2012
America the Beautiful:
Moab to Mt. Rushmore
July 11–22, 2012
12-day tour includes
• The services of a Go Ahead Tour Director
• A professional local guide in Denver
• 11 nights accommodations in comfortable,
well-located hotels with private bath or
shower
• All hotel service charges and tips,
baggage handling and local taxes
• Buffet breakfast daily;
4 three-course dinners
Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln: the four presidents—and statesmen—that founded and
stood for the very principles that make this country great.
Day 1: Arrival in Colorado
Day 4: Salt Lake City
Arrive in Denver, Colorado, and check into your
hotel. At a Welcome Dinner this evening, meet
your fellow travelers.
Included meals: dinner
Depart for Salt Lake City, capital of Utah and host
city of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. This afternoon, after you’ve arrived and settled into your
hotel, take a guided sightseeing tour of the city
center, including Temple Square, where you’ll see
the six-spired granite Salt Lake Temple, the domed
Tabernacle, home to the Mormon Taber­nacle Choir,
or the Gothic-style Assembly Hall.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 2: Transfer to Moab
Travel through the Rockies and across the Continental Divide on your way to Moab, passing
through Vail, the famed ski resort, and stopping in
one of the many charming mountain towns along
the way for lunch before crossing into Utah’s canyon country. Arrive in Moab this evening in time
for an included Chuckwagon supper—a true taste
of the Wild West.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 3: Arches National Park
This morning, opt for a rafting tour down the Colorado River. This afternoon, immerse yourself in the
red rock sculptures carved by nature over the past
150 million years of Arches National Park, home to
more than 2,000 arches, spires, domes, pinnacles
and fins. Tonight, enjoy our optional Canyonlands
by Night light show on the canyon walls of the
Colorado River.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Arches National Park
Day 5: Transfer to Jackson
En route to Jackson, you’ll leave canyon country
and into the spectacular peaks of the Rockies,
passing through the Bridger and Caribou National
Forests, with scenic stops along the way. Tonight,
arrive in Jackson and enjoy an included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
• Private deluxe motorcoach
• Guided sightseeing and entrance fees
to select sights as described
• Go Ahead travel gift and membership in
our World Traveler Club, which includes
credit toward your next tour
Guided Sightseeing
Day 4: Salt Lake City
Tour Highlight
Mount Rushmore, one of the nation’s most
recognizable sites, is a symbol of national
pride and American culture. Representing the
first 150 years of U.S. history, the impressive
sculpture of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt
and Lincoln took over 14 years to complete.
Absorb the magnitude of this awe-inspiring
masterpiece.
Insider’s Tip
Day 6: Jackson and grand Tetons
Enjoy a free morning in Jackson, one of the West’s
premier arts communities, and then spend the afternoon in Grand Teton National Park, the youngest mountain range in the Rockies. You’ll have the
opportunity to explore, take short walks, and view
the park’s unique wildlife.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Grand Teton National Park
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When in Moab and Arches National Park,
keep your eyes open for all kinds of history,
both of the geological kind and also of the
area’s many lives, including frontier crossroads, mining boomtown, movie backdrop
and outdoor sports mecca.
AAB12 05.11_UCDavis
Displaying their proud heritage and cultures,
Native Americans create and showcase their
intricate costumes.
The Grand Tetons are undoubtedly the most majestic range in the U.S., a grand sight that never
fails to take your breath away.
Day 7: Yellowstone
see its roaming bison and famed granite needles.
Continue on to the monument that rivals Mt. Rushmore in both size and scope. The world’s largest
mountain sculpture, the Crazy Horse Monument is
an ongoing memorial to the spirit of the legendary
Lakota Chief Crazy Horse and his culture. Tonight,
opt to see a truly wondrous sight—Mt. Rushmore
lit up at night. (Please note: this optional is seasonal from May 10th-September 30th).
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Crazy Horse Monument, Devils
Tower National Monument
Today’s destination is Yellowstone, the world’s first
national park (so designated in 1872). Enjoy an
excursion through all the unusual wonders of Yellowstone National Park, from the hot springs and
geysers to the bison, grizzly bears, elk and wolves.
Then, transfer to Cody, named after its most notorious native son, William “Buffalo Bill” Cody.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Yellowstone
Day 8: Cody & The Buffalo Bill Museum
Today, tour the Buffalo Bill Museum, where you’ll
see Sitting Bull’s bow and arrows, Buffalo Bill’s
show outfits and Frederick Remington’s “Portrait
of a Ranch Hand,” as well as Buffalo Bill’s grave.
Founded in 1921 by Johnny Baker, Buffalo Bill’s
foster son, the museum introduces you to the
life, times, and legend of William F. Cody. Arrive in
Sheridan later this afternoon.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum
Day 9: Devils Tower and Crazy Horse
Cross Wyoming’s high plains and then enter the
Black Hills, where you’ll stop to gaze at Devils
Tower National Monument, a sacred site for Native Americans which was declared the country’s
first national monument by Theodore Roosevelt
in 1906. Then, travel through Custer State Park to
out back, the best part of Wall Drug is the fascinating mix of people—and their uniquely-decorated
cars—that frequent it.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Mt. Rushmore Visitor’s Center,
President’s Walk
Day 11: Cheyenne & The Rockies
Head back through Wyoming this morning and
make your way to Cheyenne, where you’ll enjoy
free time for lunch. Join your fellow travelers tonight in Denver for an included Farewell Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 10: Mt. Rushmore & The Badlands
This morning, travel to Mt. Rushmore. Few attractions stir the emotions of pride and patriotism the
this monumental site does. Since it was completed
in 1941, it has joined the ranks of the Statue of Liberty and the Stars & Stripes as an inspiring symbol of democracy. The trick, however, is naming all
the presidents as you walk along the President’s
Walk. This afternoon, travel on to two of the most
otherworldly sights you’ll ever see. First, the Badlands. Named “mako sica,” meaning “land bad,”
by the Lakota, Badlands National Park a desolate
landscape of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and
spires that look more like a lunar landscape than
anything resembling earth. Next, it’s on to Wall
Drug, South Dakota’s favorite general store. Aside
from the huge jackrabbit sculpture and the wagon
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Day 12: Return Home
Today, begin your return journey home.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast
may not be provided.)
Map Key
CODY (1)
l Overnight Stays SHERIDAN (1)
l Included Visit
Devil’s Tower
l Optional Excursion
Yellowstone National Park
( ) # of Nights
The Grand Tetons
JACKSON (2)
WYOMING
RAPID CITY (2)
Badlands
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore at Night
Cheyenne
SALT LAKE CITY (1)
UTAH
SOUTH DAKOTA
Arches
National Park
MOAB (2)
Canyonlands by Night Light Show
DENVER (2)
COLORADO
Colorado River Raft Trip
Travel Pace:
3
Climate
Travel pace levels are based on criteria such
as length of tour, number of cities visited,
number of included activities, as well as
length of flights and land transfers.
The following guide provides the average
temperatures for a sampling of the regions
on your itinerary.
1 - leisurely 2 - comfortable Jan–Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July–Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
3 - active
4 - challenging
Walking on Tour
Most sightseeing on “America the Beautiful:
Red Rocks to Mt. Rushmore” is combined
private motorcoach tours with up-close
walks, including tours of Arches, Badlands,
Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Rocky Mountain National Parks. Walks are not lengthy
but can be uphill on uneven, sometimes
rocky or slippery terrain. If you choose to
venture out in the Arches area or when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, make
sure to follow trail routes and guidelines
indicated by your tour director.
Please visit
http://ucdavisamerica.
grouptoursite.com
for more information
about this trip!
