Grand Adventure: National Parks
Seven National Parks
Wildlife
Gates of the Mountains Boat Tour
Newspaper Rock
Dinner & Live Music
Explore some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in our country while visiting national parks and other iconic attractions throughout Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona. Begin in Missoula with a visit to the country’s largest smokejumper base and take in spectacular views along Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Learn about the famous explorations of Lewis & Clark in Great Falls and Helena before spending two unforgettable days in Yellowstone, gazing upon iconic geological wonders. Stop in Grand Teton National Park on the way to Salt Lake City, where a full day at leisure and Tabernacle Choir performance await. Next, marvel at the world’s largest concentration of sandstone arches in Arches National Park, followed by stunning vistas in Dead Horse Point State Park. Tour the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, Goosenecks State Park, and the Monument Valley Visitor Center prior to an unforgettable overnight stay within Grand Canyon National Park. Admire otherworldly rock formations with stays in Zion National Park and near Bryce Canyon National Park, then return to Salt Lake City for a celebratory Farewell Dinner.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
It’s Big Sky Country! Three National Parks
Revel in a thrilling drive along Glacier National Park’s crown jewel, Going-to-the-Sun Road, in a vintage 1930s Red Bus with roll-back tops for pristine views of glacial lakes, sheer cliff walls, lush forests, and more. Venture into the world’s first national park, Yellowstone, to see majestic wildlife as well as Earth’s greatest collection of geysers and hot springs, including renowned Old Faithful. Visit the centuryold Chapel of the Transfiguration in Grand Teton National Park and take in views of its tallest peak, rising more than 7,000 feet above the gorgeous untouched terrain below. Enjoy fascinating commentary from expert park guides and browse detailed exhibits at visitor centers to learn more about the history of these lands.
It’s Canyon Country! Four National Parks
Reconnect with nature as you’re immersed in wide-open skies and otherworldly landscapes. Gaze upon striking redhued arches in Arches National Park, soaring sandstone cliffs in Zion National Park, the seemingly endless panoramas of Grand Canyon National Park, and the spire-shaped hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park. Experience an overnight stay unlike any other in Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks, both certified as International Dark Sky Parks with unrivaled views of the star-filled sky and Milky Way. Travel the road to Monument Valley Visitor Center for views famously shown in the Forrest Gump movie. At each park, we dive into the rich heritage of the lands we visit and learn about the indigenous peoples who lived here.
- Day 1: Fly to MontanaUpon arriving in Missoula, we check in to our comfortable accommodations and enjoy a relaxing evening.
- Day 2: WhitefishOur day begins with a visit to Smokejumper Visitor Center, the largest smokejumper base in the country. Enjoy a tour of the jump base, ready room, national memorial, loft, and lookout tower while learning more about this crucial occupation. Afterwards, we travel north to Whitefish, viewing some of the most spectacular scenery in Montana’s Big Sky Country. Along the way, we break for a delicious Welcome Lunch in Polson and take in amazing vistas of Flathead Lake and the surrounding Flathead National Forest. Arriving in Whitefish, we stop at a nearby mountain resort for a scenic gondola ride to the summit for bird’s-eye views of the stunning landscape. We then check in to our overnight accommodations and have the evening at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 3: Going-to-the-Sun RoadThis morning, we’re off to Glacier National Park, which features over 20 glaciers and 200 lakes as standing reminders of the last Ice Age. We board vintage Red Buses with roll-back tops for a journey on one of the world’s most scenic routes: Going-to-the-Sun Road. During our drive, learn about the park’s history from an expert guide, take in views of the towering mountains, and watch for a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, and moose. Afterwards, enjoy an included lunch in St. Mary Village before we continue to Great Falls and check in to our accommodations for the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 4: Lewis & Clark DiscoveriesToday’s adventure starts with reliving the brave journey of two famous explorers at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center. Overlooking the beautiful Missouri River, this center includes exhibits, artifacts, films, and a two-story diorama. After an included lunch, we visit First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, a fascinating archaeological site and presumably the largest bison cliff jump in North America. Explore the visitor center to learn about the rich history of these lands and enjoy views of the Rocky Mountain Front and Missouri River Valley. Later, we check in to our hotel in Helena, Montana’s capital and heart of the Big Sky State.