USA Rocky Mountains Fly Drive • View Itinerary...

Rocky Mountain Trail

20 day Fly Drive – from £2095

With flights from £2695

Embark on a breathtaking 20-day adventure  through majestic national parks like Yellowstone and Arches, and witness the awe-inspiring scenery of the Rocky Mountains and the Badlands.”

Highlights:
  • Discover Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural stone arches
  • Witness the stunning Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs
  • Explore the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park
  • Experience the surreal landscape of Great Sand Dunes National Park
  • Meet presidents past at the iconic Mount Rushmore National Monument

Your Itinerary

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Denver, Colorado

Day 1 – Welcome to Denver

Arrive and settle into your hotel. A stroll through the picturesque pedestrian zone with its many…

Arrive and settle into your hotel. A stroll through the picturesque pedestrian zone with its many shops and restaurants lets you feel the flair of this metropolis.

    DoubleTree Curtis Hotel or similar
Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado

Day 2 – Denver

This former gold mining town, which is also called ‘Mile High City’ because it is located…

This former gold mining town, which is also called ‘Mile High City’ because it is located 1.609 meters high in the Rocky Mountains, has the biggest brewery, the greatest bell collection of the world, the largest wine tasting place, and the longest street in America. You may want to see the newly remodelled Denver Art Museum or the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

    DoubleTree Curtis Hotel or similar
Denver, Colorado
Garden of the Gods, Colarado Springs

Day 3 – Colorado Springs

An easy drive takes you to Colorado Springs, the 2nd biggest city in Colorado. We would…

An easy drive takes you to Colorado Springs, the 2nd biggest city in Colorado. We would recommend visiting the ‘Garden of the Gods’ and to admire the over 100 m high rock formations of red sandstone which are particularly impressive in the early morning and late afternoon hours of the day.

    The Mining Exchange A Wyndham Grand Hotel or similar
Garden of the Gods, Colarado Springs
Alamosa

Day 4 – Alamosa & Great Sand Dunes

Today, you drive south to Alamosa, the departure point for a visit to the giant, up…

Today, you drive south to Alamosa, the departure point for a visit to the giant, up to 100m high sand dunes at the foot of the snow-covered Rocky Mountains, which offer a breath-taking view.

    Best Western Alamosa Inn or similar
Alamosa
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Day 5 – Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park with its cliff dwellings built by the Anazasi Indians will be a…

Mesa Verde National Park with its cliff dwellings built by the Anazasi Indians will be a highlight of your trip. Do not miss the archaeological settlements in this unique area.

    Holiday Inn and Suites Durango Central or similar
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Partition Arch, Arches National Park

Day 6 – Arches National Park

Arches National Park has the world’s highest concentration of natural stone arches. It’s a red, arid

Arches National Park has the world’s highest concentration of natural stone arches. It’s a red, arid, desert, punctuated with oddly eroded sandstone forms such as fins, pinnacles, spires, rocks and arches. The 73,000 acre region has over 2,000 arches.

    River Canyon Lodge or similar
Partition Arch, Arches National Park
Durango

Day 7 – Grand Junction

Durango, the Capital of the La Plata Country, is the starting point for drives over the…

Durango, the Capital of the La Plata Country, is the starting point for drives over the famous Million Dollar Highway. An alternative would be a drive over the remote ‘Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic & Historic Byway’.

    Hampton Inn Grand Junction Downtown or similar
Durango
Salt Lake City, Utah

Day 8 – Salt Lake City

Today you will discover Salt Lake City, the Capital of the Mormon State, in front of…

Today you will discover Salt Lake City, the Capital of the Mormon State, in front of its breath-taking mountain panorama or visit the great Salt Sea, from which the city derives its name. Or would you be tempted by an excursion to the caves of the Tempanogos Cave National Monuments?

    Hilton Salt Lake City Centre or similar
Salt Lake City, Utah
Grand Teton, America

Day 9 – Jackson/Wyoming

You leave Salt Lake City for Jackson. This town located south of Grand Teton National Park…

You leave Salt Lake City for Jackson. This town located south of Grand Teton National Park is the centre of the so-called Jackson Hole, a valley with marvellous panoramas.

    Snow King Resort Hotel & Condos or similar
Grand Teton, America
Yellowstone National Park

Day 10 – Yellowstone National Park

You continue today through the impressive mountain chain of the Grand Tetons to the world-famous Yel

You continue today through the impressive mountain chain of the Grand Tetons to the world-famous Yellowstone National Park. You will be fascinated by geysers like the ‘Old Faithful’ which ejects several meter high water fountains.

    Gray Wolf Inn & Suites or similar
Yellowstone National Park

Day 11 – Yellowstone National Park

Explore today this park which is a wonder world of geysers and hot mud holes, thermal…

Explore today this park which is a wonder world of geysers and hot mud holes, thermal springs and lakes shimmering in a wide range of different turquoise tones. 

    Gray Wolf Inn & Suites or similar
Buffalo Bill Centre, Cody

Day 12 – Cody

Your itinerary takes you over the ‘Buffalo Scenic Byway’, a stretch with attractive landscapes and i

Your itinerary takes you over the ‘Buffalo Scenic Byway’, a stretch with attractive landscapes and interesting detours into the past. If you are a Western Fan, don’t miss the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum.

