16 Day Usa National Parks & Rocky Mountaineer
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including an unforgettable journey on the Rocky Mountaineer through Colorado and Utah, explore all five of Utah's breathtaking National Parks, and marvel at the geothermal features of Yellowstone National Park
✓ Small group experience with no more than 13 travellers
✓ 2 days on board the unforgettable Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf including complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, breakfast and lunch served in the comfort of your seat and gourmet sweet and savoury snacks
✓ 15 nights accommodation in central 3-star and lodge accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily, 12 lunches and 3 dinners
✓ Expert tour leaders throughout your tour
✓ Dedicated transportation as outlined in the itinerary
✓ All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary
We just visited Utah and Colorado! Click to follow Serena’s journey on board the newest Rocky Mountaineer route, Rockies to the Red Rocks:
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Denver, Colorado!
Upon arrival at Denver International Airport, make your own way to your centrally located hotel for the night.
Board the Rocky Mountaineer in the scenic city of Denver, Colorado. Before long, you’ll be taking in the scenic views of the Gross Reservoir Dam. The train will slowly gain elevation before reaching the Continental Divide, cutting through 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) of mountainous terrain via the Moffat Tunnel. You’ll continue along the Colorado River through more rugged landscapes and canyons, including the picturesque Byers and Gore canyons. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as you may get a glimpse of some native to these canyons. You will then pull into Glenwood Springs and relax overnight at a cozy hotel.
Your journey begins as you head southwest past mountain vistas and desert cliffs. Impressive landscapes continue as you pass by Parachute Creek and Mount Logan towards De Beque Canyon, a 24-kilometre-long (15 mile) narrow canyon with stair‑step cliffs of sedimentary rock layers. Continuing west, you’ll pass by Mount Garfield, the highest point of the Book Cliffs. These sandstone cliffs and mountains stretch 320 kilometres (200 miles) from east to west and mark the crossing from Colorado to Utah. Breathtaking red rock formations emerge as you approach Moab, the gateway to Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks.
On arrival in Moab, you will be met by a representative to join your small group tour.
After breakfast we make an early morning start in Arches National Park to explore its timeless landscape unusual rock formations. Stops can include the Windows Section, Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, Delicate Arch and other amazing geologic features. Continue trekking through Arches National Park on a hike to Landscape Arch, one of the longest natural arches in the world.
Later in the day, a scenic drive/hike along the Colorado River showcases ancient petroglyphs depicting animals, humans, and geometric patterns carved onto red-rock walls.
Explore the mystical landscape of Goblin Valley State Park. Delve into the narrows of Sulphur Creek or the Grand Wash narrows at Capital Reef National Park. Hike to the Hickman Bridge, a 133-foot natural bridge, or go down to the Grand Wash to explore the park’s deep canyons and narrows. Enjoy Panoramic Point with late-afternoon lighting before taking the short drive to Torrey.
Spend the morning visiting anything missed on the day before at Capitol Reef National Park, such as Cassidy Arch or Chimney Rock. Then, we continue our trip over Scenic Highway 12 through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This will include a short drive down the Burr Trail to one of our small surprises for you before continuing on through to the Escalante River, Hogs Back, Calf Creek, and other scenic viewpoints along the way. Afterwards, we continue our journey to Bryce Canyon National Park for a short hike to Mossy Cave.
Rise early to watch the sun rise over Bryce Canyon from one of its many viewpoints. Possibly hike from Sunset to Sunrise Points through the Bryce Amphitheater using the Queens Garden Trail. Later in the day, drive to Zion National Park and pass through the wild swirling sandstone formations of Zion's east entrance and possibly hike the East Canyon Overlook Trail for a bird’s-eye view of the canyon. Continue the short drive to charming town of Springdale.
At Zion, hike and traverse the 3-mile Emerald Pools loop to see a trio of pools and waterfalls. Other possible hikes include climbing up to Scouts Lookout with jaw-dropping views of Angels Landing above and Zion Canyon below, a longer hike through Zion Canyon Narrows or, for those that prefer easy walking, try the Pa’rus Trail, all time and weather permitting. Return to Salt Lake City by 6:00pm (4.5 hour drive from Zion).
Enjoy a day at leisure in Salt Lake City today.
You may wish to visit Temple Square, a 10-acre public square and garden complex central to the Mormon church and home to the spectacular Salt Lake Utah Temple.
Alternatively, explore the mountainous region around the city. Your concierge at your hotel will be on hand to assist with any day tours.
This morning your guide will pick you up at the hotel at 7:00 AM and you will depart for Jackson, WY. Learn about the unique geology and history of Northern Utah, Southeastern Idaho and Western Wyoming on the way to Jackson. Explore the Gros Ventre Slide area, the Jackson Hole Valley and the historic town of Jackson. Dinner tonight will be on your own. There are several fantastic local restaurants in Jackson.
