Great American West Travel Guide
Freedom Destinations’ USA travel experts answer your questions about holidays in the Great American West region.
Where is The Great American West?
The Great American West is a partnership of four states in the north of the USA. Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming all offer panoramic scenery and abundant natural wonders. To help promote the states as a holiday destination they came together to form ‘The Great American West’.
When is the best time to visit The Great American West?
The ideal time to visit Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming is late spring through to early autumn (May to September). Summer offers warm weather with temperatures in the high 20s centigrade, open roads, and full park access, although crowds and accommodation costs do peak.
Early June is the best overall time to visit Yellowstone National Park, with most wildlife active at this time. Shoulder seasons (May, June and September) offer reduced crowds whilst maintaining excellent weather conditions. Winter (November to April) brings heavy snowfall and road closures from November through to late March in most areas.
Do I need a permit to enter the National Parks and National Monuments?
There is a charge to enter most USA National Parks and monuments, including the ones in The Great American West.
As there are so many parks and monuments in this region it is likely that you will want to visit more than one location, so we recommend that you purchase a multi-entry pass, currently called ‘America the Beautiful’. This gives you entrance to all National Parks (including Yellowstone) National Monuments (including Craters of the Moon) and National Forests (Dakota Prairie Grasslands).
N.B. The only exception to this is Mount Rushmore. There is no entrance fee, but the car parking is on a private concession, so there is a separate charge.
What wildlife should I expect to see in the Great American West?
There is an abundance of wildlife in Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. You may see bison, elk, moose, black and grizzly bear, wolves, bighorn sheep and many birds of prey. You should always keep a safe distance from wildlife (100 yards or more for bears) and stay in your vehicle where indicated. If you are hiking we recommend that you always carry bear spray and keep food items in sealed containers.
Are roads and facilities in The Great American West open all year round?
Because of the altitude and winter weather conditions many mountain passes and parks close from late autumn and do not reopen again until late spring. Although some entrances to Yellowstone National Park remain open all year round, most of the roads within the park are closed due to snow. You should always check with the appropriate National Park Service about accessibility to all their parks before you travel, as its open dates change year on year.
What kind of accommodation is available in The Great American West?
The Great American West offers diverse accommodation options for all budgets. Lodging ranges from simple motels to luxurious lodges, alongside moderate hotels and guest ranches. It is important to remember that in remote areas and popular parks accommodation does get booked up far in advance.
For motorhome travellers there are numerous RV parks that offer full-service hookups, electricity and varied campground amenities. National parks maintain their own campgrounds and sometimes add unique options include rustic lodges, wood cabins and glamping options, ensuring accommodation suits every preference and budget.
Working ranches provide an authentic western experience, whilst guest ranches near Yellowstone offer varies activities and experiences from June through September.
How do you plan a holiday to The Great American West?
Whether you wish to visit just one park or all four states in The Great American West, Freedom Destinations’ USA Travel Experts can help you plan and book a holiday that is perfect for you.
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