The American Rockies

Best of the West National Parks

Including Yellowstone - America's oldest and most spectacular National Park

From the majestic splendour of Glacier National Park in Montana, to the awesome beauty of the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks in Wyoming, and interesting cities such as Salt Lake City in Utah and Boise in Idaho, this new 15 Day self drive tour takes the adventurous traveller on a truly spectacular and unforgettable journey through the mountains and national parks of North America. Crossing between four different states in 15 days you will also drive along the same pass used by the Lewis & Clark Expedition over 200 years ago and learn about the Nez Pearce Indians as well enjoying some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery you are likely to experience in North America.

On arrival into Salt Lake City you will pick up your rental car and transfer the short distance into Downtown Salt Lake City where you will stay for the next 2 nights. 
With its gorgeous setting between the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City is also a relaxed and interesting city that serves as a prime destination for travellers interested in outdoor sports and also wanting a convenient gateway to Idaho and  Wyoming.

Day 2 – Salt Lake City

With a full day to see all the sights of Salt Lake City, you won’t know where to start!

As Salt Lake City is the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, many major tourist attractions focus on LDS history such as Temple Square, dominated by a magnificent six-spired temple, the square is the symbolic heart of the worldwide Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints. However, there is much more to this pleasant and unhurried city such as The Museum of Fine Arts, The Gilal Gardens, The Tracy Aviary and
Much more. Alternatively take a drive into the nearby mountain winter resort areas that are very close to town, or visit Antelope Island State Park on the Great Salt Lake or enjoy some of the excellent shopping near to the lodge. 

Day 3 – Jackson Hole (272 Miles)

Today you will travel north along the National Park Highway (US-89) past the Bear Lake and a corner of Idaho to enter Wyoming in the Starr Valley. Follow the Snake River through the canyon and into the town of Jackson Hole, just outside the Grand Teton National Park where you will be spending the night. If you have time explore some of The Grand Teton National Park.

Day 4 – Lake Yellowstone(98 Miles)

Today you will have plenty of time for touring in the Grand Teton Park as you travel north to the Yellowstone Park.  Once in Yellowstone we suggest to travel directly to the Old Faithful area to view the geysers and thermal basin here this afternoon.  Then return to the Lake Yellowstone for your overnight stop.

Day 5 – Mammoth Hot Springs (55 Miles)

A full day for touring in Yellowstone Park where today you will view:  Lake Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with the Upper and Lower Falls, Norris Thermal Basin and the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces.  Overnight at Mammoth Hot Springs.

Day 6 – Great Falls (279 Miles)

An early start after breakfast ready for a day for travelling across the reaches of Big Sky Country, the State of Montana.  Some of the amazing highlights of the drive will be Three Forks (beginning of the Missouri River), Helena and Last Chance Gulch and the Missouri River at the Gateway to the Mountains. Tonight you will overnight in the town of Great Falls.

Day 7 – Whitefish (217 Miles)

Today you will travel to the Glacier Park area where we suggest to view the sights of the east side of the park:  Many Glacier and St Mary’s Lake. 

The park’s many hiking trails allow those who venture on them to steal glimpses of the heart of this majestic wilderness and its abundant wildlife, including bears, elk, moose and bighorn sheep. Arrive and overnight in the resort community of Whitefish.

Day 8 – Whitefish

A full day to return to the Glacier Park for the Going to the Sun Highway and the Lake McDonald regions in the west of the park. Open June through October, the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Highway winds 52 miles through stunning glacial scenery, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass

Day 9 – Missoula (136 Miles)

Follow along the shores of the Flathead Lake and visit the museum of the Flathead Indian Tribe as you travel south in Montana for an overnight in the college town of Missoula.

Day 10 – Salmon  (140 Miles)

A short drive through the Valleys of the Rocky Mountains and then over the Lolo Pass and into Idaho. This is the same pass used by the Lewis & Clark Expedition over 200 years ago.  Then continue through the state to the Nez Perce Indian Reservation and down to the community of Riggins.

Day 11 – Boise (247 Miles)

Today you will have a chance to visit the historic mining camp of Old Idaho City and the Sawtooth Mountains before heading into the capitol of the State of Idaho for two nights in Boise.

Day 12 – Boise

Full day in Boise to see one of the upcoming communities in the USA—and one of the fastest growing cities.  Visit the Historic Territorial Prison Park, the many parks and museums of this city, and the Raptor Center just south of town.  

Day 13 – Sun Valley (170 Miles)

A short drive on to the mountain resort community of Sun Valley for some outdoor options (biking, hiking, golf, kayaking, and more).  Overnight at one of the BW lodges in Ketchum, the community at the Sun Valley Resort area.

Day 14 – Salt Lake City(297 Miles)

Today you will travel across the ancient lava beds to the Craters of the Moon National Monument before hitting the interstate highway and the return drive into downtown Salt Lake City.  The second and faster option option is to travel south and follow the course of the Snake River  back into Salt Lake City. 

Day 15 – Home

Time for some last minute shopping before you need to return to the Salt Lake City Airport for your overnight flight home.

Total Mileage - 1911

Our Price Includes:

• A detailed and comprehensive portfolio/travel pack with a day by day itinerary, driving instructions, maps, & excursion suggestions.

For your convenience flights and car hire are included in all our tour prices. If you already have a flight and instead just require hotel accommodation and a car please contact us for a price.  

Travelling in 2010? Please call us on (01892) 779900 or email info@awwt.co.uk for a competitive quotation