Explore some of the United States’ most captivating and otherworldly National Parks
Discover the best National Parks in the Rocky Mountains of America. From the pristine wilderness of Glacier National Park in Montana to the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, and the breathtaking vistas of Grand Teton National Park, the Rocky Mountains offer a diverse array of landscapes and experiences.
This National Park is about to blow you away. Grand Teton, Wyoming, is full of pristine lakes and has soaring mountains in every direction. At almost 14,000 feet tall, you might be able to spot which mountain is Grand Teton amongst the 484 square miles of the National Park.
Where is Grand Teton National Park? You will find this exciting National Park in the northwest of Wyoming. Grand Teton rubs shoulders with Yellowstone National Park, but each holds its own. Grand Teton has a lot to offer.
What to do at Grand Teton National Park? Great for adrenaline-junkies, there is opportunity for hiking, camping and exploring all over the park. The many trails will lead you to the Teton Range. From here, you can see right over to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone National Park. Spend a couple of hours driving the scenic loop for 42 Miles of fantastic scenery. Hire a bike for a fast-paced way to tour the park. You can take a leisurely ride along the bike path or go ‘off-roading’ and join the gravel road along the Snake River. Bikes are available to hire from around $40 a day. Guided tours are also available, offering great insight into the park.
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Grand Teton National Park, Rocky Mountains
Herds of Bison roaming freely, colourful spring pools and lively Geysers all on top of a volcanic hot spot. Visit Yellowstone National Park!
Where is Yellowstone National Park? Most of the park is tucked up in the northwest corner of Wyoming, with some spilling out into Idaho and Montana.
How much does it cost to enter Yellowstone National Park? It will cost you the entrance fee of $30 per vehicle to enter Yellowstone National Park, and it will be worth every penny!
If you’re visiting three or more National Parks along your road trip, it will be most cost-effective to purchase the ‘America The Beautiful’ annual pass for $80.
What to do at Yellowstone National Park? The park has five significant hotspots – Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon Village, Lake Village, Grant Village and Old Faithful. Each is home to some hydrothermal marvel!
There are hikes around the park for all to enjoy, ranging from short round trips around the Geysers to steep stairways such as ‘Uncle Toms Trail’. Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most popular attractions in Yellowstone. Here, you can see the multicoloured spring from the boardwalks surrounding the Midway Geyser Basin and take you along the other main features, including Opal Pool and Turquoise Pool.
Besides viewing the surreal landscapes, one of the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park is to consider the Wildlife. Lamar Valley is dotted with thousands of wild bison roaming freely. Take advantage of your jet lag and visit early morning, where you could be lucky enough to spot deer, bears, coyotes and maybe even wolves!
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Bison at Firehole River. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Glacier National Park, Montana, is any nature lovers haven!
Where is Glacier National Park? Glacier National Park is in Montana’s Rocky Mountains. Running right up to the Canadian border in the North, it is often referred to as The Crown of the Continent!
What to do at Glacier National Park? Going-to-the-Sun Road is the scenic road running through the middle of the Rocky Mountains in Glacier National Park. This spectacular 52-mile road really speaks for itself. You will drive along the narrow, winding roads, through the mountain tunnels and over the continental divide at Logan Pass. You will witness all sorts of terrain, from jagged cliff edges to glacial lakes.
Top Tip for Driving This Scenic Road – Set off early. It’s a popular drive, and you’ll want a little slice for yourself. Any chances of spotting wildlife are also higher at this time! Other ‘must-sees’ at Glacier National Park include the Logan Pass, Hidden Lake and Many Glacier.
What wildlife can we see at Glacier National Park? Grizzly’s and Black Bears are often spotted in the park; it is bear country, after all! You’ll also likely spot Moose, Deer, Wolverine, Big Horn Sheep, and smaller animals such as porcupines and beavers!
When does Glacier National Park open? This incredible National Park is open every day of the year, and visitors can enter at any time. The roads leading to the park and the visitor facilities close through the winter when the conditions aren’t suitable.
Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park typically closes during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and unsafe driving conditions. The specific dates for closure can vary each year but generally happen in late September to mid-October and reopen in late June to early July, depending on weather and snow removal efforts. You can check with the National Park Service for the most accurate and up-to-date information on road closures and openings, but should you book with us, our road trip experts will be in touch to let you know of any detours or changes to your route.
How much does it cost to enter Glacier National Park? The entrance fee is $35, allowing access to the park for 7 days.
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Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park
Explore one of the most unique National Parks in the Rocky Mountains. Explore the towering sand peaks of North America at Great Sand Dunes National Park, spanning 30 square miles with an elevation of 8200 feet, featuring the tallest dunes reaching an impressive 750 feet. Beyond the epic ridges, immerse yourself in the enchanting darkness that earned the park its title as an International Dark Sky Park, making it a stellar destination for awe-inspiring star gazing.
Whether you’re drawn to the majestic dunes or the celestial wonders above, Great Sand Dunes National Park promises an unforgettable experience.
One of the best National Parks in the Rocky Mountains is in Southwest Colorado. The captivating Mesa Verde National Park is a historic location full of rich cultural heritage. Visit the park to see ancient homes of the 26 Pueblos and Tribes, intricately built into the cliffside. Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in North America.
With thousands of protected archaeological sites, including numerous cliff dwellings, the park preserves the rich history of the region. Enhance your experience by joining the ‘700 Years’ tour, led by knowledgeable rangers who bring this remarkable history to life.
Head through the Wild West to visit Badlands National Park on your South Dakota Road Trip. This impressive National Park is full of otherworldly landscapes and crazy rock formations. It will make you feel as though you’re on another planet.
Where is Badlands National Park? You will reach the dramatic landscapes of Badlands National Park in South Dakota, just 1.5 hours drive away from Mount Rushmore, 1 hour and 40 minutes drive from The Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park, and 4.5 hours from Cowboy-town Cheyenne.
What to do in Badlands National Park? There are many different hiking trails and routes to take through the park for all levels of expertise; the most popular is the Badlands Loop Road, which passes numerous vista points and trailheads, some near prairie dog “towns”! The Badlands Loop drive takes just over an hour to complete, though you’ll want a couple of hours spent here to allow for photo stops en route.
Top Tip for Badlands… Go for the views, but stay for the sunset! Some great spots to view Badlands National Park include Conata Basin Overlook, Pinnacles Overlook and Norbeck Pass; each of these makes for great sunset views. If you are on the road in a convertible, then pack up a picnic, park up safely and pop the top down; that will make for the perfect viewing platform!
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Badlands National Park, South Dakota
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