14-Nights America's Magnificent National Parks - end Denver - Classic Group from $7,528

Itinerary Details

Insight Vacations: America's Magnificent National Parks - end Denver, Classic Group

Day 1 - Arrive in Phoenix and Travel to Scottsdale
Welcome to Arizona, famous for its scenic road trips, towering Monument Valley, and of course the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Head to Scottsdale at your leisure to explore Old Scottsdale, a vibrant and unique urban downtown area that introduces you the best of the state. Here, you’ll be surrounded by retro wooden buildings, rodeo inspired artwork and a selection of local stores, all radiating a classic Southwestern flair. Savor a dinner accompanied by wine with your fellow travelers.
Accommodations: Valley Ho, Scottsdale
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Sedona and the Wonders of the Mighty Grand Canyon
Travel through the world-renowned Red Rock Scenic Byway, a celebrated route known for its dramatic desert landscapes. Discover bohemian Sedona with its unique shops and galleries, or simply soak in the striking desert landscapes before continuing to the Grand Canyon. Follow Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Byway through Coconino National Forest, a breathtaking stretch of road recognized by Rand McNally as one of the Top Five Most Scenic Drives in America. On arrival, you can take an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon. Whether you prefer a helicopter or a fixed-wing plane, you'll enjoy magnificent scenery with aerial views from above. Meet your Local Expert, Tim at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to discover its wonders. You'll learn all about the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon, its rock formations and the human impact on this natural masterpiece. He'll also talk to you about the local flora and fauna, and where you might be able to spot them.
Accommodations: Grand Canyon National Park Lodge
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sights of Monument Valley
Early risers will witness one of Mother Nature's grandest shows on earth: a sunrise over the Grand Canyon. Travel along the South Rim Desert View Drive, skirting the South Rim of the canyon. We will stop at Desert View Point to see the historic Watchtower built by Mary Colter in the Puebloan style, the Colorado River turning north and the Painted Desert extending towards Navajo and Hopi Indian lands. Head to the Cameron Trading Post, one of the oldest and most historic general stores in Arizona. Enter Monument Valley Tribal Park, where you'll join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet your Navajo Local Experts and board all-terrain vehicles with open sides for a private, off-the-beaten path exploration of this magical valley. Learn about Navajo history, culture and heritage from your expert as you travel deeper into the natural wonders of this unique landscape. Enjoy a Navajo cookout lunch amid the giant buttes and mesas of this unique landscape. Travel to your resort nestled in Lake Powell.
Accommodations: Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 - Leisurely Lake Powell
Today is entirely yours to do as you please. Partake in one of our popular Optional Experiences, explore on your own, or simply relax by the resort swimming pool with views of Lake Powell. As an optional activity this morning, let yourself be tempted by a gentle trip down the Colorado River. Calmly float past some of the most awe-inspiring sites, like the iconic Horseshoe Bend and Petroglyph Beach. Or, explore the iconic and picturesque Antelope Canyon with a local Navajo (Diné) guide. Tonight, Navajo culture takes center stage with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Red Heritage. This Navajo-owned preforming arts theater will delight as you see local tribal members sing, share a colorful powwow dance, flute playing and live drum music over dinner and drinks.
Accommodations: Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - Bryce Canyon National Park
Journey across a wide-open landscape punctuated by colorful sandstone cliffs, sagebrush-covered flats, and high ridges dotted with piñon pine and juniper. Travel through Bryce Canyon Country on a portion of the Scenic Highway 89, recognized by National Geographic as the No. 1 Driver's Drive in the world. You will be struck by the beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park, an otherworldly landscape of red rock pillars known as hoodoos, pink cliffs, and endless vistas. Follow the Rim Trail from Sunrise Point to Bryce Point. Stops will be made at the major viewpoints and there will be time for a leisurely walk along Sunset Point or a more physical hike down the canyon. Either way, you will be spellbound by the beauty and majesty of this dramatic natural landscape.
Accommodations: The Red Cliffs Lodge Zion, Springdale
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Zion National Park
After breakfast, you will tour the canyon aboard a privately chartered open-air vehicle, with live commentary from a Local Expert to show you the many scenic highlights of the canyon. Explore Zion National Park further with Insight Choice. Choose to join your Travel Director for a hike to the Emerald Pools. Alternatively, take a self-guided leisurely stroll along the Virgin River Walk and keep your eye out for wildlife.
Accommodations: The Red Cliffs Lodge Zion, Springdale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Salt Lake City
