Wild West Cowboys and Buffalos End Denver

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • What's Included
  • FAQ
  • Dates

History comes alive on this family adventure into the Wild West. Admire the peaks of the Grand Tetons, travel and watch Old Faithful put on a show at Yellowstone and see the vastness of South Dakota's Badlands on this epic National Parks tour. Enjoy a picnic-style lunch and guided tour at the National Oregon/California Trail Center, before you meet local Indigenous tribes of Montana over a Be My Guest experience at the historic Billings Depot. From standing in awe at Mount Rushmore to saying ‘hi’ to Buffalo Bill in Cody, these experiences will have your family reminiscing for years.

Highlights
  • Explore Crazy Horse Memorial with access to the base of the memorial.
  • Discover Jackson Hole, Billings, and Rapid City.
  • Visit Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
  • Experience the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and Oglala Lakota Living History Museum.
  • Marvel at the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, including Old Faithful.
  • Immerse in the culture of the Old West at the Buffalo Bill Center for the West.
  • View the giant faces of former American presidents at Mount Rushmore.
  • Enjoy the spectacular sights of Badlands National Park.
Dining Summary
  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring comfort and connectivity throughout your journey. Experience the scenic beauty of the American West with a memorable rail journey on the Canyon Spirit, featuring glass-dome windows for panoramic views.
Accommodation
Stay in charming and historic hotels such as the Alex Johnson Hotel in Rapid City, known for its Germanic Tudor-inspired architecture, and the Magnolia Hotel Denver, offering a comfortable downtown experience. Enjoy the rustic charm of the Modern Mountain Motel in Jackson Hole and the ClubHouse Inn West Yellowstone.
Iconic Experience
  • Montpelier: Discover the epic saga of pioneers' westward expansion at the National Oregon/California Trail Center. You’ll take a simulated wagon ride, where actors in authentic period costumes guide you through the trials and triumphs of the journey. This immersive experience captivates visitors of all ages, vividly portraying a significant chapter in American history.
  • Grand Teton National Park: Head to Grand Teton National Park for sightseeing of its alpine landscapes featuring eight peaks towering 12,000 feet above. At the Craig Thomas Visitor Center, gaze out at the Teton Range rising above. Inside the Center, explore the themes of place, people, preservation, mountaineering and Native Americans as you contemplate the past and future of this park. With your Travel Director enhancing your visit through narrative, drive by Jenny Lake, a glacier-carved lake at the base of the Teton Mountains.
  • Yellowstone National Park: Yellowstone National Park. A bucket list destination and a must-see icon. Established as America's first National Park by President Grant in 1872, Yellowstone is famous for its hot springs, bubbling mud pots, vast canyons and lush forests and a variety of terrain including alpine mountains, prairies, valleys and waterfalls as well as a diversity of nature including the hydrothermal features. Explore the Southern Loop of Yellowstone with your Travel Director who shows you the must-sees and highlights, paired with background information of this huge, ever-changing national park. See the splendor of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, keep an eye out for bison in Hayden Valley, and witness Old Faithful blow off some steam.
  • Cody: Jump into the playground of the wild west. Glimpse into the "Spirit of the West" at the Buffalo Bill Center for the West Museum complex. Boasting five museums on its campus, this “Smithsonian of the West” will immerse you in the sounds and sights of the Wild West. You'll feel like you've been transported back to a time of cowboys and cowgirls, outlaws and Native American warriors.
  • Black Hills: Unlock the history of Crazy Horse Memorial. Learn how construction began in 1948 after Henry Standing Bear, a Lakota elder, commissioned Korczak Ziolkowski, who worked on construction of Mount Rushmore. While the original idea was to carve a face into rock like Mount Rushmore, the monument will ultimately have a full body and horse. There is no completion date yet, but the face of Crazy Horse was completed in 1998 at 87 feet 6 inches (26.7 m) high.
  • Badlands National Park: Enjoy the spectacular sights as you make your way through Badlands Loop Road.
  • Mount Rushmore: The grand faces of Mount Rushmore National Memorial await. View the faces of four of America’s most important presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt - dramatically etched into the granite rock. Mount Rushmore tells the story of the birth, growth, development and preservation of the United States. From the history of the first inhabitants to the diversity of America today, visitors will come face to face (literally) with the rich heritage we all share.
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
Optional Activities
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Destinations
  • North America
  • USA
Tour Types
  • History
  • Wildlife Tours
  • Gardens & Nature Tours
  • Sightseeing
  • Eco Conscious
  • Cultural

Location: Salt Lake City

Saddle up for a Wild West family adventure starting with a relaxing afternoon together in Salt Lake City before meeting your travel companions for a rootin’ tootin’ evening Kick-off Party with your Travel Director.<br/>

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Little America

Meals: Dinner

Location: Montpelier, Idaho, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Relive the adventures of an 1850s westbound wagon train with a visit to the National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, Idaho. Accompanied by actors playing wagon masters and pioneers, you'll journey back in time, exploring historically accurate attractions, including a gun shop, mercantile, and a ride in a covered wagon. After a picnic-style lunch at the Center, you're off to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where you can walk through the town's famous landmark arch of tangled elk antlers. Step back in time as you explore the Town Square with its Western boardwalks, craft boutiques and ice cream shops, all surrounded by the majestic Teton Range.<br/>

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Modern Mountain Motel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Location: Grand Teton National Park

