Your adventure begins as you touch down in Spokane, Washington State. Head to your hotel to freshen up after your flight, and then you can spend the afternoon wandering around this charming city.

Wander through Riverfront Park, and make sure to pay a visit to thundering Spokane Falls, the largest urban waterfall in the USA. There is also an array of dining options, particularly in Downtown Spokane, where you’ll find restaurants offering cuisine from all over the world, alongside a thriving craft beer scene.

Ruby River Hotel, or similar

Pick up your car this morning, and take a leisurely drive to the lakeside resort town of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The city sits on the fringes of its namesake lake, formed as the glaciers of the last ice age retreated.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon here, perhaps getting out on the lake for a cruise, enjoying water sports like kayaking or paddle boarding, or going for a refreshing dip. Alternatively, play on the world’s only floating golf green, or explore the city’s walking and biking trails.

Spokane > Coeur d’Alene | 34 miles

Comfort Inn and Suites Coeur d’Alene, or similar

Head down through the stunning Coeur d’Alene Reservation, on your way to Lewiston, a town framed by dramatic canyons and winding rivers.

From Lewiston you can explore Nez Perce National Historical Park, where fascinating exhibits and walking trails reveal the history and culture of the nimíipuu (Nez Perce) people. Begin at the Visitor Centre and Museum, before taking one of the trails to discover historical sites and archaeological remains.

Head back to downtown Lewiston for the evening, perhaps enjoying a drink from one of the Lewis-Clark Valley’s celebrated wineries.

Coeur d’Alene > Lewiston | 116 miles

Hampton Inn Lewiston, or similar

Follow the Snake River south, on your journey from Lewiston down to Boise, travelling through the dramatic landscapes of Hells Canyon. This immense gorge is North America’s deepest river gorge, at 2,100 metres, even deeper than the Grand Canyon.

Gain a unique perspective of Hells Canyon on a jet boat ride, with tours operating out of Lewiston, or further along your drive, in Riggins and Pittsburg Landing. If thrills aren’t your thing, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area offers a wealth of hiking trails that showcase its dramatic landscapes.

Continue on to Boise, Idaho’s capital and your home for the night. Important to note, the time zone changes around Riggins, so you’ll lose an hour here.

Lewiston > Boise | 267 miles

Holiday Inn Express Boise, or similar

Begin making your way east across Idaho, taking in the views of rolling prairies, and catching glimpses of the Snake River on your way to Twin Falls.

Wander across Perrine Memorial Bridge for striking views of the canyon below. This is a popular spot for BASE jumpers, so, if you dare to watch, you may even be able to catch these incredible stuntmen diving down into the canyon.

The next stop is Shoshone Falls, which is often nicknamed ‘Niagara of the West’, as, at 65 metres high, it’s actually taller than Niagara Falls. There is a great network of hiking trails and scenic viewing platforms allowing you to look down on the falls, or, for a different perspective, you can get right under the falls in a kayak or on a paddleboard.

Boise > Twin Falls | 128 miles

Holiday Inn Express Twin Falls, or similar

Continue on to Idaho Falls today, exploring the otherworldly scenery of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve on your way. Formed over the eight major eruptive periods that have occurred between 15,000 and 2,000 years ago, it is now a vast landscape of lava, cinder cones and sagebrush.

Take in the views on a driving loop, or get out and hike the network of trails, that allow you to venture through lava tube caves, hike up volcanoes and discover vast craters.

The preserve is also an International Dark Sky Point, making for spectacular stargazing.

Twin Falls > Idaho Falls | 177 miles

Shilo Inns Idaho Falls, or similar

Cross over into Wyoming today, to spend the day exploring Grand Teton National Park, with its jagged granite peaks, glistening lakes, alpine meadows and an abundance of wildlife.

An easy way to take in the whole park is to work your way around the 42 mile driving loop, along Teton Park Road. The route follows the base of the Teton Range, with turnouts dotted along the roadside, where you can soak in the spectacular views. And if you see lots of cars pulled over, it’s likely there’s wildlife! Keep your eyes peeled for grizzly and black bears, bison, moose and elk, to name but a few…

There are plenty of hikes that can be enjoyed in a day too. The Taggart Lake trail takes a couple of hours and rewards you with some stunning vistas. For a slightly more challenging hike, the 10 kilometre Aspen Ridge to Boulder Ridge Loop ventures further into the mountains, giving you an incredible vantage point down over the lakes and meadows.

