Buc-ee\u2019s<\/a> \u2013 which almost justified the detour.<\/p>\nFor a more on-theme and relaxed finish, I\u2019d recommend ending in Rapid City, South Dakota<\/strong> instead and leave Colorado for another trip. This keeps the drives manageable.<\/p>\nIf you are short on time or want a pretty relaxed trip, you could skip Whitefish<\/strong> and Glacier National Park<\/strong> entirely (for this trip at least \u2013 definitely go another time) and fly into Bozeman<\/strong>, which is much closer to Yellowstone National Park<\/strong>.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wild-west-road-trip-itinerary-usa\/\")
<\/figure>\nAlternatively you could start in Jackson Hole<\/strong>, go up through to West Yellowstone<\/strong>, then Gardiner,<\/strong> and over to Cody, ending in Rapid City or vice versa.<\/p>\nIf you decide to skip Glacier National Park<\/strong>, you could always save it for another adventure and combine it with a trip through the Canadian Rockies<\/strong>, or even time your visit with the legendary Calgary Stampede<\/strong>.<\/p>\nTo do this trip justice, I\u2019d recommend allowing around 2 \u2013 2.5 weeks, although 3 weeks would be even better if you want to take things at a slower pace or add in extra stops. <\/p>\n<\/figure>\nHow Much Does a Wild West Road Trip Cost?<\/h3>\nThis trip was relatively expensive, costing us around $5,000 per person. That included the return flights from the UK which were around $1,250.<\/p>\n
The costs can add up quickly once you factor in accommodation, national park entry fees, car hire, fuel, food, flights, and activities. And it could also be a LOT more expensive if you stay in luxury lodges, eat out every day and do tons of activities.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re travelling on a tight budget, consider self-catering (food and drink is a big cost), camping, or opting for very basic accommodation and including fewer destinations. Activities can be expensive, but there\u2019s a lot of free or cheap things to do too \u2013 hikes, swimming, exploring the towns, scenic drives \u2013 you don\u2019t have to spend a fortune!<\/p>\n
Wild West Road Trip Itinerary Map<\/h3>\n