Yellowstone National Park


HOLIDAY VACATIONS

Your National Park Experts


As the largest national park concessioner, our parent company – Xanterra Travel Collection® – brings an element of expertise to Holiday Vacations’ tours inside many national parks. We offer our guests expansive itineraries with unique experiences that they would otherwise have difficulty discovering on their own. Come see the awe-inspiring beauty of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – the Grand Canyon. Find heaven on Earth amidst the otherworldly rock formations at Zion National Park. Board a classic Red Bus for an exciting ride along Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road. Or visit the world’s first national park, Yellowstone, and observe a wide variety of wildlife, geysers, hot springs, forest meadows, and more. Life is short, bucket lists are long. Come explore how Holiday Vacations shows you a side of the national parks you’ve never seen!

Yellowstone National Park

As the world’s first national park, Yellowstone pioneered the way for future national parks with President Ulysses S. Grant signing the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act in 1872. Additionally, this park was recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1976 and a World Heritage Site in 1978. It plays an important role in our country’s history and biodiversity, protecting a variety of wildlife and preserving the world’s most extraordinary collection of geysers and hot springs. In total, there are more than 10,000 thermal features here, including the iconic Old Faithful.

Yellowstone is famous for its bison traffic-jams, but these lands are also home to the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48! Other wildlife you can see here include bighorn sheep, elk, black bears, grizzly bears, mountain lions, and the ever-elusive wolverines. And if you’re a fan of mesmerizing natural wonders, you won’t want to miss the distinct beauty of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. With stone walls carved by the force of the Yellowstone River, this canyon has breathtaking views of towering waterfalls. These vibrant landscapes span over 2.2 million acres, providing unrivaled opportunities to view wildlife in a natural ecosystem, marvel at expansive geothermal areas, and hike through incredible landforms.

Visit Yellowstone National Park on the following Holiday Vacations tours:

GLACIER, YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETONS
MAJESTIC PARKS

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Earning the title of most visited national park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains attracted over 14 million visitors in 2022 alone! Its half a million acres straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, making it the perfect nature getaway for anyone visiting a nearby bustling city. Gaze upon one of the country’s oldest and most famous mountain ranges, known for its “smoky” appearance that comes from heavy fog hanging over the soaring peaks. Another distinct feature is the dense forest that covers the area and provides stunning scenery. Visit during fall to see vibrant colors sweep across the land or experience the perfect winter wonderland with glistening snow coating ancient trees and rugged mountains.

Within the forests, you’ll find captivating wildlife and discover the rich Southern Appalachian Mountain culture that remains ever-present today. Learn about the daily lives of these indigenous people by strolling through historic buildings and observing educational exhibits, or explore the park in comfort with a leisurely drive.

Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the following Holiday Vacations tours:

KENTUCKY & THE SMOKIES
SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS

Zion National Park

Originally known as Mukuntuweap National Monument, named in honor of the Southern Paiute tribe, these lands were first protected by President William Howard Taft in 1909. It was only a short decade later when President Woodrow Wilson redesignated it as Zion National Park, Utah’s first national park. Located in the southwest part of the state, it has quickly grown to become one of the most popular destinations in the United States, with nearly five million visitors annually. The rich history in this area dates back 12,000 years to when the first indigenous people called it home. Since then, many others have left their own stories in unique petroglyphs that are viewable on various rocks within the park. Glimpse into life back then with a stop at Zion Human History Museum, showcasing a variety of exhibits and a short film.

When it comes to exploring these protected lands, there is an abundance of spectacular opportunities. Embark on a scenic walk down one of the many easily accessible trails to take in the towering sandstone cliffs, unique rock formations, sprawling mesas, deep canyons, and clear waters. One of the fascinating geologic wonders here is Zion Canyon, formed with the powerful force of the Virgin River throughout the years. Don’t miss an opportunity to discover the park’s awe-inspiring views on a narrated tram ride down Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Along the way, keep watch for mule deer, foxes, rock squirrels, bighorn sheep, and hundreds of bird species.

Visit Zion National Park on the following Holiday Vacations tour:

BRYCE, ZION & THE GRAND CANYON

Grand Canyon National Park

If extraordinary encounters are what you’re after, look no further than the grandeur of Grand Canyon National Park. Carved over 6 million years ago with geologic processes of erosion and active tectonics, this park has some of the most widely-recognized landforms, including the massive Grand Canyon itself. The canyon is remarkably expansive, stretching over 200 miles along the Colorado River and up to one mile deep. Its awe-inspiring scenery has moved many visitors, including President Theodore Roosevelt who declared it a national monument in 1906 while stating, “Let this great wonder of nature remain as it now is… keep it for your children, your children’s children, and all who come after you as the one great sight every American should see.”

