American Rockies & Prairies Holidays

Covering more than two million acres across Wyoming and Montana, Yellowstone National Park is sure to be a highlight of your holiday to the American Rockies. It became the world’s first ever national park in 1872 and is still famous today for its unique ecosystem, which features alpine forests, steaming geysers, bubbling springs and dramatic valleys.

Yellowstone is home to all sorts of geothermal wonders. You’ll be mesmerised by the colours of the Grand Prismatic Spring, whose warm waters are bright blue in the centre – but the edges are fringed with green, yellow and orange layers, created by heat-loving bacteria. Be amazed by the power of Old Faithful Geyser, so called because it regularly erupts with hot water every 90 minutes. And spend some time on the trails of Upper Geyser Basin, which has an impressive 25% of the world’s geysers. If you’re keen to see more of the park, why not join a ranger-led hike or enjoy a guided wildlife-watching tour? You might be lucky enough to spot bears, bison, elk and moose.

A trip to the American Prairies and Rockies allows you to tick off some of the USA’s iconic landmarks. In South Dakota, you can visit Mount Rushmore and see the presidential faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Or head to Colorado to learn about Mesa Verde National Park’s UNESCO-listed wonders. This place boasts more than 5,000 archaeological sites from the Ancestral Puebloan people, including the sprawling Cliff Palace – the largest cliff dwelling in North America.

But if it’s dramatic scenery you’re after, make tracks for Utah. The Beehive State is where you’ll find the cinematic plains of Monument Valley, plus five national parks – Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. As the name suggests, Arches National Park has more than 1,000 sandstone archways, as well as some striking rock formations. Bryce Canyon is famous for its rose-hued ‘hoodoos’ – spire-like crags which rise out of the ground. Elsewhere, you can discover the rocky wilderness and imposing plateaus of Canyonlands National Park, or hike along the white cliffs of Zion National Park.

While the American Rockies and Prairies are associated with natural landscapes, you can also expect to find some vibrant cities. Colorado’s state capital, Denver, is one of our favourites. Foodies will love its fantastic restaurants and thriving craft beer scene, which features nearly 100 breweries. There are some great cultural attractions, too, such as the collection of indigenous works at Denver Art Museum, and the former home of “The Unsinkable” Molly Brown – the feisty socialite who famously survived the Titanic.

Eager to explore the Rocky Mountains? Base yourself in Colorado Springs, where you’ll have easy access to hiking trails and all sorts of activities. You can try rock-climbing, cycle along Pikes Peak, or go horseback riding through the Garden of the Gods. Meanwhile, across the border in Wyoming, Jackson is ideal for snowsports enthusiasts, as there are three ski resorts within easy reach of the city.

The American Prairies and Rocky Mountains cover a vast area, so the climate varies somewhat from state to state. But, generally speaking, spring or autumn is the best time to visit this part of the USA.

Between March and May, you can expect pleasant temperatures between the mid-teens and low-twenties, which is ideal for hiking – and the Rockies’ snow-capped peaks will look very picturesque. Spring is also a great time to see wildlife in Yellowstone National Park, as bears emerge from their dens and migratory birds start to return.

Summer temperatures regularly reach 32°C – and it can feel much hotter in sun-soaked places like Monument Valley and Zion National Park. But, once the summer heat has faded, September and October are comfortably warm, with temperatures averaging 25°C.
Winter is obviously the coldest time of year, and some roads and trails can become impassable due to snow. But, if you’re an eager skier or snowboarder, December to March is the best time to visit.