America's Great National Parks with Rocky Mountaineer
America's Great National Parks with Rocky Mountaineer
12 Days
Tour operator:
Tour code:
98497
From:
$7445
$6686 (USD)
including Flights from the UK
Barrhead discount: -$760
NB: Prices correct on 19-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
An expedition through sprawling nature reserves and red desert landscapes, including a two-day train journey on Rocky Mountaineer.
Begin your adventure through the southwestern states in California’s famous desert resort, Palm Springs, where Hollywood’s rich and famous built their opulent residences. Explore Joshua Tree National Park, with its striking desert scenery, unique rock formations and namesake trees then, from Scottsdale, continue to spiritual Sedona, nestled among captivating red rock formations within the Coconino National Forest. Choose to join an optional Jeep ride, taking you past the high desert's rock spires and sandstone cliffs.
Next, you’ll travel to the Grand Canyon, one of the world's most iconic natural wonders. For an even more breathtaking experience, consider a helicopter ride above the park and canyon, offering unparalleled views of this remarkable landscape. Your journey then leads to Monument Valley, with its remarkable viewpoints and a chance to immerse yourself in the traditions of the Navajo people.
As your exploration resumes, you'll spend a day discovering the rugged terrain of Canyonlands National Park, shaped by the mighty Colorado River. As the day turns to dusk, you'll gaze across Arches National Park, watching the setting sun cast a golden glow over the park's 2,000 natural stone arches. You’ll then embark on the two-day 'Rockies to the Red Rocks' rail route from Moab to Denver aboard the legendary Rocky Mountaineer. Finally, before heading home, spend your last night discovering Denver, the ‘Mile High City’.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Fly To Los Angeles
Fly to Los Angeles where, on arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your tour manager and transferred to Palms Springs, a popular desert resort city.
Day Two - Travel To Palm Springs And Included Visit To Joshua Tree National Park
This morning, set off on a brief drive around Palm Springs to view some of the luxurious residences of Hollywood’s rich and famous.
The tour will then head into the heart of nearby Joshua Tree National Park. Known for its expansive striking desert landscape, this reserve is covered in otherworldly rock formations and Joshua trees, unusual plant species with tall, spiky branches. Your tour manager will point out geological features of interest and describe the wildlife that calls this arid, rugged landscape home.
Continue to Scottsdale, where your stylish hotel for the night is right next to the city’s Old Town, with its many shops, bars, and restaurants.
Day Three – Included Visit To Sedona And Optional Jeep Ride In The Arizona Desert
You’ll depart Scottsdale, travel to the northern part of Arizona and arrive in Sedona. This small town is set amongst spectacular red rock formations and pinewoods of the Coconino National Forest.
You can stroll around the uptown area, browsing the numerous art galleries, New Age shops, and cafés, backed by remarkable scenery.
From here, you can choose to join an optional Jeep ride through the surrounding landscape, passing by the distinctive rock spires and sandstone cliffs and across the twisting, weathered roads, dating back to the pioneer times. As you venture, your driver guide will tell you about the plants and animals of Arizona's high desert.
You’ll then continue to Flagstaff for two nights’ stay. Nestled in the mountains of northern Arizona and on the infamous Route 66, this town is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and an ideal location for stargazing.
Day Four - Included Visit To Grand Canyon And Optional Helicopter Ride
Today will be one for the wish-list, as you’ll journey to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. You’ll enter the Grand Canyon National Park and stand on the edge of this immense chasm, which has been shaped by the Colorado River for millions of years. Observe the multi-coloured layers of rocks, visit some of the vantage points and learn about the diverse range of wildlife that inhabits the area.
If you’d like to view this spectacle from above, a once-in-a-lifetime optional helicopter ride is available. Soaring above the park and the canyon allows you to marvel at the almost incomprehensible vastness of it all.
Later in the day, you’ll return to Flagstaff. This evening, perhaps sit by one of the hotel’s outdoor firepits and do some stargazing with a drink in hand.
Day Five – Travel To Monument Valley
In the morning, the group will leave Flagstaff and head for the red desert sand region of Monument Valley on the Arizona-Utah border. This sprawling barren landscape interspersed with towering sandstone buttes is where the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park can be found. Many TV series and films, particularly Westerns, have been filmed here due to the remarkable landscape.
Your accommodation for the night looks over Monument Valley and is built on land, which is considered sacred by Native American tribes, mainly the Navajo Nation. The wrap-around terrace provides the perfect spot to watch as the sun sets, transforming the valley.
Day Six - Day At Leisure Or Optional Monument Valley Tour
Join an optional tour today to discover Monument Valley and its most famous highlights. During this excursion, you’ll cover a 17-mile loop, stopping at several popular viewpoints along the way. You’ll start with the Mittens, John Ford’s Point and Three Sisters, before continuing to the Totem Pole, Artist’s Point, and the North Window. While you travel and take in the stark beauty, the driver guide will provide insights into the history, cultural and natural wonders of the area. Lastly, the tour will visit an authentic Navajo hogan, a traditional, dome-shaped dwelling used by the Navajo tribe.
