Ultimate Rockies & Yellowstone Fly Drive – 12 Nights

Return Flights with Baggage, 8 Incredible USA Stays, Car Hire and More

Experience the majestic landscapes and iconic landmarks of the American West on this 12-night Rockies & Yellowstone fly drive. Journey from Denver to Salt Lake City, exploring towering mountain peaks, historic western towns, and the breathtaking natural wonders of the Rockies and Yellowstone National Park.

Begin in Denver, Colorado’s vibrant capital, with highlights including Larimer Square, the State Capitol, and Garden of the Gods with its striking red rock formations. Travel through the Rocky Mountains and visit Cheyenne, taking in alpine lakes, valleys, and over 60 mountain peaks. Continue west to historic towns such as Buffalo and Cody, home of Buffalo Bill, and marvel at the natural monoliths of Devil’s Tower and the forested landscapes of Bighorn National Forest.

The journey continues to West Yellowstone, where Yellowstone National Park awaits with its geysers, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk, and bison. Experience the famed Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Explore Grand Teton National Park, with stops at Jenny Lake and other alpine highlights, before concluding your adventure in Jackson and the culturally rich Salt Lake City, home to Temple Square and historic landmarks.

This Rockies & Yellowstone fly drive is perfect for nature lovers, first-time visitors to the American West, and anyone seeking a mix of outdoor adventure, historic towns, and iconic national parks, all in one seamless, unforgettable itinerary.

Depart the UK on your international flight to Denver, Colorado’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, take a short stroll through Larimer Square or relax after your journey.

Denver

Denver, Colorado, often called the “Mile-High City” due to its elevation of exactly one mile above sea level, is a vibrant urban hub that perfectly blends city sophistication with easy access to the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. As the capital of Colorado, Denver is rich in history, culture, and entertainment. Visitors can explore historic districts like Larimer Square, which features beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings housing boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants. The city’s LoDo (Lower Downtown) district is a lively area filled with bars, cafes, and live music venues, while the State Capitol and Four Mile Historic Park provide insight into the city’s storied past. Denver’s art scene is thriving, with world-class institutions such as the Denver Art Museum and the Clyfford Still Museum, as well as vibrant street art and cultural festivals that reflect the city’s diverse population.

Beyond its urban charm, Denver is a gateway to outdoor adventure. The city enjoys a sunny climate and is surrounded by picturesque natural landscapes, making it ideal for hiking, biking, and exploring nearby parks. City Park and Washington Park offer green oases for relaxation, jogging, or picnicking, while the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park provides dramatic mountain scenery, alpine lakes, and wildlife such as elk and bighorn sheep. Food lovers will delight in Denver’s eclectic culinary scene, from gourmet farm-to-table restaurants to food halls and local craft breweries. Whether you’re drawn to its rich history, thriving cultural scene, or outdoor lifestyle, Denver offers a unique combination of metropolitan energy and mountain-town charm, making it a must-visit destination for travelers of all interests.

 

Spend the day exploring Denver’s historic and cultural highlights. Visit the State Capitol, Four Mile Historic Park, and the Lower Downtown district (LoDo). Explore Garden of the Gods, famous for its stunning red rock formations rising up to 300 feet, providing excellent photo opportunities.

Drive north to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and enter the scenic Rocky Mountain National Park. Discover majestic valleys and over 60 mountain peaks, with alpine lakes, meadows, and dense forests. Enjoy hiking trails and breathtaking panoramic views along the way.

Cheyenne

Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming, is a quintessential Western town that perfectly captures the spirit of the American frontier. Founded in 1867 as a railroad town, Cheyenne retains its historic charm with well-preserved 19th-century architecture, wide streets, and iconic landmarks such as the Cheyenne Depot Museum and the Wyoming State Capitol. Visitors can stroll through the downtown area to explore local shops, art galleries, and restaurants, or immerse themselves in Western heritage at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. Cheyenne is also famous for hosting Cheyenne Frontier Days, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration, which draws thousands of visitors each summer for rodeo events, parades, and live music.

Surrounded by the rolling plains and the distant peaks of the Laramie Mountains, Cheyenne offers both urban amenities and easy access to nature. The city’s parks, such as Civic Center Park and Terry Bison Ranch, provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife spotting. Cheyenne’s blend of historic Western culture, vibrant community events, and scenic landscapes makes it an appealing destination for travelers looking to experience the authentic American West while enjoying modern conveniences. Whether exploring its rich history, attending a rodeo, or venturing into the nearby plains and mountains, Cheyenne provides a memorable glimpse into Wyoming’s unique heritage.

 

Travel from Cheyenne or the surrounding area to Rapid City, the gateway to the Black Hills. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy a short exploration of downtown Rapid City with its public art murals, historic streets, and local shops. Take the evening to relax and soak in the atmosphere of this charming western city.

