Boots, Bison & Geysers: Rushmore to Yellowstone Road Trip

Fly from the UK to Denver, USA.

cross into Wyoming, the Cowboy State. In Cheyenne, wide streets and wider hats set the tone. Wander past the grand Union Pacific Depot and the Victorian buildings, and pick up a Stetson at a western outfitter. If you're here in late July, Cheyenne Frontier Days brings the world's largest outdoor rodeo to town.

Head north into South Dakota's Black Hills, your base for three unhurried nights. A guided tour takes you to Mount Rushmore and to the vast Crazy Horse Memorial, still being carved from the mountain. Spend the rest of your time on day trips of your choice. You could drive Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop, where bison herds stop the traffic. You could walk Deadwood's Main Street, once home to Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Or you could head to the Badlands, where the land turns lunar.

Leave the Black Hills and cross back into Wyoming. On the way, stop at Devils Tower, rising sheer from the pine forest, which became America's first national monument in 1906. Arrive in Sheridan, a real ranching town at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, where you'll stay at the historic Sheridan Inn. Buffalo Bill was once part-owner, and it's said he auditioned performers for his Wild West show from its porch. Browse King's Saddlery, then join the locals at the Mint Bar.

Climb over the Bighorn Mountains, through alpine meadows and red-rock canyons, before dropping down into Cody. The town was founded by Buffalo Bill himself and is still pure Wild West. Your admission to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West opens five museums covering frontier life, Plains Indian culture and the wildlife of Yellowstone. On summer evenings, why not add a night at the Cody Nite Rodeo?

Enter Yellowstone through the East Entrance and drive past Yellowstone Lake and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone on your way to three all-inclusive nights at a traditional guest ranch just outside the park. Mornings start in the saddle and afternoons might bring fly fishing on the river. The park's greatest sights are close by: Old Faithful, the rainbow colours of Grand Prismatic Spring and bison grazing in Hayden Valley. After hearty home-cooked meals, spend the evenings round the campfire.

Head south through the park and watch the jagged Teton peaks fill the windscreen. Jackson Hole mixes cowboy heritage with alpine style: antler arches on the Town Square, wooden boardwalks, art galleries and excellent steakhouses. Your Grand Teton Wildlife Safari takes you out with an expert guide to look for moose, elk and perhaps a bear, against some of America's most dramatic scenery.

Follow the Snake River south into Utah for a final night in Park City, a former silver-mining town in the Wasatch Mountains. Wander along historic Main Street with its independent boutiques, cosy bars and mountain-to-table restaurants. It's a relaxed, stylish end to your time in the West.

Drive the short distance to Salt Lake City Airport, drop off your car and fly home to the UK, arriving the following day.