America's National Parks with Denver

Welcome to Denver! Enjoy free time in the Mile-High City this evening. TOUR HIGHLIGHT At 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver is called the Mile-High City for a reason. This gateway to the Rocky Mountains is the perfect place to kick back with a view of the sunset over Mount Blue Sky while enjoying a local IPA brew or fresh-brewed coffee after dinner. Explore the best eateries in LoDo Lower Downtown) and discover the many other exciting venues this vibrant city has to offer.

The City of Presidents Meet your Tour Director this morning and enjoy a scenic drive across the High Plains of eastern Wyoming and western South Dakota en route to Rapid City. At 6:00 p.m., join your Tour Director and fellow travel companions for a welcome drink. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT From a distance, the Black Hills of South Dakota cut a dark figure rising above the plains, giving it the Lakota name of Paha Sapa (black hills). Upon closer inspection, this region is overflowing with western wildlife and natural wonders that go on as far as the eye can see. Watch for deer and antelope, as well as herds of bison that roam the rolling hills.

Stone-Faced Patriots Begin the day with an orientation tour of Rapid City before continuing into the heart of the Black Hills. Visit the awe-inspiring Crazy Horse Memorial, a monumental tribute to the renowned Lakota leader and a powerful symbol of Native American heritage and resilience. Then travel to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where the iconic faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt are carved into the granite mountainside in striking detail. Take time to walk the Presidential Trail for closer views of this remarkable monument and visit the Information Center to learn more about its history, craftsmanship, and significance. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Black Hills, Crazy Horse Memorial honors the legacy of a fearless Lakota leader best known for his role in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Nearby, Mount Rushmore stands as one of America’s most recognized landmarks—an enduring tribute to four presidents who helped shape the nation’s history. Together, these powerful sites offer a moving perspective on leadership, legacy, and the stories that define the American experience.

Sheriffs & Sharpshooters This morning, travel through the scenic beauty of Black Hills National Forest, where rolling hills, pine-covered landscapes, and winding roads set the stage for a journey rich in both nature and history. Continue to the legendary town of Deadwood for a guided tour, where the spirit of the Wild West still lingers in its historic streets and frontier-era architecture. Then journey onward through the Black Hills to Sheridan, a classic cattle town nestled at the base of the Bighorn Mountains. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and experience genuine Rocky Mountain hospitality. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Step back in time in Deadwood, where gold rush dreams and frontier justice shaped one of the most colorful chapters of the American West. Hear captivating stories of legendary figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane as you explore the very streets where miners, lawmen, and outlaws once crossed paths. From saloons to historic storefronts, Deadwood brings the drama and lore of the Wild West vividly to life.