    Holiday inn Cody at Buffalo Bill Village or similar
Buffalo Bill Centre, Cody
Sheridan, Montana

Day 13 – Bighorn Scenic Byway

After leaving the little town of Shell, you take the ‘Bighorn Scenic Byway’, past forests, mountains

After leaving the little town of Shell, you take the ‘Bighorn Scenic Byway’, past forests, mountains and waterfalls (e.g. Shell Falls) before you climb high up to the Granite Pass.

    Hampton Inn Sheridan or similar
Sheridan, Montana
Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

Day 14 – Black Hills National Forest

Today you drive along the Black Hills National Forest where many picnic areas and walking trails…

Today you drive along the Black Hills National Forest where many picnic areas and walking trails provide quietness and relaxation. You continue to Rapid City; the film “Dancing with the Wolves” was shot in its surrounding areas.

    Best Western Ramkota Hotel or similar
Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota
Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

Day 15 – Rapid City & Mount Rushmore

The visit of Rapid City is on your agenda today. The largest National Monument of the…

The visit of Rapid City is on your agenda today. The largest National Monument of the United States – Mt. Rushmore – with its 4 super dimensional presidents cut in stone represent 150 years of American history. The Custer State Park and the Wind Cave National Park is certainly worth a detour. And don’t miss the impressive Crazy Horse Memorial which is meant to become the tallest sculpture in the world.

    Best Western Ramkota Rapid City or similar
Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
Bighorn Sheep, Jasper National Park

Day 16 – Badlands National Park

Opt today for an excursion to the Badlands National Park. In this vast prairie country with…

Opt today for an excursion to the Badlands National Park. In this vast prairie country with bizarre rock formations, you may discover not only rare animals like bison or big horn sheep, but also fossil from primeval times. 

    Best Western Ramkota Rapid City or similar
Bighorn Sheep, Jasper National Park
Union Pacific, Cheyenne

Day 17 – Cheyenne

You leave South Dakota today. Explore the historic Old Town with the Old Union Pacific Depot…

You leave South Dakota today. Explore the historic Old Town with the Old Union Pacific Depot and get a free brochure of city walks at the Depot visitor centre.

    Staybridge Suites Cheyenne or similar
Union Pacific, Cheyenne
Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado

Day 18 – Rocky Mountain National Park

Today’s drive leads through the Rocky Mountain National Park. Follow partly the Trail Ridge Road, from…

Today’s drive leads through the Rocky Mountain National Park. Follow partly the Trail Ridge Road, from Estes Park (Park Entrance) to Grand Lake and experience the breath-taking views on one of the highest paved roads in the United States.

    Best Western Plus Silver Saddle or similar
Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado
16th Street Mall, Denver

Day 19 – Denver

Enjoy the unique metropolis in front of the panorama of the Rocky Mountains. Take a stroll…

Enjoy the unique metropolis in front of the panorama of the Rocky Mountains. Take a stroll over the ‘16th Street Mall’, a 2 km long promenade in the historic centre of Denver, or taste a beer at one of the numerous breweries.

    DoubleTree Curtis Hotel or similar
16th Street Mall, Denver
Sunset, Denver

Day 20 – Farewell from Denver

The self drive concludes when you drop the hire car back to the airport depot and…

The self drive concludes when you drop the hire car back to the airport depot and catch your scheduled flight home to the UK.

Sunset, Denver

Your Itinerary

Day 1

|

Welcome to Denver

Arrive and settle into your hotel. A stroll through the picturesque pedestrian zone with its many shops and restaurants lets you feel the flair of this metropolis.

    DoubleTree Curtis Hotel or similar
Denver, Colorado

Day 2

|

Denver

This former gold mining town, which is also called ‘Mile High City’ because it is located 1.609 meters high in the Rocky Mountains, has the biggest brewery, the greatest bell collection of the world, the largest wine tasting place, and the longest street in America. You may want to see the newly remodelled Denver Art Museum or the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

    DoubleTree Curtis Hotel or similar
Denver, Colorado

Day 3

|

Colorado Springs

An easy drive takes you to Colorado Springs, the 2nd biggest city in Colorado. We would recommend visiting the ‘Garden of the Gods’ and to admire the over 100 m high rock formations of red sandstone which are particularly impressive in the early morning and late afternoon hours of the day.

    The Mining Exchange A Wyndham Grand Hotel or similar
Garden of the Gods, Colarado Springs

Day 4

|

Alamosa & Great Sand Dunes

Today, you drive south to Alamosa, the departure point for a visit to the giant, up to 100m high sand dunes at the foot of the snow-covered Rocky Mountains, which offer a breath-taking view.

    Best Western Alamosa Inn or similar
Alamosa

Day 5

|

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park with its cliff dwellings built by the Anazasi Indians will be a highlight of your trip. Do not miss the archaeological settlements in this unique area.

