Denver

Arrive in the Mile High City of  Denver, collect your car and drive into Denver.

In 1858, there was not a single person living in the Denver metro area except for some migrating camps of Arapaho and Cheyenne Native Americans.  Just 30 years later, Colorado was a state with a population of almost 200,000.  It was a Gold Rush that caused this boom and in a 30 to 40 year period Denver saw some of the wildest events in the “Wild West.”  This fascinating period is brought to life at museums, old gold mining towns and in hundreds of elegant Victorian buildings. LoDo, a 26 square block historic district, has the largest concentration of Victorian and turn-of-the-century buildings in the country.  Today, LoDo is home to 90 brewpubs, rooftop cafes, restaurants, sports bars and nightclubs.

1 night in Denver

Denver to Estes Park

A short drive will take you into your first National Park; Rocky Mountain National Park whose 415 square miles encompasses spectacular mountain environments. Enjoy Trail Ridge Road which crests over 12,000 feet including many overlooks to experience the subalpine and alpine worlds along with over 300 miles of hiking trails, wildflowers and wildlife to enjoy. Overnight in Estes Park. 

1 night in Estes Park

Estes Park to Cheyenne

Drive to Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming. A typical western town, never more so than during the Cheyenne Frontier Days in the middle of July. During the rest of the year, visit Gunslinger Square, ride the Trolley and the Cheyenne Depot and soak up the atmosphere. 

1 night in Cheyenne

Cheyenne to Custer State Park

Drive through the Southern Black Hills and discover the Hot springs, Wind Cave National Park and the 71000 acres of spectacular Custer State Park. 

2 nights in Custer State Park

Custer State Park

Today you could drive the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road you are very likely to see some of the 1300 bison that call the park home.  

Bison can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds. Historically, the animal played an essential role in the lives of the Lakota who relied on the "tatanka" for food, clothing and shelter. Besides bison, the park is home to wildlife such as pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, wild turkeys, and a band of friendly burros.

Custer State Park to Rapid City

Take the short drive to Rapid City but not before visiting the famous carvings of Mount Rushmore and the Badlands of South Dakota.  These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds testaments to the ancient mammals such as the rhino, horse, and saber-toothed cat which once roamed here. 

1 night in Rapid City

Rapid City to Sheridan

Visit Devils Tower National Monument, A geologic feature protruding out of the rolling prairie that surrounds the Black Hills. The site is considered Sacred to the Lakota and other tribes in the area. We suggest you spend a night (or better still two) at the Ranch at Ucross near Sheridan to experience the life of the cowboys who history is so embedded in this area. If this does not appeal, historic Sheridan provides some comfortable hotels.

1 night in Sheridan

Sheridan to Cody

A great drive today as you cross the Big Horn Mountains and overnight in Cody.  Lots to do and see in this western town with museum visits.

TIP:  Don’t miss the summer nightly rodeo.

1 night in Cody

Cody to Yellowstone National Park

One of the highlights on the holiday will undoubtedly be Yellowstone National Park.  You have choices here – as it is so enormous you can either spend one night in the south of the park and one in the north but if you would rather not move again, we would suggest staying near Old Faithful. 

2 nights in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park

Explore the park by foot or by car. There are many excellent hiking trails as well as some scenic driving routes, but bare in mind that traffic around the park can be slow. You might also choose to detour into the Teton Mountains, which are highly recommended. For this reason you might consider an extra night in the park.

Yellowstone National Park to Great Falls

As you leave the park, you will pass through Helena and along the Missouri River and overnight towards Great Falls where it is worth checking out the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and the First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park. It is a long drive but with lots to see along the way.

1 night in Great Falls

Great Falls to Glacier National Park

Another National Park today and one of the great ones! The Going to the Sun Highway is one of the most spectacular roads in the world and this will be your route today as you drive into Glacier National Park touring. Accommodation is very limited in the park – Lake Macdonald Lodge is in the best position but books up very early and so you may have to stay in Kalispell or Whitefish.

2 nights in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park

A day to enjoy Glacier National Park. There are over 700 miles of hiking trails, alpine meadows and glorious lakes.  Glacier National Park spreads into Canada where it is known as Waterton Lakes National Park.

Glacier National Park to Missoula

As you start to make your way south to Missoula, do stop at Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.

1 night in Missoula

Missoula to McCall

Driving through Montana and into Idaho through Nez Perce and Payette National Forests; you will overnight in the lakeside community of McCall. 

1 night in McCall

McCall to Boise

Today takes you to Lake Cascade and into Boise with possible stops for rafting, zip-lining and other adventurous activities. 

1 night in Boise

Boise to Salt Lake City

Visit the Craters of the Moon National Monument, then drive south into Utah and Salt Lake City for the final leg of your trip.

2 nights in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City

Take a full day touring Salt Lake City. Visit Temple Square or This is the Place State Park. For nature lovers you could visit Hogle Zoo or the Natural History Museum of Utah.

Salt Lake City

Depart from Salt Lake City airport.