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 5: Gates of the MountainsA local guide boards our motorcoach this morning to provide expert insight during a tour of Helena. Learn about the storied history of this vibrant city, see the Montana State Capitol building, and marvel at the Gothic-style cathedral’s stunning towers and stained-glass windows which rival those in Europe. After lunch at leisure, we board a riverboat to discover the epitome of Montana’s natural beauty, Gates of the Mountains, coined by Meriwether Lewis. A guide recounts the explorers’ famous journey down the Missouri River as we marvel at the rugged scenery with towering limestone cliffs and watch for intriguing wildlife. Tonight, we enjoy an included dinner together.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6: Yellowstone National ParkWe drive beside the crystal-clear Gallatin River today, making our way to Gardiner, the original gateway to America’s first national park. Upon arriving in Yellowstone, enjoy free time in the awe-inspiring Mammoth Hot Springs area before we travel along part of the northern loop, where we may have the opportunity to be part of the notorious bison traffic jam. This evening, we check in to our accommodations nestled inside the park and have dinner together.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7: Old FaithfulRevel in a full day of exploring Yellowstone National Park’s breathtaking wonders! A park guide joins us for an exciting tour including stops at Old Faithful, the world’s most famous geyser, and Artist Point. We also see stunning views of Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls as well as the multicolored Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Our scenic drive continues through Hayden Valley, a haven for wildlife with lush forests. Later, we depart Yellowstone and settle in for a comfortable two-night stay in Jackson, Wyoming.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 8: The Grand TetonsThis morning, we visit Grand Teton National Park for picturesque views of shimmering lakes, rolling meadows, and soaring mountain ranges with snow-capped peaks. Watch for elk, bison, foxes, moose, and bald eagles as we venture through the park and take advantage of premier photo opportunities. Learn about this protected area with immaculate exhibits during our stop at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, followed by a visit to the Chapel of the Transfiguration, a rustic log chapel with a 100-year-old history and picture-perfect vistas of Grand Teton. The afternoon is yours at leisure to relax or explore! Tonight, we enjoy a covered wagon ride in Cache Creek Canyon to our included dinner – a tasty barbecue cookout accompanied by the music and songs of the Old West!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9: Salt Lake CityStep aboard our comfortable motorcoach this morning for one last scenic drive, taking us from Jackson into Salt Lake City. Along the way, we break at Bear Lake Overlook to stretch our legs as we take in spectacular views of the turquoise water nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains. After settling into our accommodations, enjoy one more wonderful dinner with your fellow travelers before the second half of your grand adventure begins tomorrow.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 10: Leisure DayTake advantage of a full day in Salt Lake City to spend as you wish! Just steps from the hotel you’ll find City Creek Center, an expansive mall with over 100 shops and eateries, or you may also enjoy exploring nearby attractions such as historic Temple Square, the Church History Museum, or Clark Planetarium.
- Day 11: MoabOur day begins by witnessing the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square as they record a performance for the longest-running radio broadcast of its kind in the country. Next, we travel to Moab and check in for a two-night stay, then have dinner at Moab Brewery.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 12: Arches National ParkToday, we explore Arches National Park with an expert local guide. Marvel at how erosion and weathering have formed the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches! In the afternoon, we visit Dead Horse Point State Park, considered Utah’s most spectacular state park, where scenic overlooks provide breathtaking panoramas of sculptured pinnacles and buttes. The evening is at your leisure.
