Arrive into Denver International Airport, collect your bags and rental vehicle before relocating downtown to settle in at your hotel for a two-night stay in the ‘Mile High City’.

During your stay you may like to explore the historic Larimer Square neighbourhood, known for its charming victorian buildings, boutiques, and galleries. Alternatively, you may prefer to visit the Denver Art Museum to explore its extensive collection of art from around the world. Don’t miss the impressive Native American art collection and the contemporary art exhibits.

You may choose to visit the Denver Botanic Gardens to unwind in the beautiful gardens and green spaces, or walk along the South Platte River to see views back across downtown Denver.

The Curtis – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel or similar

About an hour’s drive south of Denver is Colorado Springs, the 2nd biggest city in Colorado. On the edge of some of America’s most beautiful mountains, Colorado Springs feels as if it is set in a valley, however, at just over 6000 feet above sea level, it is actually on a high plateau.

You may like to spend the rest of your morning at Garden of the Gods, marvelling at the towering red rock formations. You can explore some of the park’s trails independently or join a guided nature walk for deeper insights.

In the afternoon drive, or take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, to the summit of Pikes Peak. Revel in the panoramic views of the Rockies from 14,115 feet!

In the evening head to Tejon Street in downtown Colorado Springs for dining options and entertainment.

Denver > Colorado Springs | 69 miles

The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel or similar

Today’s drive takes you to Alamosa in the San Luis Valley, via mountains, gorges and giant sand dunes.

Begin by heading towards Canon City. Consider taking the scenic drive along the historic railroad route that parallels Highway 50. The route offers picturesque views of the Arkansas River Valley and passes through charming towns such as Florence and Westcliffe.

Located just after Cañon City is Royal Gorge Bridge and Park that offers breathtaking views of the Royal Gorge and Arkansas River from the world’s highest suspension bridge. You can choose to walk or drive across the bridge or ride the aerial tramway.

Further south make a stop at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. You can explore the towering dunes, hike along scenic trails, or for the more adventurous, go sandboarding and sledding on the sandy slopes.

Located just south of Great Sand Dunes National Park, Zapata Falls is a hidden gem worth visiting. A short hike leads to a stunning waterfall cascading down a narrow canyon.

Alamosa is a charming town and you should have time to explore downtown to discover historic buildings, museums, and attractions such as the San Luis Valley Brewing Company and the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad.

Colorado Springs > Alamosa | 185 miles

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Today’s route is spectacular as you traverse Wolf Creek Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in Colorado, as you continue west towards Durango. Enjoy panoramic views of the rugged San Juan Mountains and lush alpine meadows as you ascend to an elevation of over 10,000 feet. Look for opportunities to pull off at scenic overlooks to take in the stunning mountain vistas.

You may like to stop at Pagosa Springs, a charming mountain town famous for its natural hot springs. Choose to relax and rejuvenate in the healing waters of the hot springs, which offer a range of temperatures and amenities to suit every preference.

Your route continues through the San Juan National Forest to Durango, a historic mining town on the Animas River. As well as being home to the Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, it is a good point from which to visit Mesa Verde National Park.

Just 35 miles out of Durango is the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park, which offers several scenic drives, such as the Mesa Top Loop Road and the Cliff Palace Loop Road that enable you to see panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and mesa tops.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Mesa Verde’s famous cliff dwellings, including Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Spruce Tree House.

Alamosa > Durango | 150 miles

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As you travel northwest from Mesa Verde, you will pass through the scenic landscapes of the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. This vast archaeological preserve contains thousands of ancient Puebloan ruins, rock art sites, and artifacts. Consider stopping at the Anasazi Heritage Centre, near Dolores, to learn more.

Enjoy scenic views of the Dolores River Canyon as you continue northwest towards the town of Dove Creek. The canyon features rugged cliffs, colorful rock formations, and meandering river valleys.

On arriving in Moab you will be able to explore the iconic landscapes of Arches National Park, known for more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. You can take scenic drives through the park to see some of the highlights including Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Balanced Rock.

Durango > Moab ( Arches National Park ) | 158 miles

River Canyon Lodge or similar

Drive west from Moab along State Route 128, also known as the Colorado River Scenic Byway. This picturesque drive follows the course of the Colorado River through towering red rock canyons and sandstone cliffs.

Make a stop at Fisher Towers, a dramatic rock formation located along the Colorado River Scenic Byway. These towering sandstone spires and pinnacles are a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and photography. Take a short hike on the Fisher Towers Trail to get up close to these impressive geological formations.

As you continue west on State Route 128, you’ll pass through Castle Valley, a picturesque area known for its rugged desert landscapes.

On arriving in Grand Junction, visit the Colorado National Monument and take a scenic drive along Rim Rock Drive to see highlights such as Independence Monument, Coke Ovens, and the Kissing Couple rock formations.

