7-Nights Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos End Rapid City from $4,195

Itinerary Details

Trafalgar Tours: Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos End Rapid City

Day 1 - Start Your Travels In 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.
Accommodations: Little America
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Journey to Jackson
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.
Accommodations: Modern Mountain Motel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 - Visit 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.
Accommodations: ClubHouse Inn West Yellowstone
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Yellowstone Sightseeing
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.
Accommodations: ClubHouse Inn West Yellowstone
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Immerse Into The Culture Of The Old West
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.
Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton Billings
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Venture Into 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.
Accommodations: Alex Johnson Rapid City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Explore Badlands National Park Make Travel Matter
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.
Accommodations: Alex Johnson Rapid City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Encounter The Traditions Of Black Hills Make Travel Matter
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).
Accommodations: Alex Johnson Rapid City
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 - Farewell Rapid City
Your Wild West adventure comes to an end after breakfast. Say so long to your newfound friends this morning. Depart from Rapid City at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Farewell Rapid City or Denver
Your journey through the Western Frontiers is not over yet. Travel south through the expansive, rolling prairies of Wyoming to Denver, the Mile High City at 1609 m (5,280 ft) known for its thriving coffeehouse and brewery scene. Along the way, trade tales with your travel companions of all the sights you’ve seen. On arrival check into your downtown hotel for your overnight stay and prepare for your exciting rail journey through the Rockies.
Accommodations: Magnolia Hotel Denver, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Denver to Glenwood Springs
Make your own way to Denver’s Union Station and board Canyon Spirit, your train for this journey. Settle into your reclining seat and enjoy sweeping views through glass-dome windows. As you journey west, cross the Continental Divide and follow the Colorado River past canyons, tunnels and mountain towns. Enjoy engaging commentary from the onboard team and soak up the relaxed atmosphere with your fellow travelers. With meals served at your seat and a chance to step onto the outdoor viewing platform for a fresh perspective, this scenic rail journey is a memorable way to travel. Disembark in the resort town of Glenwood Springs, where your overnight stay awaits.
Accommodations: Assigned by Rocky Mountaineer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 - Glenwood Springs to Moab
Board the Canyon Spirit and wave goodbye to Glenwood Springs as you continue your journey west. Today’s route brings even more showstopping scenery, from alpine vistas to deep sandstone canyons, with the chance to spot pronghorn grazing the open plains. Cross into Utah and take in the shift in landscape as red rock formations begin to dominate the view. As you near Moab, the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, take in the final views from your glass-dome seat. On arrival, you’ll disembark and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore or relax at your leisure.
Accommodations: Assigned by Rocky Mountaineer
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Moab Your Way
Leave Moab by motorcoach and make your way to Thompson Springs to board the Canyon Spirit for the final stretch of your rail adventure. Enjoy a late lunch and dinner onboard as you travel through Castle Gate, the cliffs of Price River Canyon, Soldier Summit and the Thistle tunnels. After passing Provo, your rail journey concludes in Salt Lake City, where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay in Utah’s welcoming capital.
Accommodations: Little America
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 - Depart Salt Lake City
Make your way to Salt Lake City International Airport at your leisure. Bid farewell to your fellow travelers and reflect on unforgettable journey through the landscapes of the American West.