Long before any recorded human history in Yellowstone, a massive volcanic eruption spewed an immense volume of ash that covered all of the western U.S., much of the Midwest, northern Mexico and some areas of the eastern Pacific. The eruption dwarfed that of Mt. St. Helens in 1980 and left a caldera 30 miles wide by 45 miles long.

That climactic event occurred about 640,000 years ago, and was one of many processes that shaped Yellowstone National Park--a region once rumored to be "the place where hell bubbles up." Geothermal wonders, such as Old Faithful, are evidence of one of the world's largest active volcanoes. These spectacular features bemused and befuddled the park's earliest visitors, and helped lead to the creation of the world's first national park.

In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a law declaring that Yellowstone would forever be "dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people." It also became America's first National Park.  BOOK

Day1 : Bay Area - Elko Visit the California State Capital - Sacramento. Founded in 1849, Sacramento was at the heart of the gold rush, Pony Express and first continental railroad. In the afternoon head through the famous Donner Pass and enter Nevada - nicknamed the Silver State. Overnight stay in Elko.

Day2 : Elko - Twin Falls - Jackson Hole - Grand Teton National Park - Yellowstone National Park Pass through Twin Falls - Idaho, as views of the Snake River gorge highlight this area. Continue to the state of Wyoming and visit the western town of Jackson Hole. Arches made of elk antlers decorate the central plaza in this town with plenty of shops and restaurants around the area. In the afternoon visit Grand Teton National Park. The tallest peak rises to 13,770 feet. Twelve of the peaks in Teton reach above 12,000 feet and support a dozen mountain glaciers. Overnight stay in West Yellowstone.

Day3 : Idaho Falls - Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone National Park Highlights include: Yellowstone Canyon, Mud Volcano, Mammoth Springs, Hot Springs, and "Old Faithful" Geyser Visit Yellowstone National Park, the first and oldest National Park in the United States. Highlights include: Yellowstone Canyon, Mud Volcano, Mammoth Springs, Hot Springs, and Geysers- the most famous being "Old Faithful". There are also various wildlife that inhabit the Park from bison, elk, moose, and bear. Overnight stay in Idaho Falls.

Day4 : Yellowstone National Park - Temple Square - Kennecott Copper Mine - Salt Lake City Arrive in Utah's state capital - Salt Lake City. Visit the famous Temple Square and learn about the Mormon settlement in depth. Later in the Afternoon, head to the famous Kennecott copper mine. The mine covers an area of about 1,900 acres and is twice as deep as the world tallest building. Overnight stay in Salt Lake City.

Day5 : Salt Lake City - Bryce Canyon National Park - Kanab Explore Bryce Canyon National Park. The limited archeological findings indicate that this area was used primarily for hunting with most habitation in the river valleys below. Over time, erosion has carved colorful Claron lime stones into thousands of spires, fins, arches and mazes. The formations collectively called "hoodoos," and are arranged and tinted with various colors. Overnight stay in Kanab.

Day6 : Kanab - Grand Canyon - Zion National Park - Las Vegas The Grand Canyon offers one of the most spectacular examples of erosion not found anywhere in the world. Grand Canyon National Park is a designated World Heritage Site and is unmatched in the incomparable vistas that it offers to visitors on the rim. In the afternoon, explore Zion National Park. The name Zion is an Hebrew word meaning a place of refuge. Experience the dramatic landscape of sculptured canyons and soaring cliffs. Overnight stay in Las Vegas.

Day7 : Las Vegas - Los Angeles Visit the largest metropolitan area in California, Los Angeles. Highlights include the historical landmarks of Hollywood, downtown, as well as Hollywood Blvd., Chinese Theater, and the newly built Kodak Theatre, which is now the permanent home to the Oscars. Overnight stay in Los Angeles.

Day8 : Universal Studios (Full Day) Experience movie magic at its best. The studio theme park has attractions including Shrek and Jurassic Park, with various shows and performances throughout the day. Get an inside look at the sets and uncover the behind-the-scenes secrets of legendary films in the studio tour. Overnight stay in Los Angeles.

Day9 : Disneyland (Full Day) From the mind of Walt Disney, enjoy a full day in Disneyland- a theme park suitable for all ages. Overnight stay in Los Angeles.

Day10 : Los Angeles - Santa Barbara -Solvang - Bay Area In the morning, visit the Danish immigrant town of Solvang. The word Solvang in Danish can be translated as “sunny countryside”, which in fact is true for almost the entire year. While in Solvang, enjoy the famous Danish pastries, cookies, and chocolates. After lunch, head back to the Bay Area.

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