackson Hole, one of the most quaint, yet upscale, mountain resort towns in the west.
Antler Inn or similar
This morning, we’ll travel to Utah’s grand capital. This beautiful city played host to the 2002 winter Olympics, and you can still enjoy many of the improvements designed to make the city welcoming. Salt Lake City has the hospitable feel of a friendly mountain town, and is full of stunning parks, wonderful restaurants, and opportunities to shop, enjoy art, or take in live.
Meals: Breakfast
Hampton Inn Salt Lake City Downtown or similar
Add-On: Temple Square Tour & Dinner
Meals: Breakfast
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.
YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
All tour prices include taxes and fees.
FAQs
Yes, pre and post tour accommodations are available. Please speak to your YMT sales consultant for more details.
Yes, triples are permitted (depending on availability) in 2 beds.
For tours that start in Las Vegas, you should arrive no later than 2pm.
No, none are required.
Experience the joy of diverse dining options on your tour! For meals not included in the itinerary, you’ll have the chance to explore a variety of eateries, from charming mini-mall restaurants to convenient grocery stores, catering to all dietary preferences. While some hotels outside city centers may not have on-site dining, this opens up opportunities for delightful evening strolls, quick rides, or the convenience of ordering in. Enjoy the flexibility and adventure of discovering new places to dine.
The YMT luggage allowance is one suitcase and one small bag per person, in addition to a small handbag or personal item. Due to capacity limits on vehicles, the standard maximum weight per suitcase is 50 pounds. The maximum size for a suitcase is 62 linear inches (sum of length, width, and depth). For example, suitcase cannot be larger than 30 inches by 20 inches by 12 inches. Luggage that is larger or heavier may attract extra fees, might not fit on the motor coach and may need to be shipped home.
The small bag cannot be larger than 12 inches by 11 inches by 6 inches and must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. To comply with safety regulations for motor coaches, mid-size buses, and vans, wheeled carry-on bags are not accepted as your small bag. View our helpful packing guide here!
Add-Ons
Make your vacation extra special by adding optional excursions to your tour. It’s a great opportunity to enhance your trip, these experiences slot seamlessly into your package, and we’ll take care of all the logistics for you. Remember that adding an optional experience might increase the overall activity level of the tour, so always keep that in mind when planning your trip.
Experience the spirit of the American West with a self-guided tour of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. This immersive museum complex brings frontier history to life across five world-class galleries—from the dramatic legends of Buffalo Bill Cody himself to breathtaking Plains Indian artifacts, Western art, firearms history, and natural science exhibits. Wander at your own pace through rooms filled with colorful cowboy tales, historic treasures, and vivid stories of the land and people who shaped the West. Whether you’re drawn to Remington’s bronze sculptures or Annie Oakley’s legacy, every turn invites discovery. With stunning displays and interactive exhibits, this museum takes you on a journey through the heart of America’s frontier spirit.
Inclusions
- Round trip transportation
- Entrance to the Buffalo Bill Center
Duration: Approx. 2 Hours (Afternoon)
Activity level: Easy
Price: $30 USD
Enjoy a cowboy-style BBQ dinner, which is slow-cooked for over 12 hours. After dinner, board the Moab Queen II and set off on a cruise along the Colorado River with a knowledgeable guide. Once the sun goes down, the canyon walls come alive with bright lights and stories about the history of the area.
Inclusions
- Cowboy-style Dutch oven dinner – BBQ beef, BBQ pork, BBQ chicken, roast beef, or roast pork with cowpoke potatoes, sweet baked beans, corn, homemade rolls, salad bar and dessert. Menu subject to change. Taxes and gratuities included
- Narrated 2-hour cruise on the Colorado River
- 144-passenger vessel with outside seating
Note: Layered clothing is recommended.
Duration: 4 hours (evening)
Activity Level: Easy
Price: $149 USD
Experience the real Western lifestyle this evening with a hearty dinner, boot-stomping entertainment, and bull riding! Your evening will begin with an all-you-can-eat Chuckwagon feast hosted by the Cody Cattle Company, followed with the down-home, country sounds of Ryan Martin and his Triple C Cowboys Band.
