Exploring America's National Parks
Exploring America's National Parks
Exploring America's National Parks
15 Days Starting and ending in Las Vegas, NV, USA
Visiting: USA
Tour operator:
Tour code:
8620-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 43
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Photography, Wildlife Tours
Tour Overview
Breathtaking scenery, spectacular wildlife, and incomparable photo opportunities await you on this national parks tour through the West’s best-known national and state parks. Tour highlights include an overnight stay inside Grand Canyon National Park, where you can witness the stunning scenery at sunset and sunrise. In Yellowstone National Park, stand in awe as you hear the roar of the water and view the glorious falls at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Witness Old Faithful as it erupts and admire the herds of bison, elk, and other wildlife as you explore the park. Mount Rushmore offers the astounding monument of four U.S. presidents as well as spectacular scenery and wildlife, including mule deer and mountain goats. Also visit Crazy Horse Memorial, carved out of the mountain in honor of the Sioux Indian hero, and enjoy a scenic drive in Custer State Park, with its spectacular landscape and abundant wildlife. Have your camera ready for the bright red, yellow, and pink pillars called "hoodoos" in Bryce Canyon National Park, and marvel at the sculptured canyons and soaring cliffs in Zion National Park. But that’s not all…visit Monument Valley, one of the world’s most photographed places with its red-rock canyons, mesas, iconic buttes, and windblown sand. See the massive formations during your 4-wheel-drive tour with a knowledgeable Navajo guide. All of this—and much more—are included on this national parks tour designed for savvy, value-minded travelers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Las Vegas
Accommodation Name: Luxor Hotel & Casino
Welcome to exciting Las Vegas, also known as “Sin City!” Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
LAS VEGAS Welcome to exciting Las Vegas, also known as “Sin City!” Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2 : Las Vegas,Williams,Grand Canyon National Park
Accommodation Name: Yavapai Lodge West - Grand Canyon National Park Lodge
Depart the glittering lights of Las Vegas for one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Grand Canyon National Park. Journey across the old Mojave gold-strike country, passing through Williams on historic Route 66, and Kaibab National Forest. Arrive at the Grand Canyon by mid-afternoon and marvel at the breathtaking views. Accommodations this evening are inside the National Park.
LAS VEGAS–WILLIAMS–GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK Depart the glittering lights of Las Vegas for one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Grand Canyon National Park. Journey across the old Mojave gold-strike country, passing through Williams on historic Route 66, and Kaibab National Forest. Arrive at the Grand Canyon by mid-afternoon and marvel at the breathtaking views. Accommodations this evening are inside the National Park.
Day 3 : Grand Canyon National Park,Monument Valley,Kayenta
Accommodation Name: Kayenta Monument Valley Inn
If you miss the sunset over the canyon, sunrise is just as impressive! You may want to join an exciting helicopter flight over the canyon for incomparable views of flame-colored walls plunging 6,000 feet into the Colorado River. Continue across Arizona and into the Navajo Nation. Situated on the Arizona/Utah border, Monument Valley’s scenic desert vistas and iconic buttes have appeared in countless classic Western films. See the massive formations on a memorable 4-wheel-drive tour. Your knowledgeable Navajo guide will show you some of the valley’s most incredible scenery and share local legends and lore. This evening, join the optional Navajo cookout for dinner surrounded by the red-rock canyons of Monument Valley.
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK–MONUMENT VALLEY–KAYENTA If you miss the sunset over the canyon, sunrise is just as impressive! You may want to join an exciting helicopter flight over the canyon for incomparable views of flame-colored walls plunging 6,000 feet into the Colorado River. Continue across Arizona and into the Navajo Nation. Situated on the Arizona/Utah border, Monument Valley’s scenic desert vistas and iconic buttes have appeared in countless classic Western films. See the massive formations on a memorable 4-wheel-drive tour. Your knowledgeable Navajo guide will show you some of the valley’s most incredible scenery and share local legends and lore. This evening, join the optional Navajo cookout for dinner surrounded by the red-rock canyons of Monument Valley.
Day 4 : Kayenta,Moab,Arches National Park,Grand Junction
Accommodation Name: Grand Vista Hotel
We head north for Moab. Visit the magnificent Arches National Park, where you’ll discover a landscape of contrasting colors, landforms, and textures unlike anything else in the world. This red-rock wonderland will amaze you. A late arrival into Grand Junction, surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty and the dramatic red-rock landscape of the Colorado National Monument.
