United States

United States - Between mountains, prairies, geysers and deserts

15 days · Individual · from €2,000.00
‹ Adventure North America
Duration
15 days
Start/End
Denver
Tour type
Individual
Accommodation
Hotels, cabins or campsites
Price from · per person
€2,000.00
Dates & prices ›
Price from · per person
€2,000.00
Request

United States - Between mountains, prairies, geysers and deserts

Duration

15 days

Start/End

Denver

Tour type

Individual

Level

Easy

Accommodation

Hotels, cabins or campsites

Overview

This tour shows you the contrasts of the American West: from Rocky Mountain National Park into the vast prairie, through the lunar landscape of the Badlands, to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Devils Tower, over the Bighorn Mountains to Cody and into Yellowstone National Park with its geysers.

The American Southwest is a land of contrasts, and on this 14-day road trip, you'll experience all its diversity. Soon after your arrival, the majestic Rocky Mountains will rise before you, stretching out into the vast prairie. In the Badlands, you'll traverse an otherworldly, lunar landscape of colorful rocks and rugged canyons, while in Yellowstone National Park, the earth steams and hisses: hot springs, vibrant pools, and powerful geysers define this unique place. Further south, the imposing silhouette of the Grand Tetons awaits, before you immerse yourself in Utah's stunning reddish landscape: strange rock arches in Arches National Park, deep canyons in Canyonlands National Park, and finally, the legendary Monument Valley, where mesas and rocky pinnacles rise toward the sky like movie sets. A trip to Mesa Verde will allow you to discover remnants of ancient cultures before the route takes you back to Denver. Whether you choose a rental car with hotel accommodations or a campervan with complete freedom, this trip combines famous national parks with lesser-known gems, spectacular nature with culture and history. An adventure that will bring you closer to the American Southwest in all its splendor.

Camping
Family
Rental car
Motorhome
Mountains

Tour Code

USA003

Tour language

GermanGerman

Itinerary

  • Day 1
    Arrival in Denver

    Individual arrival in Denver, the "Mile High City." Depending on your arrival time, you will have time for a first stroll through the city. Highlights include the historic LoDo district with its brick buildings, the Central Station, and the State Capitol, from whose steps you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains. Overnight in Denver.

    Arrival in Denver

    Day 1

    Individual arrival in Denver, the "Mile High City." Depending on your arrival time, you will have time for a first stroll through the city. Highlights include the historic LoDo district with its brick buildings, the Central Station, and the State Capitol, from whose steps you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains. Overnight in Denver.

  • Day 2
    Denver – Rocky Mountain National Park – Estes Park

    Today your adventure begins in the majestic Rocky Mountains. You'll travel along Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest continuous roads in North America, to reach Rocky Mountain National Park. At an altitude of over 12,000 feet (3,600 meters), a breathtaking panorama unfolds before you: snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and, with a bit of luck, you might even spot marmots or elk. Numerous overlooks and short hiking trails invite you to enjoy the scenery. Spend the night in Estes Park, a charming mountain town at the park's entrance.

    Denver – Rocky Mountain National Park – Estes Park

    Day 2

    Today your adventure begins in the majestic Rocky Mountains. You'll travel along Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest continuous roads in North America, to reach Rocky Mountain National Park. At an altitude of over 12,000 feet (3,600 meters), a breathtaking panorama unfolds before you: snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and, with a bit of luck, you might even spot marmots or elk. Numerous overlooks and short hiking trails invite you to enjoy the scenery. Spend the night in Estes Park, a charming mountain town at the park's entrance.

  • Day 3
    Estes Park – Cheyenne – Scotts Bluff – Chadron

    Today's route takes you out of the mountains and into the vastness of the prairies. Your first stop is Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming, which boasts a Western atmosphere, rodeo tradition, and historic buildings. From there, you'll continue into Nebraska and Scotts Bluff National Monument. This impressive rock formation served as a landmark for 19th-century pioneers on the Oregon Trail. A short hike takes you to the plateau, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the prairie. You'll arrive in Chadron in the afternoon.

    Estes Park – Cheyenne – Scotts Bluff – Chadron

    Day 3

    Today's route takes you out of the mountains and into the vastness of the prairies. Your first stop is Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming, which boasts a Western atmosphere, rodeo tradition, and historic buildings. From there, you'll continue into Nebraska and Scotts Bluff National Monument. This impressive rock formation served as a landmark for 19th-century pioneers on the Oregon Trail. A short hike takes you to the plateau, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the prairie. You'll arrive in Chadron in the afternoon.