Inclusions
- All you can eat Chuckwagon dinner – chicken, beef brisket, potatoes, baked beans, applesauce, Caesar salad, cole slaw, corn bread, brownies, lemonade, and coffee. Menu subject to change.
- Live Country-Western, hand-clappin’, boot-stompin’ fun with Ryan Martin and his Triple C Cowboys Band!
Note: This activity is only available on these departures of Rocky Mountains & Black Hills National Parks Tour: 6/23 & 8/16. Note that the activity is not available on these departures of Ultimate Canyons & Rocky Mountains National Parks Tour: 5/13 & 9/13
Duration: Approx. 4 Hours
Activity Level: Easy
Price: $69 USD
Join your fellow travelers for a cowboy dinner and live entertainment at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill in Bryce Canyon. Enjoy the perfect musical accompaniment put on by a traditional Country and Western band; expect clever songs with a cowboy twang and a lonesome heart –life’s hard out on the range!
Inclusions
- Live entertainment by a professional country band
- BBQ plate dinner – smoked pulled pork and seasoned chicken with BBQ sauce, or vegetarian option. All meals include cowboy beans, dutch oven potatoes, coleslaw, rolls, dessert and non-alcoholic drinks Menu subject to change. Taxes and gratuities included
Duration: Approx. 2 – 3 hours (evening)
Activity Level: Easy
Price: $69 USD (2026)
Experience the tranquility of the beautiful Salt Lake City Temple Square with a guided tour of Utah’s most visited attraction. As the world’s largest Mormon temple, the 210-foot-tall Salt Lake Temple, made of granite in the neo Gothic style, took 40 years to build in the 1800s. Its walls are nine feet thick at the base and six feet thick at the top, and this impressive six-spire structure serves as a universal icon of the Mormon Church. Learn about the temple and Temple Square’s history, architecture, and future plans.
Beginning in 2019 the Temple Square has been under going construction to add structural reinforcement and enhance accessibility for guests with limited mobility. Your evening tour will focus on the 35-acre Temple Square and beautiful Conference Center, a modern three-story building with a huge auditorium, art gallery, films, terrific views, and a roof garden full of indigenous plants. End this evening with your fellow travelers as you relax and unwind during a delicious meal.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Temple Square
-
Dinner at Galaeno’s Ristoranti Italiano: Ravioli Di Zucca (V) Butternut squash ravioli with brown butter sage sauce, Fettuccine Alfredo (V) Fettuccine in a creamy Parmesan sauce, Pollo Arrostito (GF) Half a roasted chicken served with mashed potatoes, baby carrots and brussel sprouts. all meals include a salad, dessert and soft drinks. (Entree to be selected at the time of booking.)
Note: Some parts of the Temple Square will not be accessible due to construction.
Duration: Approx. 3 Hours
Activity Level: Easy
Price: $89 USD
Experience the Grand Canyon during late afternoon and see majestic colors of the rocks in the grand canyon aboard a Hummer. Learn about the American Southwest and it’s ancient inhabitants. Look out for the wildlife you may see on along your way.
Inclusions
- 2 hour Hummer “Humvee” tour of the Grand Canyon
- Breathtaking photo opportunities
Note: Layered clothing is recommended.
Duration: Approx. 2 hours (evening)
Activity Level: Easy
Price: $175 USD
Inclusions
- Admission to Vegas! The Show
- Bus transportation
- One of the only shows still featuring the iconic Las Vegas showgirls
- Dinner is All You Can Eat, featuring over 64 choices of food, including beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, fish, a variety of vegetables and sushi. Soft drinks and dessert included. Menu subject to change. Taxes and gratuities included. Alcoholic beverages available for an additional fee
Note: Korean BBQ is a dining style where you cook your own meats on a grill built into the table. It’s served with lots of banchan (side dishes). The experience is interactive, shareable, and centered around grilling and customizing each bite. Guests can order meats cooked if preferred. Vegetarian options are available on request: vegetables available for grilling as well as ramen, japchae noodles, rice sticks, fried rice, Doenjang Soup (fermented soy bean paste soup with a unique vegetable blend) and Soondooboo Soup (spicy soft tofu soup with vegetables).
Duration: 3 – 3.5 hours (Evening)
Activity Level: Easy
Price: $169 USD