Once you’ve had a break for lunch, you’ll be driven to Moab, Utah and the gateway to the nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. You’ll check into your hotel for three nights and have the evening to relax.
Day Seven – Included Visit To Canyonlands National Park
A day of adventure awaits as you’ll be discovering Canyonlands National Park, with its terrain defined by the Colorado River. Dramatic ravines and spiralling rock formations are spread across four districts, which have been divided into tributaries.
You’ll begin with the first, Island in the Sky, where you’ll pause at the lookouts, Mesa Arch and Grand Viewpoint. Continue to The Needles, home to colourful spires and jagged rock pillars, the Maze, made up of intricate canyons, and the rivers themselves.
By coach, you’ll also travel along White Rim Road, which allows you to get a better view of the canyons and river valleys below.
Day Eight – Morning At Leisure And Included Visit To Arches National Park At Sunset
This morning will be free for you to take it easy, perhaps meandering around the downtown area with its craft shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
In the late afternoon, you’ll be driven into the Arches National Park. At dusk, as the sun sets, you’ll get to witness the red-rusted landscape, with over 2,000 natural stone arches, balanced rocks, and colossal pinnacles, bathed in a golden light. From an ideal viewing location, you can gaze across the reserve while it changes colour, and the sky slowly darkens.
Day Nine – Free Time In Moab And Rocky Mountaineer Train To Glenwood Springs
You’ll have some time free in Moab before heading for the station and boarding the legendary Rocky Mountaineer. Once seated, dinner and a beverage will be served as you travel through the mountains, winding your way past more red rock formations, ancient canyons, and desert scenery. The imposing Mount Garfield and enchanting Ruby Canyon will be viewed before you arrive in Glenwood Springs, famed for its hot springs, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Day 10 – Travel To Denver
Your second day on the train will see you head east towards Denver, experiencing more captivating views along the tracks. As the sun rises over the Colorado River and fringing canyons, you’ll be served a hot two-course breakfast. Later in the day, a three-course, regionally inspired lunch will be enjoyed as you traverse the Colorado Rockies. The Continental Divide will then be crossed, and the train will continue through the Moffat Tunnel, an engineering wonder, before arriving in Denver, the ‘Mile High City’.
Day 11 – Morning At Leisure And Travel To The Airport
Embrace some free time this morning in Denver, perhaps looking for some last-minute souvenirs.
In the afternoon, you’ll be driven to the airport for the return overnight flight.
Day 12 – Arrive Back In The Uk
Land in the UK after an American adventure in the great outdoors.
What's Included
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10 nights’ room-only accommodation in Palm Springs (1 night), Scottsdale (1), Flagstaff (2), Monument Valley (1), Moab (3), Glenwood Springs (1) and Denver (1), plus one night on the aircraft
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Two-day rail journey on board Rocky Mountaineer from Moab to Denver in SilverLeaf Service
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Orientation tour of Palm Springs
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Dinner, breakfast, and lunch with drinks on board the Rocky Mountaineer
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A visit to Joshua Tree, the Grand Canyon South Rim, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks
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Return flights to Los Angeles and from Denver
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A visit to Sedona
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Coach travel and transfers throughout
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Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
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Two-day rail journey on board Rocky Mountaineer from Moab to Denver in SilverLeaf Service. SilverLeaf Plus is also available.
Passports and visas
When travelling to the USA, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT), valid beyond the return date from the USA. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply for an ESTA online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure at www.cbp.gov/esta. The current charge is $21 for British Citizens. British subjects and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested should consult the US Embassy as a visa may be required. Note too that if you have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or Cuba since 12 January 2021, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program.
Foreign Office travel advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately two hours.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on any coach forming part of your holiday; regular stops will be made though for your comfort en route. The majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout including in all bedrooms. In general smoking outside is acceptable, but do look out for signs prohibiting this close to public entrances or bus stops.
Tipping
Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. The customary gratuity for a coach driver or Tour Manager is about $5 per person per day. It is normal to tip 15-20 per cent of the bill for a taxi or in a restaurant, and to leave a dollar or so per drink in a bar.
On your flight
All outbound flights depart and arrive on the same day. All return flights leave in the evening and land in the UK the next day. On-board meals will usually include lunch and a snack on outward flights, and dinner and breakfast on flight home. Soft drinks are complimentary, but some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Hotel rooms
Standard hotel rooms in North America will contain one or two double- or queen-sized beds, and it is not possible to add extra beds to the room. Parties consisting of more than two travellers, but who have only booked one room, will be expected to make use of the two beds provided. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.
Passports and visas
When travelling to the USA, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT), valid beyond the return date from the USA. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply for an ESTA online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure at www.cbp.gov/esta. The current charge is $21 for British Citizens. British subjects and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested should consult the US Embassy as a visa may be required. Note too that if you have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or Cuba since 12 January 2021, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately two hours.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
Reviews of this operator
Dates & Availability
Wednesday - Sunday
May 07, 2025 - May 18, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Sep 24, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Oct 01, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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Terms and Conditions
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