    Holiday Inn and Suites Durango Central or similar
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Day 6

|

Arches National Park

Arches National Park has the world’s highest concentration of natural stone arches. It’s a red, arid, desert, punctuated with oddly eroded sandstone forms such as fins, pinnacles, spires, rocks and arches. The 73,000 acre region has over 2,000 arches.

    River Canyon Lodge or similar
Partition Arch, Arches National Park

Day 7

|

Grand Junction

Durango, the Capital of the La Plata Country, is the starting point for drives over the famous Million Dollar Highway. An alternative would be a drive over the remote ‘Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic & Historic Byway’.

    Hampton Inn Grand Junction Downtown or similar
Durango

Day 8

|

Salt Lake City

Today you will discover Salt Lake City, the Capital of the Mormon State, in front of its breath-taking mountain panorama or visit the great Salt Sea, from which the city derives its name. Or would you be tempted by an excursion to the caves of the Tempanogos Cave National Monuments?

    Hilton Salt Lake City Centre or similar
Salt Lake City, Utah

Day 9

|

Jackson/Wyoming

You leave Salt Lake City for Jackson. This town located south of Grand Teton National Park is the centre of the so-called Jackson Hole, a valley with marvellous panoramas.

    Snow King Resort Hotel & Condos or similar
Grand Teton, America

Day 10

|

Yellowstone National Park

You continue today through the impressive mountain chain of the Grand Tetons to the world-famous Yellowstone National Park. You will be fascinated by geysers like the ‘Old Faithful’ which ejects several meter high water fountains.

    Gray Wolf Inn & Suites or similar
Yellowstone National Park

Day 11

|

Yellowstone National Park

Explore today this park which is a wonder world of geysers and hot mud holes, thermal springs and lakes shimmering in a wide range of different turquoise tones. 

    Gray Wolf Inn & Suites or similar

Day 12

|

Cody

Your itinerary takes you over the ‘Buffalo Scenic Byway’, a stretch with attractive landscapes and interesting detours into the past. If you are a Western Fan, don’t miss the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum.

    Holiday inn Cody at Buffalo Bill Village or similar
Buffalo Bill Centre, Cody

Day 13

|

Bighorn Scenic Byway

After leaving the little town of Shell, you take the ‘Bighorn Scenic Byway’, past forests, mountains and waterfalls (e.g. Shell Falls) before you climb high up to the Granite Pass.

    Hampton Inn Sheridan or similar
Sheridan, Montana

Day 14

|

Black Hills National Forest

Today you drive along the Black Hills National Forest where many picnic areas and walking trails provide quietness and relaxation. You continue to Rapid City; the film “Dancing with the Wolves” was shot in its surrounding areas.

    Best Western Ramkota Hotel or similar
Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

Day 15

|

Rapid City & Mount Rushmore

The visit of Rapid City is on your agenda today. The largest National Monument of the United States – Mt. Rushmore – with its 4 super dimensional presidents cut in stone represent 150 years of American history. The Custer State Park and the Wind Cave National Park is certainly worth a detour. And don’t miss the impressive Crazy Horse Memorial which is meant to become the tallest sculpture in the world.

    Best Western Ramkota Rapid City or similar
Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

Day 16

|

Badlands National Park

Opt today for an excursion to the Badlands National Park. In this vast prairie country with bizarre rock formations, you may discover not only rare animals like bison or big horn sheep, but also fossil from primeval times. 

    Best Western Ramkota Rapid City or similar
Bighorn Sheep, Jasper National Park

Day 17

|

Cheyenne

You leave South Dakota today. Explore the historic Old Town with the Old Union Pacific Depot and get a free brochure of city walks at the Depot visitor centre.

    Staybridge Suites Cheyenne or similar
Union Pacific, Cheyenne

Day 18

|

Rocky Mountain National Park

Today’s drive leads through the Rocky Mountain National Park. Follow partly the Trail Ridge Road, from Estes Park (Park Entrance) to Grand Lake and experience the breath-taking views on one of the highest paved roads in the United States.

    Best Western Plus Silver Saddle or similar
Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado

Day 19

|

Denver

Enjoy the unique metropolis in front of the panorama of the Rocky Mountains. Take a stroll over the ‘16th Street Mall’, a 2 km long promenade in the historic centre of Denver, or taste a beer at one of the numerous breweries.

    DoubleTree Curtis Hotel or similar
16th Street Mall, Denver

Day 20

|

Farewell from Denver

The self drive concludes when you drop the hire car back to the airport depot and catch your scheduled flight home to the UK.

Sunset, Denver

Flights & More

With FREEDOM, you can book your Rocky Mountain Trail fly drive and flights together, as an ATOL protected package. Our Travel Experts can find the best priced Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for you.

You can also personalise your holiday. Why not add:

  • Extra nights in any location en route
  • Tickets for the Durango & Silverton Historic Railway

Next Steps

Please get in touch with our America Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.

Rocky Mountain Trail

20 day Fly Drive – from £2095

With flights from £2695

Price is per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room and includes pre-booked accommodation, air-conditioned car and unlimited mileage. One-way fees charged locally. Hotels specified are subject to availability and may be substituted by one of a similar or higher standard.

Map

Rocky Mountain Trail Map