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Cowboys and American Indians
The American Indian tribes of the Great Plains were the first residents in the west of the Rocky Mountains and it is still their home. This fascinating fly-drive holiday covers both North and South Dakota as well as a bit of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.
The region is home to sixteen Native American nations and with Frontier America you will be able to explore the history, the culture and see their artwork as you meander through their homelands. Learn about the Lewis & Clark expedition at Custer’s Last Stand, drive part of the Native American Scenic Byway, visit the Sitting Bull Monument and the Crazy Horse Memorial, cross the Badlands of South Dakota and have a few days on a ranch: after all, without the horses, this area would have a very different history.
This itinerary is flexible and can be tailor-made to suit you; if you want to add extra days in one area, extend the holiday or maybe change the direction of travel. Talk to one of our experts about how to make this holiday the perfect one for you.
Rockies To The Red Rocks
Following the phenomenal success of the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, the train has now landed in Colorado and can be added to any holiday starting or ending in Denver.
The Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury train service that offers passengers a unique way to experience the American Southwest. The train travels through some of the most stunning scenery in the region, including the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado River, and the red rock canyons of Utah.
The American Rocky Mountaineer travels between from Denver, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. The rail journey takes two days with an overnight in Glenwood Springs plus two in Moab where we have included a tour of the Arches, but if you want something more exciting, we can organise an excursion for you by air, mountain bike, 4×4, light aircraft or jetboat
SilverLeaf passengers sit in a single level dome car with panoramic windows where delicious meals and snacks will be delivered to your seat. You will be kept entertained and informed by three onboard hosts and you can access the Outdoor viewing area. For a small supplement, you can buy SilverLeaf Plus which will give you access to the lounge car, signature cocktails and premium alcoholic drinks, as well as an elevated dining experience with wine pairings and an additional host.
No matter which service level you choose, you are sure to enjoy the stunning scenery and the comfortable accommodations on the Rocky Mountaineer. The train hosts are friendly and attentive, and they are happy to answer any questions you may have about the journey.
NB: GoldLeaf is not available as the two-level carriages will not fit through the US tunnels.
This memorable journey can be added on to any itinerary starting or ending in Denver. There are also some escorted Rocky Mountaineer holidays linking the train with a bus excursions starting in Salt Lake City or Las Vegas.
Ms Young"Seamless Holiday"
We used Frontier Travel to book our honeymoon. We were given all the information we needed and everything ran seamlessly. We had a fantastic time, the hotels and lodges were perfect. Thank you for organising such a brilliant trip!
Itinerary (16 Nights)
Here’s a day-by-day guide to your itinerary. Feel free to ask us to add other days or ideas and excursions by contacting us directly, so we can give you the best price.
Days 1-2
Fly into Denver and experience the city’s vibrant culture, excellent shops and restaurants. The Denver...
Days 1-2
Denver
Fly into Denver and experience the city’s vibrant culture, excellent shops and restaurants. The Denver Art Museum and its neighbour, the Native American Trading Company have what is often acknowledged as the world’s greatest collections of American Indian art work, representing all of North America’s tribes.
2 nights in Denver
Day 3
Denver to Cheyenne
Collect your car this morning and drive to Cheyenne for an overnight stay where we...
Day 3
Denver
to Cheyenne
Collect your car this morning and drive to Cheyenne for an overnight stay where we suggest you visit the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and the Terry Bison Ranch where you can take a train through the ranch to see not only around 2500 American bison, but also ostriches and camels!
1 night in Cheyenne
Days 4-5
Cheyenne to Custer
You have a 4-hour drive today, but we suggest you break the journey at the...
Days 4-5
Cheyenne
to Custer
You have a 4-hour drive today, but we suggest you break the journey at the Fort Laramie National Historic site originally established as a private fur trading fort in 1834 and also at the Red Cloud Heritage Center on the Pine Ridge American Indian Reservation which celebrates the Lakota culture and has a significant collection of Native art. We suggest you spend some time in Custer State Park with its large bison herds, elk, mountain goats as well as bighorn sheep and the elusive mountain lions. But you are also very close to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Crazy Horse Memorial so you might want an extra day here.