Rapid City

Rapid City, South Dakota, serves as the gateway to the Black Hills and is a vibrant city that combines rich history, cultural attractions, and stunning natural scenery. Known as the “City of Presidents” for its numerous bronze sculptures of U.S. presidents scattered throughout downtown, Rapid City offers a unique blend of art, history, and small-town charm. Visitors can explore the historic downtown area with its boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants, or learn about the region’s past at the Journey Museum & Learning Center, which covers Native American heritage, pioneer history, and the natural history of the Black Hills. The city is also conveniently located near major attractions such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Crazy Horse Memorial, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.

Surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and prairies, Rapid City provides ample access to outdoor adventure. Nearby Badlands National Park offers dramatic rock formations, sharply eroded pinnacles, and expansive grasslands inhabited by bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs. Within the city and surrounding areas, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and scenic drives through picturesque landscapes. Rapid City’s combination of cultural attractions, outdoor beauty, and access to iconic landmarks makes it a perfect destination for travelers seeking both urban comforts and the natural wonders of the American West.

 

Spend a full day exploring the iconic sights around Rapid City. Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where the faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt are carved into granite. Continue to the Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest mountain carving still in progress, celebrating Native American heritage. Head into Badlands National Park, known for its sharply eroded pinnacles, spires, and expansive prairie lands, home to bison, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife. Return to Rapid City for the night.

Rapid City

Rapid City, South Dakota, serves as the gateway to the Black Hills and is a vibrant city that combines rich history, cultural attractions, and stunning natural scenery. Known as the “City of Presidents” for its numerous bronze sculptures of U.S. presidents scattered throughout downtown, Rapid City offers a unique blend of art, history, and small-town charm. Visitors can explore the historic downtown area with its boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants, or learn about the region’s past at the Journey Museum & Learning Center, which covers Native American heritage, pioneer history, and the natural history of the Black Hills. The city is also conveniently located near major attractions such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Crazy Horse Memorial, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.

Surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and prairies, Rapid City provides ample access to outdoor adventure. Nearby Badlands National Park offers dramatic rock formations, sharply eroded pinnacles, and expansive grasslands inhabited by bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs. Within the city and surrounding areas, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and scenic drives through picturesque landscapes. Rapid City’s combination of cultural attractions, outdoor beauty, and access to iconic landmarks makes it a perfect destination for travelers seeking both urban comforts and the natural wonders of the American West.

 

Leave Rapid City and head east toward Buffalo, Wyoming, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Black Hills and eastern Wyoming plains. Along the way, take in the natural beauty and historic significance of the region. Buffalo, a charming western town, offers a glimpse into the Old West with its historic downtown, cowboy culture, and surrounding mountain scenery. This is the perfect place to relax after a day of driving and prepare for the next leg of your Rockies & Yellowstone adventure.

Buffalo

Buffalo, Wyoming, is a charming Western town that captures the spirit of the American frontier while offering a welcoming small-town atmosphere. Nestled at the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, Buffalo is rich in history, with roots tracing back to the Old West. The town is famous for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, wooden storefronts, and historic saloons that evoke the days of cowboys and pioneers. Visitors can explore the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum to learn about local history, from Native American heritage to the era of frontier settlement. Buffalo also has a strong connection to legendary Wild West figures, including Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, whose final resting places are nearby, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Beyond its historic charm, Buffalo is an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of north-central Wyoming. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife spotting in the surrounding Bighorn National Forest, where pine, spruce, and fir trees cover dramatic mountain landscapes. The town also offers a variety of local dining and boutique shopping experiences, giving visitors a taste of authentic Western hospitality. Whether you’re drawn by its history, scenic mountain vistas, or small-town charm, Buffalo provides a memorable glimpse into Wyoming’s unique frontier heritage and natural beauty.

 

Depart Buffalo and journey west through the scenic Bighorn National Forest, where dense pine, spruce, and fir forests stretch across rolling mountains. Stop along the way to take in panoramic views, enjoy short hikes, or capture the stunning landscapes. Continue to Cody, Wyoming, a charming town founded by Buffalo Bill and steeped in Old West history. Explore local attractions celebrating the Wild West heritage, such as the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, and enjoy an evening of western hospitality in this iconic frontier town.

Cody

Cody, Wyoming, is a quintessential Western town steeped in the history and legend of the American frontier. Founded by Buffalo Bill Cody in 1896, the town celebrates its Old West heritage with museums, historic buildings, and live entertainment that bring cowboy culture to life. Visitors can explore the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a world-class complex featuring five museums covering Western art, firearms, Native American history, and natural history. Cody’s downtown streets are lined with shops, saloons, and restaurants that evoke the charm of a classic frontier town, while nightly rodeos in the summer months showcase authentic cowboy skills and traditions.