Aside from the mesmerizing rock formations, this park is brimming with history. There are over 3,000 ancestral sites dating to the prehistoric period. Archaeologists have found stone houses, ancient pottery, and other artifacts that tell fascinating stories of long ago. In the evening, take advantage of an unforgettable overnight stay within the park, right on the canyon’s rim! Watch the sunset over the rich red rock and observe the brilliance of thousands of stars.

Visit Grand Canyon National Park on the following Holiday Vacations tour:

BRYCE, ZION & THE GRAND CANYON

Yosemite National Park

Established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite National Park is set within California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains and is renowned for its many areas that are untouched by humankind, with nearly 95% of the park being classified as wilderness. While famous for the world’s largest rock, El Capitan, tourists come from all around the world to walk amongst the giant sequoia groves. Estimated to be around 3,000 years old, they can reach up to 30 feet in diameter and over 200 feet tall. Stroll the Mariposa Grove, where you can easily wander through towering ancient sequoias and grab a photo with the iconic Grizzly Giant.

The plethora of natural beauty found within these lands doesn’t stop there – gaze upon the massive granite cliffs, mountains, and glaciers, or seek tranquility at the shimmering lakes, waterfalls, and streams. With flora and fauna in the park spanning across more than 750,000 acres, this park is also home to a variety of native plants and over 400 species of amphibians, mammals, insects, reptiles, and birds. Enjoy a guided tour with an expert park ranger and embark on a scenic tram tour for an open-air sightseeing experience of El Capitan Meadow, Valley View, Yosemite Chapel, and more. Be sure to stop by the Ansel Adams Gallery to browse artworks from within the park or enjoy a leisurely hike along a beautiful trail.

Visit Yosemite National Park on the following Holiday Vacations tour:

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HIGHLIGHTS

Rocky Mountain National Park

The natural wonders within Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park go far beyond the famous mountain range. With the Continental Divide marking a climate division, these lands contain four distinct ecosystems – montane, subalpine, alpine tundra, and glacier. Taking a drive through the park allows you to witness a plethora of diverse sights within a short amount of time, from rolling meadows and glistening waters, to alpine mountains and pristine glaciers. With the variety in landforms, its no surprise that the park is brimming with wildlife including moose, elk, bears, marmots, bighorn sheep, birds, and more.

While visiting, travel scenic Trail Ridge Road to enjoy sweeping overlooks of the tundra wilderness below as you wind across the highest paved highway in the United States and take in alpine views from over 12,000 feet high. Along the way, be sure to stop at Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor’s center in the entire National Park System. The beauty of this park can be seen year-round, but keep in mind that wildflower fields flourish in June and July while the elk rut and colorful leaves can only be witnessed during autumn.

Visit Rocky Mountain National Park on the following Holiday Vacations tour:

COLORADO HIGHLIGHTS

Grand Teton National Park

Discover serenity within the magnificent landscapes at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. The glimmering lakes and flower meadows provide peaceful views, while the soaring mountain range with snow-capped peaks paint an impressive backdrop. Take in the scenery of these protected lands and keep a lookout for intriguing wildlife such as elk, bison, foxes, moose, bears, and bald eagles. Stop at the turnouts for premier photo opportunities and marvel at the jaw-dropping sight of Grand Teton itself, the highest mountain in the park, located within the Snake River drainage basin.

Learn about the past, present, and future of this expansive park with a stop at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. Inside, view immaculate exhibits and artwork or relax during the short film Grand Teton National Park: Life on the Edge. Dive even further into the park’s history with a visit to the Chapel of the Transfiguration, a rustic log chapel where you can immerse yourself in 100-year-old history and look out the window to see picture-perfect vistas of the jagged mountain range.

Visit Grand Teton National Park on the following Holiday Vacations tour:

GLACIER, YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETONS


EXPLORE BEYOND OUR BORDERS

Canada’s National Parks


When you’re ready to explore beyond our borders, but not yet cross an ocean, our neighbor to the north offers national parks with unparalleled natural beauty. Feel inspired as you gaze upon the iconic Canadian Rockies, shimmering turquoise lakes, majestic wildlife, and picturesque coastal landscapes.


EXPLORE BEYOND OUR BORDERS

Australia & New Zealand ’s National Parks


When seeking truly extraordinary wildlife and jaw-dropping natural wonders, the South Pacific national parks are incomparable. In fact, over 80% of Australia’s plants and animals are native to the region and not found anywhere else in the world! Behold once-in-a-lifetime encounters in Australia and New Zealand.

National Parks: Included on Holiday Vacations tour(s):
Fiordland National Park Grand Australia & New Zealand
Australia & New Zealand Highlights
Spectacular New Zealand
Barron Gorge National Park Grand Australia & New Zealand
Australia & New Zealand Highlights
Spectacular New Zealand
Mount Cook National Park Australia & New Zealand Highlights
Lamington National Park Wonders of Australia