Day 1:
Arrive in Rapid City.Welcome to the heart of America! At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.

Day 2:
Rapid City. After an orientation tour of Rapid City, visit CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL, built in honor of the fearless Sioux Indian chief whose fame is derived from the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Afterward, explore MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL, which features the monumental likenesses of four U.S. presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt—carved on the face of a mountain. Maybe stroll along the Presidential Trail for more intimate views, or visit the Information Center. (B)

Day 3:
Rapid City–Deadwood–Sheridan.This morning, journey through the rolling BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST to TATANKA. Here, learn “The Story of the Bison,” and experience the richness of the Lakota people, a Plains Indian buffalo culture. Afterward, experience the area’s colorful history with a guided tour of DEADWOOD, once a wild gold-mining town, and hear the stories of legendary Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Then, continue through Wyoming’s Powder River Basin to the cattle town of Sheridan at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. (B,D)

Day 4:
Sheridan–Little Bighorn Battlefield–Cody. Journey this morning into southern Montana to visit LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD, the site commemorating one of America’s most famous battles. Tour the battlegrounds where Custer was defeated by approximately 7,000 Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors, and visit the museum. Afterward, continue your scenic drive through the Bighorn Mountains, stopping at Shell Falls en route to Buffalo Bill’s Cody, with time for an optional float trip on the Shoshone River. (B)

Day 5:
Cody–Yellowstone National Park. This morning, visit the BUFFALO BILL HISTORICAL CENTER, a fine museum of historic weapons and Western art. Then, continue through Shoshone National Forest to YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, where wild animals roam freely in vast meadows and forest. Enjoy several photo stops along the way to your hotel, including world-famous Old Faithful Geyser. (B,D)

Note:
The routing and areas visited within Yellowstone are subject to favorable weather and/or road conditions. When conditions are unfavorable, routing may be adjusted accordingly.

Day 6:
Yellowstone National Park. Spend the day exploring Yellowstone. Travel along Grand Loop Road to Fountain Paint Pots to see the bubbling mud. Continue on to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone with magnificent views of Yellowstone Canyon and the spectacular Lower Falls, almost twice as high as Niagara Falls. Next, stop at Mammoth Hot Springs and take a short trail walk through steaming limestone terraces. (B)

Day 7:
Yellowstone National Park–Grand Teton National Park–Jackson. Journey south this morning into breathtaking GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK. Visit beautiful glacier-fed Jenny Lake at the foot of the rugged spires for a delightful walk along the shore before ending the day in the all-Western town of Jackson. This evening, travel by horse-drawn covered wagons into Cache Creek Canyon and experience dinner at the BAR T-5 CHUCK WAGON COOKOUT and Wild West show. (B,D)

Day 8:
Jackson. Full day at leisure to enjoy this spectacular playground. Perhaps choose an optional float trip along the Snake River or stroll along the downtown boardwalks and enjoy a drink at one of the swing-door saloons. (B)

Day 9:
Jackson–Salt Lake City. Today’s journey continues alongside some of Wyoming’s most beautiful mountain ranges into Utah, home to five national parks. Arrive in Salt Lake City, founded by Brigham Young in 1847. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the capital city and its historic monuments. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at Temple Square. (B,D)

Day 10:
Salt Lake City.Your vacation ends this morning with guests departing on independent schedules. Transfers are provided to Salt Lake City International Airport. (B)