American History Comes Alive on Rocky Mountain Vacations in South Dakota

Whether you are a fan of HBO's Deadwood series or not, you'll find the natural beauty and history of South Dakota's Black Hills region fascinating. Our Rocky Mountain vacations are planned to take in the best of the region. On the northern leg of the trip, you'll visit Sturgis (home of the biggest motorcycle rally in the world) and just down the road, the infamous Deadwood. Though recently made more famous by the TV series, the town really has a history of infamy. Gambling and the wildness of the Old West found a home here, and the place still holds a sense of that character, though now it's really a safe, fun place to visit.

Mount Rushmore and Black Hills National Forest

Traveling further south, you'll visit several other locations that are famous for both natural beauty and historical importance. Mount Rushmore is one of America's most famous landmarks, and seeing it yourself is unlike seeing it in a photograph. You will be amazed at the scale of the project and all that it represents. Biking through this region gives one that unique experience of concurrent excitement and peace.

Mickelson Trail, a Converted Railroad, Offers Plenty to See

The entire area is beautiful and there is never a lack of interesting things to see as we pedal along the back roads and the Mickelson Trail. The trail in its entirety is 109 miles long and includes more than 100 converted railroad bridges and four tunnels through solid rock.

By the early 1900's, the bison population of the US had nearly been wiped out. Wind Cave National Park was one of the first places selected by the American Bison Society to establish a protected herd. The national park now offers the chance to see bison, pronghorn, elk, and prairie dogs as well as Wind Cave, which is the fourth longest cave in the world.

Accommodations on the trip offer the best of both worlds. You'll stay in luxuriously appointed facilities decorated in the rustic style reminiscent of the Old West and the traditions of South Dakota.

Austin-Lehman leads fantastic adventure vacation tours all over the world, but that doesn’t mean we've lost sight of the outstanding opportunities for vacations in the Rocky Mountains. Nobody knows this part of the country better than we do and our Rocky Mountain vacation packages have something for everyone. Book your tour today at www.austinlehman.com.

Experience the Best of Montana and Yellowstone on One of Our Rocky Mountain Vacation Packages

Montana is famous for its broad vistas, mountains, and rivers. Not to sound like we're bragging, but some of the most beautiful scenery in the world is right here in Montana. Okay, maybe we are bragging a little, but we're passionate about the natural beauty of our state and would love to introduce you to it on one of our Rocky Mountain tours.  If you have kids, bring them on one of our child-friendly Rocky Mountain family vacations.

You'll really get a feel for the peacefulness of the backcountry as we hike the Gallatin Valley. A real Montana cowboy guides our horseback ride into the mountains. After marveling at the river-carved valleys, you will more fully appreciate the power of the rivers as we paddle a raft down Class 2 & 3 rapids. Your guides are experienced at navigating the river and carefully choose the route to ensure that the day on the water is exciting but safe.

Big Sky Country's Famous Neighbor, Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park straddles the border between Montana and Wyoming and we've designed one of our favorite Rocky Mountain vacation packages to be a combination of Big Sky Country and Yellowstone – a not-to-be-missed experience in the American West.

A visit to Yellowstone wouldn't feel complete without seeing Old Faithful, the geyser that has faithfully erupted with boiling hot water every hour or so since the first explorers came to this land many years ago. Hayden Valley, also in the National Park, is known for its population of bison which can be visited by motorized vehicle, so you get to take it easy and let us handle the transportation for a bit. The valley is also home to grizzly bears, coyote, and elk so you'll want to be watchful, even on the drive.

Some of the Best World Travel is Right here in the Northwest US

Rocky Mountain vacations are great ways to get your fill of nature and luxury at the same time. Check out the details at www.austinlehman.com today!

Yellowstone Winter Tours Prove that Rocky Mountain Vacations aren't just for Summer Fun

Summers have always brought visitors seeking a break from the heat in the lowlands up into the mountains where they can enjoy cool rivers and shady trails. But for the adventure traveler who wants a different experience, Rocky Mountain vacation packages in the winter are just the ticket. Austin-Lehman's Yellowstone Winter tour gets you outdoors and active during the time of year when most folks are stuck indoors.

Enjoy the Peace and Quiet of Vacations in the Rocky Mountains in Winter

Yellowstone is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the summer and, naturally, that means sharing the park with a lot of other people. The winter offers a much less populated park – that is, except for the year-round residents which include bison, wolves, and elk. The natural inhabitants are beautiful against the white background of the snow covered ground.

Winter tours of the Rocky Mountains open up new modes of transportation, too. We cross-country ski and snowshoe and – something you may never have another chance to do—we even do some dog-sledding. Cross-country skiing down to Old Faithful gives the geyser a whole new charm.

Relax and Warm Your Bones in the Chico Hot Springs

The geyser erupts shooting thousands of gallons of boiling hot water high into the air every hour or so and is not to be missed on any trip to the National Park. There are, however, hot springs that pool at a much more moderate temperature and a hot soak after an active day always feels great. We make a point of including the Chico Hot Springs in the itinerary and, in fact, spend our final night at the Chico Hot Springs Resort so you will have plenty of time to take advantage of the hot springs as well as the spa services and exceptional menu.

The daytime adventures are challenging but invigorating, and the nighttime accommodations are comfortable and welcoming. You will have a chance to relax, unwind, and recover while still enjoying the ambiance of the park and great food…and maybe even seeing more of the area's wildlife from the hotel. Get the details and a full itinerary at www.austinlehman.com.

No Passports, No Shots! Unparalleled Adventure Travel Right Here in the U.S.

Adventure tours in southwest Utah's Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks provide opportunities for hiking through amazing landscapes you won't see anywhere else.

The Zion tours will have you outdoors in a land like no other. Almost barren of trees, the canyons are anything but desolate. The beauty of the land and natural structures intrigues geologists, but is just as fascinating to those of us who never took an interest in science. Glowing spires change colors with the movement of the sun and the canyon walls are natural works of art.

Take a Hike

Hiking in this kind of landscape provides thrilling views that change with every step. One of the more famous stops along the route is Angel's Landing in Zion. We take you right up the 1,208 foot tall rock formation along a trail that was cut into the side of the rock in 1926.

Steep switchbacks along some narrow trails add to the challenge that sets adventure vacations apart from droll bus tours. The hike is a challenge, but guides are always just around the corner with a signature “wow,” like parfaits or iced coffee, just when you need it!

Walk Through Water

The canyon lands are not all rock, though. In Zion Canyon's Narrows, our experienced guides trek right through the river, over the rocky riverbed, and between sheer vertical walls. We plan the trips to ensure that water levels are safe to traverse and we are knowledgeable about the route so there's nothing to fear in this unfamiliar terrain which adds to the sense of achievement that results from outdoor adventure travel.

Relax in Paradise

You'll contrast your full days in nature with cushy evening accommodations selected to echo the beauty and feel of the region. Swim in the pool, sit by the fire, and on some nights, you'll even have a hot tub.

After enjoying dinner and unwinding at the pool, relax under the stars. The elevation and remote location provides for clean air and clear skies making for outstanding stargazing whether you are the “aim the telescope” or “lie on your back in the grass” type of astronomer. Pleasant temperatures make being outdoors in the evenings even more pleasurable as each day of your adventure comes to an end.