  • Day 4
    Chadron – Badlands National Park – Rapid City

    Today you'll discover one of North America's most unique landscapes: Badlands National Park. Wind and water have sculpted a labyrinth of canyons, pinnacles, and ridges from colorful layers of sediment. The landscape seems almost surreal, especially in the light of dawn and dusk. Besides the geology, the wildlife is also fascinating: large herds of bison, prairie dogs, and even the occasional pronghorn roam the area. After exploring the park, we'll continue our journey to Rapid City, the gateway to the Black Hills.

    Chadron – Badlands National Park – Rapid City

    Day 4

    Today you'll discover one of North America's most unique landscapes: Badlands National Park. Wind and water have sculpted a labyrinth of canyons, pinnacles, and ridges from colorful layers of sediment. The landscape seems almost surreal, especially in the light of dawn and dusk. Besides the geology, the wildlife is also fascinating: large herds of bison, prairie dogs, and even the occasional pronghorn roam the area. After exploring the park, we'll continue our journey to Rapid City, the gateway to the Black Hills.

  • Day 5
    Mount Rushmore – Crazy Horse – Custer State Park

    This day is dedicated to American history and culture. First, you will visit the famous Mount Rushmore Monument, where the faces of four U.S. presidents are carved into granite. A few miles away, the colossal Crazy Horse Monument, dedicated to the legendary Lakota chief, is taking shape—a project that will take decades to complete. In the afternoon, you will drive through scenic Custer State Park, known for its large herds of bison, mountain lakes, and the winding Needles Highway. Overnight in Rapid City or Keystone.

    Mount Rushmore – Crazy Horse – Custer State Park

    Day 5

    This day is dedicated to American history and culture. First, you will visit the famous Mount Rushmore Monument, where the faces of four U.S. presidents are carved into granite. A few miles away, the colossal Crazy Horse Monument, dedicated to the legendary Lakota chief, is taking shape—a project that will take decades to complete. In the afternoon, you will drive through scenic Custer State Park, known for its large herds of bison, mountain lakes, and the winding Needles Highway. Overnight in Rapid City or Keystone.

  • Day 6
    Rapid City – Devil's Tower – Sheridan

    This day is dedicated to American history and culture. First, you will visit the famous Mount Rushmore Monument, where the faces of four U.S. presidents are carved into granite. A few miles away, the colossal Crazy Horse Monument, dedicated to the legendary Lakota chief, is taking shape—a project that will take decades to complete. In the afternoon, you will drive through scenic Custer State Park, known for its large herds of bison, mountain lakes, and the winding Needles Highway. Overnight in Rapid City or Keystone.

    Rapid City – Devil's Tower – Sheridan

    Day 6

    This day is dedicated to American history and culture. First, you will visit the famous Mount Rushmore Monument, where the faces of four U.S. presidents are carved into granite. A few miles away, the colossal Crazy Horse Monument, dedicated to the legendary Lakota chief, is taking shape—a project that will take decades to complete. In the afternoon, you will drive through scenic Custer State Park, known for its large herds of bison, mountain lakes, and the winding Needles Highway. Overnight in Rapid City or Keystone.

  • Day 7
    Sheridan – Montañas Bighorn – Cody

    The drive through the Bighorn Mountains is one of the most scenic parts of the trip. Lush forests, alpine meadows, and sweeping valleys alternate along the way. Time and again, panoramic views of the endless plains open up. In the afternoon, you'll arrive in Cody, a town named after Buffalo Bill. There, you can visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, an excellent museum that brings the history, art, and nature of the Wild West to life. Overnight in Cody.

    Sheridan – Montañas Bighorn – Cody

    Day 7

    The drive through the Bighorn Mountains is one of the most scenic parts of the trip. Lush forests, alpine meadows, and sweeping valleys alternate along the way. Time and again, panoramic views of the endless plains open up. In the afternoon, you'll arrive in Cody, a town named after Buffalo Bill. There, you can visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, an excellent museum that brings the history, art, and nature of the Wild West to life. Overnight in Cody.