Meals Included: Continental Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 13: Monument ValleyWe depart Moab this morning and visit Newspaper Rock, one of the finest examples of petroglyphs in the United States. Next, a stop at Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum allows us to view an impressive collection of Native American artifacts. After an included lunch, enjoy an overlook of the San Juan River in Goosenecks State Park, its course zigzagging more than six miles in less than one linear mile! We then travel to the Monument Valley Visitor Center. The rugged, untouched beauty of this area has been used to portray the Old West in many motion pictures and television Westerns. Tonight, we indulge in a delicious dinner buffet.
Meals Included: Continental Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 14: The Grand CanyonToday, we visit the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon! Stretching 227 miles along the Colorado River, this world-famous natural wonder varies from four to an incredible eighteen miles in width and reaches a depth of almost a mile below the South Rim. Tonight, we relish the unique experience of staying within Grand Canyon National Park, right on the canyon's rim! Marvel at the vibrant colors and changing light of sunset while gazing out upon the magnificent canyon. As a certified International Dark Sky Park, it also offers an unrivaled opportunity to stargaze later in the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 15: The Grand StaircaseOur day begins with one last stop in the Grand Canyon at Grandview Point, where sweeping panoramas and surreal landscapes surround us. We then travel alongside the stunning Grand Staircase, layers of colorful sandstone rising above plateaus, and make our way to Zion National Park. As we reach our destination, soak up vistas of soaring cliffs and canyon landscapes that have been carved by the Virgin River over millions of years. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner and incredible accommodations within the park, nestled among towering rock formations.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 16: Zion National ParkThis morning is yours to view the natural wonders within the park! Hop aboard a tram to learn the history of the region while viewing soaring cliffs, waterfalls, and rock formations described as thrones, steeples, and cathedrals. Later this afternoon, we travel to Bryce Canyon City and settle in for two relaxing evenings.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 17: Bryce CanyonToday, we’re off to discover more of Mother Nature’s best work in Bryce Canyon National Park. Enjoy stunning vistas from the comfort of our motorcoach and have your camera ready for several photo stops that showcase this natural wonderland. The afternoon is yours to continue exploring the awe-inspiring creations within the park, like its famous towering spires and erosion-sculpted rocks called hoodoos. This evening, we’re treated to an exciting cowboy dinner with live music at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 18: Salt Lake CityWe spend our morning at Bryce Wildlife Conservation Museum, which features an impressive collection of 1,100 animal mounts and 1,600 butterflies from all around the world. This afternoon, we return to Salt Lake City with time to explore individual interests or to relax at the hotel. Tonight, our group celebrates new friendships and adventures over a wonderful Farewell Dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 19: Fly HomeWe return home with incredible memories from our western national parks grand adventure.
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 1 night at Holiday Inn Downtown Missoula
- 1 night at Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge in Whitefish
- 1 night in Great Falls, MT
- 2 nights in Helena, MT
- 1 night at Grant Village inside Yellowstone National Park
- 2 nights in Jackson, WY
- 2 nights at Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek
- 2 nights in Moab
- 1 night in Kayenta
- 1 night at Maswik Lodge in Grand Canyon National Park
- 1 night at Zion Lodge in Zion National Park
- 2 nights near Bryce Canyon National Park
- 1 night at Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek (before we return home)
Attractions & Highlights
- Smokejumper Visitor Center
- Glacier National Park feat. Going-to-the-Sun Road
- First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center
- Helena guided city tour feat. the Montana State Capitol building
- Gates of the Mountains boat tour
- Yellowstone National Park guided tour feat. Old Faithful & Hayden Valley
- Grand Teton National Park feat. the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center and the Chapel of the Transfiguration
- Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Arches National Park
- Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum
- Goosenecks State Park feat. San Juan River
- Newspaper Rock
- Monument Valley Visitor Center
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Zion National Park
- Ebenezer's Barn & Grill dinner show
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Bryce Wildlife Conservation Museum
30 Excellent Meals
- Welcome Lunch in Polson, MT
- Lunch in Glacier National Park
- Dinner in Yellowstone National Park
- Cache Creek Canyon cookout
- Dinner at Moab Brewery
- Farewell Dinner in Salt Lake City
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
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