Family fun awaits every day of this trip and today is no exception. If the season is right, today is your chance to get out on the water for some adventures. Rise early to float down the Snake River on an optional, scenic wilderness float trip. It’s the most relaxing way to experience the river as you learn about its history, geology, and wildlife from an expert guide. Travel onward to your hotel for the night.<br/>

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: ClubHouse Inn West Yellowstone

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Today you’ll enjoy a full day’s exploration of the geothermal wonderland of Yellowstone. You’ll join your Travel Director, marveling at Old Faithful, the thousand-year old geyser which has been shooting up water every 90 minutes for centuries. See the wonders of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone whose colors and shapes are a sight to behold. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy on your own terms.<br/>

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: ClubHouse Inn West Yellowstone

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Cody, Billings

You’ll get a glimpse into “Spirit of the West” at the Buffalo Bill Center for the West museum complex. As you wander through this huge set of exhibits, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to a time of cowboys and cowgirls, lawmen and brave Native American warriors. The complex gives you the opportunity to explore the Buffalo Bill Museum, Plains Indians Museum, Whitney Western Art Museum, or the Draper Natural History Museum. Round out the day with a Be My Guest experience at Billings Depot where you’ll meet the owners 406 Native Roots, an Indigenous arts and education center, before dining in a historic train terminal. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about tipis and engage in a sweetgrass braiding activity led by a local Indigenous artist.<br/>

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Billings

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Gillette, Crazy Horse Memorial, Rapid City

Continue your discovery of the Wild West heading through the "Energy Capital of the US," Gillette, WY. Then, travel to South Dakota to spend the afternoon getting familiar with a famed Lakota warrior at Crazy Horse Memorial. You’ll gaze in awe of this colossal carved tribute to Crazy Horse, which you’ll learn is the largest mountain carving in the world.<br/>

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Alex Johnson Rapid City

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Rapid City, Oglala Lakota Living History Village, Badlands National Park

Today, participate in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to the Oglala Lakota Living History Village, introducing you to the beautiful landscape of the past and present Lakota culture, and of indigenous knowledge of Pine Ridge Reservation. Your visit contributes to the sustainability and resiliency of the Lakota community. Walk with a local guide on the trails through displays of living quarters used through the 19th and 20th centuries. Meet local artists who, through crafts and storytelling, provide insight into their cultures and traditions. Later, visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, the perfect place to prepare for your visit of Badlands National Park. Learn about the local earth science, wildlife and history as you explore museum exhibits, visit a working Fossil Preparation Lab or learn about Indigenous communities who one inhabited the land.<br/>

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Alex Johnson Rapid City

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, Rapid City

Today, head for the famous Black Hills of South Dakota to view the giant faces of former American presidents etched in the stone cliffs of Mount Rushmore. This evening, join your fellow adventurers at a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and Farewell Dinner featuring your Lakota Sioux Tribe Member Stephen Yellowhawk (or another tribe member).<br/>

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Alex Johnson Rapid City

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Rapid City, Denver

Your adventure through the Wild West has come to an end but the memories created will last forever.<br/>

Meals: Breakfast

Included
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • All transport and transfers shown
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized

Not Included
  • Personal Expenses
    -Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
  • Travel Insurance
    -Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
  • Flights
    -International and domestic flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
  • Optional Activities
    -Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
At the National Oregon/California Trail Center, you can relive the adventures of an 1850s westbound wagon train. The experience includes actors playing wagon masters and pioneers, exploring historically accurate attractions such as a gun shop and mercantile, and a ride in a covered wagon.
During the visit to Yellowstone National Park, you'll explore the geothermal wonders, including the famous Old Faithful geyser and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The tour provides a full day's exploration with opportunities to learn about the park's history, geology, and wildlife.
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience includes a visit to the Oglala Lakota Living History Village, where you will learn about the Lakota culture and indigenous knowledge. This experience supports the sustainability and resiliency of the Lakota community and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The Be My Guest experience in Billings includes a visit to Billings Depot, where you'll be greeted by hosts from 406 Native Roots. You'll learn about Native American culture through an educational presentation, participate in a tipi-building activity, and braid your own sacred sweetgrass. The evening concludes with a dinner prepared by award-winning Chef Stephen Hindman.
The Crazy Horse Memorial visit allows you to see the world's largest mountain carving, a tribute to the famed Lakota warrior Crazy Horse. The memorial is a colossal carved tribute and is significant for its cultural and historical importance to the Lakota people.
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
The tour includes a visit to the Oglala Lakota Living History Village, where you can learn about Lakota culture and indigenous knowledge. You'll also have the opportunity to meet Stephen Yellowhawk, a member of the Lakota Sioux Tribe, who will share his tribe's history through dance and song. Additionally, in Billings, you'll participate in a cultural presentation about Montana's local tribes and learn how to build a tipi and braid sweetgrass.
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

You will have the option to book your own flights independently with the operator.

Dates Price Availability
07-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights
Quad £3375.00
07-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights
Triple £3089.00
07-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights
Twin £3375.00
14-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights
Quad £3350.00
14-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights
Triple £3074.00
14-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights
Twin £3350.00

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This tour is operated by Trafalgar

9 days from £3074 pp exc.flights; Enquire
Start:Salt Lake City, USA
Finish:Denver, USA
Suitable for: 0-0
Physical rating:Low
Diets:Vegetarians
Tour operated in: English
Tour Reference: DWWADZN20
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