Mt Rushmore Yellowstone & Arches National Parks 7-day Tour

If you’re dreaming of an adventure that hits some of America’s most iconic landscapes, this 7-day guided tour offers just that. Designed for those who want a well-organized, in-depth experience without the hassle of planning every detail, this trip takes you through the best of Wyoming and Colorado, with highlights like Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, and Arches National Park. While it’s a busy week, the focus remains on authentic sights, knowledgeable guides, and comfortable accommodations, all at a reasonable price.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances stunning panoramic views with informative guided commentary. The guides are praised for their expertise and friendliness, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. The fact that it’s fully guided means you can relax and soak in the scenery instead of stressing over directions or logistics. A possible consideration is the packed schedule; with so many parks in just a week, some travelers might find it a bit fast-paced. But if you’re looking for a comprehensive snapshot of the American West’s most celebrated sites, this tour hits the mark. It’s best suited for folks who love natural beauty, well-organized group travel, and don’t mind a bit of bus time.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience with guided tours, entrance fees, and hotel stays.
• Stunning park visits: Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, Arches, Grand Teton, and Devils Tower.
• Comfortable accommodations with 6 nights in well-located hotels.
• Expert guides praised for their knowledge and engaging commentary.
• Flexible options with free cancellation and reserve-now-pay-later plans.
• Ideal for travelers who want a hassle-free, immersive experience of the American West.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting in Denver, then heading to Cheyenne

Your adventure begins with a smooth arrival in Denver, Colorado’s lively capital. The tour guide meets you at the airport, and after a quick orientation, you’ll visit Colorado’s State House and Civic Center — a chance to see the state’s government buildings and enjoy some city vibes. The highlight for city lovers is the 16th Street Mall, a bustling pedestrian boulevard filled with shops, cafes, and street performers. It’s a nice way to stretch your legs after traveling, and the lively atmosphere sets a friendly tone for the trip. You’ll stay overnight at the Red Lion Hotel Cheyenne, which provides a comfortable base for exploring Wyoming the next day.

Wyoming’s Natural Wonders: Mt. Rushmore and Devils Tower

Day 2 is a full but rewarding day. Leaving Cheyenne, the bus heads toward South Dakota with a quick stop at the Lusk Rest Area for a break. The first major stop is the Crazy Horse Memorial, a colossal tribute to Native American heritage — impressive but still a work in progress, so it’s an intriguing glimpse into ongoing cultural recognition.

Next, you explore Mt. Rushmore — the iconic faces carved into the Black Hills, a symbol of American history and patriotism. We loved the way guides explain the history behind the monument and point out details you might miss on your own. It’s a popular stop, but the guided visit ensures you get the most meaningful experience.

Later, the group visits Devils Tower, known for its striking appearance and status as America’s first national monument. The landscape here offers a beautiful contrast to the monument’s vertical rock formations. The timing is just right for photos and a stretch before heading to Gillette for the night.

Yellowstone National Park: The Geysers and Hot Springs

Day 3 kicks off with a scenic drive into Yellowstone, America’s first national park. En route, you’ll stop at Cody, Wyoming, for lunch — a chance to fuel up before the park. Once inside Yellowstone, the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center offers a brief introduction to the park’s ecology.

The real highlight is Old Faithful, which lives up to its name with eruptions every 60 to 110 minutes. Watching a geyser shoot water high into the air is a captivating experience, and guides often share interesting tidbits about Yellowstone’s geothermal activity. The nearby Geyser Trail and Morning Glory Pool provide more chances to see the park’s famous hot springs, each with its own mesmerizing colors.

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Exploring Yellowstone’s Geothermal Marvels

Day 4 is the deepest dive into Yellowstone’s geothermal features. We loved the way guides explained the science behind the Norris Geyser Basin and Midway Geyser Basin, offering an understanding of how these natural processes shape the landscape. The stops at Mammoth Hot Springs and the Upper Terraces showcase the park’s unique calcium carbonate formations, creating terraces that look almost otherworldly.

A highlight is Artist Point, which offers a postcard-perfect view of the canyon and waterfalls below. The tour includes visits to Fountain Paint Pots and Upper Falls, giving you plenty of photo ops and time to appreciate Yellowstone’s volcanic power. The guided commentary enhances your understanding of the park’s complex geology and ecology.

