Rocky Mountains & the Great Outdoors – USA Holidays
Discover the spectacular scenery and great outdoors of the American West with Hessle Travel. From the soaring peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the dramatic landscapes of Yellowstone National Park to the wildlife of Wyoming, the wilderness of Montana and the beautiful mountain towns of Colorado, this region offers an unforgettable American adventure.
Explore vast national parks, spot wildlife, travel along breathtaking scenic roads, discover historic Western towns or enjoy a holiday surrounded by mountains, forests, lakes and waterfalls. Whether you're looking for an escorted touring holiday, a tailor-made itinerary or a self-drive adventure, we can help you find a trip that suits your interests.
The American Rockies and surrounding wilderness areas are ideal for nature lovers, photographers, walkers and anyone who wants to experience a different side of the USA, away from the big cities.
Escorted Tours of the American Rocky Mountains
An escorted tour is a fantastic way to discover America's spectacular mountain scenery and famous national parks. Travel between remarkable landscapes, enjoy organised sightseeing and learn about the area's wildlife, history and natural wonders along the way.
Depending on your chosen itinerary, you could visit Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton, Glacier National Park, Colorado's Rocky Mountains and the dramatic landscapes of the American West. Some tours concentrate on the national parks, while others combine scenic regions with historic towns, Western heritage and memorable drives.
We can help you explore suitable touring holidays from leading companies, including Riviera Travel, Titan Travel, Newmarket Holidays, Mercury Holidays and Travelsphere. Destinations, inclusions and departure dates vary by operator and itinerary.
The Main Destinations of the American Rockies
Yellowstone National Park – Geysers, Wildlife & Wilderness
One of America's most famous national parks, Yellowstone is renowned for its extraordinary geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs and colourful mineral pools. Explore forests, rivers, waterfalls and wide-open valleys, with opportunities to look out for bison, elk and other wildlife.
Highlights include the famous Old Faithful geyser, the colourful Grand Prismatic Spring and the spectacular Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, with its impressive waterfalls. Yellowstone is a major highlight of many holidays exploring the American West.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming – Majestic Mountain Scenery
The dramatic peaks of the Teton Range rise above beautiful lakes, forests and open valleys, creating one of America's most striking mountain landscapes. Enjoy scenic viewpoints, walking opportunities and the chance to see wildlife in its natural surroundings.
The nearby town of Jackson offers Western character, shops, restaurants and a lively atmosphere. Grand Teton is often combined with Yellowstone, making it an excellent choice for a national parks touring holiday.
Glacier National Park, Montana – Rugged Mountains & Alpine Lakes
Glacier National Park is famous for its rugged peaks, clear lakes, forests and spectacular mountain scenery. The celebrated Going-to-the-Sun Road provides breathtaking views when open, while hiking trails and scenic stops reveal the park's remarkable landscapes.
This is a wonderful destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers, with opportunities to enjoy mountain views, waterfalls and peaceful natural surroundings. Road access and some facilities are seasonal, so it is important to plan your visit around the time of year.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado – High Peaks & Alpine Scenery
Discover dramatic mountain peaks, alpine lakes, forests and wide-open views in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park. Scenic drives and walking trails provide different ways to experience the landscape, while the nearby town of Estes Park makes a popular base for exploring the region.
The park is particularly appealing to visitors who enjoy beautiful scenery, photography and outdoor experiences. Conditions at higher elevations can change quickly, and some roads and routes may be seasonal.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Western Charm & Mountain Adventures
Jackson Hole combines spectacular mountain scenery with the atmosphere of a traditional Western destination. Explore the town of Jackson, discover its shops and restaurants, enjoy scenic excursions and use the area as a base for visiting Grand Teton and Yellowstone.
Depending on the season, activities may include walking, wildlife excursions, rafting, sightseeing and winter sports in the surrounding mountains.
Colorado Holidays – Mountains, Scenic Towns & Outdoor Adventures
Colorado is one of the best-known states for mountain scenery and outdoor activities. With lively cities, beautiful mountain communities, scenic roads and extensive wilderness areas, it offers plenty of opportunities to combine sightseeing with time in the great outdoors.
Denver – The Gateway to the Rocky Mountains
Denver offers an appealing mix of city attractions and easy access to the mountains. Explore its museums, restaurants, shopping areas and historic districts before heading out to discover Colorado's spectacular scenery. Denver can make a useful starting or finishing point for a longer touring or self-drive holiday.
Aspen & Colorado's Mountain Towns
Colorado's mountain towns are known for their beautiful settings, outdoor activities and seasonal appeal. Aspen is famous for its mountain scenery and skiing, while other communities offer walking routes, scenic drives, independent shops and relaxed places to stay.
In summer, enjoy mountain landscapes and outdoor excursions. In winter, selected resorts offer skiing, snowboarding and other snow-based activities.
Pikes Peak & Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs offers access to impressive mountain scenery and outdoor attractions. Nearby Pikes Peak is one of Colorado's best-known landmarks, while Garden of the Gods is famous for its dramatic red sandstone formations set against a mountain backdrop.
The area is an excellent addition to a Colorado itinerary, combining natural attractions with a choice of sightseeing and outdoor experiences.
Beyond the Rockies – America's Great Outdoors
The wider American West offers even more spectacular landscapes, making it possible to combine the Rocky Mountains with other famous natural attractions on a longer touring holiday.