  • Day 8
    Cody – Yellowstone National Park

    Today you'll travel to the legendary Yellowstone National Park, the oldest national park in the world. Even the drive to the eastern entrance is an experience in itself: rivers, forests, and majestic mountains line the road. Inside the park, you'll find steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools, and colorful hot springs. A highlight is the Grand Prismatic Spring, one of the world's largest hot springs, which glows with vibrant colors. Overnight stays are in or near the park.

    Cody – Yellowstone National Park

    Day 8

    Today you'll travel to the legendary Yellowstone National Park, the oldest national park in the world. Even the drive to the eastern entrance is an experience in itself: rivers, forests, and majestic mountains line the road. Inside the park, you'll find steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools, and colorful hot springs. A highlight is the Grand Prismatic Spring, one of the world's largest hot springs, which glows with vibrant colors. Overnight stays are in or near the park.

  • Day 9
    Yellowstone National Park

    A full day in Yellowstone! You'll visit the famous Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts periodically, sending a jet of water into the sky. Afterward, you'll head to Yellowstone Canyon, where the river plunges over two spectacular waterfalls. The Mammoth Hot Springs, with its white and orange terraces, is also included in the itinerary. During the tour, you'll have a good chance of spotting bison, elk, or even grizzly bears. Overnight in or near the park.

    Yellowstone National Park

    Day 9

    A full day in Yellowstone! You'll visit the famous Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts periodically, sending a jet of water into the sky. Afterward, you'll head to Yellowstone Canyon, where the river plunges over two spectacular waterfalls. The Mammoth Hot Springs, with its white and orange terraces, is also included in the itinerary. During the tour, you'll have a good chance of spotting bison, elk, or even grizzly bears. Overnight in or near the park.

  • Day 10
    Yellowstone – Grand Teton National Park – Jackson Hole

    Today you'll continue your journey to Grand Teton National Park. The towering peaks of the Teton Range rise almost vertically from the plains, a landscape that ranks among the most beautiful in the Rocky Mountains. A hike or a boat ride on Jenny Lake is highly recommended. In the afternoon, you'll arrive in Jackson Hole, a lively Western town with art galleries, cowboy bars, and the famous elk antler arches in the main square.

    Yellowstone – Grand Teton National Park – Jackson Hole

    Day 10

    Today you'll continue your journey to Grand Teton National Park. The towering peaks of the Teton Range rise almost vertically from the plains, a landscape that ranks among the most beautiful in the Rocky Mountains. A hike or a boat ride on Jenny Lake is highly recommended. In the afternoon, you'll arrive in Jackson Hole, a lively Western town with art galleries, cowboy bars, and the famous elk antler arches in the main square.

  • Day 11
    Jackson – Salt Lake City

    Today, your journey will take you across the vast plains of Wyoming and Idaho into Utah. Your destination is Salt Lake City, the capital of the Mormon Church. This afternoon, you can visit Temple Square, the city's religious center, or take a stroll through downtown. If time allows, a day trip to the Great Salt Lake could also be a good option. Overnight in Salt Lake City.

    Jackson – Salt Lake City

    Day 11

    Today, your journey will take you across the vast plains of Wyoming and Idaho into Utah. Your destination is Salt Lake City, the capital of the Mormon Church. This afternoon, you can visit Temple Square, the city's religious center, or take a stroll through downtown. If time allows, a day trip to the Great Salt Lake could also be a good option. Overnight in Salt Lake City.

  • Day 12
    Salt Lake City – Arches National Park – Moab

    Today we continue our journey through Utah's red desert landscape. Our destination is Moab, the ideal starting point for visiting two of the Southwest's most spectacular national parks. This afternoon, we'll visit Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural stone arches. The world-famous Delicate Arch is particularly impressive, glowing with vibrant colors at sunset. We'll spend the night in Moab.

    Salt Lake City – Arches National Park – Moab

    Day 12

    Today we continue our journey through Utah's red desert landscape. Our destination is Moab, the ideal starting point for visiting two of the Southwest's most spectacular national parks. This afternoon, we'll visit Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural stone arches. The world-famous Delicate Arch is particularly impressive, glowing with vibrant colors at sunset. We'll spend the night in Moab.

