A journey through America’s National Parks and Monuments is never just a holiday, it’s a front‑row seat to some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. This was my first escorted tour, starting in mile‑high Denver and winding through wildlife‑rich plains, towering rock formations, sacred memorials, and iconic canyons before ending with the bright lights of Las Vegas and a final wander around San Francisco.
Each stop offered its own story, its own surprise, and its own moment worth remembering.
My National Parks adventure began in Denver, where I spent a day exploring Red Rocks, Buffalo Bill’s grave, Central Park, and the iconic mile‑high Capitol before heading deeper into America’s great landscapes.
A day of bison, granite tunnels and iconic faces as I travelled through Custer State Park and made a brief stop at Mount Rushmore.
A brief but memorable stop at the Crazy Horse Memorial followed by a rainy, eye‑opening visit to Tatanka: Story of the Bison.
A last‑minute change of plans led me to Devils Tower, where a quiet walk around the monument became one of the most memorable moments of my 2011 tour.
A short stop in Deadwood turned into a walk through Wild West history, from Saloon No. 10 to the legends of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.
A brief stay in Yellowstone gave me a taste of its wildlife, geothermal wonders and dramatic weather, a place I’d happily return to for a longer visit.
A short stop in Zion National Park gave me a peaceful walk along the river, dramatic canyon views and one of the creamiest ice creams of the entire trip.
A scenic flight over Monument Valley gave me a breathtaking aerial view of its famous buttes and mesas, one of the most unforgettable moments of my 2011 tour.
A brief stay in Las Vegas gave me a front‑row seat to Gladys Knight, a wander through the casinos and a final taste of the Strip before flying on to San Francisco.
A stopover in San Francisco brought Chinatown dinners, a Segway tour of the city’s landmarks and an unexpected laugh with a low‑rider at the traffic lights.
