Denver to Yellowstone, Mt Rushmore and Devil’s Tower 7-Day Tour

Enjoy a pleasant flight to Denver, the capital of Colorado! Upon arrival, please meet our friendly tour guide at Baggage Claim #6 in the East Terminal by 1:30 PM.

From there, we’ll head to the Colorado State Capitol and Civic Center for a scenic sightseeing experience. Next, we’ll visit the iconic 16th Street Mall, known for its historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere—perfect for some free time and exploration.

Later, we’ll travel north to Cheyenne, the capital city of Wyoming, where we’ll stay overnight.

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Itinerary：

Denver airport pick-up → Colorado State Capitol Building → The 16th St Mall, Denver → Cheyenne

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Colorado State Capitol Building

Capitol Hill, one of Denver’s most eclectic and cosmopolitan neighborhoods, is known for its artistic spirit and bohemian charm. This historic residential district is lined with stately old mansions and offers a mix of culture and character. Notable attractions include the gold-domed Colorado State Capitol and the Molly Brown House Museum, a beautifully preserved Victorian home showcasing period furnishings and art.
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The 16th St Mall

Located in the heart of downtown Denver, the 16th Street Mall is a vibrant pedestrian promenade designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei. Its striking red, white, and gray granite paving forms a repeating pattern that, when viewed from above, resembles the skin of a diamondback rattlesnake.

Lined with 42 outdoor cafés, the mall is a lively spot to enjoy a meal or a drink. Notable landmarks include the D&F Tower—a two-thirds replica of Venice’s Campanile of St. Mark—which was the tallest building west of the Mississippi when it was completed in 1909.

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Hotel：Red Lion Hotel Cheyenne; La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Fort Collins; or similar

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This morning, we’ll drive to the awe-inspiring Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest mountain carving. A collaborative effort between Native Americans and American artists, this powerful monument honors Crazy Horse, a legendary warrior who fought for his people’s freedom.

Next, we’ll visit one of America’s most iconic landmarks—Mount Rushmore. Gaze up at the towering granite faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, a tribute to the nation’s ideals and a reminder that even the impossible can be achieved.

Our journey continues to the world’s first National Monument—Devils Tower. Rising more than 1,200 feet above the surrounding valley, its striking hexagonal columns are among the tallest and most unique in the world. Known to Native Americans as “Bear’s Dwelling,” Devils Tower also gained fame as a key location in the film Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

We’ll end the day with an overnight stay in Gillette, Wyoming.

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Itinerary:

Cheyenne → Crazy Horse Monument → Mount Rushmore National Memorial → Devil’s Tower → Gillette

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Crazy Horse Monument

The Crazy Horse Memorial is a monumental sculpture in progress, located on privately owned land in the Black Hills of Custer County, South Dakota. It portrays the legendary Oglala Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse, mounted on horseback and pointing toward his ancestral homeland. The carving is being shaped from Thunderhead Mountain, a site considered sacred by some Oglala Lakota, and lies about 17 miles (27 km) from Mount Rushmore. Construction began in 1948 and continues today, with the project still far from completion. Once finished, it is expected to be the second-tallest statue in the world, following the Statue of Unity.

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Mt Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Memorial showcases a monumental sculpture carved into the granite face of the mountain. The memorial features 60-foot-tall likenesses of four U.S. presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—representing the nation’s founding, expansion, development, and preservation.

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Devil’s Tower

Devils Tower is a laccolithic butte made of igneous rock, located in the Bear Lodge Mountains. The name “Devils Tower” dates back to an 1875 expedition led by Colonel Richard Irving Dodge, during which an interpreter is said to have mistranslated a Native American name as “Bad God’s Tower.” According to geographic naming conventions, the apostrophe is omitted, so all official signage refers to it as “Devils Tower.”

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Hotel：Wingate by Wyndham Gillette; or similar

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This morning, enjoy a scenic drive through the majestic Rocky Mountains. Marvel at the breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, ancient glaciers, blooming wildflowers, lush forests, winding rivers, and cascading waterfalls. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way—you might spot deer, elk, or even a bear from the comfort of your deluxe coach!

We’ll arrive at Yellowstone National Park around noon—the world’s very first national park and home to the largest super volcano on Earth. With over 10,000 geothermal features, Yellowstone offers a truly unforgettable experience. From snow-dusted mountains and dramatic canyons to serene lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and wide-open meadows teeming with buffalo and elk, the park has it all.

Don’t miss the park’s famous geothermal wonders: erupting geysers, steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and hissing fumaroles—natural marvels that make Yellowstone unlike anywhere else on the planet.

