America’s Cowboy Country

This morning the choice is yours. Enjoy either a relaxing wildlife float trip or an exciting white water rafting adventure! Both paths take you along the Snake River and offer up dramatic views of a grand landscape complete with a picnic lunch. The rest of the afternoon is yours to experience all that Jackson Hole has to offer.

  Breakfast & Lunch     High  20  Low  0     Snow King Resort

Day 3. Jackson Hole – Grand Tetons – Yellowstone

Wind through Grand Teton National Park, home to the youngest peaks in the Rockies. Keep your camera ready. There are plenty of opportunities to take photos. Next, visit incomparable Yellowstone National Park, the first and oldest national park in the world. Yellowstone, a true symbol of the west, stretches across 3,470 square miles and touches three western states. Famous for its geysers, hot springs and incredible wildlife – including free-ranging herds of buffalo – Yellowstone lives up to its reputation. A park guide joins your group to discuss the past, present and future of the park as you observe the unspoiled natural splendour. Of course, no visit to Yellowstone would be complete without seeing its most famous attraction: Old Faithful. Watch in amazement as the geyser erupts, sending a fountain of steam more than 90 feet in the air!

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  16  Low  -2      Yellowstone Lodges

Day 4. Yellowstone – Cody – Sheridan

Begin your day with a journey along Lake Yellowstone and over Sylvan Pass. From the mountains to the prairies, the scenery is simply astounding. Pass through Cody and visit the Buffalo Bill Centre of the West – a tribute to one of the most colourful figures of the Old West. Before turning in for the night in Sheridan, make your way through the incredible Bighorn Mountains and cross through the territory of the Great Sioux Nation.

  Breakfast      High  23  Low  6       Holiday Inn Sheridan

En route to Rapid City, stop in Deadwood, a rowdy, rambling western town that has been named a National Historic Landmark. Recreations of turn-of-the-century street lamps light the way through the restored architecture. A local guide introduces you to the history of the city, including a visit to Mount Moriah Cemetery, final resting place of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and other figures from the Wild West. You’ll also make a stop at Kevin Costner’s Tatanka: “Story of the Bison.” This interpretive centre features large, awe-inspiring sculptures depicting the relationship of bison and the Lakota Native Americans. Enjoy some time to ramble through Deadwood where gold, gambling and gunpowder were once the order of the day. Later, return to Rapid City to enjoy leisure time for independent exploration.

  Breakfast    High  25  Low  6       Alex Johnson Hotel

Day 6. Rapid City – Crazy Horse – Keystone – Rapid City

Today, learn more about this diverse region. Jump into the world of Black Hills gold on a tour through Riddle’s Black Hills Gold and Diamond Factory. See skilled artisans hand craft South Dakota’s official state jewellery. Then it is on to Custer State Park where you’ll hop on an off-road vehicle to travel deep into the park. A herd of approximately 1,300 free roaming buffalo (or bison) grace the woods of Custer along with pronghorn antelope and elk. Your guide will fill you in on the history and fun facts about the park’s wildlife. Next, prepare to be amazed by the Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest mountain sculpture still in progress. The memorial includes the Indian Museum of North America, Native American Cultural Centre, the sculptor’s studio, an orientation centre and theatres. Many Native American artists and craftspeople practice their art at the memorial and are on hand to discuss the influence their culture has on their work. Make a stop in the Old West town of Keystone to have dinner on your own before stopping to see the illumination of Mt. Rushmore, one of the true icons of the West, during a sound and light show.

  Breakfast     High  25  Low  6      Alex Johnson Hotel

Day 7. Rapid City – Badlands – Wall – Rapid City

Today you visit rugged Badlands National Park. Upon arrival at the visitor centre, view its informative exhibits and displays and watch a film that introduces you to the area. Follow the Badlands Loop Road, a wonder of rock formations and vibrant colours caused by mineral deposits. Next, enjoy a stop at Wall Drug, a classic store from 1936, where there is time for lunch and browsing. This evening, a Lakota Native American will join you before your farewell dinner to discuss his dedication to his community and the Native American way of life, past and present.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  25  Low  6     Alex Johnson Hotel

Day 8. Rapid City – Tour Ends

After breakfast your tour comes to a close and we say goodbye.

  Breakfast