HIGHLIGHTS
- Spanning three National Parks, two National Monuments, and a collection of State and County Parks, this is a must for nature lovers
- Spend an evening on the banks of the Mississippi, in true Huckleberry Finn style, and rent a canoe to paddle along the famous river
- See an icon that blends nature and history at Mt Rushmore
- Spend two nights in Yellowstone and keep your eyes open for bison, bears, even rare grey wolves
The Rockies, Yellowstone & Mt Rushmore tour starts in Denver and ends in Chicago. The Rockies, Yellowstone & Mt Rushmore is an Explorer tour that takes 11 days taking you from Denver to Chicago and through other destinations in North America.
Herds of bison slowly graze their way across golden prairies under the icy watch of snow-capped mountains. Giant presidents of old stare down from Mt Rushmore. Bears and wolves stalk across Yellowstone National Park. Stars cover the sky as you sleep in the shadow of the immense Devils Tower. Welcome to North America's wild Old West, home to some of the country's most stunning national parks and environments. Learn the stories of the Native Americans and meet real cowboys on this incredible adventure across the American Rockies.
ITINERARY
Day 1:Denver
Welcome to the 'Mile High City'! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby at 6 pm. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. Your evening is then free to do as you wish. If you arrive in Denver earlier in the day, perhaps take a walk to the impressive building of the Colorado State Capitol.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel
Day 2: Sinks Canyon State Park
Today you'll venture north into Wyoming and Sinks Canyon State Park, a trip that will take around six hours. Sinks Canyon is a rugged canyon at the base of the southern Wind River Mountains in Wyoming. Located on the eastern slope of the mountains, the canyon is named for its unique geologic formation, “The Sinks”, where the river vanishes underground near the mouth of the canyon.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Camping (with facilities)
Day 3:Jackson / Grand Tetons National Park
Take a 3.5-hour drive to Jackson, a cute mountain town with a cowboy feel. Today you'll get to explore one of America's finest national parks – Grand Teton. A hiker's paradise and less crowded than Yellowstone, the Tetons exude a sense of tranquillity, and are home to wildlife such as bears, moose, grouse and marmots.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Camping (with facilities)
Day 4: Yellowstone National Park
Prepare for a jaw-dropping drive through Grand Teton National Park, a wonderous place where snow-capped mountains stand watch over golden plains and fast-flowing rivers. The spectacular national park will serve as the entree to Yellowstone's main course. Yellowstone National Park, America's first national park, is a stunning 9000 square kilometre tract of wilderness home to bison, bears and grizzly grey wolves, who were only reintroduced in 1995. The day will be split between the two parks, depending on the wishes of the group.
ACCOMMODATION
Camping (with facilities)
Day 5: Yellowstone National Park
Prepare for a jaw-dropping drive through Grand Teton National Park, a wonderous place where snow-capped mountains stand watch over golden plains and fast-flowing rivers. The spectacular national park will serve as the entree to Yellowstone's main course. Yellowstone National Park, America's first national park, is a stunning 9000 square kilometre tract of wilderness home to bison, bears and grizzly grey wolves, who were only reintroduced in 1995. The day will be split between the two parks, depending on the wishes of the group.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Camping (with facilities)
Day 6Yellowstone National Park
Today will be spent taking a driving tour of Yellowstone National Park. See all of the park's main highlights, such as lakes, waterfalls and hot geysers (including the famous Old Faithful). If you're lucky enough you may even come across a herd of bison.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Camping (with facilities)
Day 7: Devils Tower National Monument
Buckle up for a longer drive today as you leave Yellowstone and head to the Devils Tower National Monument in eastern Wyoming, a journey that takes around 8 hours. The Devils Tower is an imposing laccolithic butte composed of igneous rock in the Bear Lodge Mountains. The Kiowa refer to the monument as the 'rock tree' due to its height. Spend a night under the stars, camping in the shadow of the Devils Tower. Listen out for coyotes howling in the distance.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Camping (with facilities)
Day 8: Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Today there is a short drive (approximately 2.5 hours) to South Dakota and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. See the famous sculptures of former presidents that are carved into the face of Mount Rushmore and visit the nearby Crazy Horse National Monument, a giant Native American Indian sculpture in progress. Learn about the incredible Mission of Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation and the work they are doing to protect and preserve the culture, tradition and living heritage of the Native American Indians. Admissions support advancements in Mountain carving, the museums, and the developing of Indian University of North America.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Camping (with facilities)
Day 9: Badlands National Park/Sioux Falls
Drive approximately two hours this morning to Badlands National Park. Witness the lunar-like landscape of the park and discover a wide array of intriguing creatures on a short hike. Continue approximately four hours across South Dakota to the Sioux Falls area.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
- Camping (with facilities)
- OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Mitchell - Corn Palace - Free
Day 10: Goose Island
Drive from Minnesota to neighbouring Wisconsin (approximately 5-6 hours). Your destination tonight is the mighty Mississippi River and Goose Island. Along the way you may stop at the Spam Museum (they have free samples!) There is an opportunity this evening to rent canoes and go for a paddle on the world-famous river.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Austin - SPAM Museum - Free
Day 11: Chicago
On the final day you'll drive for about 5-6 hours through Wisconsin to Chicago, famous for its old architecture and a skyline bristling with skyscrapers, such as the iconic John Hancock Centre. Time permitting you may stop in Madison, America's most liveable city. Your adventure concludes on arrival in Chicago. We highly recommend taking extra time to explore this incredible city. Weave your way along the Lake Front Trail, stop for a spot of shopping on Miracle Mile and visit Chicago’s internationally recognised Planetarium: the Alder.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
ACCOMMODATION
- Camping (with facilities) (9 nights), Hotel (1 night)
- Private vehicle
- Grand Teton National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Custer - Crazy Horse Memorial
- Badlands National Park
- Any international flights to Denver and from Chicago are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
- Travel insurance is not included in this Rockies, Yellowstone & Mt Rushmore tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. We recommend purchasing it from World Nomads.
