Rocky Mountains & Yellowstone

Late afternoon transfer to the rental company on the outskirts and pick up your motorcycle. 

Besides the LoDo district, be sure to explore other areas such as buzzing RiNo, with former warehouses converted into restaurants, bars and shops with a very 'organic' trend, as well as Santa Fe and Cherry Creek to enjoy its gigantic Mall.

Get out of the city and ride to Roxborough park, with its red-and-orange sandstone spires, or visit the natural amphitheater of Red Rocks, a magical place (you might even catch a concert), or head to the small town of Golden with its lovely museum dedicated to Colorado railroads.

Depending on your travel dates, you may also attend a Colorado Rockies baseball game at Coors Field, or a Nuggets (NBA) game, for example. 

Overnight in Denver.

Head to Idaho Springs, a typical little town that peaked during the gold rush (and silver...), at the end of the 19th century. Its main street invites a stroll.

Ride to magnificent Rocky Mountain National Park, via Winter Park, then the adorable hamlet of Grand Lake, the gateway (or exit) to Trail Ridge Road.

This fabulous scenic road usually reopens at the end of May at the earliest. You might see your first snowbanks near the summit at around 3,600 m. If it's closed, we will provide an alternative route.

You reach Estes Park, your stop for the day. 

Don't miss having a drink at the mythical Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King for The Shining. 

Overnight in Estes Park.

Leave Estes Park with a short detour via the General Store in Glen Haven, to taste their delicious cinnamon rolls.

You ride on beautiful small roads—winding and green—before reaching the lively Poudre Canyon River, which you follow.

You reach Walden, the last stop before leaving Colorado. 

For the grand finale, take another mythical but very lightly traveled road: Snowy Range Road, then descend to Centennial, a small, wonderfully authentic town that feels like an old gold-seekers village, nestled at the foot of Medicine Bow Mountain! Hard to find anything more authentic. 

Overnight in Centennial.

Note: if Snowy Range Rd is closed when you pass, we will provide an alternative route.

This is the longest stage: an early start is essential! 

Pass through Laramie, to enjoy its historic district. 

Head for the Black Hills, with a refreshing break around Guernsey State Park, by the water. 

Optional detour via Fort Laramie, a former U.S. Army fort in Native territory.

Ride to South Dakota, in Sioux territory. Custer State Park, with the beautiful scenic road that crosses it, offers great landscapes and memorable wildlife encounters, including bisons. 

Besides the mammoth skeletons in Hot Springs, you can choose between the mustangs of the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, or the caves of Wind Cave (or Jewel Cave). 

Overnight in Custer.

Take the small road crossing Custer State Park then climb via sometimes very tight switchbacks and tunnels carved into the rock on the magnificent Iron Mountain Road. At the top, you'll enjoy the best panorama of Mt Rushmore!

The Black Hills rise from the great plains of Wyoming and are steeped in history: you are in the heart of the Sioux Lakota nation. 

The discovery of gold at the end of the 19th century accelerated the deterioration of relations between Native peoples (who refused to cede their lands) and settlers, culminating in a terrible military campaign led by the U.S. Army and Custer. 

You can visit the Crazy Horse Memorial dedicated to the famous chief, whose profile is still being carved into the rock a few km from Custer. 

Overnight in Custer.

The transition from the green Black Hills to the mineral Badlands is impressive, and it's not unusual to gain twenty degrees. 

Eroded canyons , buttes, pinnacles and prairies make the place a kaleidoscope of improbable shapes. It's one of our favorite parks... and one of the least visited too!

Return to the Black Hills after a stop in Wall and its Drug Store. You'll find all the typical West artifacts there.

After a detour via Sturgis, the biker mecca, arrive in Deadwood, with its Victorian-style houses, unique in the region. 

The town had its golden age during the gold rush. Brothels and gambling halls attracted Calamity Jane, who is buried here, and Wild Bill Hickok, who was assassinated here. Touristy but nice.

Overnight in Deadwood.

On the road to Wyoming via Spearfish Canyon. 

