Discover the spirit of the Old West on this journey into the land that inspired thousands to leave their comfortable lives on the developed east coast, and pursue manifest destiny out west. The iconic landscapes, from grassy plains dotted with buffalo, to gold-rich mountains that served as the home base to towns like Deadwood and Homestake, is where life was made of dreams of striking it rich and avoiding the danger of lawlessness. Explore Custer National Park and its monuments to the battle at Little Big Horn and take some time to feel awe at the sheer scope and scale of Mount Rushmore. This is not a journey into the past, but rather a showcase of the impact the past has had on the present, and the enduring legacy of America’s Wild West.
Degree of Difficulty –
Welcome to Denver! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, where you can freshen up and prepare for your welcome dinner with the rest of your group this evening. In the morning, head out into the city to take in some of Denver’s most well-known sights, including the historic Larimer Square, the city’s oldest block. Experience the History Colorado Center and the Denver Art Museum, which has over 7,000 works of art. Walk down bustling 17th Street, Denver’s financial nerve center with its towering skyscrapers set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Return to your hotel to freshen up before dinner and have some free time to explore Union Station. CRAWFORD HOTEL.
(D; B,D)
Head into the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park. On this full day tour, you will discover why the Rocky Mountains of Colorado are the object of so many people’s affection. The park has more than a hundred 11,000-foot peaks, five glaciers, some 150 alpine lakes, diverse and abundant wildlife, including over 3,000 elk, 800 bighorn sheep, and herds of mule deer and moose. Choose from flat lakeside walks to steeper, more challenging mountain climbs. Hike around lakes and gorges, through basins and waterfalls and up summits on a variety of trails. Afterwards, head to nearby Estes Park to relax among the alpine scenery. Your accommodation for the night is located in the heart of Old Town in Fort Collins. ELIZABETH HOTEL.
(B, Boxed L)
Drive to Custer State Park, South Dakota’s largest and first state park. En route, stop in Hot Springs and enjoy lunch at Wooly’s Grill & Cellar followed by a visit to the Mammoth Site, an active paleontological dig site with the largest concentration of mammoth bones in the world. In the afternoon, venture off on an open-air jeep in search of pronghorn, elk, and bison. Tonight, enjoy a special chuck wagon cook-out and sample Western specialties. THE STATE GAME LODGE.
(B,L,D)
Following breakfast, drive most of the Wildlife Loop, 18 miles of open grasslands and pine-speckled hills that much of the park’s wildlife calls home, before continuing to Sylvan Lake, considered the “crown jewel” of Custer State Park. Here you will have some free time to explore the area on your own. Take the Sylvan Lake shore trail a mile long hike around the shore of Sylvan Lake. All around the lake there are breathtaking views. Rent a kayak or a canoe to get out on the water (at own expense). After lunch at Sylvan Restaurant, continue to work-in-progress Crazy Horse Monument. Afterwards, visit the iconic Mount Rushmore, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Black Hills in Keystone, South Dakota. There is plenty of time to explore, including the sculptors’ studio and the Lincoln Borglum Museum. End your day in Rapid City. Your historic home for the next three nights is located in downtown Rapid Cityand was built in 1927 by a railroad tycoon. It has played host to several presidents, countless celebrities, and a few spirits of its own. HOTEL ALEX JOHNSON.
(B,L,D)
In the morning, head on a Northern Hills and Deadwood tour, where you’ll explore the picturesque Spearfish Canyon and enjoy Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls. Stop at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, once the largest and richest gold mine in North America, and then continue on to Deadwood, where you will enjoy lunch (on your own). Deadwood became known for its lawlessness and its gold rush history. Return to Rapid City and enjoy a brief city tour. You will have some free time and an early dinner (at your own expense) in Rapid City before heading to Keystone for an experience to remember – the Mount Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony. HOTEL ALEX JOHNSON.
(B,L,D)
Next day, head into Badlands National Park and the town of Wall. Enjoy a tour through the prairie grasslands and admire the craggy landscape jutting out of the meadows. Wildlife roams the park’s boundaries as well: bison, pronghorn, mule and whitetail deer, prairie dog, coyote, butterfly, and turtle. Have lunch at Cedar Pass Lodge, (at your own expense), then take the Loop Road to explore further the Badlands ending up in the Town of Wall. This small community is home to the Wall Drug Store where the promise of “free ice water” brought in thirsty travelers on their long trek across South Dakota. Have some free time to shop before continuing back to Rapid City. A farewell dinner is included this evening at Tally’s Silver Spoon or similar, to reminisce with your fellow travelers about the exploration of this part of the USA. HOTEL ALEX JOHNSON.
(B,L,D)
Transfer to the Rapid City’s Airport to board your flight home.
(B)
Bid farewell to the rest of the group returning home and get ready for the perfect final experience – a ranch! This is a true piece of the Old West and a beautiful place to spend the next three days living life like a cowboy. Your authentic dude ranch experience is full of activity and options for you to enjoy, particularly horseback riding, which is catered to all riding levels and match the appropriate horse to each guest. Get in touch with history through some of the ranch’s specially planned activities: hike across the Wyoming plains, learn to ride horseback, fish or hunt for game. This is an authentic experience, perfect for your journey into the west.
Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.
Maximum group size: No restrictions, although we recommend a maximum of 24 travelers.
YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
- Accommodation at hotels as indicated in the itinerary (or similar).
- Transfers between airport and Denver hotel, as well as Rapid City hotel and airport. (Please note one group transfer will be supplied each way. Anyone not arriving on group schedule, will require a personal transfer at additional cost.)
- All meals as specified in itinerary.
- Services of driver/guides throughout the tour.
- Transportation in private sprinter vans throughout the tour.
- All park and admission fees.
- All applicable hotel and lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling (no baggage handling at Beach Retreat in Lake Tahoe).
- Water and snacks in vehicles.
- Complimentary luggage tags.
Colorado has four seasons because of the topography which combines high altitudes, as well as desert conditions. In both Colorado and South Dakota, the summers are warm and clear with temperatures in the high 80’s, while winters are cold with temperatures below freezing. The best time for this program is May through September.
