Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
If you have a thirst for pioneer and cowboy stories, Utah-based Southwest Adventure Tours wants you to learn about those events in the places where they occurred. And the man leading the tour is Glenn Rawson, an inspiring storyteller who has devoted his life to learning everything there is to know about the American West.
Rawson is host of the small-group Great American West & Cowboy Tour July 25-Aug. 1, complete with stories, insights and fun stops.
You might know Rawson from his TV series "History of the Saints" that broadcasts after "Music and The Spoken Word" on Sundays, or from his books, podcast or Facebook Live events.
You might not know Rawson grew up as a cowboy in Idaho so he is familiar with the area and the lifestyle of early western settlers. His enthusiasm and sense of humor are what make him a gifted and popular storyteller.
The Great American West & Cowboy Tour is an eight-day adventure that explores many of the most historic settings of the early West. It includes the following highlights:
- Jackson, Wyoming
- Grand Teton National Park
- Float trip on the Snake River
- Wildlife watching
- Yellowstone National Park
- Old Faithful Geyser
- Cody, Wyoming
- Devil's Tower
- Mt. Rushmore
- Crazy Horse Memorial
- Custer State Park
- Wildlife Jeep safari
- Oregon Trail
- Fort Laramie National Historic Site.
Visiting each of these sites is a profound opportunity, enhanced by learning about the history and the lives of the people who settled and passed through the area. And there is no one more skilled than Rawson to provide personalized insights through his wealth of knowledge, content and first-hand experience with the American West.
What to expect
If you've never been on one of Rawson's tours before, don't stress. His tours are designed to be more intimate, with a smaller group on a modern, luxury tour bus. There will be plenty of stories, jokes, laughter and an overall comfortable and friendly dynamic to enjoy.
"The time of the Great American Cowboy was brief — only from about the end of the Civil War to the mid 1880s and yet they wrote history large and bold," Rawson says. "And while there may have only been about 40,000 trail cowboys in history, millions today look back on them with respect and awe. Seldom have so few left boots so big to fill."
Included are seven nights of hotel accommodations, seven breakfasts, four lunches, three dinners, a scenic float trip on the Snake River and a Wildlife Jeep Safari in Custer State Park. Gratuities for the included meals, the bus driver and activities are also included, as well as park entrance fees.
The Great American West & Cowboy Tour is July 25-Aug. 1. Spaces will fill quickly, so book your reservations as soon as possible. You can find more information and make your reservation here.
Topics of the tour
Stories of the American West are plentiful and always interesting. Just some of the topics that Rawson will cover over the eight-day tour from Salt Lake City to the Black Hills and back again include how the West was won, how it came to be and the evolution of the West's history from its beginning to the present day.
Glenn will also go into greater detail on Native American tribes and the first Europeans who came across and explored the West. He will explain the history of Protestant missionaries in the area, the development of the Oregon Trail, how Salt Lake City originated and how it became the city it is now.
In addition to engaging stories and history, Rawson plans on bringing plenty of his personal cowboy experience with him for a little fun. He'll be bringing his saddle, bullwhip and other western trappings along for the ride. You'll even attend a rodeo along the way.
Book your spot now
If the American West and its cowboy history are interesting to you, you won't want to miss this trip. Rawson's personality, knowledge and storytelling are second to none and this is the one opportunity the entire year to join this special tour across what once was the Wild West.
Visit the Southwest Adventure Tours website to book your spot on the tour today.