From Yellowstone to Grand Teton and Jackson

On Day 5, the journey continues south to Grand Teton National Park, famous for its rugged peaks and pristine lakes. The Jackson Lake Lodge offers stunning views of the Teton Range, and guides share stories about the area’s natural history. Exploring Jackson Town Square, with its iconic elk antler arches, offers a taste of local Western charm. We liked how guides pointed out wildlife spotting opportunities and explained the park’s ecological importance.

A Day in Utah’s Arches and Colorado’s Mountain Towns

Leaving Wyoming, Day 6 takes you into Utah’s Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural stone arches. The Visitor Center is a good starting point, and the hike to Windows Section is accessible and rewarding — you’ll see some of the park’s most famous formations like Balanced Rock. The views from La Sal Viewpoint provide a panoramic perspective of the area, making the hike well worth it.

As the day winds down, you’ll stop in Grand Junction, Colorado, for a relaxing evening. The hotel here, Grand Vista Hotel, offers a comfortable night’s rest before the final day.

Wrapping up with Vail, Red Rocks, and Denver

The last day features a scenic drive through Vail, Colorado, a renowned ski resort town, which offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance for a leisurely lunch. The tour then visits the Red Rock Amphitheatre, a natural outdoor concert venue that’s as impressive visually as it is acoustically. The iconic red rocks against a blue sky make for perfect photos.

Finally, the journey concludes back in Denver, where you arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, giving you time to catch your flights or explore the city at your leisure.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This trip packs a lot of spectacular sights into a manageable week, making it ideal for first-timers to the American West. The large part of its appeal is the expert-guided format, which takes the stress out of planning while enriching your understanding of these iconic sites. The hotels are comfortable and well-located, and the inclusion of admission tickets saves you time and money.

The tour’s structure allows you to see everything from geothermal geysers to rock formations, with plenty of photo opportunities and chances for authentic experiences, whether it’s watching Old Faithful erupt or wandering around Jackson Town Square. The small group feel ensures you’re not lost in a crowd, and the knowledgeable guides often receive praise for their engaging storytelling.

However, with such a packed itinerary, you’ll spend many hours on the bus. If a slow, in-depth exploration of each park is your preference, you might find this schedule a bit rushed. But for travelers who want a rundown and the convenience of a guided tour, this offers excellent value.

Pricing and Value

At $1,508 per person, the trip covers hotel stays, all entrance fees, and transportation, which is a fair price considering the volume of sites seen. The tours include breakfasts on days 3, 6, and 7, which can be a nice start to busy days, but meals are generally on your own. Given the inclusions and the experienced guides, many find that the tour offers good value for a hassle-free way to see these major landmarks.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re looking for a guided, well-organized adventure through some of America’s most photogenic national parks, this tour fits the bill. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate expert narration, comfortable accommodations, and a fast-paced, comprehensive itinerary. Travelers who want to avoid the stress of logistics and enjoy the scenery with a group are likely to find this tour very satisfying.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more leisurely, in-depth exploration of each site or traveling independently, you might consider customizing your own trip or choosing a different itinerary. But for most, this tour provides a solid introduction to the natural wonders of Wyoming, Montana, Utah, and Colorado — with plenty of wow moments and expert insights along the way.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children or teenagers? It’s generally family-friendly, but the busy schedule and long bus rides may be less ideal for very young children. Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Are meals included? Only breakfasts on days 3, 6, and 7 are included. Most other meals are on your own, giving you flexibility to explore local eateries.

What should I bring? Pack comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), water, casual clothes, and some cash for snacks or souvenirs.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible? Yes, the tour is accessible for wheelchair users.

Are flights to Denver included? No, you need to arrange your own airfare. The tour starts and ends at Denver International Airport.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is the group size? While not explicitly stated, guided tours like this typically keep groups manageable, providing a more personal experience.

When does the tour depart? The tour is a guaranteed departure, usually starting in the afternoon, with pickup at Denver Airport between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

How many nights will I stay in hotels? You’ll stay six nights in various hotels around Cheyenne, West Yellowstone, Salt Lake City, and Grand Junction.

In essence, this 7-day tour offers a dependable, engaging way to see the highlights of the American West, perfect for those who want a guided, hassle-free experience wrapped around some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby