Land Journey

Legends of the American West

Ken Burns American Journeys | All Departures Small Groups Averaging 24 Tauck Guests
Days
9
From (per Person)
$5,990 USD
Journey Type
Land
Time of Year
May - Sep
Cities & Landmarks
Jackson, Yellowstone National Park, Cody, Grand Teton National Park, Rapid City, Mt. Rushmore National Memorial
Wyoming

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Overview

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

 

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE - Insider stories about the national parks during filmed narratives by Ken Burns & Dayton Duncan

 

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

 

Small groups averaging 24 Tauck guests

 

Private guided Buffalo Safari in a touring vehicle in Custer State Park

 

In historic Cody, attend a performance of the world-famous Cody Nite Rodeo (Jun - Aug)

 

A firsthand look at life as a cowboy at the historic TA Ranch in Wyoming

 

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Activity

2
?

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Pace

3
?

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

View Full Itinerary

Legendary Journeys and Adventures

The West is larger than life, vast in its myths, its landscapes, historical figures, and monuments... and this 9-day journey takes you to the heart and soul of it.

Small groups, averaging 24 Tauck guests, travel from the grand designs of Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, to the imaginative masterpiece of nature known as Grand Teton National Park, and the wonders deep inside Yellowstone National Park… Visit a ranch, where you'll experience life as a Wyoming cowboy… go in search of Buffalo Bill and the West of the imagination in Cody... go rafting on the Snake River... and step back in time at Mormon Row inside Grand Teton National Park. Stay inside-the-park at sought-after lodges at Yellowstone's Old Faithful Inn and Grand Teton's Jackson Lake Lodge. Read Less

The Tauck Difference in the National Parks

A night at the rodeo

Day 4

Attend the exciting Cody Nite Rodeo (seasonal, June – August)

Way out here in Wyoming, nothing promises more real Western fun than an honest-to-goodness rodeo... especially in a town named for the legendary Wild West showman, "Buffalo Bill" Cody, and often called the "Rodeo Capital of the World." Established in 1938 and operating June through August, the Cody Nite Rodeo is the world's longest-running nightly rodeo. Get set for an evening filled with bull riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping, barrel racing, rodeo clowns, and a "calf scramble" for kids 12 and under.

Jackson Lake Lodge

Nights 7 and 8

With the Tetons at your doorstep

Spectacular views of the Teton Range are just steps away from your woodland cottage at Jackson Lake Lodge, perched on a bluff with the magnificent Tetons rising from the valley floor in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park. Explore the fascinating Snake River, wetlands, lakes, and lush valleys from this National Historic Landmark in the heart of the park.

A day at TA Guest Ranch

Day 3

A taste of the cowboy life at a Wyoming ranch

Make your way through Wyoming's breathtaking Bighorn Mountains to an authentic (and fun) western ranch experience at TA Guest Ranch in Buffalo. Homesteaded in 1884, this ranch was once the site of a shootout during the infamous Johnson County War that pitched cowboy against cowboy in these parts in 1892 – you can still see some of the old bullet holes! But today's visit will be a peaceful one… where you can choose to meet a horse whisperer, learn roping techniques from real cowboys, ride in a horse-drawn wagon, or saddle up for a horseback ride...

We loved the jeep ride in Custer State Park seeing the bison in their environment and Mount Rushmore was breath taking.

Tauck Traveler Review

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Your Journey

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About Booking This Tour

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Travel Documents

Legends of the American West begins and ends in the U.S.

Real ID Act - Effective May 7, 2025

Beginning in May 2025, some state IDs will no longer permit you to board a domestic flight. Currently, some states are compliant, some have received extensions, and some are not compliant. Click here to see the status of your state. If your state license is not compliant, you can use a passport in lieu of a valid state ID. 

Please Note: The federal government has extended the deadline to May 7, 2025 for domestic airline passengers to secure a Real ID driver's license for use as identification at the airport. Travelers without a verified license or ID card will also have the option of showing other identity documents, such as a passport or military ID to board a plane.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy or consulate of the U.S. to determine what travel documentation is necessary. You may also log on to the U.S. State Department's Internet site by clicking here.

If you are traveling by air to join and/or depart from this tour within the U.S., please read the section entitled Airline Security Measures under Additional Information to determine what travel documentation is required.

If you are a citizen of the U.S. or Canada who travels frequently between the two countries, you may benefit from the NEXUS program, which is a joint initiative between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency that allows pre-screened and approved travelers faster processing at designated highway lanes in high-volume border crossing locations, at a NEXUS kiosk at several airports, and at certain marine reporting locations in the Great Lakes and Seattle regions. For further information, you may log on to the Nexus Internet website by clicking here. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

Deposit & Final Payment

Deposits:

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $350 per person

 

Final Payment:

Final Payment is due to Tauck 60 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

 

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

 

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances: In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

  • Trip Cancellation – If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.

  • Trip Interruption – If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement for up to $5,000 to catch up to your tour or return home.

  • Travel Delay – Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.

  • Medical Expense – Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 

  • Baggage / Personal Effects Protection – Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services – Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

 

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $349 per person

 

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPDOM.

 

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

 


Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person

 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

60 days or more before departure = $350 per person

59-8 days before departure = $600 per person

7-1 days before departure = $900 per person

 

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Fee Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

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Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS

If you are a resident of another country traveling to or within the U.S., we suggest that contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to obtain information regarding vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases for which you might be at risk when you reach your destination in the U.S. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here.

MOBILITY

To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion. While none of the planned activities are especially strenuous or difficult, we urge caution when engaging in activities at high elevations. If you have a heart condition or lung ailment, please consult your physician before you book your trip.

Some of the excursions on this tour are:

A float trip on the Snake River, the journey is roughly 2 hours and requires stepping in and out of an inflatable raft (Note: age restrictions, must be 6 years old).

Guided horseback riding on a working cattle ranch, guests are required to show ability to mount/unmount and for safety reasons a weight restriction of 225 pounds is in place.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

The Jackson Lake Lodge, Old Faithful Inn and Lake Yellowstone Hotel are all non-smoking hotels and a very large fine will be assessed if it is determined that anyone has smoked while on property.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list here.

Weather

The high temperatures in the summer months average 70 to 90°F (21 to 32°C) and the lows average 40 to 60°F (4 to 16°C). The overnight temperatures can drop to the freezing point even during the summer at the highest elevations. Rainfall is light to moderate throughout the region. Salt Lake City receives the least amount of rain with an average of less than 1 in (25 mm) per month during summer; Jackson averages 1.5 in (38 mm) and Rapid City averages 2.5 in (63 mm.)

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.

  

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site.

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. For the welcome and farewell receptions, casual resort wear is appropriate; formal wear is never required.

Jackson Lake Lodge offers valet laundry service for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

The national park lodges do not have televisions or Internet hook-ups, so bring along a good book to read!

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your journey to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks:

  • Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
  • Short and long pants or jeans (long pants and closed-toed shoes are required for the horseback riding)
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
  • Swimwear
  • Gym wear
  • A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
  • A small flashlight
  • Binoculars
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
  • Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
  • Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in their rooms)
  • Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
  • Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
  • Daypack for camera equipment
  • Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
  • Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

The Tauck Experience

Why Tauck?

Leave Your Worries At Home

One Upfront Price – No Hidden Costs

Tauck Directors – Simply The Best

Never Settle For Ordinary

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Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

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