9-Nights Highlights of the Rockies Road Trip - Road Trips from $3,064

Day 1: Arrive in Denver

Arrive at Denver International Airport, pick up your car rental and make your way to your hotel. With the impressive Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, Denver effortlessly blends the city's Old West heritage with today's modern skyscrapers and urban energy. Time permitting, explore some of the city's must-sees, including the gold-domed State Capitol building, Larimer Square, City Park, or Denver's most scenic attraction - Red Rocks Amphitheatre. From fossil hunting to yoga at 6,450 feet, concerts are only the beginning of the fun at this iconic amphitheater and park.

Hotel: The Art Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton (4 Star Rating)

The Art Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton, offers a unique blend of modern comfort and artistic flair. Located in the heart of Denver, this hotel features spacious rooms with contemporary designs and stunning views of the city skyline. Guests can enjoy amenities like a rooftop bar, fitness center, and locally inspired dining options. With its collection of curated artwork throughout the property, the hotel feels like a creative escape. Whether you're relaxing in your room or exploring the vibrant neighborhood, The Art Hotel Denver is a perfect base for both art lovers and city explorers.

Rental Car: Hertz - Denver Intl Apto Salt Lake City Intl Ap

Before leaving Denver, enjoy a 2-hour city highlights walking tour. Explore the hot spots and historic sites that make Denver unique. After leaving the State Capitol, head to the Lower Downtown neighborhood, known as LoDo. This area is filled with lively bars and trendy restaurants. Take a walk down the 16th Street Mall, and explore the array of exciting shops, eateries, and entertainment venues. You may also take a leisurely stroll around the tree-lined Larimer Square, a local favorite spot. Our tour concludes at Union Station, the heart of Denver and you are ready to drive into Wyoming, where the Wild West comes alive. One of the most sparsely populated states in the U.S., Wyoming is a land of rugged landscapes, rich tribal legend, cowboy towns, an astounding diversity of wildlife and some of the world's greatest wilderness areas. Your first stop is Cheyenne, Wyoming's capital city that embodies the spirit of the Old West. See Old Number 4004 - the world's largest steam locomotive and one of the eight remaining Big Boys on display throughout the country.

Hotel: Little America Hotel & Resort (3 Star Rating)

Set on beautifully landscaped grounds at the junction of Interstate 80 and Interstate 25, Little America Hotel & Resort offers a welcoming retreat just outside downtown Cheyenne. The spacious guest rooms and suites provide a comfortable base for exploring Wyoming's capital, including the Cheyenne Depot Museum, Wyoming State Museum and Cheyenne Frontier Days attractions. On-site facilities include a nine-hole golf course, seasonal heated outdoor pool, fitness centre and several dining options, making this a convenient choice for families, leisure travellers and those exploring the American West.

Today’s scenic drive to Casper encompasses numerous points of interest. Visit Fort Laramie National Historic Site - the largest and best-known military post on the Northern Plains before its abandonment in 1890 and Register Cliff - the first night camp west of Fort Laramie for Oregon Trail travelers. Continue to Casper, a city steeped in western history, Old West culture and the legacy of pioneers who forged their way through the mountains and plains on their way to Oregon and California. A visit to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is a great place to start your exploration of Casper's frontier history.

Hotel: The Hilton Garden Inn Casper (3 Star Rating)

The Hilton Garden Inn Casper provides a cozy and convenient stay right in the heart of Wyoming. The rooms are well-equipped with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and comfortable beds for a restful night. Enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant or pick up a snack from the 24-hour convenience store. The hotel also offers an indoor pool, fitness center, and versatile meeting spaces. The Hilton Garden Inn Casper offers a welcoming, relaxed environment with everything you need for a great stay in Casper.

En route to Cody, experience a powerful sense of place created by nature in Thermopolis, home of the world's largest mineral hot spring. Here you may want to enjoy the hot springs, cooling ponds, a swinging foot bridge across the Big Horn River, hiking paths and the chance to see wild buffalo. Located just 54 miles from the East Entrance of Yellowstone, living legend Buffalo Bill's Cody offers a little something for everyone. Celebrate the spirit of the American West at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West or visit the Irma Hotel which once housed Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane.

Hotel: Chamberlin Inn (3 Star Rating)

Chamberlin Inn in Cody, Wyoming, offers a charming and cozy retreat with a touch of history. The rooms are thoughtfully designed, featuring modern comforts like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and comfortable bedding. Some rooms even have private balconies to enjoy the fresh Wyoming air. The hotel has a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere, making it a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring. Guests can relax in the beautiful courtyard and enjoy easy access to downtown Cody’s shops and restaurants.

Today, take an unforgettable journey towards the world's first national park and nature's wonderland - Yellowstone. Here, the Earth is in action with geysers, mountain ranges, rivers, waterfalls and ancient volcanoes. Prepare to see the iconic spots - Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Prismatic Spring and Yellowstone Canyon on your tour tomorrow. Many images will be familiar from photographs but seeing them in person is a humbling experience.

Hotel: Gray Wolf Inn At West Yellowstone (3 Star Rating)

Just two blocks from Yellowstone's West Entrance, the Gray Wolf Inn and Suites provides convenient lodging near Yellowstone National Park. It has become a favorite for travelers from around the world thanks to its affordability, accessibility to the outdoors, and spacious rooms. The product of a $1.4 million renovation and the proud owner of a AAA® Three-Diamond rating, Gray Wolf Inn and Suites features everything from large, family-size suites to smaller accommodations still roomy enough for lounging around. Gray Wolf Inn and Suites is great for Yellowstone adventures of all kinds.