KAYENTA–MOAB–ARCHES NATIONAL PARK–GRAND JUNCTION We head north for Moab. Visit the magnificent Arches National Park, where you’ll discover a landscape of contrasting colors, landforms, and textures unlike anything else in the world. This red-rock wonderland will amaze you. A late arrival into Grand Junction, surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty and the dramatic red-rock landscape of the Colorado National Monument.
Day 5 : Grand Junction,Colorado National Monument,Denver Area
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Denver - Cherry Creek
This morning, visit Colorado National Monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. Experience sheer-walled, red-rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles. We then journey east across the Rocky Mountains to the “Mile High City” of Denver.
GRAND JUNCTION–COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT–DENVER AREA This morning, visit Colorado National Monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. Experience sheer-walled, red-rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles. We then journey east across the Rocky Mountains to the “Mile High City” of Denver.
Day 6 : Denver Area,Custer
Accommodation Name: Econolodge Of Custer
Today, travel across the windswept landscape of Wyoming and into the Black Hills of South Dakota. Spend the next two nights in Custer, in the heart of the Black Hills National Forest, and gateway to Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse Memorial.
DENVER AREA–CUSTER Today, travel across the windswept landscape of Wyoming and into the Black Hills of South Dakota. Spend the next two nights in Custer, in the heart of the Black Hills National Forest, and gateway to Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse Memorial.
Day 7 : Custer. Excursion To Custer State Park,Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse Memorial
Accommodation Name: Econolodge Of Custer
Meals Included: Breakfast
At Custer State Park, enjoy a scenic drive along Wildlife Loop Road with spectacular terrain and an abundance of wildlife, like the herd of 1,300 bison that roam freely throughout the park. Afterward, visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which stands as a shrine to democracy with the stunning granite faces of four great American presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. Then, visit the Crazy Horse Memorial, a monument carved out of a mountain to honor the great Native American hero, Crazy Horse.
CUSTER. EXCURSION TO CUSTER STATE PARK, MOUNT RUSHMORE & CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL At Custer State Park, enjoy a scenic drive along Wildlife Loop Road with spectacular terrain and an abundance of wildlife, like the herd of 1,300 bison that roam freely throughout the park. Afterward, visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which stands as a shrine to democracy with the stunning granite faces of four great American presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. Then, visit the Crazy Horse Memorial, a monument carved out of a mountain to honor the great Native American hero, Crazy Horse. (CB)
Day 8 : Custer,Devils Tower,Cody
Accommodation Name: Buffalo Bill Village
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, head through high country, where open-range cattle kings made war on the homesteaders in the 1890s. Next, make a photo stop at Devils Tower National Monument, established as America’s first national monument by Teddy Roosevelt in 1906. Overnight in Buffalo Bill’s Western town of Cody.
CUSTER–DEVILS TOWER–CODY This morning, head through high country, where open-range cattle kings made war on the homesteaders in the 1890s. Next, make a photo stop at Devils Tower National Monument, established as America’s first national monument by Teddy Roosevelt in 1906. Overnight in Buffalo Bill’s Western town of Cody. (CB)
Day 9 : Cody,Yellowstone National Park
Accommodation Name: Brandin Iron Inn
This morning, join the optional outing and visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which celebrates the spirit of the American West. This afternoon, make your way into America’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park. Spend the next two nights inside the park. NOTES: Accommodations used by Cosmos in Yellowstone National Park are typically open from late May through mid-September. Departures before or after these opening dates will stay in West Yellowstone. Routing and areas visited in Yellowstone National Park are always subject to favorable weather, gate access, and road conditions; therefore, routings may be adjusted.
CODY–YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK This morning, join the optional outing and visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which celebrates the spirit of the American West. This afternoon, make your way into America’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park. Spend the next two nights inside the park. NOTES: Accommodations used by Cosmos in Yellowstone National Park are typically open from late May through mid-September. Departures before or after these opening dates will stay in West Yellowstone. Routing and areas visited in Yellowstone National Park are always subject to favorable weather, gate access, and road conditions; therefore, routings may be adjusted.
