12 days in Western US Itinerary

An exceptionally diverse landscape and varied wildlife have made Yellowstone National Park one of America's most popular parks.

Get outdoors at West Thumb Geyser Basin and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It doesn't end there: look for all kinds of wild species at Grand Loop Road and take in the natural beauty of Grand Prismatic Spring.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Yellowstone National Park sightseeing planner.

Boston to Yellowstone National Park is an approximately 10.5-hour flight. You can also drive. Traveling from Boston to Yellowstone National Park, you'll gain 2 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Boston in September, you will find days in Yellowstone National Park are little chillier (60°F), and nights are colder (33°F). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Jackson Hole.

The Jackson Hole valley is approximately 97 km (60 mi) long and 24 km (15 mi) wide, encompassing the town of Jackson, Teton Village, and the northern section of Grand Teton National Park.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Sun): get a taste of the local shopping with Thal Glass Studio, look for all kinds of wild species at Laurance Rockefeller Preserve, then contemplate the waterfront views at Jenny Lake, and finally look for all kinds of wild species at Oxbow Bend. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: look for all kinds of wild species at Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris, then let the river carry you with Dave Hansen Whitewater and Scenic River Trips, then don't miss a visit to Town Square, and finally look for gifts at Lee's Tees.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Jackson Hole tour planner.

Getting from Yellowstone National Park to Jackson Hole by car takes about 2.5 hours. Traveling from Yellowstone National Park in September, expect nights in Jackson Hole to be about the same, around 38°F, while days are a bit warmer, around 68°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Mon) so you can travel to Salt Lake City.

Utah's capital and most populous city, Salt Lake City boasts a small-town feel, big-city amenities, and plenty of nature on its doorstep.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Tue): explore the stunning scenery at Big Cottonwood Canyon, admire the landmark architecture of LDS Conference Center, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Temple Square.

To find reviews, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Salt Lake City journey planner.

Traveling by flight from Jackson Hole to Salt Lake City takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Plan for a bit warmer temperatures traveling from Jackson Hole in September, with highs in Salt Lake City at 81°F and lows at 58°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Tue) so you can travel to Sedona.

Despite its relatively small size, Sedona overflows with tourist appeal.

Get outdoors at Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) and Cathedral Rock. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Helicopter Tours and Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. Next up on the itinerary: explore the stunning scenery at Oak Creek Canyon, trek along Airport Mesa, tour the pleasant surroundings at Devil's Bridge Trail, and take in the dramatic natural features at Bell Rock.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Sedona trip planner.

You can fly from Salt Lake City to Sedona in 7 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. September in Sedona sees daily highs of 85°F and lows of 63°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Santa Fe.

Santa Fe continuously ranks among the world's top holiday destinations, attracting visitors with its unusual combination of scenic beauty, rich history, cultural diversity, and high concentration of performing arts venues, fine restaurants, and interesting attractions.

On the 26th (Sat), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Loretto Chapel, then explore the world behind art at Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, then pause for some serene contemplation at The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, and finally get to know the fascinating history of Canyon Road.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Santa Fe travel route builder app.

You can drive from Sedona to Santa Fe in 7 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Sedona in September, expect Santa Fe to be slightly colder, temps between 80°F and 52°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Denver.

Aptly nicknamed the "Mile-High City," Denver sits at an altitude of 1,600 m (5,280 ft) above sea level, located right where the Great Plains give way to the Rocky Mountains.

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Sun): stop by Dardano's Shoes, take in nature's colorful creations at Denver Botanic Gardens, then pause for some serene contemplation at Trinity United Methodist Church, and finally learn the secrets of beer at a beer tour and tasting. Keep things going the next day: get the adrenaline pumping with Oxotic Supercar Driving Experience and then sample the tasty concoctions at Prost Brewery.

To see maps, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Denver trip maker website.

Fly from Santa Fe to Denver in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In September, plan for daily highs up to 79°F, and evening lows to 52°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 28th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel back home.