Geysers, Grizzlies & The Wild West

Discover the rugged heart of the American West on this impressive tour around Yellowstone National Park. From lively cities at the foot of the Rocky Mountains to endless prairies, iconic monuments, and steaming geysers, this route combines nature, wildlife, and the authentic cowboy spirit of Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota. The travel distances have been carefully planned so that you have enough time to truly experience the national parks and landscapes, with room for spontaneous stops and unforgettable moments along the way.

Not only the parks,
but the road between them
makes this trip unique.

After arriving in Denver, pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel. Denver, also known as the “Mile High City,” is located on the edge of the Rocky Mountains and is an ideal starting point for this road trip. Depending on your arrival time, you can take a stroll through the city center or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in one of the many breweries.

Tip: In the evening, take a short walk through LoDo (Lower Downtown), a lively neighborhood with historic buildings and cozy restaurants.

Today, you leave the city behind and drive towards Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. The landscapes become greener and more mountainous as you approach the Rockies. In the afternoon, you will have time to explore the charming mountain town and get acquainted with the impressive nature that surrounds it.

Tip: At sunset, head to Lake Estes for a peaceful walk with views of the surrounding mountain peaks.

A full day to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. Here, imposing mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and vast valleys rise up in spectacular surroundings. The famous Trail Ridge Road takes you past panoramic views and offers numerous short hiking opportunities. With a little luck, you may spot moose or bighorn sheep along the road.

Tip: Stop at one of the higher viewpoints in the late afternoon, when the light softens and the mountains turn golden.

Today you will drive east towards South Dakota. The landscape slowly changes from mountainous to open prairie, which makes the enormous scale of the American West even more tangible. Rapid City is the ideal base from which to explore the iconic Black Hills region.

Tip: Take an evening stroll along Main Street in Rapid City and discover the bronze statues of presidents scattered throughout the city center.

Today, explore the Black Hills, a region steeped in history and natural beauty. Visit Mount Rushmore, where the faces of four American presidents are carved into the granite. Combine this with a drive through Custer State Park, known for its bison herds and scenic roads.

Tip: Drive the Iron Mountain Road, where tunnels and curves reveal new perspectives of Mount Rushmore.

A day trip to Badlands National Park, a surreal landscape of eroded rock formations, deep gorges, and colorful layers of rock. The contrasts between rugged rocks and vast grasslands make this park unique.

Tip: Visit Badlands in the late afternoon; that's when the shadows and colors are at their best.

You continue westward toward Wyoming. The route takes you through vast landscapes where the horizon seems endless. Cody exudes the spirit of the Wild West and is known as the home of Buffalo Bill.

Tip: Visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, one of the most impressive museums about America's frontier past.

Today, you slowly leave the city behind and exchange hotels and highways for the real Wild West. From Cody, you drive to an authentic ranch, located in a vast valley where silence, nature, and space are central. Depending on the season, you can participate in various activities, such as horseback riding through open landscapes, helping with light ranch tasks, or simply enjoying the nature around you.

Tip: Get up early for sunrise or admire the sunset in the evening; the silence and colors here are unforgettable. There is hardly any light pollution on a ranch, making the starry sky here more impressive than almost anywhere else on the route.

Today, you will enter Yellowstone National Park via one of the most beautiful access roads. You will immediately be immersed in a completely different world of geysers, hot springs, and vast valleys. Take your time for your first stops in the park.

Tip: Stop at Yellowstone Lake for a first impression of the immense scale of the park.

A full day in Yellowstone, where the forces of nature are visible everywhere. Visit iconic sites such as Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the impressive canyon of the Yellowstone River. Wildlife is never far away here: bison, elk, and perhaps even wolves regularly cross your path.

Tip: Get up early for wildlife spotting in Hayden Valley; animals are most active in the morning.

You will continue exploring parts of Yellowstone and drive to West Yellowstone in the afternoon. This base offers extra flexibility to discover less visited parts of the park.

Tip: Visit Norris Geyser Basin, one of the hottest and most dynamic geothermal areas in the park.

Today, you set the pace. You can return to the park, opt for a guided wildlife excursion, or take an evening tour with local guides to search for wolves and bears.

Tip: Visit Grand Prismatic Spring in sunny weather for the most intense colors.

Take a scenic route south toward Jackson Hole. Along the way, you'll pass Grand Teton National Park, where sharp mountain peaks rise dramatically above mirror-like lakes.

Tip: Stop for photos at Schwabacher Landing for a classic view of the Tetons.

A full day to explore Grand Teton National Park. Take walks along Jenny Lake or enjoy the tranquility of the vast valleys. Jackson Hole itself combines a Western atmosphere with stylish boutiques.

Tip: Take an evening stroll through Town Square, with its iconic elk antler arches.

Between national parks and endless roads,
you will discover the West at its purest.

Today you will drive towards Utah. The landscape remains impressive, with mountain ranges slowly giving way to wider valleys. Salt Lake City is beautifully situated at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains.

Tip: Visit Temple Square, the historic heart of the city.

The tour ends in Salt Lake City, where nature gives way to city and culture. These last two nights are a relaxing conclusion to an impressive tour of the American West. You can explore the city or take a short trip to the Great Salt Lake, a unique natural phenomenon.

Tip: Head to Antelope Island at sunset for sweeping views and the chance to see wildlife.

Return flight to Brussels.

Do you dream of traveling to the USA? Feel free to contact us.
We will listen to your wishes and plan a trip that suits you perfectly.