Rockies & Yellowstone

Itinerary

3 Nights – UK to Denver
4 Nights – Estes Park
2 Nights – Grand Junction
3 Nights – Yellowstone
2 Nights – Salt Lake City

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✈️ UK to Denver (3 nights):  You’ll begin your adventure in the lively city of Denver, where you can channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl while exploring the city’s historic ties to the Wild West. Head to Larimer Square, with its 19th-century buildings that were central to the city’s frontier era, and also the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave which commemorate the life of Buffalo Bill Cody, the legendary Wild West figure. The Four Mile Historic Park also offers insights into pioneer-era life, with activities such as blacksmithing, butter churning, and gold panning. Other highlights of the city include the Denver Art Museum, Union Station, and 16th Street Mall. Wander along the scenic Cherry Creek Trail or take a leisurely walk in the nearby Red Rocks Park. At the end of your stay in Denver, you’ll pick up your hire car, ready for the next part of your adventure.

🚗  Denver to Estes Park (4 nights):  In the morning, you’ll take the scenic 2-hour drive from Denver to Estes Park with breath-taking views of the Rockies en route. Estes Park is a picturesque mountain town, nestled within the Rocky Mountain National Park, and is a perfect place to stay while exploring the park and getting involved in all the activities on offer.  Whether that’s embarking on one of the many walking trails, spotting wildlife, or taking a drive along Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America.  Back in the town of Estes Park itself, wander around the streets dotted with galleries, shops, and cafes – and spot the odd wild elk or two as they roam freely.

🚗  🚆 Estes Park to Grand Junction (2 nights): You’ll head back to Denver to drop off the car, then catch the Amtrak train to the city of Grand Junction, the gateway to nearby destinations such as the Colorado National Monument and the Grand Mesa.  The outdoor adventures in this region are second to none. Take a scenic horseback ride through the dramatic landscapes of the Colorado National Monument or paddle a kayak along the tranquil stretches of the nearby Colorado River.  Or explore the Grand Mesa’s extensive network of walking and biking trails, spotting wildlife along the way.

🚆 🚗  Grand Junction to Yellowstone (3 nights):  For the next stage of your adventure, you’ll take the train from Grand Junction to Salt Lake City where you’ll pick up a hire car and head to Yellowstone National Park for three nights. Yellowstone National Park is full of natural wonders, from geysers to hot springs, waterfalls, and pristine lakes. The most popular tourist attraction in the park is the Old Faithful, one of the most famous geysers in the world, where you can witness the spectacle of a 180-foot column of water shooting up into the sky. Other highlights include: The Grand Prismatic Spring, with its vivid colours and mineral-rich water; Yellowstone Lake which offers stunning scenery and water sports; and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a dramatic canyon that has been formed by the Yellowstone River. It stretches 20 miles long and features two major waterfalls: the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls.

🚗 🚆 Yellowstone to Salt Lake City (2 nights): You’ll conclude your journey by driving back to Salt Lake City, this time getting the chance to explore the city properly. Salt Lake City enjoys a magical backdrop of the stunning Wasatch Mountains with some great historic landmarks to explore. Head to the iconic Salt Lake Temple and the historic buildings of Temple Square, and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Plus, of course, the nearby Wasatch Mountains offer lots of opportunities for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.

✈️ Salt Lake City to UK: All good things must come to an end.  You’ll drop your car off at the airport before taking the flight back home to the UK.