Trip Information
Number of Nights: 18 nights
Seasons: Mid May – Late September
Start / End: Denver, CO
Average Price: $10,900
Detailed Itinerary
Start: 1 night Denver, CO
Start your trip in Denver, Colorado. arriving at any time to dive into the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Explore downtown Denver, visit the renowned Denver Art Museum, or relax in one of the city’s beautiful parks. Enjoy a diverse range of dining options, from local favorites to international cuisine. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply soaking up the city’s unique vibe, Denver offers something for everyone.
Denver to Cheyenne: 100 miles
1 night Cheyenne, WY
After picking up your RV, head north for the first camping night of your trip. Nestled in the heart of Wyoming, Cheyenne offers a charming blend of Old West allure. Explore its rich history with a visit to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, where you can delve into the town’s storied past and its famous rodeo heritage. Stroll through the historic downtown area, where you’ll find beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, unique shops, and inviting eateries. The Wyoming State Capitol, with its striking architecture and historic exhibits, is also worth a visit. If you time it right, you can also attend the famous Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Cheyenne to Custer: 250 miles
2 nights Custer State Park
Continue north where you will spend nights in Custer State Park, a gem often called “Little Yellowstone” for its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife. This expansive park offers scenic drives like Needles Highway, which winds through dramatic rock formations, and Wildlife Loop Road, where you can spot bison, elk, and pronghorns. Enjoy hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs, such as the ascent to Black Elk Peak. The park’s pristine lakes, including Sylvan Lake and Legion Lake, are perfect for fishing, kayaking, or relaxing.
Custer to Blacks Hills/Mt. Rushmore: 25 miles
2 nights in Blacks Hills Area/ Mt. Rushmore National Monument
Continue your exploration of the Black Hills by heading to the Mount Rushmore area, where you’ll camp for another two nights. This captivating region is known for its natural beauty and historic landmarks. The Black Hills feature forested peaks and dramatic rock formations that provide a picturesque backdrop. Here, you can visit Mount Rushmore National Monument, where the colossal faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln are carved into the granite. The nearby towns of Hill City and Keystone offer charming shops and local eateries. Additionally, the area is home to scenic railroads like the historic 1880 Train, which provides a nostalgic journey through the stunning Black Hills landscapes. With its blend of monumental history and small-town charm, the Black Hills region offers an enriching and memorable stop on your journey.
Black Hills to Devils Tower: 130 miles
1 night Devils Tower National Monument
Heading east, don’t miss Devils Tower National Monument, a striking geological formation in a remote area of northeastern Wyoming. This iconic monolith, standing 867 feet tall, is known for its distinctive vertical columns and sheer rock face. It’s a sacred site for Native American tribes and a popular spot for climbers and nature enthusiasts. Explore the base of the tower on the paved Tower Trail, which offers close-up views of the rock’s impressive features and the surrounding landscape.
Devils Tower to Cody: 300 miles
1 night Cody, WY
Crossing most of Wyoming, you will arrive in Cody, a town renowned for its rich Wild West heritage and vibrant cowboy culture. Founded by Buffalo Bill Cody, the town celebrates its frontier roots with attractions such as the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which features multiple museums dedicated to Western art, history, and culture. Cody is also known for its historic downtown area, charming shops, local eateries, nightly rodeo and the spirit of the Old West. Additionally, Cody serves as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park, making it a popular stop for visitors heading to the park.
Cody to Yellowstone: 95 miles
2 nights Yellowstone National Park (Eastern Area)
As you head into Yellowstone National Park, your journey will take you through Fishing Bridge, where you can enjoy scenic views of the Yellowstone River and perhaps spot some of the park’s wildlife. Next, you’ll enter Hayden Valley, a prime spot for wildlife viewing, especially bison and elk, in the expansive grasslands and river valleys. Finally, you’ll arrive at the Canyon area of the park, home to the dramatic Yellowstone Grand Canyon and your campground for two nights. Here, you can witness the stunning Lower and Upper Falls, which cascade dramatically through the canyon’s colorful rock formations. Explore viewpoints like Artist Point and Lookout Point for breathtaking vistas of the falls and the canyon.
Yellowstone to West Yellowstone: 40 miles
1 night Yellowstone National Park (Wester Area)
From the eastern area, you’ll have a day to explore the Upper Loop Drive of Yellowstone National Park. This scenic route will take you to Lamar Valley, renowned for its abundant wildlife, including bison and wolves. Continue to Mammoth Hot Springs, where you can marvel at the unique terraced formations created by mineral deposits. You’ll also visit the Norris Geyser Basin, known for its diverse geothermal features and dynamic geysers. After your exploration, head to West Yellowstone, a charming western town where you can resupply and enjoy local shops and dining before continuing the rest of your road trip.
Yellowstone to Grand Teton: 90 miles
2 nights Grand Teton National Park
On your way from West Yellowstone to Grand Teton, you’ll have the chance to pass through the Geyser Basin and see Old Faithful, the park’s most famous geyser. After a full day of exploration, you’ll arrive at Grand Teton National Park, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Often overlooked, Grand Teton is one of our favorite parks for its breathtaking mountain scenery and diverse outdoor activities. Here, you can marvel at the towering Teton Range, enjoy scenic drives along Teton Park Road, and hike trails like Jenny Lake or Cascade Canyon for stunning views of the rugged peaks and pristine lakes.
Grand Teton to Jackson: 40 miles
1 night Jackson Hole, WY
Jackson Hole is a town not to be missed, offering a unique blend of Western charm and modern amenities. Nestled at the base of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole is known for its vibrant arts scene, historic buildings, and lively atmosphere. Explore the town’s iconic elk antler arches in the town square, and visit the local shops, galleries, and eateries that line the streets. Experience the local culture through events like the Jackson Hole Rodeo, or enjoy a meal at one of the town’s renowned restaurants offering farm-to-table cuisine. With public transportation and a walkable town center, Jackson is fun stop on any road trip.
Jackson to Rock Springs: 175 miles
1 night Rock Springs, WY
Head south to Rock Springs, Wyoming, a practical stop between Jackson and Rocky Mountain National Park. As a key service hub, Rock Springs offers essential amenities like comfortable lodging, dining, and fuel. It’s a convenient place to rest and refresh. While there, you might explore the Rock Springs Historical Museum or enjoy a quick visit to the nearby Sweetwater River. This stop provides a perfect break before continuing your journey.
Rock Springs to Rocky Mountain: 300 miles
3 nights Rocky Mountain National Park
The final leg on your road trip is Rocky Mountain National Park, where you’ll spend three nights exploring its majestic landscapes. Hike trails like Bear Lake for stunning views or drive the scenic Trail Ridge Road for breathtaking panoramas. Outside the park, the charming town of Estes Park awaits with its quaint shops, art galleries, and the historic Stanley Hotel. This combination of natural beauty and small-town charm makes Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park a perfect ending to your epic road trip.
Rocky Mountain to Denver: 65 miles
TOTAL TRIP MILEAGE: 1,600 miles
End: Denver, CO
Trip Extensions
2 nights Grand Teton National Park +$725
While it took over 20 years to establish, Grand Teton National Park is now beloved by everyone who gets to visit it. There is something for everyone to enjoy in this park all year round from the lush forests to the sparkling lakes to the snow-capped mountains. Enjoy a float along the river, hiking the trails, wildlife watching, and more when you add two nights at Grand Teton to your road trip!
Learn more about Grand Teton National Park.