  • Day 13
    Parque Nacional Canyonlands – Glenwood Springs

    In the morning, you'll explore Canyonlands National Park, specifically the Island in the Sky area. From numerous viewpoints, such as Mesa Arch or Grand View Point, you'll be able to contemplate a seemingly endless labyrinth of canyons, gorges, and mesas—a panorama that ranks among the most breathtaking in the entire southwestern United States. Short hikes, such as the one to Mesa Arch, are highly recommended. In the afternoon, you'll leave Utah's red rock landscape behind and return to Colorado. The route takes you through diverse scenery and ends in Glenwood Springs, a charming town in the Rocky Mountains. There, the famous hot springs invite you to enjoy a relaxing soak, perfect for processing the experiences of the past few days. Overnight in Glenwood Springs.

    Parque Nacional Canyonlands – Glenwood Springs

    Day 13

    In the morning, you'll explore Canyonlands National Park, specifically the Island in the Sky area. From numerous viewpoints, such as Mesa Arch or Grand View Point, you'll be able to contemplate a seemingly endless labyrinth of canyons, gorges, and mesas—a panorama that ranks among the most breathtaking in the entire southwestern United States. Short hikes, such as the one to Mesa Arch, are highly recommended. In the afternoon, you'll leave Utah's red rock landscape behind and return to Colorado. The route takes you through diverse scenery and ends in Glenwood Springs, a charming town in the Rocky Mountains. There, the famous hot springs invite you to enjoy a relaxing soak, perfect for processing the experiences of the past few days. Overnight in Glenwood Springs.

  • Day 14
    Glenwood Springs – Return trip through the Rocky Mountains – Denver

    Today's route takes you back to Denver via one of Colorado's most beautiful scenic drives. The drive through Glenwood Canyon, along the Colorado River, is spectacular. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or take short walks along the way. Depending on your available time, you can plan a day trip to Vail or Breckenridge, typical mountain towns with rustic charm. You'll arrive in Denver in the afternoon. You'll spend the night in Denver and have one last chance to take a stroll through the city or enjoy a farewell dinner.

    Glenwood Springs – Return trip through the Rocky Mountains – Denver

    Day 14

    Today's route takes you back to Denver via one of Colorado's most beautiful scenic drives. The drive through Glenwood Canyon, along the Colorado River, is spectacular. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or take short walks along the way. Depending on your available time, you can plan a day trip to Vail or Breckenridge, typical mountain towns with rustic charm. You'll arrive in Denver in the afternoon. You'll spend the night in Denver and have one last chance to take a stroll through the city or enjoy a farewell dinner.

  • Day 15
    Return trip from Denver

    After two eventful weeks in the southwestern United States, your road trip comes to an end today. Depending on your departure time, you might still have time for one last stroll through downtown Denver or a visit to one of its fascinating museums. Afterward, you'll return your rental car or RV and fly home.

    Return trip from Denver

    Day 15

    After two eventful weeks in the southwestern United States, your road trip comes to an end today. Depending on your departure time, you might still have time for one last stroll through downtown Denver or a visit to one of its fascinating museums. Afterward, you'll return your rental car or RV and fly home.

  • Motorhome or rental car

    Experience unforgettable moments and discover the most beautiful places at your own pace. Whether it's a road trip with comfortable hotel stays or a free-spirited campervan adventure, you decide how you want your dream trip to be. We'd be delighted to help you plan.

    Motorhome or rental car

    Experience unforgettable moments and discover the most beautiful places at your own pace. Whether it's a road trip with comfortable hotel stays or a free-spirited campervan adventure, you decide how you want your dream trip to be. We'd be delighted to help you plan.

  • Nonstop flight to Denver

    Denver is the ideal starting point: there are direct flights to Denver from Frankfurt, Munich or Zurich, so you can begin your adventure in the southwestern United States in a relaxed way and without having to change planes.

    Nonstop flight to Denver

    Denver is the ideal starting point: there are direct flights to Denver from Frankfurt, Munich or Zurich, so you can begin your adventure in the southwestern United States in a relaxed way and without having to change planes.

Price from

€2,000.00

Phone: +43 512 209071

Services

What's included

  • We will prepare a complete offer that includes flight, car/hotel rental or motorhome rental.

What's not included

  • Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)

  • Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)

  • personal equipment

  • Visa and vaccinations, if required

  • Advice

Character of the trip

Fitness

Easy

Altitude

Medium

Culture / nature

Nature-led

This road trip requires no special athletic skills; you decide your own pace and activities. You should be comfortable driving long distances on your own. A valid driver's license is required. You can include excursions and walks in the national parks as you wish. In the Rocky Mountains and the Yellowstone area, you'll sometimes be at higher altitudes and the weather can change rapidly.

Dates and prices

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