Set against the backdrop of the Bighorn Mountains, Cody also offers incredible opportunities for outdoor adventure. Hiking, horseback riding, and scenic drives allow visitors to explore the surrounding forests, rivers, and foothills, while wildlife such as elk, deer, and bighorn sheep can often be spotted in the area. Cody’s blend of cultural heritage, lively Western events, and natural beauty makes it a captivating destination for travelers who want to experience the authentic spirit of the American West. Whether you’re fascinated by history or drawn to outdoor adventure, Cody provides an unforgettable glimpse into cowboy culture and frontier life.

 

Leave Cody and travel west toward West Yellowstone, the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy the scenic drive through Wyoming’s rugged landscapes, taking in mountain vistas and open plains along the way. Upon arrival in West Yellowstone, check into your hotel and prepare for the natural wonders that await in the park.

Spend a full day exploring Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Witness the iconic Old Faithful Geyser erupt, marvel at the colorful geothermal features of Mammoth Hot Springs and Turquoise Pool, and explore the dramatic landscapes of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone with its waterfalls and cliffs. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including bison, elk, grizzly bears, and longhorn sheep. This day offers an unforgettable experience of geysers, hot springs, wildlife, and the breathtaking beauty of Yellowstone.

Leave West Yellowstone and head south toward Jackson, Wyoming, passing through the stunning landscapes of Grand Teton National Park. Stop at Jenny Lake for breathtaking views of the Teton Range, and visit the iconic Chapel of the Transfiguration, a small rustic church framed by majestic mountain scenery. Continue to Jackson, a charming western town famous for its wooden buildings, cowboy bars, and local art galleries. Enjoy the evening exploring the town square or relaxing in your hotel.

Jackson

Jackson, Wyoming, is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Jackson Hole Valley, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Teton Range. Known for its breathtaking scenery and vibrant Western charm, Jackson is a gateway to both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The town itself is full of character, with wooden boardwalks, historic buildings, and lively town squares adorned with iconic antler arches. Visitors can explore local art galleries, boutique shops, and Western-themed restaurants, all while soaking in the spectacular mountain backdrop. Jackson also has a rich cultural scene, including rodeos, music festivals, and events celebrating the traditions of the American West.

Beyond its charming streets, Jackson offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. The surrounding valley and mountains provide activities like hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and river rafting, with frequent sightings of elk, moose, bison, and bald eagles. In winter, Jackson transforms into a world-class ski destination, attracting visitors to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for thrilling slopes and powder-filled adventures. With its perfect combination of small-town Western charm, stunning alpine landscapes, and proximity to iconic national parks, Jackson delivers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation in the heart of Wyoming.

 

Depart Jackson and drive south to Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital. Enjoy scenic views along the way as the rugged mountains gradually give way to the wide valleys of northern Utah. On arrival, explore Temple Square, the city’s historic Mormon center, and admire the architecture of the State Capitol. Take time to stroll through downtown Salt Lake City, discovering local shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, is a vibrant city that blends rich history, modern culture, and stunning natural surroundings. Founded in 1847 by Mormon pioneers, the city is steeped in heritage, with landmarks such as Temple Square, the Salt Lake Temple, and the Tabernacle, all showcasing the unique architecture and traditions of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Downtown Salt Lake City is lively and walkable, offering a mix of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, including the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum of Utah. The city’s historic districts, theaters, and music venues make it a hub for arts and entertainment, providing something for every traveler’s interest.

Surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City is an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and rock climbing are easily accessible within minutes of the city, while scenic drives through the nearby canyons reveal breathtaking landscapes. The city also offers unique experiences such as visiting the Antelope Island State Park to spot bison or exploring the Great Salt Lake’s saline shores. With its combination of urban amenities, cultural attractions, and spectacular natural beauty, Salt Lake City is a dynamic destination where history, adventure, and modern city life come together seamlessly.

 

Spend a full day exploring Salt Lake City. Optional excursions include visiting the Great Salt Lake, hiking in nearby canyons, or exploring local museums and cultural attractions. This is your final full day to enjoy the city’s mix of natural beauty and urban charm before your journey home.

Return your rental car at the airport and board your flight from Salt Lake City back to the UK, concluding your 12-night Rockies & Yellowstone adventure. Reflect on the unforgettable landscapes, national parks, and western towns you’ve explored along the way.

Trip Start Date Trip End Date Price
07/05/26 Thursday 19/05/26 Tuesday £2759 View
08/05/26 Friday 20/05/26 Wednesday £2729 View
09/05/26 Saturday 21/05/26 Thursday £2909 View
10/05/26 Sunday 22/05/26 Friday £2719 View
12/05/26 Tuesday 24/05/26 Sunday £2749 View
14/05/26 Thursday 26/05/26 Tuesday £2749 View
15/05/26 Friday 27/05/26 Wednesday £2719 View
16/05/26 Saturday 28/05/26 Thursday £2799 View
17/05/26 Sunday 29/05/26 Friday £3059 View
19/05/26 Tuesday 31/05/26 Sunday £2819 View