Idaho Falls > Grand Teton National Park > Jackson Hole | 150 miles

The Lodge at Jackson Hole, or similar

Tick another magnificent National Park off your list, as you visit wonderous Yellowstone. With two days to explore the park, you can take in many of its incredible natural features.

Perhaps spend your first day exploring the geyser basins, starting early at Old Faithful geyser, that erupts around every 90 minutes. The visitor’s centre can tell you their predicted eruption times, and it’s best to get there around 20 minutes ahead. Then, continue to the Midway Geyser Basin, where you’ll find the Grand Prismatic Spring with its captivating jewel-toned hues. Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest in Yellowstone, boasting steaming pools, and mesmerising blue, green and gold gradients.

On day two, pay a visit to the Mammoth Hot Springs, a fascinating terrace formation, misted in steam. Head on to the ‘Grand Canyon of Yellowstone’, with its dramatic, pink-hued cliffsides and thundering waterfalls. Use the driving or hiking routes for stunning vantage points.

Jackson Hole > Yellowstone National Park | 116 miles

Canyon Lodge & Cabins, or similar

Get a real taste of the Wild West today as you head to Cody. The ‘Buffalo Bill Center of the West’ offers a great introduction to the region’s history and culture, showcasing five museums under one roof. Explore exhibits about natural history, western art, Plains Indian cultures and more.

Don’t miss the thrill of attending the Cody Nite Rodeo, held nightly between June and August, with events like bull riding, barrel racing and team roping. The atmosphere is absolutely electric, with the opportunity to get involved and try your hand at some roping.

Yellowstone National Park > Cody | 94 miles

Chamberlain Inn, or similar

Drive from Cody to Sheridan today, with the route climbing into the Bighorn Mountains, offering stunning vistas. On your way, pause at Shell Falls where a short trail leads you to an overlook with incredible views.

Descending into the rolling foothills, you’ll arrive in Sheridan, where you can pay a visit to the Brinton Museum to discover Western art, American Indian artefacts, and a historic ranch house.

In the evening, head to the Mint Bar, once a legendary meeting place for cowboys and ranchers. Now, the historic keepsakes that plaster the walls are contrasted against the bar’s neon signs and funky cocktails.

Your home for the night is the historic Sheridan Inn, developed by Buffalo Bill Cody, and used as the location for his ‘Wild West’ show auditions, so take some time to learn about its story during your stay.

Cody > Sheridan | 147 miles

Sheridan Inn, or similar

This morning, make your way to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Before leaving Wyoming though, visit Devils Tower National Monument. This dramatic geological feature is sacred to the Northern Plains Indians, and the walking trails that surround it offer striking views.

Your first stop in South Dakota is historic Deadwood, a gold rush town that make you feel like you’re stepping back in time. Walk the streets once roamed by Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock, learning about the town’s history. Head to Outlaw Square for historical re-enactments that really bring it to life.

Sheridan > Deadwood | 237 miles

Deadwood Gulch Resort, or similar

Visit America’s Shrine of Democracy, today, as you head to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Marvel at the immense 18-metre faces of the presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln carved into the rockface.

Nearby, you can check on the progress of the Crazy Horse Memorial, a tribute to the Lakota leader, that will be the largest mountain carving in the world once complete.

Then, explore Custer State Park, a stunning wildlife reserve within the Black Hills. Its 71,000 acres house plenty of wildlife, including over 1,300 American bison.

Deadwood > Mount Rushmore > Custer | 85 miles

State Game Lodge, Custer, or similar

Rapid City is often overshadowed by the National Parks and monuments that surround it, but it is a charming and bustling city.

A great way to get around is on City View Trolley Tour. Learn about the city’s history as you cruise through Downtown and the West Boulevard districts, and then up into the hills.