Arches National Park
20˚–45˚F / -7˚–7˚C
25˚–51˚F / -4˚–11˚C
32˚–60˚F / 0˚–16˚C
39˚–70˚F / 4˚–21˚C
46˚–81˚F / 8˚–27˚C
54˚–84˚F / 12˚–29˚C
47˚–76˚F / 8˚–24˚C
36˚–65˚F / 2˚–18˚C
27˚–52˚F / -3˚–11˚C
20˚–43˚F / -7˚–6˚C
Salt Lake City
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July–Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
20˚–37˚F / -7˚–3˚C
24˚–43˚F / -4˚–6˚C
31˚–52˚F / -1˚–11˚C
38˚–62˚F / 3˚–17˚C
46˚–72˚F / 8˚–22˚C
54˚–83˚F / 12˚–28˚C
62˚–92˚F / 17˚–33˚C
61˚–90˚F / 16˚–32˚C
40˚–66˚F / 4˚–19˚C
30˚–50˚F / -1˚–10˚C
22˚–39˚F / -5˚–4˚C
Jackson Hole
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July–Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
5˚–27˚F / -15˚–-3˚C
8˚–32˚F / -13˚–0˚C
14˚–39˚F / -10˚–4˚C
24˚–51˚F / -4˚–11˚C
31˚–63˚F / -1˚–17˚C
37˚–72˚F / 3˚–22˚C
40˚–80˚F / 4˚–27˚C
31˚–71˚F / -1˚–22˚C
23˚–59˚F / -5˚–15˚C
16˚–39˚F / -9˚–4˚C
7˚–28˚F / -14˚–-2˚C
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Pre-departure information for “America the Beautiful: Moab to Mt. Rushmore”
Passport and Visa Requirements
No official documentation is required for U.S. citizens, although we strongly recommend having
your driver’s license or passport with you at all
times for identification purposes. If you are not a
U.S. citizen, please be sure to have your required
identification with you as well.
Otherwise, there are no major health risks when
traveling to this region. During the summer
months, take care for sun exposure and heat. It is
always advisable to check with your doctor or
health-care provider for the latest updates and
personal travel requirements.
Cuisine
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please
contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked
baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage
will probably weigh more on your return trip due
to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase
per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted,
provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length
+ width + height). There may be times when you
will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find
that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry
valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Clothing and Packing Tips
Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort
when exploring the sights is essential for your
tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of
walking shoes are recommended for sightseeing.
Hiking boots might come in handy, if you plan to
do any extensive walking or hiking. It’s always a
good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a
lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear
are advised. Restaurants are typically informal in
this region of the United States.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling is
the delightful variety of local cuisine—even if
you’re not traveling abroad. After all, the United
States contains some of the most varied food in
the world, and your tour will hit many different
historic regions. Most of the cuisine is well-known
to Americans, but look out especially for delicious
Rocky Mountain cuisine.
Transportation
All included transportation on “America the Beautiful: Red Rocks to Mt. Rushmore” is by private motorcoach.
Time Zones
All of your tour will be on Mountain Standard Time
(MST), which is two hours behind Eastern Standard Time (EST). When it’s noon in New York City,
it’s 10 a.m. on tour.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to
offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to
$9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend $2USD/CAD
per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash.
Purchasing Optional Excursions on Tour
Health
Please be aware that you will be traveling at
altitudes­­between 7,000 and 9,000 feet above sea
level on this tour. These high altitudes can sometimes cause difficulty breathing and other health
problems with travelers who have heart problems
or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of
these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks. Even healthy
travelers may sometimes experience altitude sickness, a temporary condition featuring symptoms of
headache, fatigue, nausea and lightheadedness.
Until your body acclimates to the higher altitudes,
we suggest that you drink plenty of fluids and limit
your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
If you have not yet purchased your optional excursions, you may be able to do so while on your
tour. Your tour director will only accept cash, Visa,
MasterCard or American Express as payment for
optional excursions. Please be advised that if you
pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour,
it may take up to three months for your card to be
charged. Some optional excursions may only be
purchased in advance. See the separate “Optional
Excursions” sheet for more information.
Travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We
must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary without advanced notice to meet with local
conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate
your understanding. Please refer to the current
catalog for terms & conditions, dates and prices.
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