Self Drive Packages: Rocky Mountain Trail

Day 1: Denver / Arrival A stroll through the picturesque pedestrian zone with its many shops and restaurants lets you feel the flair of this metropolis.

Day 2: Denver This former gold mining town, which is also called "Mile High City" because it is located 1.609 meters high in the Rocky Mountains, has the biggest brewery, the greatest bell collection of the world, the largest wine tasting place, and the longest street in America. You may want to see the newly remodeled Denver Art Museum or the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Day 3: Denver - Colorado Springs       An easy drive takes you to Colorado Springs, the 2nd biggest city in Colorado. We would recommend visiting the 'Garden of the Gods" and to admire the over 100 m high rock formations of red sandstone which are particularly impressive in the early morning and late afternoon hours of the day. Apx. 115 km / 72 mi 

Day 4: Colorado Springs - Alamosa        Today, you drive south to Alamosa, the departure point for a visit to the giant, up to 100m high Sand Dunes at the foot of the snowcovered Rocky Mountains, which offer a breath-taking view. Apx. 265 km / 165 mi

Day 5: Alamosa - Durango Mesa Verde NP with its cliff dwellings built by the Anazasi Indians is a highlight of your trip. Do not miss the archeological settlements in this unique area. Apx. 240 km / 150 mi; with a drive through Mesa Verde National Park. Apx. 390 km / 243 mi

Day 6: Durango - Grand Junction  Durango, the Capital of the La Plata Country, is the starting point for drives over the famous Million Dollar Highway. An alternative would be a drive over the remote "Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic & Historic Byway". Apx. 275 km / 171 mi

Day 7: Grand Junction - Moab (Arches N.P.) Arches National Park has the world's highest concentration of natural stone arches. It's a red, arid, desert, punctuated with oddly eroded sandstone forms such as fins, pinnacles, spires, rocks and arches. The 73,000-acre region has over 2000 arches. Apx. 182 km / 113 mi

Day 8: Moab (Arches N.P.) - Salt Lake City Today you will discover Salt Lake City, the Capital of the Mormon State, in front of its breath-taking mountain panorama or visit the great Salt Sea, from which the city derives its name. Or would you be tempted by an excursion to the caves of the Tempanogos Cave National Monuments? Apx. 377 km / 234 mi

Day 9: Salt Lake City - Jackson/Wyoming      You leave Salt Lake City for Jackson. This town located south of Grand Teton National Park is the center of the so-called Jackson Hole, a valley with marvelous panoramas. Apx. 490 km / 306 mi

Day 10: Jackson - Yellowstone N.P. You continue today through the impressive mountain chain of the Grand Tetons to the World-famous Yellowstone National Park. You will be fascinated by geysers like the 'Old Faithful" which ejects several meter high water fountains. Apx. 490 km / 306 mi

Day 11: Yellowstone N.P. Explore today this park which is a wonder world of geysers and hot mud holes, thermal    springs and lakes shimmering in a wide range of different turquoise tones.

Day 12: Yellowstone National Park - Cody      Your itinerary takes you over the "Buffalo Scenic Byway", a stretch with attractive    landscapes and interesting detours into the past.  If you are a Western Fan, don't miss   the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum. Apx. 210 km / 131 mi    Day 13: Cody - Sheridan  After leaving the little town of Shell, you take the "Bighorn Scenic Byway", past forests, mountains and water falls (e.g. Shell Falls) before you climb high up to   the Granite Pass. Apx. 240 km / 150 mi

Day 14: Sheridan - Badlands - Rapid City      Today you drive along the Black Hills National Forest where many picnic areas and walking trails provide quietness and relaxation. You continue to Rapid City; the film "Dancing with the Wolves" was shot in its surrounding areas. Apx. 400 km / 250 mi

Day 15: Rapid City       The visit of Rapid City is on your agenda today.  The largest National Monument of the United States - Mt. Rushmore - with its 4 superdimensional presidents cut in stone represent 150 years of American history. The Custer State Park and the Wind Cave National Park is certainly worth a detour.  And don't miss the impressive Crazy Horse Memorial which is meant to become the tallest sculpture in the world.

Day 16: Rapid City Opt today for an excursion to the Badlands National Park. In this vast prairie country with bizarre rock formations, you may discover not only rare animals like bison or big horn sheep, but also fossil from primeval times.

Day 17: Rapid City - Cheyenne       You leave South Dakota today. Explore the historical Old Town with the Old Union Pacific Depot and get a free brochure of city walks at the Depot visitor center. Apx. 500 km / 312 mi

Day 18: Cheyenne - Rocky Mountain N.P. Today's drive leads through the Rocky Mountain N.P. Follow partly the Trail Ridge Road, fromEstes Park (Park Entrance) to Grand Lake and experience the breath-taking views on one of the highest paved roads in the United States. Apx. 145 km / 91 mi

Day 19: Rocky Mountain N.P. - Denver Enjoy the unique Metropolis in front of the panorama of the Rocky Mountains. Take a    stroll over the "16th Street Mall", a 2 km long promenade in the historic center of Denver, or taste a beer at one of the numerous breweries. Apx. 105 km / 65 mi

Day 20: Denver / Departure Your trip ends with the rental car return and flight back home. 
Included: 20 day tour / 19 nights Standard Accommodation Up to 2 children under 12 years stay free when sharing with 2 paying adults Road book All taxes and fees