Utah – Red Rock Landscapes & National Parks
Utah is famous for its dramatic red rock scenery, sandstone arches, deep canyons and extraordinary desert landscapes. Explore destinations such as Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, depending on your chosen route.
Utah's scenery provides a striking contrast to the forests and alpine landscapes of the Rockies, making it an excellent option for a wider American West road trip or touring holiday.
South Dakota – Mount Rushmore & the Black Hills
Discover the famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where the faces of four American presidents are carved into the mountain. The surrounding Black Hills offer forests, scenic roads, rock formations and historic Western attractions.
The area is also known for Custer State Park and the rugged landscapes of Badlands National Park, making South Dakota a rewarding destination for visitors interested in American history, scenery and wildlife.
The Great Plains & America's Western Heritage
Beyond the mountains, the American West offers wide-open landscapes, ranching traditions, historic towns and reminders of the frontier era. Depending on your route, you may be able to explore traditional Western communities, historic trails and scenic countryside as part of a wider touring holiday.
Scenic Drives & Unforgettable Road Trips
One of the best ways to experience the American Rockies is by road. The freedom to stop at viewpoints, explore small towns and enjoy the scenery at your own pace makes a self-drive holiday particularly appealing.
- Yellowstone & Grand Teton: Combine geysers, waterfalls, wildlife and dramatic mountain scenery in two remarkable national parks.
- Colorado Mountain Routes: Discover mountain passes, scenic towns and beautiful landscapes around Denver and the Rocky Mountain region.
- Glacier National Park: Experience spectacular mountain roads and viewpoints when seasonal routes are open.
- Utah's National Parks: Travel through extraordinary red rock landscapes and explore famous parks along a carefully planned route.
- Mount Rushmore & the Black Hills: Combine American history, wildlife and scenic drives in South Dakota.
- American West Adventure: Create a longer route combining selected national parks, mountain towns and Western destinations.
Driving distances in the USA can be considerable, and some mountain roads and attractions are seasonal. We can help you plan a practical route with suitable overnight stops and time to enjoy the places you visit.
Wildlife, Walking & Outdoor Experiences
The American Rockies and surrounding national parks are ideal for anyone who loves the outdoors. From easy scenic walks to more challenging hiking routes, there are plenty of ways to experience the landscapes, depending on your interests and ability.
- Wildlife Watching: Look out for bison, elk, deer, bighorn sheep and other wildlife in their natural habitats. Sightings are never guaranteed, and visitors should follow local safety guidance.
- Walking & Hiking: Choose from gentle trails, lakeside paths and more challenging mountain routes, depending on conditions and your experience.
- Lakes & Waterfalls: Discover beautiful mountain lakes, rivers, waterfalls and peaceful forest settings.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Enjoy spectacular landscapes without necessarily undertaking long hikes.
- Photography: Capture mountain peaks, open valleys, wildlife and unforgettable sunsets.
- Winter Sports: Selected mountain resorts offer skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities, while warmer months are popular for sightseeing and hiking.
You don't need to be an experienced walker to enjoy the great outdoors. Many holidays include scenic drives, organised excursions and accessible viewpoints, allowing you to appreciate the landscape at a pace that suits you.
Tailor-Made Rocky Mountains & USA National Parks Holidays
A tailor-made holiday gives you the freedom to choose your route, accommodation and length of stay. Whether you want to concentrate on one national park or plan a longer journey through several states, we can help you explore the possibilities.
Here are some ideas to inspire your holiday:
- Yellowstone & Grand Teton: Discover two of America's most famous national parks, with time for wildlife watching, mountain scenery and scenic drives.
- Colorado & the Rocky Mountains: Combine Denver, Colorado Springs and selected mountain towns with time to explore the scenery.
- Montana & Glacier National Park: Enjoy rugged mountains, clear lakes and beautiful wilderness landscapes.
- Mount Rushmore & the Black Hills: Combine iconic American landmarks with national parks and Western heritage.
- Utah's National Parks: Explore red rock landscapes, canyons and famous natural landmarks on a scenic road trip.
- Western USA National Parks: Create a longer itinerary combining selected parks and landscapes across the American West.
- Self-Drive Adventure: Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, with accommodation and route planning arranged around your preferences.
We can help you compare suitable holidays, discuss routes and find a balance between sightseeing, travel time and time to relax. Your itinerary can be designed around your dates, interests and budget, subject to availability and seasonal access.
Why Book Your USA Great Outdoors Holiday with Hessle Travel?
- Friendly, personal advice from an independent local travel agent.
- A choice of escorted tours and tailor-made holidays.
- Help comparing itineraries and tour operators.
- Ideas for combining national parks, mountain towns and scenic drives.
- Options for wildlife experiences, sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- Support finding a holiday to suit your interests, dates and budget.
Start Planning Your Rocky Mountains & Great Outdoors Holiday
Whether you're dreaming of Yellowstone's geysers, the mountains of Wyoming, the wilderness of Montana, Colorado's scenic towns or a self-drive adventure through America's national parks, Hessle Travel can help you plan your trip.
Give us a call on 01482 641064 or contact us to discuss your ideas and request a quote.
Looking for more American holiday inspiration? Visit our USA holidays page to explore more destinations and holiday ideas across the United States.