For many of us, me included, this is a dream holiday destination. The scenery, space and some of the most magnificent spectacles that mother nature has produced. They’re commonly called the mountain states, however there’s much more to this area than the incredible mountains.
Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming Perched atop the Continental Divide and sloping down east and west toward the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, the mountain states are dominated by the Rocky Mountains.
Additionally, high plateau covers the western regions, while towards the east, begin the Great Plains. Idaho incorporates all of the beauty and excitement of high mountains. Still sparsely settled, the pioneer spirit is alive among those living in town or country. There are white water and snow-capped peaks for the adventurous, abundant wildlife for the photographer and hunter, and peace and quiet in most corners. If your family wants a taste of the old Wild West but doesn’t really want to rough it, try taking U.S. Highway 30 between Yellowstone and Boise, following the route through the Snake River Plain.
Accommodation is plentiful and in most areas you don’t really need to book. However many people plan a rough itinerary and book some hotels or lodging along their route to be sure. It does take some of the stress away knowing you have a place to stay, although perhaps at the expense of some flexibility. Before you go, invest in a VPN or proxy in order to get the best prices and to use your internet connection safely on the road. There’s a good one in this article which also works in the USA – How to Watch UK TV online in Spain.
We do recommend, however, that you don’t take this trip in winter. But if you ARE looking for adventure, this is a super spot for a wild water ride, skiing, backpacking, trekking and horse packing. You might like to incorporate this adventure with a thorough visit to neighboring Yellowstone National Park. And that Yellowstone Park trip takes you to Wyoming, a remarkable and striking state to please both the cowboy and the mountain man in everyone. Cheyenne sits in the flat cattle country that slopes down to the Missouri River, while Jackson Hole sits high in the Rocky Mountains.
Probably one of the best-known views of the Rockies is the Maroon Bells in Grand Teton National Park. Make it a point to visit Jackson Hole! If Wyoming wasn’t extreme enough for you head north for Montana. Big Sky Country deserves its name. Like Wyoming, there are plains, mountains, and long stretches of empty road. But Montana is being discovered; golfers and skiers, canoers and horse packers are all finding this rugged state just to their liking.
Chances are you won’t hit heavy traffic, but you will surely hear the coyotes, and maybe a few ghosts left over from the Little Bighorn. Whenever you go to Montana, be prepared for the cold. Summer days get very warm, but the evening temperature can dip quickly at this elevation and latitude.
Further Reading – John Williams, Residential Proxies, Haveb Press 2016.