Mt Rushmore Yellowstone & Arches National Parks 7-day Tour

This 7-day tour from Denver offers a comprehensive journey through iconic American landmarks, including Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, and Arches National Park. Priced at $1,432.60 per person, it provides an all-inclusive experience with hotel accommodations, professional guides, transportation, and entrance tickets. The tour departs from Denver International Airport and covers over 3,000 miles of scenic routes, making it ideal for travelers eager to see the West’s most famous sights in one organized trip.

While the itinerary is packed with sightseeing, the tour is best suited for those comfortable with long bus rides and a busy schedule. Guests should prepare for a fast pace with many stops, especially at Yellowstone and the national monuments. The tour has received a solid 4.0 out of 5 from two reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guides and great value but some noting the lengthy travel time.

Key Points

• All-inclusive 7-day tour visiting Denver, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, Arches, and Salt Lake City.
• Price of $1,432.60 per person, covering accommodations, entrance fees, and guiding services.
• Starts at Denver International Airport with convenient pickup, ending with drop-off after the final day.
• Includes 6 nights of hotel stays with rooms for 2-4 guests, depending on availability.
• Highlights include Old Faithful, Devils Tower, Grand Teton, and the Great Salt Lake.
• Long bus rides of over 3,000 miles total, with many sightseeing stops along the way.

Starting Point and Departure Details in Denver

The tour begins at Denver International Airport with meetings at Baggage Claim #6 inside the East Terminal by 1:30 PM. The first day involves sightseeing around Denver’s Civic Center and 16th Street Mall before traveling to Cheyenne, Wyoming for overnight accommodation. The convenience of airport pickup and drop-off makes planning easier, and the tour recommends booking flights after 5:00 PM on the last day for a smooth departure.

Exploring Denver’s Landmarks and Cityscape

The inaugural day focuses on Colorado State Capitol and the Civic Center, where visitors see the impressive State House of Colorado. Alongside, the 16th Street Mall provides a lively pedestrian promenade designed by I.M. Pei, featuring outdoor cafés and notable buildings like the D&F Tower. This area offers a taste of Denver’s history and urban charm, with about 75 minutes allocated for exploring and free time to enjoy local eats.

Visiting the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore

On Day 2, the tour features stops at Crazy Horse Memorial—a massive yet unfinished mountain sculpture depicting Lakota warrior Crazy Horse—and the famous Mount Rushmore with its 60-foot sculptures of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. Each site is allotted about 1 to 1.5 hours, giving ample opportunity to appreciate their grandeur and learn about their significance. The view of Thunderhead Mountain and the ongoing work at Crazy Horse adds a sense of historical effort and artistry.

Yellowstone’s Geysers and Hot Springs

Days 3 and 4 are dedicated to Yellowstone National Park, with highlights including Old Faithful Geyser, Morning Glory Pool, Norris Geyser Basin, and Mammoth Hot Springs. The tour spends roughly 2 hours at Old Faithful, allowing visitors to witness its eruption and explore the surrounding Geyser Trail. The stops at Canyon Village and Artist Point showcase Yellowstone’s volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and colorful mineral terraces, with moderate to easy hikes included.

Because Yellowstone’s attractions are weather-dependent, some stops may be adjusted. The tour also includes visits to Fountain Paint Pot and Midway Geyser Basin for a variety of geothermal features. The itinerary balances sightseeing with enough time for appreciating Yellowstone’s geothermal activity and natural beauty.

Exploring Wyoming and Jackson’s Cowboy Charm

On Day 5, the journey continues along the Snake River to Grand Teton National Park with stops at Jackson Lake and Elk Antler Arches Park in Jackson Town Square. The Elk Antler Arches are notable for being built from thousands of elk antlers, making it a unique spectacle. Then, travelers visit Great Salt Lake in Salt Lake City, famous as the “America’s Dead Sea,” where a quick 30-minute stop offers scenic views of this vast salty body of water.

The day emphasizes both Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders and Wyoming’s stunning mountain vistas, with approximately 1.5 hours allocated for Jackson’s town square and 45 minutes at Jackson Lake.

Visiting Utah’s State Capitol and Arches National Park

Day 6 combines Utah’s impressive architecture and natural wonders. Visitors explore Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City, a Neoclassical revival building built between 1912 and 1916. They also see Temple Square, home to the Salt Lake Temple and LDS Church’s historic sites. The afternoon features Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 sandstone arches spread across 73,000 acres.

Stops at Balanced Rock, Windows, and La Sal Mountains Viewpoint offer fantastic photo opportunities, with easy hikes at the arches and a chance to marvel at erosion-formed formations. The park’s diverse sandstone landscape is a highlight for lovers of natural geology.

Final Day: Colorado’s Scenic Vail and Red Rocks Amphitheatre

The tour concludes with a scenic drive through Vail, a renowned mountain town famous for skiing and alpine scenery. After lunch, travelers visit Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, a geological marvel at 6,450 feet elevation. Known for its acoustically perfect amphitheatre, it hosts many famous performances, and its natural red sandstone formations make for striking photos.

The last day involves a 30-minute stop at Grizzly Creek Rest Area for a quick break before reaching Denver, with drop-off at Denver International Airport available after 5:00 PM.

Practical Considerations and Value

This tour offers a rundown of the American West’s most iconic sights with all entrance fees included. The group size is capped at 55 travelers, with accommodations for 2 to 4 guests per room. The long bus rides are a notable feature, totaling over 3,000 miles, which means travelers should be prepared for extended periods on the bus.

Good guides and well-organized logistics are strong points, with reviews praising the knowledgeable guide, driver Scott, and the professional service. However, some note that the Yellowstone portion can feel lengthy, with numerous stops that may slow the pace.

The Sum Up: A Wide-Ranging American Road Trip

This 7-day guided tour from Denver provides a budget-friendly way to see some of the most recognizable national landmarks in the American West. It balances geothermal wonders, historic monuments, and spectacular scenery, making it ideal for travelers seeking a guided overview without the stress of planning every detail.

The tour’s value for money is clear, especially with all entrance fees included, but the long bus travel times and busy schedule** may challenge those who prefer a more relaxed pace. The knowledgeable guides and well-coordinated stops help make the experience rewarding, particularly for first-time visitors eager to tick off major sights in a short timeframe.

This tour suits adventurous travelers comfortable with long days on the bus and eager to explore Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, and Arches National Park in one organized trip. It’s an efficient way to cover a lot of ground and enjoy some of America’s most stunning landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is airport pickup included?
Yes, the tour starts with pickup at Denver International Airport between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Are entrance fees included?
All admission tickets for parks and attractions like Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, and Arches are included.

What is the group size?
The tour has a maximum of 55 travelers, ensuring a comfortable group experience.

What accommodation is provided?
Guests stay 6 nights in hotels with rooms accommodating 2 to 4 guests, based on availability.

Is food included?
Breakfasts are included; lunches and dinners are not, so participants should plan accordingly.

Are there physical activity requirements?
Most sightseeing involves moderate walking or hiking, such as at Old Faithful and Arches National Park.

Can children join?
Yes, children over 6 are welcome, but under 6 children require a booster seat.

What if the weather causes cancellations?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

How do I cancel?
Cancellation is free if made at least 6 days prior; closer cancellations may incur fees or no refund.

Is this suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
Most stops involve moderate walking, but some attractions may have easy hiking options. Travelers should assess their mobility needs accordingly.

How do I book additional rooms or separate bookings?
For groups larger than four or separate rooms, please provide additional booking information with all confirmation numbers.