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.