Moab > Grand Junction | 170 miles

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We recommend making a morning stop in Fruita on today’s route, to visit the Dinosaur Journey Museum. This museum features exhibits on paleontology and dinosaurs, including fossil displays, interactive exhibits, and a working paleontology laboratory. It is a good introduction to the region’s rich fossil history.

Drive northwest from Fruita to reach the Colorado side of Dinosaur National Monument. Here you can visit the Quarry Visitor Centre and take a short hike on the Fossil Discovery Trail to see real dinosaur bones embedded in the rock wall.

Next, drive along Harper’s Corner Road, within Dinosaur National Monument, to reach scenic overlooks with panoramic views of the Green River and Yampa River canyons.

As you continue north towards Salt Lake City, consider stopping in Vernal, to visit the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum to explore more exhibits on paleontology, geology, and natural history. Alternatively, you may choose to take a detour along the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway, northeast of Vernal, that offers stunning views of the rugged canyon landscape, the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and the Green River.

Continue past the Strawberry and Provo River Dam and on to Salt Lake City for your evening’s stay.

Grand Junction > Salt Lake City | 284 miles

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Drive east from Salt Lake City, towards Park City, a charming mountain town known for its world-class ski resorts. Then travel northeast from Park City on the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (Highway 150), which offers breathtaking views of the Uinta Mountains and access to numerous scenic overlooks, alpine lakes, and hiking trails. Consider stopping at Mirror Lake or Trial Lake for a picnic.

Cross the Utah-Wyoming border and pass through the town of Evanston, Wyoming, situated along the historic Union Pacific Railroad line. It is also home of the the Wyoming State Railroad Museum. Drive north from Evanston to reach Bear Lake, a beautiful natural lake straddling the Utah-Wyoming border. From the shore you will have panoramic views of the turquoise-blue lake surrounded by forested mountains.

Continue north towards Jackson through scenic Star Valley, a picturesque valley surrounded by the rugged Wyoming mountains. Enjoy views of lush farmland, rolling hills, and the meandering Salt River as you drive through charming towns such as Afton and Thayne.

Arrive in Jackson and check-in at your hotel. If you have time you may like to ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram. The cablecar operates at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and provides a scenic ride to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain, which stands at an elevation of over 10,000 feet.

Salt Lake City > Jackson Hole | 329 miles

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The stunning landscapes of Grand Teton National Park are located just north of Jackson. Take a scenic drive along the Teton Park Road to see iconic vistas of the Teton Range, including highlights such as Teton Glacier Turnout, Snake River Overlook, and Jenny Lake.

Cross the Wyoming-Montana border and enter Yellowstone National Park through the South Entrance. Stop at West Thumb Geyser Basin, located along the shore of Yellowstone Lake, to explore a colorful collection of hot springs, geysers, and thermal features. Take a short boardwalk trail around the basin to see highlights such as Abyss Pool, Black Pool, and the Fishing Cone.

Continue through Yellowstone National Park and follow the Madison River as you approach West Yellowstone. On arriving in the town of West Yellowstone, you will have time to explore the charming shops and restaurants and visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Centre to learn more about local wildlife.

Jackson > West Yellowstone | 144 miles

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Today you can enjoy a full day within Yellowstone National Park.

Witness the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser erupting approximately every 90 minutes, shooting boiling water and steam into the air.

Marvel at the vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States and one of Yellowstone’s most iconic features. The spring’s rainbow-like hues are created by heat-loving bacteria that thrive in the hot, mineral-rich water.

Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Mammoth Hot Springs, a complex of terraces formed by mineral deposits from hot springs. Take a boardwalk tour of the terraces to see colourful formations, steaming pools, and cascading mineral-laden waterfalls.

Yellowstone is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves, and moose. Keep an eye out for these iconic species as you explore the park, especially in Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley, which are known for their abundant wildlife sightings.

Gray Wolf Inn & Suites or similar

Leave Yellowstone National Park following the iconic Beartooth Highway towards Cooke City. This scenic byway is one of the most spectacular drives in the United States, offering jaw-dropping views of the Beartooth Mountains, alpine lakes, and glaciated valleys. Stop at the Top of the World Store for refreshments and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

From Cooke City join the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. This panoramic route offers breathtaking views of the Absaroka Mountains, rugged canyons, and alpine meadows.

Your destination is Cody, known as the “Rodeo Capital of the World” and named after the legendary showman Buffalo Bill Cody. You can learn more at the Buffalo Bill Centre of the West, a complex of museums dedicated to the art, history, and culture of the American West.

