Rocky Mountains
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The Rocky Mountains
The diverse and expansive Great American West states of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming, alongside Colorado encapsulate an authentic U.S. road trip.
Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring scenery, majestic mountains, shimmering lakes, sweeping prairies and tumbling waterfalls. Legendary history and heritage awaits; with real-life cowboys and ancient native American tribal culture. Explore the area’s iconic National Parks including Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Teton and Rocky Mountain, visit iconic Mount Rushmore and spot more wildlife than people.
Now is the time to saddle up as your Western dreams are just a gallop away! The Rocky Mountains and surrounding areas are blessed with an unspoiled, natural beauty that beckons visitors from around the world. Take time to discover it for yourself with the ultimate U.S. road trip.
Denver is the start and end point for many of our Rocky Mountain holiday ideas, but it is much more than a gateway city. The Mile High City is a destination in its own right, located at the base of the majestic Rocky Mountains, yet still at one mile above sea level! Denver combines the best of urban life-style, history and culture with outdoor adventures and activities, so you are sure to find something to enjoy!
TOP TIPS
- For fantastic value for money, purchase an America the Beautiful National Parks pass. At just $80, it is valid for a year and provides access for one vehicle and all passengers into the majority of National Park Service sites.
- June and September are the best times to visit for cooler, clear days and fewer visitors to the National Parks.
- Bozeman in Montana is the closest domestic airport to Yellowstone National Park, just a 1 hour 30 minute drive.
- The Cody Nite Rodeo runs from the beginning of June to the end of August every year and is a must for all visitors to Buffalo Bill’s Cody in Wyoming.
- Pay a visit to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson, WY even if it’s just to have your photo taken while sitting on one of the saddle bar stools.
- When visiting Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse in South Dakota be sure to drive the Iron Mountain Road for perfectly framed views of Mount Rushmore through one of three tunnels carved out of the rocks.
- Try to time your visit to South Dakota’s Badlands National Park to coincide with a spectacular ranger led night sky viewing of constellations, stars, planets and even the Milky Way. The programme runs Friday to Monday during the summer.
- Take a guided tour of Little Big Horn Battlefield in Montana with a member of the Crow Indian Reservation for an in depth insight into Native American customs and traditions as well as the history of the battle where General Custer famously met his Last Stand.
- Drive the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana’s Glacier National Park both ways, the views are too good not to!
- The Rootin’ Tootin’ Medora Musical, North Dakota, runs from June to September each year. Combine it with a Pitchfork Steak Fondue for an authentic western style meal.
- The Enchanted Highway in North Dakota features a series of unique giant metal sculptures including Geese in Flight, the World’s Largest Grasshopper and a Tin Family.
- In Idaho, the journey is the attraction. Allocate time for photo stops along the 31 scenic byways across the state. •
- Pack your swimwear for a dip in one of the many natural and commercial hot springs in Idaho.
- Few things are more iconic and symbolic of the American West then Colorado wild horses. And to see them in their natural habitat, roaming free, is a sight that leaves a lasting impression. Traveling in bands of up to a dozen horses, they traverse the high plateaus lush with sagebrush and pinon-juniper, which provides perfect pastures for grazing in Grand Junction's pleasantly temperate climate.