Make sure to visit the ‘City of Presidents’ statues, showcasing past leaders in a series of memorials along Downtown’s sidewalks. The area is also home to Art Alley, bursting with street art, murals and art galleries.

In the evening, perhaps check out a craft brewery, find a rooftop bar, or enjoy some live music.

Custer > Rapid City | 41 miles

Alex Johnson Hotel, Rapid City, or similar

Heading out of the city, spend the day exploring the dramatic scenery of Badlands National Park. A 244,000 acre patchwork of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires create an otherworldly landscape that’s teeming with wildlife.

Arguably the best way to explore is on foot. The Notch Trail is around a mile and a half long, showcasing some fascinating rock formations, before bringing you to the ‘Notch’, where you can look down on the valley below.

On your way back to Rapid City, pay a visit to the Wall Drug Store, one of the most famous roadside attractions in America, that is almost a town in itself. Its billboards can be seen for hundreds of miles throughout South Dakota and the surrounding states. Wander round its quirky museums, pick up a unique souvenir and enjoy an array of delicious snack options.

Badlands National Park day trip | 125 miles

Alex Johnson Hotel, Rapid City, or similar

Today, head up to Medora, an authentic Western town. With two days to explore, make sure to soak up its cowboy culture, as well as exploring the town’s stunning surroundings.

Pay a visit to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, which offers a great introduction to the state’s history. Perhaps you’d like to try horse riding for yourself, or tackle the town’s signature ‘Pitchfork Steak Fondue’! If you can catch a performance of the Medora Musical, this outdoor spectacle is also a must-do.

Make sure to get out into Theodore Roosevelt National Park, walking some of its network of trails, and spotting bison, mule, deer and horses as you go. Within the South Unit of the park, you’ll find Painted Canyon, a striking feature that is well worth a visit.

Rapid City > Medora | 235 miles

Rough Rivers Medora, or similar

Continue north towards the town of Minot. On your way, you can choose to explore the other side of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, stopping at the River Bend Overlook for spectacular views.

Another great place to stop is the MHA Interpretive Centre, showcasing the history and culture of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara people. The centre is set within beautiful surroundings, alongside the Missouri River.

Around the Missouri River, the time zone changes, so you’ll lose an hour as you go. When you arrive in Minot, there are several museums to explore, such as the Dakota Territory Air Museum and the Scandinavian Heritage Park.

Medora > Minot | 209 miles

Hawthorn Extended Stay, or similar

Visit North Dakota’s capital of Bismarck, nestled on the banks of the Missouri River. The city boasts the State Capitol building, the State Museum, and the North Dakota Heritage Centre, where you can explore exhibits about the state’s history, culture, and natural heritage.

Take a stroll through the city’s leafy parks, with views of the river, or, for a different perspective, take a leisurely cruise on the Lewis and Clark Riverboat, taking in wildlife, beautiful scenery and historic sites along the waterway.

Minot > Bismarck | 111 miles

Radisson Bismarck, or similar

Head to Fargo this morning, a bustling city with plenty to do. Making a name for itself thanks to the 1996 film ‘Fargo’ and the subsequent series of the same name. You can visit the film’s original woodchipper at the Visitors Centre.

Wander Downtown Fargo, visiting the iconic Fargo Theatre, browsing quirky boutique shops and wandering through Brewhalla Market, where you can sample food and drink from local vendors.

There are also a wealth of museums to explore, including the Bonanzaville Museum and Pioneer Village, and the Fargo Air Museum.

Bismarck > Fargo | 196 miles

Fargo Clubhouse and Suites, or similar

Return to South Dakota today, visiting the state’s largest city, Sioux Falls. Enjoy an afternoon exploring Falls Park and wandering the ever-changing art walk in downtown.

Sioux Falls really comes to life in the evenings, with over 700 restaurants to choose from, and nightly live music to be found.

Fargo > Sioux Falls | 243 miles

Sioux Falls Clubhouse and Suites, or similar

Your Great American West adventure draws to a close today, as it’s time to head to Minneapolis Airport.

On the last leg of your road trip, take in a mosaic of green prairies and reflect on the fantastic memories of your holiday.

Sioux Falls > Minneapolis | 241 miles