Day 10 : Yellowstone National Park
Accommodation Name: Brandin Iron Inn
Spend the day exploring all the wonders of Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park. See world-famous Old Faithful Geyser, Mammoth Hot Springs, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Fountain Paint Pots. Keep a lookout for some of the park’s wildlife that can include moose, bison, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, wolf, bear, fox, coyote, and beaver.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Spend the day exploring all the wonders of Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park. See world-famous Old Faithful Geyser, Mammoth Hot Springs, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Fountain Paint Pots. Keep a lookout for some of the park’s wildlife that can include moose, bison, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, wolf, bear, fox, coyote, and beaver.
Day 11 : Yellowstone National Park,Grand Teton National Park,Jackson,Alpine
Accommodation Name: Flying Saddle Resort
Head south into magnificent Grand Teton National Park, home to massive mountains, pristine lakes and rivers and abundant wildlife. Its 13,770-foot-high ridges are crested with snow most of the year. Stroll along the shores of beautiful glacier-fed Jenny Lake before arriving in the Wild West town of Jackson with its wooden sidewalks and swinging-door saloons. Overnight in Alpine located on the banks of the Snake River.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK–GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK–JACKSON–ALPINE Head south into magnificent Grand Teton National Park, home to massive mountains, pristine lakes and rivers and abundant wildlife. Its 13,770-foot-high ridges are crested with snow most of the year. Stroll along the shores of beautiful glacier-fed Jenny Lake before arriving in the Wild West town of Jackson with its wooden sidewalks and swinging-door saloons. Overnight in Alpine located on the banks of the Snake River.
Day 12 : Alpine,Salt Lake City
Accommodation Name: Crystal Inn & Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to Salt Lake City, Utah’s vibrant capital. Set on the edge of Great Salt Lake Desert, this center of the Mormon religion is where Brigham Young declared to his followers, “This is the place.” An orientation tour offers a glimpse of Temple Square, the Capitol Building, and the downtown area.
ALPINE–SALT LAKE CITY Travel to Salt Lake City, Utah’s vibrant capital. Set on the edge of Great Salt Lake Desert, this center of the Mormon religion is where Brigham Young declared to his followers, “This is the place.” An orientation tour offers a glimpse of Temple Square, the Capitol Building, and the downtown area. (CB)
Day 13 : Salt Lake City,Bryce Canyon National Park
Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s highlight is a visit to unique Bryce Canyon National Park with its 20 miles of sandstone cliffs and ever-changing colors. See some of Earth’s most brilliant shades of rock, sculpted by nature into pillars called “hoodoos.”
SALT LAKE CITY–BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK Today’s highlight is a visit to unique Bryce Canyon National Park with its 20 miles of sandstone cliffs and ever-changing colors. See some of Earth’s most brilliant shades of rock, sculpted by nature into pillars called “hoodoos.” (B)
Day 14 : Bryce Canyon National Park,Zion National Park,Las Vegas
Accommodation Name: Luxor Hotel & Casino
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
First stop today is Zion National Park with its landscape carved over millions of years by rushing streams. Steep canyons, stone towers, and verdant vegetation form the scenery of Zion. See fantastic rock structures and some unbelievable scenic beauty. We then return to Las Vegas.
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK–ZION NATIONAL PARK–LAS VEGAS First stop today is Zion National Park with its landscape carved over millions of years by rushing streams. Steep canyons, stone towers, and verdant vegetation form the scenery of Zion. See fantastic rock structures and some unbelievable scenic beauty. We then return to Las Vegas. (B,L)
Day 15 : Las Vegas
Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Las Vegas further.
LAS VEGAS Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Las Vegas further.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay in iconic hotels and lodges, including the Luxor Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Yavapai Lodge inside Grand Canyon National Park, and others offering unique experiences.
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Fully Guided
Enjoy the expertise of a Cosmos Tour Director throughout your journey.
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Meals
Includes 5 breakfasts and 1 lunch as detailed in the itinerary.
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Transport
Travel in comfort on a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
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National Park Visits
Admission to America's most stunning national parks including Bryce Canyon, Zion, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton.
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Sightseeing Tours
Guided tours of Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, and more, with insights from knowledgeable local guides.
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are not included and must be arranged separately.
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers to ensure protection.
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International Travel
International flights to and from the start and end points of the tour are not included.
