This itinerary was designed with two of my great passions in mind: trains and road trips. Ideal for those who want to discover some of the most spectacular places in the United States. An adventure that begins aboard a luxury train but evolves into a crescendo of on-the-road experiences. You'll discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, taste the exclusive wines of Idaho and its lunar landscapes, and traverse Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
DAY 1: DENVER
Denver is the gateway to many itineraries and to the Great American West region. Founded during the gold rush in 1858, it is located at an altitude of 5,280 feet, exactly one mile, hence its nickname Mile High City. Its altitude makes this city unique for its blue skies and scorching sun. Art, nightlife, breweries, shopping are just some of the experiences to be had in Denver, not to mention outdoor excursions, easily accessible even on a short stay. Rich in historical landmarks, such as the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave. You'll spend the day and night here to start the adventure aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train the next day!
Accommodation: The Oxford Hotel
DAY 2: DENVER - GLENWOOD SPRINGS
We depart from Denver aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train. The Rocky Mountaineer is not just a train but a true experience thanks to:
- Carriages with glass roofs, designed to offer panoramic views;
- Locally inspired cuisine made exclusively with local ingredients and flavors;
- Excellence in hospitality. From filling your wine glass to sharing stories, the onboard staff is committed to making your experience as memorable as the external scenery.
- Daytime journey. Admire attractions during the day, sleep in hotels at night. With Rocky Mountaineer, you get the best of both worlds: maximum visibility and maximum comfort. No sleeper cars here!
Through spectacular landscapes, from the huge windows of this train, you'll enjoy views of canyons and the Colorado River. You'll also pass the Continental Divide, the watershed that separates the drainage basin of rivers that flow into the Atlantic Ocean from those that flow into the Pacific Ocean, basically the point where rivers split between those that flow east and those that plunge westward. You'll then arrive in Glenwood Springs, one of Colorado's most exclusive thermal resort towns. Here, you'll spend the night before boarding the train the next day.
Accommodation: Glenwood Springs Accommodation
DAY 3: GLENWOOD SPRINGS - MOAB
We depart again aboard our Rocky Mountaineer heading west. You'll cross the border into Utah, where mountains will accompany you until red sandstone rocks welcome you to Moab, the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Accommodation: Hyatt Place Moab Hotel
DAY 4: MOAB - SALT LAKE CITY
Our train journey is over, and a private transfer awaits from Moab to Salt Lake City, a journey of about 4 hours but one that will offer endless spaces and panoramas you've only seen in movies. Salt Lake City is the capital and most populous city in Utah. It is located at an altitude of almost 4,300 feet and has about 200,000 inhabitants. It is also home to the headquarters of the Mormon Church, precisely within its majestic temple.
Accommodation: Little America Hotel
DAY 5: SALT LAKE CITY - TWIN FALLS
After visiting Salt Lake City, we are ready to start our on-the-road adventure. Pick up the car downtown and head north, destination Idaho. Although mainly famous for potato cultivation, Idaho is actually a fascinating and varied territory, rich in history, culture, art, and fine wine. Our first stop in this state will be Twin Falls, a strategic point to discover Shoshone Falls and to explore the lunar landscapes of Craters of the Moon.
Accommodation: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Twin Falls or similar
DAY 6: TWIN FALLS - SHOSHONE FALLS - CRATERS OF THE MOON - BOISE
Get ready for a day immersed in the nature and natural wonders of Idaho. First, head to nearby Shoshone Falls, on the Snake River. These falls are named after the Native American tribe and are the result of the flooding of Lake Bonneville during the Pleistocene era, about 14,000 years ago. Also known as the "Niagara of the West," they are actually less touristy and completely immersed in nature, in an area of incredible importance also for the natives. Then head north, just over an hour away, where you'll arrive at Craters of the Moon. A monument and nature reserve, the scenery that unfolds in this unique place is spectacular. The result of a volcanic eruption with over 25 volcanic cones surrounded by black soil, it represents one of the best-preserved volcanic areas in the continental United States. After visiting Craters of the Moon, your destination is the state capital: Boise.
Accommodation: Courtyard Boise Downtown or similar
DAY 7 - 8: BOISE - NEZ PERCE RESERVATION
We leave the city to go to the extreme north of Idaho. Here you will experience a truly important experience in contact with the Nez Perce Native American population.
We Nez Perce have been noted for our hospitality. Meet and be inspired by the traditional knowledge of the Nez Perce people. Listen to our songs, stories, and legends as you experience Nez Perce culture. Discover the truths of our past and visit the places where our ancestors walked. Understand the deep history and culture of Nimiipuu at the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake rivers, explore the Lewis-Clark Discovery Center, the Nez Perce National Historical Park, the petroglyphs at Buffalo Eddy, and more! Overnight stay and transportation are included in the cost of the 3-day trip with the Nez Perce.
During these days, you'll have included:
- 3-hour tour of the heartbeat of the people | 2-hour jet boat tour
- Celebrate and honor tour of 3 hours | Experience a Nimiipuu welcome | Capture monumental photos
- Aboard your Jet Boat with Nimiipuu guides at the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake rivers
- Visit Nimiipuu Petroglyphs | Meet wildlife and birds | Explore the two sacred rivers
- Visit historical sites or events (fees apply) Including the Lewis Clark Discovery Center
- Participate and interact with Nimiipuu during cultural demonstrations through songs, dances, drums, or stories
DAY 9: NEZ PERCE RESERVATION - MISSOULA
We then leave Idaho after this unique experience with the natives to head to Montana, specifically to Missoula! Known as the "Garden City" for its dense trees and lush green landscape, Missoula is located in the heart of the northern Rocky Mountains.
Accommodation: Blue Mountain Bed & Breakfast or similar
DAY 10: MISSOULA
Missoula is the second most populous city in Montana. Located where five valleys converge, at the base of Mount Sentinel and on the banks of the Clark Fork River, is the University of Montana. The 200-acre campus is one of the most beautiful in the nation and is home to 12,000 students. A vibrant city, with various activities to do and recharge in an urban setting.
Accommodation: Blue Mountain Bed & Breakfast or similar
DAY 11: MISSOULA - VIRGINIA CITY AND NEVADA CITY
Before continuing our journey to the west entrance of Yellowstone, we'll make a stop in Virginia City, which along with Nevada City represents the legacy left by the gold rush era. You'll then enjoy a taste of the ghost towns of the States. The discovery of gold at Alder Gulch in 1863 gave birth to the town of Virginia City. In a few weeks, Virginia City was a booming town of thousands of prospectors and people seeking wealth in the midst of a gold rush. It was named the territorial capital of Montana for nearly 10 years.
Accommodation: The Fairweather Inn or Nevada City Hotel
DAY 12 - 14: WEST YELLOWSTONE
Heading south, towards the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Here you'll stay at a ranch that will give you the opportunity to fully experience the American West. Near the park entrance, it will be easy to organize visits over the next three days to explore it at your leisure.
Accommodation: Parade Guest Ranch
DAY 15: WEST YELLOWSTONE - TETON
Passing through Yellowstone, we'll arrive at another famous and spectacular national park: Grand Teton National Park. In a completely different setting from Yellowstone, the Grand Teton descends steeply from the mountains to the plains, in a wild and pristine nature waiting to be discovered.
Accommodation: The Wort Hotel or similar
DAY 16: TETON
A day dedicated to exploring Grand Teton National Park.
Accommodation: The Wort Hotel or similar
DAY 17: TETON - SALT LAKE CITY
Return to Salt Lake and drop off the car.
© Itinerary studied, created, and experienced by Paolo Aloe (Il Coccodrillo)