West Yellowstone > Cody | 175 miles

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Travel northeast from Cody and take a scenic drive through Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, a vast and rugged landscape carved by the Bighorn River. Along the way you can enjoy panoramic views of towering cliffs, deep canyons, and sparkling reservoirs as you drive along the Bighorn Canyon Scenic Byway. Consider stopping at overlooks such as Devil Canyon Overlook or Four Bear Trail for breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

Drive through Shell Canyon along US Highway 14 and stop at Shell Falls Interpretive Site, where you can view one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Bighorn Mountains. Take a short walk on the paved trail to the viewing platform overlooking the 120-foot waterfall.

In Sheridan you can visit attractions such as the Trail End State Historic Site, a historic mansion once owned by cattle baron John B. Kendrick, or the Brinton Museum, which features Western and American Indian art collections.

Cody > Sheridan | 150 miles

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As you travel northeast from Sheridan, consider making a detour to visit Devils Tower National Monument in northeastern Wyoming. This iconic geological feature is a sacred site for Native American tribes and offers hiking trails around the base of the tower, as well as wildlife viewing. You can learn more about the tower’s geology, history, and cultural significance at the visitor centre.

Continue east towards Rapid City and drive through Spearfish Canyon in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of towering limestone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests. Consider stopping at scenic overlooks, such as Bridal Veil Falls or Roughlock Falls.

Another short detour takes in the historic town of Deadwood, located in the northern Black Hills. This former gold rush town is known for its Wild West history, including famous residents such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. You can explore Main Street to see historic buildings, museums, and casinos, or take a guided tour to learn about the town’s colourful past.

Sheridan > Rapid City | 276 miles

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Whilst staying in Rapid City be sure to visit Art Alley to see colorful murals and street art, or take a stroll through Memorial Park to see statues honoring U.S. presidents.

On the presidential theme, drive from Rapid City to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial, one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. Marvel at the massive sculptures of four U.S. presidents carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

Just a short drive from Mount Rushmore, is the Crazy Horse Memorial, a massive sculpture that honours the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse. Nearby is the Indian Museum of North America, a large collection of art and artifacts reflecting the diverse histories and cultures of over 300 Native Nations.

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Another good day trip from Rapid City is a visit into Badlands National Park.

Drive along the Badlands Loop Road, also known as Highway 240, which offers stunning vistas and overlooks of the park’s rugged terrain and eroded rock formations. You can stop at scenic points such as Panorama Point, Big Badlands Overlook, and Yellow Mounds Overlook to take in panoramic views of this otherworldly landscape. Be sure to view the the impressive Badlands Wall, a rugged escarpment that stretches for miles across the park and is composed of colorful layers of sedimentary rock.

Keep an eye out for wildlife as you explore the park, including bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, mule deer, and various bird species.

End your day trip with a memorable sunset over the Badlands. As the light fades it casts a warm glow over the rugged landscape. Find a scenic viewpoint to watch the colours change and the shadows lengthen, creating a magical atmosphere.

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Heading south from Rapid City head into the southern Black Hills to visit Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park.

Custer State Park is a sprawling wilderness area known for its scenic beauty and wildlife. Drive the scenic Wildlife Loop Road to see bison herds, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Consider stopping at Sylvan Lake for a picnic.

At Wind Cave National Park you can explore one of the world’s longest and most complex caves on a ranger led guided tour. You can see unique formations such as boxwork, popcorn, and frostwork. Above ground you can also follow scenic drives through the park’s mixed-grass prairie landscape.

On arrival in Cheyenne, the capital city of Wyoming, you can explore the Cheyenne Depot Museum, which showcases the city’s railroad history, and visit the Wyoming State Capitol building.

Rapid City > Cheyenne | 289 miles

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As you depart Cheyenne this morning you can make a stop at the Terry Bison Ranch. This working bison ranch offers guided tours and opportunities to see and feed bison up close.

On your journey south visit the Rocky Mountain National Park. Here you can take a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest continuous paved roads in the United States. Enjoy breathtaking views of alpine landscapes and mountain peaks and stop at “Many Parks Curve Overlook” for a panoramic view and spot wildlife.

Estes Park is a charming mountain town nestled at the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. In downtown Estes Park you can take a stroll along the scenic riverwalk or take a ride on the  aerial tramway.

Cheyenne > Estes Park (Rocky Mountain National Park) | 90 miles

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With only a short drive ahead on the way back to Denver, you can spend much of the day continuing to explore Rocky Mountain National Park.

You may like to follow Old Fall River Road and Bear Lake Road for a scenic drive. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you drive through the park. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to a variety of animals, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, moose, black bears, and coyotes.

In the afternoon make your way out of the park and make your way back to Denver.

Estes Park > Denver | 65 miles

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There will be time this morning for some last-minute shopping and souvenir hunting, so you may like to head to the 16th Street Mall where you will find a mix of local boutiques, national retailers, and unique eateries along this bustling corridor.

Then your road trip comes to an end as you drive back to Denver International Airport, to return your car and check-in in time for your return flight.