Today you will enter Grand Teton National Park and start your day with wildlife viewing and photography opportunities at Schwabacher Landing and Mormon Row. Arrive at Jenny Lake for a boat ride across the lake and hiking to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. Next head north to Jackson Lake and Colter Bay for an afternoon of more hiking and wildlife watching.
Drive north through Grand Teton NP to Yellowstone NP and explore the West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. You will then travel over Dunraven Pass and make your way to the Lamar Valley for an afternoon of wildlife viewing. Continue along the scenic Beartooth Hwy to the wonderful small town of Cooke City for the night.
Today you will return to the Lamar Valley for a morning for more wildlife viewing. You will then travel to visit Mammoth Hot Springs and the Norris Geyser Basin for hiking and exploring before traveling through the Madison River Valley to West Yellowstone. Enjoy a free evening to explore this western town.
Today you will explore the main geothermal area of Yellowstone NP. You will explore the West Thumb Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, as well as the Old Faithful Lodge. Afterwards continue your way to Madison Junction with stops at Black Sand Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, Firehole Geyser Basin, and other geothermic areas. There will also be some great hikes and multiple opportunities to enjoy watching the wildlife within the park.
This morning will be spent exploring just outside of Yellowstone NP in Island Park with stops at Big Springs and Mesa Falls. Continue south through the potato fields of Idaho, the Bear River Bird Refuge and then along the shore of the Great Salt Lake with optional stops at Bear River Bird Refuge or Antelope Island time permitting. You will return to Salt Lake City by 6:00 PM.
As they say, all good things must come to an end. Today marks the end of your incredible tour through the USA. At the appropriate time, make your own way to the airport to board your flight home.
Journey through two days of extraordinary landscapes between Moab, Utah and Denver, Colorado. Vast canyons, inspiring deserts, natural archways and enchanting hoodoos are just a start. Available in SilverLeaf Service, this Rocky Mountaineer rail route is filled with highlights best seen by train, including Ruby Canyon, Mount Garfield and crossing the Continental Divide.
Hot gourmet breakfasts and lunches served at your spacious seat means you won't have to miss a moment of the splendor out your window. Nor will you miss a moment of the latest captivating yarn or historical tidbit from your onboard Host.
Rocky Mountaineer Service Levels
SilverLeaf - Included
Your SilverLeaf service on board Rocky Mountaineer includes:
SilverLeaf Plus - Additional $782 per person
Enhance your onboard experience with SilverLeaf Plus, which includes all the benefits of our exceptional SilverLeaf Service, plus exclusive access to our newly renovated lounge car. Featuring signature cocktails, the lounge car offers additional space indoors to relax and soak in the scenery as it passes you by, as well as a small outdoor viewing area. Also, enjoy an elevated dining experience with an additional course during select meals, and premium alcoholic beverages.
For more information on the Rocky Mountaineer, click HERE.
We offer two payment options – the choice is yours. Our advertised price is based on our 'Pay in Full' option, which includes a discount by making full payment at the time of booking. Alternatively, choose our 'Installment Payment Plan' option for the flexibility of incremental payments, beginning with a low deposit.
Please click 'Book Now' and proceed to the payment page to select your preferred option under the heading ‘Choose how to pay’. The total due will be reflected accordingly.
Pay In Full Option:
Installment Payment Plan Option:
Booking Process
Fitness Requirements
While the itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision. For the services of your guide, it is suggested that you budget for CAD$5 per person, per day. Tipping of your driver is also appreciated and we would suggest CAD$4 per person, per day. We do have an option to pre-pay the tipping for the coach portion of your itinerary at a cost of $100AUD per person, which can be added to your booking.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,383.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Visa & Passport Information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return to Australia.
USA - An E-Visa waiver is required.
To begin your visa application please click HERE.
Information required:
Wait for it to be approved and you will be notified via email within approximately 48 hours.
Group Size
10-20 People
Trip Style - Small Group Tour
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. You will travel with only a maximum of 20 other guests. Enjoy choice features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
This package is sold as land only, however you do have the option of adding domestic & international airfares to your booking. Simply click on’ book now’, and under upgrades , you will be asked “Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?”. By selecting this option Inspiring Vacations will contact you to discuss adding flights to your chosen destination. We can then assist with turning your booking into a flight inclusive package.
Upon completing the purchase of your package and fulfilling the following booking requirements, you will be granted access to our flight portal via your Traveller Hub.
Once these criteria have been met, access will be made available to you via Traveller Hub to book your flights via our flight portal.
The following requests are able to be processed through the online flight portal:
The online flight portal is unable to process the following requests and you must book these yourself independently:
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
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