This Western USA travel guide has everything you need to know about Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.
The Western United States is known for the Rocky Mountains, National Parks, Las Vegas, bison, and wide-open spaces.
Whatever kind of adventure you want to have in the Western U.S., this guide has everything you need for planning a trip!
Towns and gas stations can be few and far between in some parts of the West. So make sure you always have enough gas to get where you’re going.
Fall is a fantastic season to visit the West because the temperatures have cooled off, but the days are still long and sunny. The foliage will be changing into vibrant colors in every state. Plus, prices and tourist numbers will be decreasing from the peak summer season.
You’ll want layers for the mornings and evenings, and in late-October and November, you’ll need warmer layers for the whole day, especially in the higher elevations.
During these months, all of the National Parks and roads will still be open.
In Winter, you can choose between snow resorts like Aspen, Vail, and Jackson Hole. Or you can head to the deserts for drier weather.
But even in the deserts, the weather will be cold, so make sure you come with plenty of layers.
Winter is the low travel season for the West. So prices and tourist numbers will be at some of their lowest. The exceptions to this are the ski resorts and the National Parks during Christmas and New Year’s.
Some Parks will have trail or road closures, so make sure you check in advance whether a trek or drive is open.
The warm, pleasant days and refreshingly cool nights make Spring an excellent time to visit. Wildflowers will be blooming, and you’ll see more wildlife.
All roads and trails will re-open, and as long as you avoid the peak Spring Break weeks from mid-March to early April, the crowds and prices will still be relatively low.
You’ll still want warm layers for the mornings and evenings.
Summer days are sunny and hot. Daytime temperatures can be in the 90s (24-28°C), and temperatures will be even higher in the deserts. The nights will be pleasant temperatures for camping out under the stars.
The northern states and higher elevations can still be chilly in the mornings and evenings, so bring a couple of layers with you.
Be aware that, like most places in the U.S., summer is the peak travel season because of school breaks, so crowds and prices will be at their highest.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Lake Tahoe State Park, Nevada
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Chief Joseph Scenic Highway, Wyoming
Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway, Utah
Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway, Utah
Going-To-The-Sun Road in Montana
Highway 12 in Utah
Lake Tahoe East Shore Drive in Nevada
Million Dollar Highway in Colorado
Red Rock Canyon Backcountry Byway in Nevada
Teton Park Road in Wyoming
Trail Ridge Road in Colorado
Experience “Big Sky Country” in Glacier National Park
Explore Yellowstone National Park
Visit the Continental Divide
Gamble in Las Vegas
Swim or paddle in Lake Tahoe in Nevada
Visit the Hoover Dam in Nevada
Explore the Grand Canyon
Buckwheat Pancakes
Jalapeno & Cilantro Soup
Elk Tenderloin
Rocky Mountain Oysters
Frybread
Utah Scones
Dutch Oven Dinner
One of the over-the-top buffets in Las Vegas
If you want large cities, I recommend Las Vegas, Denver, Jackson, or Boseman. For national parks, head to Yellowstone, Glacier, or Zion. If you want scenic drives, then I suggest the Going-To-The-Sun Road in Montana, Lake Tahoe East Shore Drive in Nevada, and Red Rock Canyon Backcountry Byway in Nevada.
Know before you go to the USA:
1. Towns and gas stations can be few and far between in some parts of the country. So make sure you always have enough gas to get where you’re going.
2. Bring a photo I.D. to every bar and restaurant. Most establishments will have to check your I.D. for buying alcohol, even if you’re clearly over 21.
3. Avoid some of the crowds by visiting large cities and popular attractions on weekdays.
4. If you’re driving, get off the interstates and take some back roads. The U.S.’s scenic drives are some of its best attractions.
5. Be aware that laws and attitudes vary from state to state. What’s legal in some states can be illegal in other states.
Epic experiences to have in the Western USA:
1. Experience “Big Sky Country” in Glacier National Park
2. Explore Yellowstone National Park
3. Visit the Continental Divide
4. Gamble in Las Vegas
5. Swim or paddle in Lake Tahoe in Nevada
6. Visit the Hoover Dam in Nevada
7. Explore the Grand Canyon
The best weekend getaways in the Southeast USA are:
1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
3. Glacier National Park, Montana
4. Breckenridge, Colorado
5. Zion National Park, Utah
6. Denver, Colorado
7. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
8. Jackson, Wyoming
9. Arches National Park, Utah
10. Grand Junction, Colorado
Yes, getting away for a short trip is worth it! Short getaway vacations are good for your mental health and allow you to travel on a budget. It can be rewarding and exciting to explore destinations close to home for a couple of days. You could even have a staycation in your hometown if you want a break from work without having to pack a suitcase.
Destinations in the Western USA that can be explored in a couple of days are:
1. Breckenridge, Colorado
2. Arches National Park
3. Jackson, Wyoming
4. Las Vegas, Nevada
5. Whitefish, Montana
6. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
The best girlfriend getaways in the Western USA are:
1. Las Vegas, Nevada
2. Grand Junction, Colorado
3. Lake Tahoe, Nevada
4. Moab, Utah
5. Colorado Springs, Colorado
The best road trips and scenic drives in the Southeast USA are:
1. Utah’s Mighty Five
2. Big Sky Country in Montana
3. Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway, Utah
4. Million Dollar Highway in Colorado
5. Lake Tahoe East Shore Drive in Nevada
Ways to travel the Western USA on a budget:
1. Tour your own city on a staycation
2. Camp
3. Go to off-the-beaten-path destinations
4. Visit state parks
5. Stay with friends or family
6. Book hotels with travel reward points
7. Travel during the off-season
8. Take a weekday trip
This Western USA travel guide is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own. Some of the links in this Western USA travel guide are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
June 18, 2020
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