Abundant rugged landscapes and endless ways to explore make a visit to the American West an unforgettable experience.
The USA is home to some of the most diverse, beautiful and dramatic geography in the world, and nowhere is it more impressively displayed than in the West. It’s a region where you can explore the Rocky Mountain foothills by horseback one day and cycle across the Grand Canyon Greenway Trail the next. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you walk, bike, hike and eat your way through the American West.
Tucked away in South Dakota’s scenic Black Hills region is Custer State Park, a 28,000-hectare wildlife reserve brimming with opportunities to commune with nature. Paddle across the serene waters of Sylvan Lake and marvel at its breathtaking granite cliffs. Take a leisurely hike along the Sunday Gulch Trail while keeping an eye out for the park’s many wild inhabitants like bison, elk, big-horn sheep, mountain goats, eagles and beavers. After a full day spent creating lasting memories, head back to one of the park’s rustic-chic lodges for dinner with a view.

Booking a stay at a dude ranch is a quintessential Western experience. In Colorado, these all-inclusive lodging and adventure properties offer accommodations ranging from rugged to high-end with amenities including chef-prepared meals and guided experiences designed to immerse you in cowboy culture. Try square dancing, whitewater rafting or cattle herding followed by a game of tennis or a massage. Of course, no trip to Colorado would be complete without hopping in the saddle and exploring its stunning vistas, sprawling valleys and winding trails by horseback.

There are 26 Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways spanning over 4,128 kilometers of roadway. They wind along charming small towns, towering mountain peaks, bustling ranches and picturesque glacial lakes. Leave yourself plenty of time for pit stops along the way to go trout fishing, explore old mining towns, observe wildlife and take in natural wonders like geothermal hot springs and spectacular canyons. It’s the perfect way to connect with nature while stepping back in time through the USA’s rich pastimes and traditions.

One of the USA’s most iconic national parks spanning Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone National Park is a can’t-miss stop on your western journey. In the southern half of the park, marvel at the vibrant colors of Grand Prismatic Spring and watch the legendary Old Faithful geyser erupt like clockwork. The area boasts several premier accommodations including Yellowstone Park Hotel, plus popular shopping destinations like the Yellowstone General Stores. Other popular seasonal activities in Yellowstone include hiking, wildlife watching, cross-country skiing and snowcoach tours. You could spend weeks exploring this vast and wild national treasure and barely scratch the surface.

It’s hard to imagine the sheer scope of a 447-kilometer long, 29-kilometer wide chasm without experiencing it yourself. There are dozens of ways to explore the Grand Canyon, including hiking the South Rim, biking along the Grand Canyon Greenway Trails, taking an exhilarating helicopter tour and joining one of the famous Mule Ride tours. When it’s time to unwind after a fun and fulfilling day in northern Arizona, head back to the nearby Yavapai Lodge or Squire Resort for world-class dining, movies by the pool and a well-deserved rest in your cozy and thoughtfully appointed room.
