The Rockies and the American West Overview
Witness the immense size of The Rockies and the American West. Nestled in the northern part of the USA and spanning several states, this is America’s most rugged region, where you can find breath-taking scenery, explore Wild West landscapes; discover native culture, mountains and ranches.
Comprising of Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, awe-inspiring outdoor adventure awaits visitors here coupled with an abundance of cultural activities.
By day you can explore wild west landscapes and take part in activities such as horse riding, fishing and driving cattle on a ranching holiday and hike legendary trails in the footsteps of world-famous explorers. Visit museums to take a hands-on journey into Old West history and Native American cultures. See monuments from battles gone by and come face-to-face with U.S. presidents at the Mount Rushmore National Monument.
The region is also home to incredible National Parks! You can view bubbling mud pots and spurting geysers in Yellowstone National Park, shimmering glaciers and crystal clear lakes in Glacier National Park and snow-capped peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. These incredible landscapes are all enhanced by the abundant wildlife on show; from the mighty bison, bear, moose and elk to wolf, coyote, bobcat, bighorn sheep and mountain goat.
By night, you’ll find an idyllic blend of friendly, small-town charm and big city amenities. Vibrant downtown areas welcome you with eclectic restaurants, entertainment and shopping. This is a food lover’s paradise, where you can enjoy fine dining on a downtown rooftop or a rustic meal on an expansive prairie. Pull up a chair for a tasting at a small batch winery or distillery, or toast to your adventures at a beer garden or local craft brewery.
We offer all types of holidays in The Rockies and the American West, which can be tailor-made to suit your interests, timeframe and budget. Whether your interest is in spotting wildlife on an independent self-drive, hiking the epic landscapes on a organised walking holiday, or marvelling at the scenery on an escorted tour, we can help you experience The Rockies and the American West in a way that suits you.
The Rockies and the American West Highlights
Watch Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone National Park
One of the star attractions of Yellowstone, the geyser known as Old Faithful is named for the regularity with which it erupted, shooting columns of water high up into the air. Today, witnessing this incredible sight is one of the most popular things to do in the park.
Ride the Durango and the Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway
In southern Colorado, the town of Durango has a lovely setting at the base of surrounding mountains. The historic downtown area has some well-restored, grand old buildings that function as hotels and restaurants. Some are done in southwestern décor, with an Old West feel. In the summer, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway is one of the town’s main tourist attractions. This historic train runs day trips up the valley from Durango to the old mining town of Silverton, high in the mountains.
Encounter Endangered Wildlife
Glacier National Park is filled with many different species of wildlife. Due to the lack of development, it is a haven for rare and endangered species. Visitors may catch a rare glimpse of the majestic bald eagles that soar near the mountains. The two endangered species that are rarely sighted are grizzly bears and Canadian lynx. This park holds the largest populations of these animals outside of Alaska.
Become a Cowboy or Girl and have a Ranch Adventure
Few things are more quintessentially American than the cowboy and staying at a ranch in the American West is the perfect way to indulge your dream of becoming a cowboy or girl can finally come true.
Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial
This historical monument is South Dakota’s most prominent tourist attraction. Carved majestically into the side of the mountain are the heads of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. The carving, designed by Gutzon, was begun in 1927, halted for several decades, and finally completed in 1991. In its creation, more than 400,000 tons of rock was blasted from the side of the mountain.
Video Credit: The Great American West
Best time to visit The Rockies and the American West
The Rockies and the American West is delightful to visit between June and September when temperatures can get surprisingly high. May, June, September and October can be excellent times to visit with cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. Do note that roads into the national parks tend to open around late May or early June and often close as early as mid September.