Gold Rush Pioneer
Denver to Denver - 12D/11N
HIGHLIGHTS: Discover some of America’s finest national parks, admire the spectacular scenery, retrace the incredible history and be awed by nature. Start and End in Denver, the Mile High City for the start of your fly drive trail. First stop is Cheyenne, passing Rocky Mountain National Park. Cody where Buffalo Bill once lived and then the famous Yellowstone National Park to see Old Faithful the best known of the park’s geysers. Next is Jackson Hotel & Grand Teton National Park before ending your journey via Riverton, Rawlins and Larmie
Day 1: Denver - Arrival
Arrival. Vehicle pick-up at the airport. Take a first look at Denver. With the impressive Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, Denver effortlessly blends the city's Old West heritage with today's modern skyscrapers and urban energy. Time permitting, explore some of the city's must-sees, including the gold-domed State Capitol building, Larimer Square, City Park, or Denver's most scenic attraction - Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Overnight Red Lion or Similar. Overnight in Denver 1 Night.
Day 2: DENVER - ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK - CHEYENNE
This morning, discover the Mile-High city from its beginnings as a Gold Rush City then onwards to Cheyenne. A short distance from Denver, enter Rocky Mountain National Park where you'll feel like you're on top of the world. And if you thought the journey to the park was beautiful, just wait until you experience the 'Highway to the Sky.' From here it's on to Wyoming where the Wild West comes alive. One of the most sparsely populated states in the U.S., Wyoming is a land of rugged landscapes, rich tribal legend, cowboy towns, an astounding diversity of wildlife and some of the world's greatest wilderness areas. Your first stop is Cheyenne, Wyoming's capital city that embodies the spirit of the Old West. See Old Number 4004 - the world's largest steam locomotive and one of the eight remaining Big Boys on display throughout the country or take a trolley tour which provides a great introduction into the city and the Wild West. Overnight in Cheyenne 1 Night.
Day 3: CHEYENNE - CASPER
Today, embark on a scenic drive to Casper that encompasses numerous points of interest. Visit Fort Laramie National Historic Site - the largest and best known military post on the Northern Plains before its abandonment in 1890, and Register Cliff - the first night camp west of Fort Laramie for Oregon Trail travelers. Continue to Casper, a city steeped in western history and the legacy of pioneers who forged their way through the mountains and plains. A visit to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is a great place to start your exploration of Casper's frontier history. Overnight Casper 1 Night.
Day 4: CASPER - THERMOPOLIS - CODY
Enroute to Cody, experience a powerful sense of place created by nature in Thermopolis, home of the world's largest mineral hot spring. Here you may want to enjoy the hot springs, cooling ponds, a swinging foot bridge across the Big Horn River, hiking paths and the chance to see wild buffalo. Located just 86km from the East Entrance of Yellowstone, living legend Buffalo Bill's Cody offers a little something for everyone. Celebrate the spirit of the American West at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Visit the Irma Hotel which once housed Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane. Step back in time at Old Trail Town. Enjoy an evening of entertainment at Dan Miller's Cowboy Music Review and watch broncs, bulls, steers, cowboys and cowgirls at Cody's nightly rodeo (June - August). Overnight Cody 1 Night.
Day 5: CODY - YELLOWSTONE
Today, take an unforgettable journey into the world's first national park and nature's wonderland - Yellowstone. Here, the Earth is in action with geysers, mountain ranges, rivers, waterfalls and ancient volcanoes. The iconic spots - Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Prismatic Spring and Yellowstone Canyon - will be familiar from photographs, but seeing them in person is a humbling experience. Yellowstone for 2 nights. Overnight Yellowstone for 2 Nights.
Day 6: YELLOWSTONE
Spend the day experiencing more of Yellowstone's natural wonders. Marvel at a volcano's hidden power rising in colorful hot springs, mudpots and geysers. Explore mountains, forests and lakes to watch wildlife and witness the drama of the natural world unfold. Home to eagles, grizzly and black bears, buffalo, elk and much more, you're bound to see wildlife wherever you go.
Day 7: YELLOWSTONE - GRAND TETON - JACKSON HOLE
Make your way to Grand Teton National Park where jagged peaks tower more than a mile above the Jackson Hole valley. Rising above pristine lakes and alpine terrain, the Teton Range dominates the park's skyline. Be sure to stop at the Snake River Overlook where views of the Snake River flowing along the mountains puts the size of the Tetons into perspective. Continue to Jackson Hole where the untamed spirit of the West lives on. Enjoy perusing boardwalk-lined shops and galleries, savor a fabulous meal and be sure to catch America's longest running shoot out. Overnight 1 Night Jackson Hole.
Day 8: JACKSON HOLE - DUBOIS
Your destination today is Dubois. Sitting in a valley, between the Absaroka and Wind River mountain ranges, Dubois' wooden boardwalks, pioneer architecture and rich history. Stop at the Crow-heart Butte interpretive sign (a Native American historical site) and drive the Trail Lakes road to Indian petroglyphs and a wildlife viewing area. Overnight 1 Night Dubois.
Day 9: DUBOIS - LANDER - RIVERTON
This morning enroute to Riverton, visit the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary in Lander to see real wild mustangs up-close by taking a tour and the importance of the horse in the culture and traditions of Native Americans. Once in Riverton, be sure to check out the Northern Arapaho Experience located in the lobby of the Wind River Hotel & Casino. Overnight 1 Night Riverton.
Day 10: RIVERTON - RAWLINS
Today make your way to Rawlins. Located in Wyoming's Railroad Country, Rawlins is home to Wyoming Frontier Prison - the supposedly haunted museum and former state penitentiary that has been relatively untouched since it closed a little over 30 years ago. Get a glimpse into Rawlins' colorful past with a walking tour of downtown, a nationally designated historic district rich in 19th century architecture. Native American Indians, wagon trains, railroads and the Old West can all be found in Rawlins. Overnight 1 Night Rawlins.
Day 11: RAWLINS - LARAMIE
From Rawlins, continue to the eclectic town of Laramie rich in Wild West history and has an abundance of attractions to keep you captivated. Experience ‘The Legends of Laramie’, from gun-fights and brothels, to historic landmarks and famous architecture. Explore the American Heritage Center, the University of Wyoming's repository of manuscripts, rare books and the university archives. And visit the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site which housed over a thousand "evil doers of all classes and kinds", including the notorious Butch Cassidy. Overnight 1 Night Laramie.
Day 12: LARAMIE - DENVER - DEPARTURE
Return to Denver. Time permitting, stop in Fort Collins recognized as "The Craft Beer Capital of Colorado," Fort Collins is home to 20 different micro-breweries and maybe some last minute sightseeing and souvenir shopping before your return flight home. Return your vehicle to the airport and check-in for your onward flight.
**Please note that local car extra's can apply to your car hire payable locally, for example added insurance, GPS, Booster Seats. Sunway will provide for information.
*Prices Include: Flights from Ireland with 2 & 3* accommodation based on 2 sharing and fully inclusive car rental for duration.
Price also includes car hire, flight taxes and baggage. Hotels may be substituted for similar starndard hotels subject to availability if original options are not available. 4 star hotel packages also available upon request, please call (01) 2311 889 for more information.
*=local charge
