Discover the Wonders of the American West
From iconic national monuments to otherworldly geothermal wonders, this 9-day tour brings you face-to-face with the natural and cultural marvels of the American West. Travel in comfort from California through Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, exploring legendary places like Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton. With seamless transport, engaging guided excursions, and thoughtfully chosen accommodations, this trip promises incredible scenery, captivating history, and unforgettable moments.
- 9 nights hotel accommodations
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- National Park entrance fees
- Celebration Dinner Party in Las Vegas
- Professional tour director throughout
- Some breakfasts included (varies by hotel)
What’s included
- Flights to/from Denver and Las Vegas
- Airport transfers (guests will meet directly at hotel in Denver)
- Optional tours and meals (Bar T 5 Cookout, Grand Canyon, Vegas Shows)
- Tips for guides & drivers (suggested $15 per person/day)
- Personal expenses and most meals
What’s not included
This sample itinerary is fully customizable—dates, activities, and experiences can be tailored for your private group.
Day 1 – August 1, 2026 | Arrive in Denver, Colorado
Welcome to the “Mile-High City,” sitting exactly one mile above sea level and framed by the Rocky Mountains. Known for its thriving arts scene and historic Union Station, Denver blends frontier charm with modern sophistication.
Overnight: Denver
Day 2 – August 2, 2026 | Denver – Cheyenne – Crazy Horse – Deadwood
Travel north into Wyoming’s capital, Cheyenne, with its railroad history and cowboy heritage. Cross the prairies into South Dakota’s Black Hills, stopping at the Crazy Horse Memorial, a still-unfinished but monumental carving honoring the Lakota warrior. Arrive in Deadwood, a frontier town once home to Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, where gold rush tales live on in preserved saloons and wooden boardwalks.
Overnight: Deadwood
Day 3 – August 3, 2026 | Badlands National Park – Mount Rushmore – Fort Hays – Deadwood
Marvel at the surreal landscapes of Badlands National Park, with jagged cliffs, colorful buttes, and fossil-rich terrain. Continue to Mount Rushmore, where the colossal faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln are etched into granite, symbolizing American ideals. Stop at Fort Hays, a recreated frontier outpost showcasing pioneer life. Return to Deadwood for another evening in the Old West.
Overnight: Deadwood
Day 4 – August 4, 2026 | Deadwood – Devil’s Tower – Gardiner, Montana
Drive through Wyoming to Devil’s Tower National Monument, America’s first national monument and a sacred site to Native tribes, rising dramatically from the plains. Continue into Montana’s wide-open landscapes, arriving in Gardiner, the northern gateway to Yellowstone, marked by the Roosevelt Arch.
Overnight: Livingston Area
Day 5 – August 5, 2026 | Yellowstone National Park – West Yellowstone
Enter the world’s first national park, Yellowstone, a wonderland of geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and wildlife. See the steaming terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, the rainbow colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, and the legendary eruption of Old Faithful. Keep watch for bison, elk, and maybe even bears. Tonight, stay in West Yellowstone, a charming gateway town.
Overnight: West Yellowstone vicinity
Day 6 – August 6, 2026 | West Yellowstone – Grand Teton National Park – Jackson
Travel south through Yellowstone’s scenic Lower Loop, then into the stunning Grand Teton National Park, where snowcapped peaks rise abruptly from valley floors. Stop at Oxbow Bend for postcard views, Jenny Lake for alpine reflections, and Mormon Row for rustic barns against the Teton skyline. Continue to Jackson, known for its cowboy culture, art galleries, and famous elk antler arches.
Optional Dinner: Bar T 5 Covered Wagon Cookout ($65 plus gratuity)
Overnight: Jackson Hole area
Day 7 – August 7, 2026 | Jackson – Salt Lake City, Utah
Pass through Idaho’s Snake River Plain, dotted with farmland and volcanic history, before arriving in Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital. Visit Temple Square, spiritual center of the LDS faith, and admire panoramic views from the Utah State Capitol.
Overnight: Salt Lake City
Day 8 – August 8, 2026 | Salt Lake City – Las Vegas, Nevada
Travel through the dramatic red rock country of southern Utah before reaching the glittering lights of Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the World. This evening, enjoy a Celebration Dinner Party together with your group.
Overnight: Las Vegas
Meals: Dinner Party
Day 9 – August 9, 2026 | Las Vegas – Free Day & Optional Excursions
A full day to explore Las Vegas as you wish—wander the Strip, shop, or enjoy spectacular shows.
Optional tours include:
Grand Canyon West Rim Excursion – $150 (full-day)
Vegas Shows & Sphere
Experience – Prices vary
Overnight: Las Vegas
Day 10 – August 10, 2026 | Departure
Check out of your hotel and make your way independently to the airport for your flight home.
Check-in details
Pickup from hotel or designated meeting point. Final details provided after booking confirmation.
What to bring
- Valid ID/passport
- Comfortable clothing
- Travel essentials
Special requirements
Travel documentation may be required depending on guest origin.
Restrictions
Subject to availability and minimum group requirements.
Extras
Tickets & optional activities:
- Cowtown Rodeo (US$45)
- Bullock Texas History Museum (US$20)
- San Antonio River Walk Cruise (US$15)
- NASA Johnson Space Center (US$50)
- Vermilionville Historic Village (US$10)
- Swamp Tour (US$50)
- Steamboat Lunch Jazz Cruise (US$65)
- Plantation Tour (US$50)
⚠️ This is a custom group tour. Any cancellation may affect overall tour cost. Cancellation fees are as follows:
A non-refundable deposit of USD $300 per person is required upon registration.
Final balance is due 3 months prior to departure to confirm guide, transportation, and hotel bookings.
Cancellation within 60 days of departure incurs a 100% penalty.
⚠️ These terms apply to all Joy Holiday tours. Registration constitutes agreement to the above terms.
⚠️ We reserve the right to adjust pricing.