Meals
5 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch
Notes
On vacations that include an overnight stay in Las Vegas, at least one member of the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older. This vacation visits national parks and other remote locations where facilities may not be up to the standard you expect from Cosmos. Some lodges within the parks do not have air-conditioning, televisions, and other amenities you would expect from most Cosmos hotels. Maximum elevation on tour: 9,033 ft.
UNESCO Sites
Grand Canyon National Park|Yellowstone National Park
Accommodation
Luxor Hotel & Casino
The most iconic hotel on the Las Vegas Strip is the place to stay when you are in Las Vegas. Enjoy the comfortable, unique pyramid rooms with slanted windows.
Yavapai Lodge West - Grand Canyon National Park Lodge
Yavapai Lodge is the largest facility in the National Park, and is a convenient choice for families. There is a cafe on property as well as activities desk. The Lodge is located next to the Market Plaza, which includes a general store, bank, and US Post Office. This lodge is part of a collection of lodges operated by the National Park; space fills up quickly at these lodges and is therefore based on availability. In the event that space is not available at this hotel, an alternate lodge of similar category will be secured.
Kayenta Monument Valley Inn
Kayenta Monument Valley Inn is located on the largest Indian Reservation in the United States. It has a Native American feel once you step into the lobby, with the artwork displaying bright colors and designs along with traditional Native American music playing in the back ground, you get a real sense of the Native American culture.
Grand Vista Hotel
The Grand Vista Hotel offers spectacular views of the Grand Mesa and Colorado National Monument, and features a pool, fitness room and restaurant on-site.
Hilton Garden Inn Denver - Cherry Creek
The Hilton Garden Inn Cherry Creek offers spacious, well-appointed accommodations and generous amenities, within walking distance to a collection of restaurants and shops, as well as close proximity to the of Cherry Creek Mall and Shopping District and a 10 minute drive from downtown Denver.
Econolodge of Custer
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota near all local sites and attractions. We offer free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, indoor heated pool, fitness center, public computer and printer. Each room offers a refrigerator, coffee maker, and hairdryer.
Super 8 Custer
The Super 8 Custer motel and its ideal setting puts you within easy reach of nearby natural sites including Crazy Horse Memorial, Jewel Cave, and Custer State Park thanks to our convenient location in the Black Hills on U.S. Highway 16.
Buffalo Bill Village
Located in downtown Cody at the historic Buffalo Bill Village, this hotel features 83 log cabins with a cowboy allure. The amenities include an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and nearby shops.
Brandin Iron Inn
The hotel is located just two blocks from Yellowstone National Park and within walking distance to shops and restaurants. It has a hot tub, guest laundry and excursion desk and features a restaurant, lounge, room service, fitness center, and Internet access.
Grant Village - Yellowstone National Park
Located inside Yellowstone National Park, this rustic-style lodge name after President Grant, and is within walking distance to a variety of natural wonders and activities. Grant Village is part of a collection of lodges operated by the National Parks; space fills up quickly at these lodges and is therefore based on availability. In the event that space is not available at this hotel, an alternate lodge of similar category will be secured.
Flying Saddle Resort
Located on the banks of the Snake River, the Flying Saddle Resort features seven landscaped acres, outdoor patio, Western Bar, and Steakhouse, as well as hot tub, horseshoe pits and tennis courts and more to help enjoy this Wyoming Resort.
Crystal Inn & Suites
Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites is conveniently located in downtown Salt Lake City, just one mile from Historic Temple Square and near a variety of restaurants and nightlife. Enjoy the unlimited shopping at the new City Creek Center, the Gateway and Trolley Square mall. The hotel has large rooms with microwaves and refrigerators in addition to standard amenities. Enjoy high speed internet access and breakfast daily.
Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn
We offer the finest in Accommodations and amenities in the Bryce Canyon region. Ruby's Inn at Bryce Canyon is also a destination in and of itself. We offer business center, fitness center, indoor pool and hot tub, large general store, currency exchange, and laundromat. Rooms include cable TV with movie channels, Ac, In-room coffee/tea maker, microwave, fridge, hair dryer, iron and board.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Due to limited coach capacity, we only allow one suitcase per person. Your bag should have dimensions not exceeding 30"x21"x11" (62" linear dimensions) or weight exceeding 50 lbs. Carry-on bags should not exceed the dimensions of 12"x11"x6
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What is the maximum group size?
Usually max 43 people
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 5 years or above
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.