The American Rockies
There are few more beautiful regions in North America than the American Rockies. This region includes the popular Rocky Mountain States of Colorado, Wyoming and Montana and we have added South Dakota, which, although not strictly speaking in the Rockies, is well worth visiting and is often included in coach and self drive tours of this region.
Colorado: is the major gateway state with direct non-stop flights to Denver from the UK. Colorado's rolling plains in the east gradually give way to the spectacular foothills and Front Range of the Rockies and further west to the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the mountains themselves. Blessed with no fewer than eleven contrasting locations under National Parks administration, nearly 100 state parks and recreation areas and 45 recognised downhill and cross-country ski areas, Colorado has much to offer visitors looking for a holiday with a difference.
Wyoming: Home to more deer and antelope than people - Wyoming is one of America's most beautiful and unspoilt states. Wildlife abounds with the aforementioned deer and antelope sharing the prairies and mountains with bear, moose, wolves and buffalo. Against a backdrop of majestic snow capped mountains and rolling prairie the history of the region is set. Plains Indians such as the Cheyenne roamed this land, then the wagon trains passed through on the Oregon Trail heading for the promised land on the west coast, mountain men such as Kit Carson pioneered the trails for the settlers who followed. Today, this is still the land of cowboys, ranches, cattle roundups, rodeos, and a rich heritage of Native America cultures. Two of America's most spectacular national parks - Yellowstone and Grand Tetons lie together on the state's western edge forming a vast protected area with dramatic scenery and lots of activities for the visitor including horse riding, rafting, ballooning and canoeing.
South Dakota: Picture majestic mountain carvings, gently rolling prairies, endless wide-open spaces and skies so big they dwarf
the earth. Then imagine the people who have inhabited this rugged country - Plains Indians, fur traders, pioneers and cowboys. This is South Dakota, the 'Mount Rushmore State' located in the heart of America's Western frontier. Visitors discover a world of unusual landscapes, colourful history, American Indian culture, outdoor adventure and old-fashioned hospitality. The Black Hills, the Badlands, Custer State Park, Wind Cave, Wounded Knee, Jewel Cave, the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore are just a few of the major attractions which are a must for any visitor to this area.
Montana: 'Big Sky Country' From the plains of eastern Montana to the western mountains, Montana's sky sets a stage of dramatic proportions. Jagged peaks, soothing plains and open space form an unforgettable landscape. Glacier National Park is located in the northwest corner of the state, is the 'Crown of the North American Continent'. To hikers it is the foremost trail park. To wildlife watchers, it provides privileged views of mountain goats, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears and grey wolves. To everyone who visits, it is a place of natural beauty and majesty. Montana also borders Yellowstone National Park and the towns of Gardiner and West Yellowstone offer a wide choice of accommodations for visitors to the national park.
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