We’ll spend the night in West Yellowstone.

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Itinerary:

Gillette → Pass by Rocky Mountains → Yellowstone National Park (we will head to Upper Yellowstone Falls, Artist’s Point Spring, Hayden Valley, Yellowstone Valley, Mud Volcano, Fishing Bridge and other attractions, The tour guide will be adjusted according to the actual situation of the day, please refer to the actual arrangement.)

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Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park—the first national park in the United States—is a must-see treasure filled with year-round scenic beauty. It offers incredible opportunities to observe wildlife as animals migrate in and out of the park throughout the seasons. No matter where you go in Yellowstone, you’re likely to spot some of its iconic residents, including bears, wolves, moose, elk, bison, and more!

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Upper Yellowstone Falls

Just a quarter mile upstream from the larger Lower Falls, the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River cascade 109 feet over a rugged lava cliff into the basin below. The area beneath the falls has experienced more intense erosion compared to the calmer stretch above.

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Artist Point

Artist Point is one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the Canyon Area of Yellowstone National Park. The canyon’s sheer walls plunge 700 feet to the river below, with the majestic Lower Falls visible upstream. Downstream, the canyon expands and deepens to a maximum depth of 1,540 feet. While the canyon walls are primarily yellow, they also display vibrant hues of blue, red, orange, and brown—colors that shift and intensify, especially after rainfall followed by bright sunshine.

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Mud Volcano Area

The Mud Volcano violently erupted in the early 20th century, leaving behind a striking crater that remains visible today. Surrounding the site are several fascinating geothermal features, including the Mud Cauldron, Black Dragon’s Caldron, and Dragon’s Mouth Spring, each offering a unique glimpse into Yellowstone’s dynamic geothermal landscape.

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Hotel：White Buffalo West Yellowstone; or similar

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Get ready for a full day of adventure in the world’s first national park—Yellowstone! Discover a series of breathtaking natural wonders as we explore the park’s most iconic sights.

Marvel at the vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring, watch bubbling mud and steaming vents at the Fountain Paint Pots, and witness the powerful eruption of Old Faithful Geyser.

Take in the dramatic beauty of the Yellowstone Grand Canyon and the rushing waters of the Yellowstone River. Then, explore the Norris Geyser Basin, one of the hottest and most dynamic thermal areas in the park.

It’s a day filled with awe-inspiring sights—one natural wonder after another!

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Norris Geyser Basin

Norris Geyser Basin, named after one of Yellowstone’s early superintendents, is considered the hottest geyser basin in the park. The Porcelain Basin within it features a stark, barren landscape shaped by its highly acidic environment, which makes it difficult for plants, algae, and bacteria to thrive. Instead, the basin’s vivid colors come from mineral oxides—iron creating shades of pink, red, and orange, and sulfur and iron sulfates producing bright yellows. This basin is also home to Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world. Though its eruptions are infrequent, when it does erupt, it can shoot water nearly 380 feet into the air in a dramatic spectacle.
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Old Faithful Geyser

Old Faithful, located in Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin, is one of the park’s most iconic natural landmarks. Renowned for its reliability, this cone geyser erupts approximately every 91 minutes, delighting visitors with its regular displays.
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The Grand Prismatic Hot Spring

The Grand Prismatic Spring, measuring about 370 feet (110 meters) in diameter and 160 feet (50 meters) deep, releases around 560 gallons (2,100 liters) of 160°F (70°C) water every minute. It is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. The spring’s vibrant colors are created by microbial mats that thrive around the edges of the mineral-rich water.

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Hotel：White Buffalo West Yellowstone; or similar
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This morning, continue exploring the incredible landscapes of Yellowstone National Park. Then, journey south along the scenic Snake River to Grand Teton National Park, where towering peaks, alpine lakes, and breathtaking views await.

Next, we’ll travel to the charming town of Jackson—an iconic cowboy town and world-famous vacation destination. Don’t miss a visit to the historic Jackson Town Square, featuring its famous Elk Antler Arches at the center of town.

Our day ends with a visit to the Great Salt Lake in Salt Lake City, often called “America’s Dead Sea” for its high salinity and unique beauty. We’ll stay overnight in Salt Lake City.

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Itinerary:

West Yellowstone → Yellowstone National Park (stop at West Thumb Geyser Basin) → Grand Teton National Park → Jackson → Jackson Town Square with Elk Antler Arches → Great Salt Lake → Salt Lake City
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West Thumb Geyser Basin

The West Thumb Geyser Basin is located on the western edge of a large bay along the shores of Yellowstone Lake. This area lies within the West Thumb caldera, formed by a volcanic eruption approximately 174,000 years ago. The bay itself is a smaller caldera nested within the larger Yellowstone caldera, which later filled with water to form the bay seen today.