Today you can immerse yourself in the landscape and wildlife of Yellowstone National Park on this van tour from West Yellowstone. Learn about its history from your guide, see the many incredible sights it has to offer, and enjoy a delicious lunch. Depart from West Yellowstone, Montana at 7:30 AM and enter Yellowstone National Park through the West Gate. Tour the Lower Loop with stops at notable points of interest including Old Faithful, the waterfalls in the Grand Canyon, Hayden Valley, Yellowstone Lake and an additional geothermal area. Learn about the Park from your knowledgeable guide, including its geothermal features, geology, and wildlife. Enjoy numerous photo opportunities of the surroundings and wildlife and, at the mid-point of the tour, a delicious picnic-style lunch. The tour concludes at 4:30 PM back in West Yellowstone.

Hotel: Gray Wolf Inn At West Yellowstone (3 Star Rating)

Just two blocks from Yellowstone's West Entrance, the Gray Wolf Inn and Suites provides convenient lodging near Yellowstone National Park. It has become a favorite for travelers from around the world thanks to its affordability, accessibility to the outdoors, and spacious rooms. The product of a $1.4 million renovation and the proud owner of a AAA® Three-Diamond rating, Gray Wolf Inn and Suites features everything from large, family-size suites to smaller accommodations still roomy enough for lounging around. Gray Wolf Inn and Suites is great for Yellowstone adventures of all kinds.

Leave the wonder of Yellowstone behind as you make your way to Grand Teton National Park, an exquisite mountain landscape where jagged peaks tower more than a mile above the Jackson Hole valley. Rising above a scene rich with extraordinary wildlife, pristine lakes and alpine terrain, the Teton Range dominates the park's skyline and stands as a monument to the people who fought to protect it. Be sure to stop at the Snake River Overlook made famous by Ansel Adams, where views of the Snake River flowing along the mountains put the size of the Tetons into perspective. Continue to Jackson Hole where the untamed spirit of the West lives on. Small in size but not personality, Jackson's Town Square is an outdoor living room and the perfect respite from a day of exploring. Enjoy perusing boardwalk-lined shops and galleries, savor a fabulous meal and be sure to catch America's longest running shoot out.

Hotel: Hotel Terra Jackson Hole (4 Star Rating)

Hotel Terra in Teton Village, Wyoming, offers a perfect blend of comfort and luxury with stunning mountain views. The hotel features spacious, modern rooms with cozy fireplaces and sleek, eco-friendly designs. Relax in the outdoor pool or hot tub after a day of adventure, or enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant. With easy access to skiing in winter and hiking in summer, it's an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're unwinding in the stylish lobby or enjoying the peaceful ambiance, Hotel Terra provides a warm, inviting retreat in the heart of Jackson Hole.

Today is a very early start, but it will be rewarding. After being picked up from your hotel you’ll head directly into Grand Teton National Park and begin exploring the breathtaking landscapes and amazing wildlife to be found within the park. Start the morning with a drive up the Gros Ventre river towards Kelly and Mormon row. This is a great area to spot moose, bulls, and cows. Then, enjoy a bit of history as you drive along Mormon Row, then back towards Moose Junction. Head into the heart of Grand Teton National Park from there along the Park loop road north road towards Jackson Lake. Explore points of interest such as Signal Mountain, Jackson Lake, Willow Flats, Oxbow Bend, Elk Ranch Flats, Dead Man’s Bar, Snake River Overlook, and many more. Returning to Jackson by about 11:30 AM. In addition to the many spectacular vistas and natural wonders that Grand Teton National Park has to offer, enjoy the chance to view the multitude of wildlife that makes Grand Teton its home. Bears, wolves, elk, moose, deer, eagles, all are common sights on the tour.

Hotel: Hotel Terra Jackson Hole (4 Star Rating)

Hotel Terra in Teton Village, Wyoming, offers a perfect blend of comfort and luxury with stunning mountain views. The hotel features spacious, modern rooms with cozy fireplaces and sleek, eco-friendly designs. Relax in the outdoor pool or hot tub after a day of adventure, or enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant. With easy access to skiing in winter and hiking in summer, it's an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're unwinding in the stylish lobby or enjoying the peaceful ambiance, Hotel Terra provides a warm, inviting retreat in the heart of Jackson Hole.

The journey from Jackson Hole to Salt Lake City is a scenic drive that takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Wyoming and Utah. Starting in the charming mountain town of Jackson Hole, you'll traverse the stunning Teton Range before descending into the expansive Snake River Plain. As you head south, the terrain gradually shifts from rugged mountains to rolling hills and valleys. The road stretches across vast open spaces and picturesque ranchlands, offering glimpses of wildlife and distant mountains. The drive, which takes about 4-5 hours, provides travelers with a peaceful, yet awe-inspiring experience.

Hotel: Hyatt Place Salt Lake City (3 Star Rating)

Hyatt Place Salt Lake City offers comfortable, contemporary accommodations in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. Ideally located near The Gateway shopping and entertainment district, the hotel is within walking distance of Delta Center and provides convenient access to Temple Square, City Creek Center and the Salt Palace Convention Center. Spacious guest rooms feature separate living areas with sofa beds, providing additional comfort for leisure and business travellers. Guests can start the day with a complimentary breakfast, maintain their fitness routine in the 24-hour fitness centre or relax in the seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub. With its central location and convenient amenities, the hotel is an excellent base for exploring Salt Lake City and the surrounding Utah region.

Make your way to Salt Lake City International Airport for your flight home unless you plan to extend your stay in the area.