| The Rocky Mountains spectacular mountain | | | | in a pine forest alongside a gently |
| scenery, pristine national parks, | | | | flowing stream. Back to Wyoming and |
| fascinating old gold mining towns, and | | | | beyond Drive back to Wyoming, northwest |
| authentic wild-west re-creations attract | | | | to Sheridan (235 miles), where a stay at |
| millions of visitors to the region every | | | | the Ranch at Ucross, Clearmont, (about |
| year. The Rockies stretch from Canada to | | | | 30 miles south of Sheridan) features |
| New Mexico (more than 3,000 miles) and | | | | delicious home cooking, and a sing along |
| are perfect for touring, especially | | | | in the evening around the piano. It's a |
| during the summer months, when the | | | | great way to get the feel of this |
| temperature (during the day) averages a | | | | ranching area, set between the plains to |
| very comfortable 70-80 degrees F. It | | | | the east and the Big Horn Mountains to |
| gets very cold here in winter, so plan | | | | the west. Start out early and head due |
| your drive for the warmer months, when | | | | west, for the 240-mile trip to |
| roads are sure to be open and the | | | | Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The |
| attractions are at their best. If you're | | | | area is known for its scenic beauty, |
| an independent traveler that enjoys | | | | wildlife, and geothermal activity - |
| touring by car, here's an itinerary that | | | | two-thirds of the world's geysers are |
| includes some of the regional | | | | located in the park! Be sure to book |
| highlights. Travel time is about two | | | | your accommodation well ahead and stay |
| weeks and the total distance about 1500 | | | | for at least two nights. And watch out |
| miles. Be sure to take your rain gear | | | | for the bears! The next leg of your |
| and of course your camera. On your first | | | | journey is a short drive (80 miles) to |
| day, take a good look around Denver - | | | | the magnificent Grand Teton National |
| especially the lower downtown area, with | | | | Park, with its dramatic, jagged |
| its trendy shops, restaurants and | | | | mountains, pristine lakes, and glaciers. |
| galleries. If you've still got time, the | | | | Here there's plenty of outdoor activity |
| Denver Museum of Nature and Science is | | | | - boating and fishing, hiking, climbing |
| worth a visit. Next day, head for | | | | and horseback riding - so plan on |
| Cheyenne, just 102 miles to the north. | | | | staying for at least a couple of days. |
| An interesting place to stay is the | | | | For accommodation, you might try the |
| Nagle Warren B&B (an 1880s cattleman's | | | | Painted Buffalo in Jackson - a very |
| mansion). Be sure to visit the famous | | | | trendy, friendly town. Start off early |
| Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, | | | | and you'll get to Steamboat Springs for |
| to have a look at their western art | | | | lunch (385 miles). Along the Victorian |
| exhibitions. Every July, the town | | | | boardwalk you'll find many western-style |
| celebrates Frontier Days, complete with | | | | restaurants where you can sample the |
| parade, rodeo and many wild-west themed | | | | renown Rocky Mountain oysters (bull |
| events. There's lots to see in South | | | | testicles). In the afternoon, take a |
| Dakota, so make an early start and head | | | | look through the antique shops or try a |
| for Custer State Park, about 264 miles | | | | relaxing tube cruise down the Tampa |
| to the northeast. Plan to stay at least | | | | River. Then early next morning, before |
| a couple of nights. The park, located in | | | | the 3-hour drive back to Denver, go for |
| the Black Hills, has 71,000 acres of | | | | a hot air balloon ride - the perfect |
| spectacular terrain, terrific fishing, | | | | finish to a most memorable trip. |
| jeep tours to see the bison herds, and | | | | Rod Ritchie, a travel writer and editor, |
| panoramic hiking trails. You can stay at | | | | writes for many publishers including AA |
| the State Game Lodge, or pitch your tent | | | | Publishing and Fodors. |