Stop in Aladdin at the General Store / shop / thrift store / antique shop / garage sale / gas station (and more)—a tiny hamlet of 15 inhabitants (the last time we passed). A place that exists only in the USA!

Head for Devils Tower, an impressive monolith rising to 1,558 m, seemingly out of nowhere. Walk around the rock while respecting the tranquility of these places, sacred to some Native tribes. You’ll spot the famous prairie dogs.

Ride to Buffalo, at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. This small town owes its fame to the Historic Occidental Hotel, a unique place that hosted legends such as Butch Cassidy, Calamity Jane and Theodore Roosevelt... and to the outstanding Craig Johnson, who sets the adventures of his main character, Sheriff Walt Longmire, here. 

Overnight in Buffalo (or Sheridan).

Pass through Sheridan, a nice little town where we recommend visiting King's Saddlery, a store entirely dedicated to ranching (lassos, endless saddles...).

The shop hides a gem: the small family Don King Museum houses, besides photo records, stagecoaches, saddles, rifles and other typical Far West artifacts. 

You ride on one of the most beautiful roads in the West, taking you up to the peaks of the Bighorn Mountains with breathtaking scenery. Short detour to enjoy a spectacular view over impressive Bighorn Canyon, reminiscent of the Grand Canyon. And almost no one else around to dream.

Arrival in Cody, entirely centered on its founder, the famous Buffalo Bill (with his museum), and on the rodeo. The city modestly proclaimed itself the world rodeo capital. 

Overnight in Cody.

Ride to Red Lodge, a great small town typical of Montana. 

Start climbing the mythical Beartooth Highway, one of the most beautiful roads in the country, with jaw-dropping views! You may spot a mountain goat or two, wearing their fine white coats. 

After passing through huge snowbanks, reach the summit at 3,400 m, then descend through a wide area dotted with lakes and tundra. 

Coffee break at the Top of the World Store, a tiny wooden cabin where you can find a bit of everything... After Cooke City, enter the fabulous Yellowstone National Park, before reaching Gardiner. 

Overnight in Gardiner.

Note: Route described subject to Beartooth Hwy being open at the time of your trip. An alternative track will be provided.

We recommend exploring the northern part of the park, starting with Mammoth Hot Springs, with its beautiful travertine terraces and its elk.

The site includes the historic buildings of Fort Yellowstone, occupied by the U.S. Army at the end of the 19th century when the park was created—the oldest in the world! 

On the way, you will likely see bisons, deer, and who knows—perhaps a black bear, or even a grizzly!

In the east of the park are the spectacular waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, a stunning area offering superb viewpoints from both banks. 

There are of course many walk options to get closer to the falls.

Overnight in Gardiner.

Ride to the south-west area of Yellowstone, home to most of the geysers (2/3 of the world's recorded geysers) and hot springs. 

The famous Old Faithful geyser and the very photogenic Grand Prismatic Spring are the undisputed stars. Allow at least 2 hours of walking to really take it all in!

Then head for Grand Teton National Park. Very different from its prestigious neighbor, it has a more 'alpine' feel, with superb views of the Teton Range from the meanders of the Snake River. 

Along Teton Park Rd, you will have many opportunities for walks, with beautiful views of lakes, canyons and surrounding peaks. 

Overnight in Jackson Hole.

Jackson Hole is a very pleasant town, popular in both summer and winter. You'll find many shops, galleries and antique stores. 

You are at the gates of Grand Teton National Park, with plenty of walk options.

Take Moose Wilson Road, which passes the ski resort of Teton Village, or climb to the top of the road leading to Signal Mountain for a magnificent view! 

Jenny Lake is an ideal place to have a drink in the lounge of the beautiful lodge, facing the Teton Range. 

Option to cross by boat to the opposite shore, the starting point for lovely hikes—with great chances to spot wildlife!

Return the motorcycles to the rental company late afternoon and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Jackson Hole.

End of the motorcycle tour and transfer to Jackson Hole airport.

Return flight to Europe. 

Arrival the next day.

Extension or itinerary changes: contact us