Wild West Cowboys and Buffalos End Denver
Wild West Cowboys and Buffalos End Denver
Wild West Cowboys and Buffalos End Denver
9 Days Starting in Salt Lake City, United States and ending in Denver, United States
Visiting: Salt Lake City, Montpelier, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Billings, Rapid City, Badlands National Park, Black Hills, Denver
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DWWADZN20
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 52
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the American Wild West with the "Wild West Cowboys and Buffalos End Denver" tour. Starting in Salt Lake City, this adventure takes you through iconic destinations like Jackson Hole, Cody, and Billings, with visits to breathtaking national parks such as Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Immerse yourself in the rich Indigenous culture of Montana and the Lakota community, with unique experiences like tipi building and sweetgrass braiding. Marvel at the majestic Crazy Horse Memorial and the presidential faces of Mount Rushmore. Enjoy a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, all while staying in charming accommodations like the historic Alex Johnson Hotel. With expert guides, luxury transport, and delicious meals, this tour promises a truly enriching experience, ending in the vibrant city of Denver.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Montana's Indigenous culture and community in Billings
- Discover Jackson Hole, Cody, Billings, Keystone, Rapid City
- Visit Badlands National Park, Oglala Lakota Living History Museum, National Oregon/California Trail Center, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, the Black Hills, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore
Make Travel Matter®
Philip: Travel to the past at the Oglala Lakota Living History Village and gain valuable insights into the culture and Indigenous knowledge of Lakota Country. Your experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Rapid City: Get ready for a one-of-a-kind-experience meeting Stephen Yellowhawk to discover the history of his tribe during a festive evening of dance and song. A performer for more than 20 years, Stephen has a passion for dance and sheer determination to promote his Native American culture. Raised by his grandparents from the Lakota tribe and Onondaga Iroquois tribe, Stephen will share his family and tribal history, culture, and traditions with you. Your experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Be My Guest
Billings: Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience at Billings Depot. Greeted by hosts from Billings Depot and 406 Native Roots, unlock Native American culture over an educational presentation about Montana’s local tribes before you join in on the fun. You'll learn how to build a tipi using unique methods mastered by various Native tribes and how to braid your own sacred sweetgrass, which is used during smudging ceremonies. You can even take home your braided sweetgrass as a keepsake. Then dig into dinner prepared by award winning Chef, Stephen Hindman of Stacked, a Montana Grill and sipping on beverages provided by BarMT, a local taproom. Sampling Native American Fry bread with apples and cinnamon is the perfect finish to a big evening.
Stays with Stories
Rapid City: Since opening its doors on July 1, 1928, the Alex Johnson Hotel hotel has played host to several presidents, countless celebrities, and some say a few spirits of its own. The handcrafted décor and Germanic Tudor-inspired architecture will leave you feeling that every step you take is a step back in time.
Trafalgar Difference
Yellowstone National Park: Grant Village was built in 1984 and named after Ulysses S. Grant, president when Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872. Located near the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake, Grant Village offers you a full-service restaurant with a view of Yellowstone Lake, a lakeside restaurant with a casual menu, lounge and gift store.
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Your Travels In Salt Lake City
Location: Salt Lake City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Little America
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 2: National Oregon/California Trail Center
Location: Montpelier
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Modern Mountain Motel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 Rockies.
Day 3: Visit Grand Teton National Park
Location: Grand Teton National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Kelly Inn West Yellowstone
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 4: Yellowstone Sightseeing
Location: Yellowstone National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Kelly Inn West Yellowstone
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you’ll enjoy a full day’s exploration of the geothermal wonderland of Yellowstone. You’ll join your Travel Director, marvelling 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.
Day 5: Immerse Into The Culture Of The Old West
Location: Billings
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Billings
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 6: Venture Into Rapid City
Location: Rapid City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Alex Johnson Rapid City
Meals Included: Breakfast
We continue our discovery of the Wild West heading through the "Energy Capital of the US," Gillette, WY. Then, we 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.
Day 7: Explore Badlands National Park Make Travel Matter
Location: Badlands National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Alex Johnson Rapid City
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8: Encounter The Traditions Of Black Hills Make Travel Matter
Location: Black Hills
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Alex Johnson Rapid City
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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).
Day 9: Depart Denver
Location: Denver
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to Denver, where you can extend your stay or make your way to Denver International Airport for your flight home, you will arrive at the airport at approximately 4:30pm.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels that are tried and trusted.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
The tour includes daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour features must-see sightseeing opportunities and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing experiences.
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All transport and transfers shown
All transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary are included.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Travel is provided in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and free time
The tour includes optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort with luxury air-conditioned coaches equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a seamless journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Wild West, with all transport and transfers included as per the itinerary.
Accommodation
Experience the charm of historic stays at the Alex Johnson Hotel in Rapid City, with its Germanic Tudor-inspired architecture, and enjoy the comfort of the Kelly Inn West Yellowstone, offering a cozy retreat after exploring Yellowstone's wonders.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Oglala Lakota Living History Village, where you can learn about the Lakota culture and indigenous knowledge. You will also meet Stephen Yellowhawk, a Lakota Sioux Tribe Member, who will share his tribe's history through dance and song. Additionally, in Billings, you will participate in a sweetgrass braiding activity led by a local Indigenous artist.
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What activities are available at the National Oregon/California Trail Center?
At the National Oregon/California Trail Center, you can relive the adventures of an 1850s westbound wagon train with actors playing wagon masters and pioneers. The center features historically accurate attractions, including a gun shop, mercantile, and a ride in a covered wagon.
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What can I expect during the visit to Yellowstone National Park?
During the visit to Yellowstone National Park, you will explore the geothermal wonders, including the famous Old Faithful geyser and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The day is dedicated to sightseeing with your Travel Director, and you will have the evening to enjoy on your own.
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What is the significance of the Crazy Horse Memorial visit?
The Crazy Horse Memorial visit allows you to see the largest mountain carving in the world, which is a tribute to the famed Lakota warrior Crazy Horse. This colossal carved tribute is a significant cultural and historical site.
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What is included in the 'Be My Guest' experience in Billings?
The 'Be My Guest' experience in Billings includes an educational presentation about Montana's local tribes, a tipi-building demonstration, and a sweetgrass braiding activity. The evening concludes with a dinner prepared by award-winning Chef Stephen Hindman.
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What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Rapid City?
In Rapid City, the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience includes meeting Stephen Yellowhawk, who will share the history and culture of his tribe through dance and song. This experience supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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