Bask in the Wonder of the American West

From sprawling deserts, rocky landscapes, and oceanside retreats to wine country, cities with strong cultural influences and historic ghost towns, the American West brings it all and more to the table. Come along as we saddle up and set out to explore a sampling of what groups could enjoy.

From the sights along the iconic Route 66 to the breathtaking Horseshoe Bend and Grand Canyon, Arizona delivers on exceptional experiences centered on appreciating the state’s natural beauty. Appreciating it from all different angles is possible thanks to a variety of tour options! A Jeep Tour from Pink Adventure Tours allows groups to go off-roading along the Grand Canyon’s South Rim with the “Desert View Sunset Tour” or admire Sedona’s famous red-rock landscape with the all-time favorite “Broken Arrow Tour.” The Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel’s luxury dome train option is also an unforgettable way to see the sights while traveling in comfort. Be sure to also venture to the Tucson area to admire the over 2 million saguaro cacti found in Saguaro National Park! 

You can’t think about California without thinking about indulging in some great wine. A visit to Piazza Del Dotto & Caves in Napa reveals an Italian-inspired atmosphere, complete with their renowned Cave Experience & Barrel Tasting, in addition to the vineyard’s signature Delicacies Wine & Food Pairing. Shift into coastal mode at Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, where groups could dine on fresh clam chowder, cruise Monterey Bay and observe the area’s wildlife, and plenty more. Continuing south, Catalina Tours is a peak option for ocean, land, and air tours that showcase Catalina Island’s beauty. And for an adrenaline rush, a jump off the historic Bridge to Nowhere just outside LA with Bungee America is just the thing.

Everyone always says you should visit Alaska at least once—and for good reason. From Skagway all the way to Coldfoot and everywhere in between, the largest state in the U.S. delivers on experiential fun. Family-owned John Hall’s Alaska (JHA) has led the way in customizable Alaska travel for over 40 years, giving groups of all kinds a true experience of The Last Frontier. All-inclusive offerings and luxury motorcoaches offer comfort, while decades-long relationships with trusted local experts ensure authentic and enriching adventures, no matter your itinerary preferences. From wildlife viewing and Iditarod Kennel visits to Native Alaskan cultural programs, visits to multiple national parks, and more, JHA is a top option.

Known as the Silver State, Nevada offers some experiences that are so unique, groups truly have to experience them for themselves. Beyond the lights of Las Vegas, a must-visit destination is Rachel, a remote small town outside of the iconic Area 51 known for a long history of reported UFO sightings and other out-of-this-world happenings. At the Little A’Le’Inn, groups could fuel up on some extraterrestrial-themed food and beverages, then shop for some spacy souvenirs before venturing back out onto the Extraterrestrial Highway.

Photo courtesy of Pink Jeep Tours Sedona Broken Arrow.

Nevada is also known for its more than 600 recognized Ghost Towns, the Buckaroo Hall of Fame & Heritage Museum, and rockhounding—where gemstones like Black Fire Opals, Garnets, and Turquoise can be found. Don’t forget a guided tour of the Hoover Dam, the second-tallest dam in the U.S.! And no matter which options you choose for your Nevada adventure, the experts at Canyon Coach Lines are an excellent option for getting around, from airport transport to simply bouncing from one attraction to the next.

Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026, Colorado is a gem worth visiting for groups. Hot springs are a big deal here, so be sure to soak into some relaxation along the way. At Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs, groups could spend time in the restorative geothermal waters before choosing from a plethora of saunas—the most diverse sauna collection in the country, to be exact. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort in Nathrop is another tranquil destination for relaxation-seeking groups. History lovers will enjoy the over 40 original buildings and 60,000 artifacts that depict boom town life found at the South Park City Museum in Fairplay, while a scenic ride on the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit of America’s Mountain in Manitou Springs rounds out a true Colorado experience.

Groups looking to explore mother nature’s beauty will feel right at home in Montana. Situated in the Rocky Mountains, Big Sky is a must for your itinerary. It’s here groups could experience Lone Peak from 11,166 feet in the air, thanks to Big Sky Resort’s new all-glass scenic viewing platform, Kircliff. Bozeman also brings the kind of experiences groups expect to encounter in Big Sky Country. After visiting the Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of the Rockies, groups can hike the “M” trail, observe rescued grizzly bears at the Montana Grizzly Encounter sanctuary, enjoy a craft beer on the city’s historic main street, and more.

Be sure to spend some time along the statewide Montana Dinosaur Trail, where groups can learn more about the dinosaurs that ruled our planet for over 100 million years—and perhaps even accompany experts on a sanctioned paleontology field dig!

Photo courtesy of WorldSprings.

Texas brings big fun to the forefront, leading with tours and behind-the-scenes experiences at The Star, the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco. VIP tours share “a day in the life” of a Dallas Cowboy and more insight into the NFL franchise’s history. Don’t forget to venture to El Paso, where groups can find endless ways to embrace the borderland city’s blend of Mexican traditions and American influences —and maybe even leave with a pair of Lucchese boots.

While not typically a destination we think of when talking about the American West, Hawaii brings a true cultural vibrancy and island spirit that are all its own. Embark on a helicopter tour of the Big Island with Circle Island Tours, watch the sunrise at the summit of Maui’s Haleakala with Polynesian Adventure Tours, and more. At the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu, groups can reflect upon December 7, 1941, when the Japanese Imperial Navy conducted a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor. The USS Arizona, now a war grave and memorial, can still be seen underwater, while guides offer insight and education about that fateful day.

Be sure to also explore:

• Washington | stateofwatourism.com
• Oregon | traveloregon.com
• Idaho | visitidaho.org
• New Mexico | newmexico.org
• Wyoming | travelwyoming.com
• Utah | visitutah.com

Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today. 

This article originally appeared in the Sept/Oct ’26 issue of Groups Today.

Main photo by Frank Flavin, courtesy of Explore Skagway.