Day 1
Fly to Denver
Arrive in the Mile High City- gateway to the Rocky Mountains. Denver effortlessly blends the Old West heritage with today’s modern skyscraper and urban energy. You can take the train into the city centre depending on your arrival time, but if it’s quite late then best to pick up your hire car from the airport so that you can make a quick start in the morning. Or perhaps extend your time in Denver so that you can explore the gold-domed State Capitol building, Larimar Square, City Park and the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Day 2
Denver – Rocky Mountain National Park - Cheyenne
It’s just a short distance from Denver to the Rocky Mountain National Park, and you’ll enjoy great scenery all the way. But then it gets even better, as you take the “Highway to the Sky” into Wyoming where the Wild West comes alive. Wyoming is filled with rugged landscapes, rich tribal legend, cowboy towns and some of America’s greatest wilderness areas. Continue to Cheyenne, the capital city of Wyoming, which embodies the spirt of the Old West. Here you can see “Old Number 4004” – the worlds largest steam locomotive, and visit Cheyenne Depot – one of the last grand 19 century depots remaining from the transcontinental railroad. You could take a trolley tour, which would give you a great introduction to the city and the Wild West.
Day 3
Cheyenne - Casper
Today you will take a scenic drive to Casper, and have the opportunity to stop at several points of interest on the way. Visit Fort Laramie National Historic Site – the largest military post on the Northern Plains before its abandonment in 1890. There is also Register Cliff – the first night camp west of Fort Laramie for Oregon Trail travellers. Your overnight stay is Casper – a city steeped in Old West history and culture. A visit to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is a must.
Day 4
Casper – Thermopolis - Cody
En route to Cody, stop at Thermopolis which is home to the world’s largest mineral spring, and a lovely place for a walk along the Big Horn River. Cody is just over 50 miles from the East Entrance to Yellowstone. Experience the spirit of the American West at Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Visit the Irma Hotel where Calamity Jane lived, and step back in time at the Old Trail Town. You can enjoy an evening of entertainment at Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Review. Or if you’re here in June, July or August you can watch the action at the nightly rodeo.
Day 5
Cody - Yellowstone
A highlight of this road trip, as you enter a natural wonderland and the world’s first National Park. See the iconic sights of the Old Faithful geyser, Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Prismatic Spring and Yellowstone Canyon.
Day 6
Yellowstone
A day to continue marvelling at the wonders of nature in Yellowstone. Explore mountains, forests and lakes, spot eagles, buffalo, bears, elk and more. Enjoy walking along the well marked trails and boardwalks.
Day 7
Yellowstone – Grand Teton – Jackson
Move into another stunning National Park – Grand Teton – an exquisite mountain landscape with jagged peaks towering above the valley. Pause at Snake River Outlook, where you will enjoy views of the Snake River flowing through the mountains. Continue to the characterful town of Jackson, where you can spend the evening strolling the boardwalks, savour a great meal and make sure you catch a shoot-out!
Day 8
Jackson - Dubois
On today's drive you can take a break at the Crowheart Butte Native American historical site, before heading onto your overnight stop - Dubois (say it like "cowboys"). Located in the valley between the Absaroka and Wind River mountain ranges, Dubois is a small town, filled with pioneer architecture and rich history. Here you'll find there are as many horses as people, and in the summer months there are weekly square dances and rodeos. You'll also be able to pick up one of the lovely hiking trails around the town to stretch your legs after your drive.
Day 9
Dubois – Lander - Riverton
This morning begin the journey to Riverton, but we suggest you stop en route for a tour at the Wild Horse Sanctuary in Lander. Here you will see wild mustangs close-up and learn about the importance of these horses in American history. On arrival at your hotel for the night, make sure you see the Northern Arapaho Experience located in the lobby, where you can discover the rich culture of the Araphao.
Day 10
Riverton - Rawlins
You can either hit the road morning and head straight to Rawlins, but we recommend you arrange a tour of the Wind River Reservation, which you can book through your hotel. Once in Rawlins, you will find the fascinating Wyoming Frontier Prison, the former state penitentiary which has been untouched since it closed 30 years ago and is rumoured to be haunted. Perhaps take a walking tour of Rawlins, the downtown is a nationally designated historic district rich in 19 century architecture. You’ll discover Native Americans, wagon trains, rail roads and other aspects of the Old West in this charismatic town.
Day 11
Rawlins - Laramie
Continue on your road trip to the eclectic town of Laramie, which is home to the University of Wyoming. This is a great way to end your adventure in the heart of the Real America, as the town is rich in Wild West history and has an abundance of attractions. Experience an interactive adventure tour – The Legends of Laramie. From gun fights and brothels to historic landmarks and famous architecture. Explore the American Heritage Center, which houses manuscripts, rare books and the university archives. Visit the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site which was home to over a thousand “evil doers” including Butch Cassidy.
Day 12
Laramie – Denver – Flight home
Take the short drive back to Denver to drop off your car at the airport and take your flight home. If time permits, then do stop off at Fort Collins for lunch where the non-driver can sample some of the beer in this “The Craft Beer Capital of Colorado”.