This morning you make your way out of Zion National Park and travel to Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah. In the evening join your fellow travelers for a dinner with wine at the hotel.
Accommodations: Marriott Downtown at City Creek, Salt Lake City
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Jackson and the Tetons
Before leaving Salt Lake City, take in the State Capitol building. Drive along the scenic Logan Canyon, over the Wasatch Mountain Range, and up to the Bear Lake Summit. Stop for lunch on your own near Bear Lake offering views of beautiful turquoise waters. You will then head north across the Oregon Trail to historic Jackson. Have your cameras ready for the famous elk antlers at the central square, while eager shoppers will find a number of charming traditional boutique galleries to browse. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure, with your hotel located within walking distance from Jackson Town Square.
Accommodations: Elk Country Inn, Jackson Hole
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Yellowstone National Park
Wake up to a mountainous view like no other and witness the striking Grand Tetons thrust skyward 13,775 feet (4,199 m) from the valley floor. This morning, you have the opportunity to partake in an optional scenic float down the Snake River (signed waiver required) inside Grand Teton National Park. In keeping with today’s rustic country charm, you’ll enter Yellowstone, the world’s first National Park. Known for its unique geothermal activity, spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife, you’ll experience Wyoming in all its glory. Keep an eye out for black bears or wolves. Tonight you’ll stay in the National Park Lodges, allowing you to experience the park after hours, in its natural habitat.
Accommodations: Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Geysers and Hot Springs
Savor the surreal surroundings of Yellowstone with a relaxed start. Walk among the rainbow tinted hot springs and watch the erupting geysers as you take in the history of the park on an informative stroll with your Travel Director. Catch the renowned colorful bubbling mud pots and observe Old Faithful geyser shooting water over 120 feet (37 meters) into the air. In the afternoon, enjoy the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone as you take in stunning natural wonders. While driving through Hayden Valley, famous for its wildlife, keep an eye out for wolves, bears, elk and hundreds of bison. The rest of the evening is at leisure for you to relax.
Accommodations: Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - The Ranch at Ucross
Set off on your travels through the stark Shoshone Canyon and Absaroka Rocky Mountains, leading you to the Wild West Town of Cody. Channel your inner showman and learn more about America’s great Western legends at the Buffalo Bill Center, known for its Western art collection, firearms, and natural history. Travel through the Bighorn National Forest to the Ranch at UCross. Take in the rustic charm as you're hosted at a traditional Wyoming Family ranch. Start off the evening with a cocktail hour in the historic Ranch House bar. After a home-cooked dinner, enjoy a fire pit with live entertainment, including country, folk and bluegrass music.
Accommodations: Ranch at UCross, Clearmont
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 - Devils Tower into the Black Hills
Live the American frontier dream and begin your day with a scenic country horseback ride (waiver required) accompanied by a Ranch Hand. If playing cowboy isn’t your thing, perhaps go fishing or merely relax and take in your beautiful surroundings, the choice is yours. Make your way to Devils Tower, an astounding geological feature that protrudes out of the surrounding Black Hills. This symbolic landmark is considered sacred to the Lakota and other tribes. Experience Spearfish Canyon, a favored spot among wildlife enthusiasts and one famous for its elvish woodland beauty. The limestone palisades of this creek-carved gorge are more ancient than the Grand Canyon itself.
Accommodations: Spearfish Canyon Lodge, Lead
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Custer and the Wild, Wild West
A day for those looking to explore the Wild West, keep watch for the pronghorn antelope, the fastest mammal in North America, as you cross the great high plains to the Black Hills of South Dakota. This morning, a one-of-a-kind MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience brings you to Badlands National Park, where a Local Expert reveals the striking geology, sweeping prairie and deep Indigenous history of this extraordinary landscape. Spanning 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires alongside the largest protected mixed-grass prairie in America, this hidden gem of the national park system offers scenery unlike anywhere else.
Accommodations: State Game Lodge, Custer State Park
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - Black Hills Monuments
This morning, see the granite faces of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Later, you'll experience the Crazy Horse Memorial - the world's largest mountain carving in honor of the Lakota warrior. With exclusive access not available to the general public, guests ascend 172 m (563 ft) for the opportunity to face the monument up close. Tonight, celebrate your travels over dinner with your Travel Director and newfound friends.
Accommodations: State Game Lodge, Custer State Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15 - Depart Denver
Your journey comes to end today. Say goodbye to your travel companions.
Meals: Breakfast