2 nights Custer
Day 6
Custer to Pierre
Your drive today will take you through the extraordinary scenery of Badlands National Park whose...
Day 6
Custer
to Pierre
Your drive today will take you through the extraordinary scenery of Badlands National Park whose history stretches back around 12,000 years. Fossils abound in this mixed-grass prairie and it is full of wildlife. You can expect to see bison, pronghorns and the enchanting prairie dogs (nothing to do with canines but a member of the squirrel family). It is worth taking a short detour to Chamberlain where the 4,890 feet Chamberlain Railroad Bridge across the Missouri River makes for an interesting photo opportunity and the Akta Lakota Museum has fascinating displays introducing you to the culture and traditions of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people.
1 night in Pierre
Day 7
Pierre to Bismarck
After a visit to the Pierre Culture Heritage Center, follow the Native American Scenic Byway...
Day 7
Pierre
to Bismarck
After a visit to the Pierre Culture Heritage Center, follow the Native American Scenic Byway as it wends its way following the Missouri River north. You will be able to visit the H.V.Johnson Lakota Cultural Centre as well as the Sitting Bull Monument on your way to Bismarck, the capital city of North Dakota. You might want to visit the Heritage Center and State Museum or the former Governor’s Mansion dating back to the late 19th century.
1 night Bismarck
Day 8
Bismarck to Rapid City
A cross country drive through the Standing Rock Indian Reservation and small towns with names...
Day 8
Bismarck
to Rapid City
A cross country drive through the Standing Rock Indian Reservation and small towns with names like Isabel, Faith and White Owl to Rapid City where you might like to visit the Journey Museum and Learning Center which explores Black Hills and Native American culture as well as stores of the early pioneers. Within the museum is the Sioux Indian museum.
1 night Rapid City
Days 9-11
Rapid City to Bighorn Mountains
Now is the time for you to play Cowboy at the Ranch at Ucross in...
Days 9-11
Rapid City
to Bighorn Mountains
Now is the time for you to play Cowboy at the Ranch at Ucross in the Bighorn Mountains. Enjoy traditional activities like hunting, fishing and horseback riding from this cosy ranch where Old West comes alive. After a busy few days, this is your chance to kick back and enjoy the countryside.
3 nights at The Ranch at Ucross
Day 12
Bighorn Mountains to Cody
When you leave the ranch you will continue your journey onwards towards Cody, perhaps detouring...
Day 12
Bighorn Mountains
to Cody
When you leave the ranch you will continue your journey onwards towards Cody, perhaps detouring to see the site of Custer’s Last Stand at Little Bighorn. You should allow time to visit Buffalo Bill Center museum of the West an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution where you can enjoy the story of the American West. Nothing epitomises the Old West quite like a rodeo: from June to August Cody hosts to an evening rodeo and Frontier America can arrange tickets for you. You are also close to Yellowstone National Park so you might want to extend your time in Cody or better still spend a couple of nights in the park.
1 night in Cody
Days 13-14
Cody to Lander
Both the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes share the Wind River Indian Reservation near Lander, Wyoming....
Days 13-14
Cody
to Lander
Both the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes share the Wind River Indian Reservation near Lander, Wyoming. All sorts of activities are available in the area such as fishing and horseback riding and you will also want to drive the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway.
2 nights in Lander
Day 15
Lander to Pocatello
Pocatello, with its majority Mormon population, is known for its mountain biking and hiking trails....
Day 15
Lander
to Pocatello
Pocatello, with its majority Mormon population, is known for its mountain biking and hiking trails. It is also known for nearby Fort Hall built in 1834 as a fur trading post. Nothing remains of the original Fort, but a replica has been built in Pocatello. The tribal museum and trading post is also well worth a visit. The tribes host the Sho-Ban American Indian Festival each year during the second weekend in August: if you can make your holiday coincide with that, it will be a sight to remember.
1 night Pocatello
Day 16
Pocatello to Boise
It is a three and half drive from Pocatello to Boise airport, so you might...
Day 16
Pocatello
to Boise
It is a three and half drive from Pocatello to Boise airport, so you might want to spend one extra night in Boise, capital of Idaho. On the way, do visit the Shoshone Falls: taller than Niagara and much less crowded!
