Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
In association with: Brand USA
Hitting the open road in the west and southwest of the US is on the bucket list for many travellers, with roads weaving through the mountains, plains or Badlands National Park stretching as far as the eye can see. And with a few iconic cities, monuments and a Western history to discover along the way, these self-drive itineraries might be just what your clients are after.
Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains
The sprawling states covered in this itinerary will mean visitors can see some of the most picturesque and unique scenery in the US. Starting in Denver, Colorado, also known as the ‘Mile High City’ due to its elevation above sea level, visitors can explore both the city and mountains, which sit side-by-side. Denver is known for its craft beer scene, so recommend visitors try out a selection of the independent breweries.
Venture to Cañon City, where just outside is one of the world’s highest suspension bridges. Take in the vast canyons and parklands on the drive to Vail, a well-known ski destination. Non-skiiers will still find plenty to do with many boutiques, spas and restaurants to enjoy. For more R&R, continue to Glenwood Springs, to enjoy the hot springs and Grand Junction, a fruit-growing hub in the state, where visitors can enjoy some wine tasting.
Cross into the historic mining town of Rock Springs in Wyoming, and the Jackson Hole valley before heading to the famous Yellowstone National Park. Wait for an eruption of hot water at the Old Faithful geyser and enjoy the nature and wildlife that this huge park has to offer.
Continue north into Montana and the town of Billings, which can be used as a gateway to the surrounding seven mountain ranges. The Dakotas are the next stops, where the route will take visitors on a scenic loop in North Dakota across the Northern Great Plains and the Badlands. Stay at Rapid City, South Dakota, before visiting the famous Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills, which took 14 years to create and was completed in 1941.
Head south to Nebraska for stunning scenery and Scotts Bluff National Monument where you can walk on parts of the original Oregon Trail. Cross back into Wyoming and its state capital, Cheyenne, to explore the western shops in the downtown area. Then head into Colorado again to visit the Rocky Mountain National Park, its rugged mountains, towering trees and pristine lakes, before looping back into Denver.
Download the ‘Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains’ itinerary in its entirety here.
Do you have a client that is interested in making this trip a reality?
Gold Medal offers this 15-day itinerary from £3,049 per person, based on two adults sharing. The price includes return flights with United Airlines from Heathrow to Denver, 14 nights’ accommodation, four-door compact car hire for the duration, to be picked up and dropped off in Denver. The price is valid for departures between April 26 – May 16, 2023.
To book, please call Gold Medal on 0800 014 7777.
Canyons, mesas and hoodoos
From the bright lights of Las Vegas, Nevada, to the deep canyons of Moab, Utah, this itinerary will take visitors to some of the most iconic national parks and landmarks in the US. Starting in Las Vegas, soak in its vibe by visiting the casinos, themed hotels and vast shopping malls, indulging in its top culinary scene and getting a taste of the famous nightlife. The incredible scenic routes start just outside of the city, with Valley of Fire State Park, just an hour away, where 150-million-year-old sandstone formations can be found.
Around four hours away is Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, where a scenic drive will give visitors a small taste of what unique formations can be found in the park. Tall, thin rock spires, also known as hoodoos, pepper the landscape and various viewpoints will enable visitors to see sunrises and sunsets like they never have before.
Next, head to Arches National Park, Utah, where, as its name suggests, thousands of rock arches can be reached on hiking trails. Stay overnight in Moab, the park’s closest city, before heading southwest to Canyonlands National Park to explore the numerous breathtaking canyons and mesas. Cross into Page, Arizona, to visit some of the most recognisable spots, including Horseshoe Bend, which is as impressive as its reputation suggests.
A few hours’ drive from Arizona is Zion National Park, Utah, where cliffs and rock formations stand tall against the horizon. Waterfalls, canyons and hanging gardens are just some of the terrains you’ll encounter on a hike in the park, which is also home to an array of wildlife including mountain lions and bighorn sheep.
On the return drive to Las Vegas, don’t forget to stop at Hoover Dam, an impressive feat of engineering, on the Arizona-Nevada border, to round off this epic road trip.
Download the ‘Canyons, Mesas and Hoodoos’ itinerary in its entirety here.
Do you have a client that is interested in making this trip a reality?
Gold Medal offers this seven-night itinerary from £1,639 per person, based on two adults sharing. The price includes return flights with British Airways from Heathrow to Las Vegas, six nights’ accommodation, four-door compact car hire for the duration of the tour, to be picked up and dropped off in Las Vegas. The price is valid for departures between April 26 – May 18, 2023.
To book, please call Gold Medal on 0800 014 7777.
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PICTURES: Brand USA, Bogdan Zlatkov