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Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park, nestled in the Rocky Mountains of northwest Wyoming, is renowned for its breathtaking mountain views and sparkling alpine lakes. The park is also a haven for diverse and abundant wildlife, making it a true natural treasure.
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Jackson Town Square with Elk Antler Arches

Jackson Town Square features four distinctive arches made from thousands of elk antlers, creating a truly unique landmark. It’s a remarkable place to explore, offering a memorable experience for every visitor.

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Great Salt Lake

The Great Salt Lake, located in northern Utah, is the largest inland saltwater body in the Western Hemisphere and one of the most saline lakes in the world. Fed by the Bear, Weber, and Jordan rivers, the lake has no outlet, causing its size to fluctuate significantly based on river inflow and evaporation rates.

Much like the Dead Sea, the Great Salt Lake lies in an arid region and shares many chemical properties with the ocean—but with far higher salinity. This is due to the fact that evaporation consistently outpaces the inflow from its rivers, leaving behind concentrated salt deposits.
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Hotel：La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salt Lake City Airport; or similar

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This morning, we’ll visit Capitol Hill and tour the Utah State Capitol—renowned as one of the most magnificent and costly statehouses in the nation. Step inside to admire its grand architecture, intricate sculptures, and the rich history that fills its halls.

Next, we’ll head to Temple Square, the spiritual heart of the LDS Church. Guided by Mormon missionary sisters, you’ll explore this sacred site and learn about the beliefs, history, and cultural significance of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In the afternoon, we’ll journey to Arches National Park, home to the world’s highest concentration of natural sandstone arches. Spanning 73,000 acres, the park features over 2,000 arches sculpted by centuries of water, ice, and erosion. Marvel at iconic formations such as Balanced Rock, the Windows, and the Three Gossips—and keep an eye out, you might even spot a hidden arch of your own!

We’ll stay overnight in Grand Junction.

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Itinerary:

Utah State Capitol → Temple Square → Arches National Park → Grand Junction
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Utah State Capitol

The Utah State Capitol serves as the seat of government for the state of Utah. It houses the chambers and offices of the Utah State Legislature, as well as the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and State Auditor. Located on Capitol Hill, the Capitol overlooks downtown Salt Lake City and is the centerpiece of the Utah State Capitol Complex. Designed in the Neoclassical Revival style with Corinthian elements by architect Richard K.A. Kletting, the building was constructed between 1912 and 1916. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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Temple Square

Temple Square is a 10-acre (4.0 ha) complex in the heart of Salt Lake City, owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The square includes several significant buildings and landmarks, such as the Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake Tabernacle, Salt Lake Assembly Hall, the Seagull Monument, and two visitor centers. In 1964, Temple Square was designated a National Historic Landmark District in recognition of the Mormon contribution to the settlement and development of Utah.
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Arches National Park

Arches National Park, located just north of Moab, Utah, is a stunning landscape bordered by the Colorado River to the southeast. The park is famous for its collection of over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the iconic, red-hued Delicate Arch in the eastern section. In the north, you’ll find the slender and impressive Landscape Arch within the Devils Garden area. Other remarkable formations include Balanced Rock, which towers dramatically above the desert floor at the park’s center.
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Hotel：Grand Vista Hotel Grand Junction; or similar

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Journey across the majestic stretch of the Rocky Mountains, passing the highest point on the entire U.S. Interstate Highway System. Cross the Continental Divide and take in breathtaking views along the way!

Next, arrive in Vail—part of Colorado’s famous Golden Triangle and one of the world’s premier ski and vacation destinations, home to some of the finest ski resorts anywhere.

Continue to the stunning Red Rocks Amphitheatre, nestled in the Rocky Mountains and offering sweeping views of the Greater Denver Area.

Finally, conclude your unforgettable 7-day Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore adventure with your arrival at Denver International Airport.

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Itinerary:

Grand Junction → Across the Rockies → Vail & Lunch → Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre → Denver International Airport(DEN)
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Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Situated at 6,450 feet above sea level, Red Rocks Park is a unique transitional zone where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. This diverse environment offers visitors the chance to experience plants, birds, and wildlife from both regions. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a geological marvel—the world’s only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect outdoor amphitheater. From legendary acts like Sting and The Beatles to opera stars and U2, artists from all genres dream of performing on this magical, spiritual, and emotionally powerful stage.

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