Explore the Great American West: Your Guide to Adventure and Culture

The Elemental Wonders of the Great American West

In the heart of the USA lies a region where nature’s raw forces still shape every horizon. The Great American West is made up of four extraordinary states — South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming and Idaho — each with its own defining element: Earth, Air, Light and Water.

Exploring the Great American West

There are South Dakota’s rugged Black Hills and the bison that roam its grasslands, as well as North Dakota’s endless skies and powwows rich in Native American culture. Then you’ve got Wyoming’s golden sunsets over Yellowstone National Park and Idaho’s roaring rivers and alpine lakes. In short: this is a land of extremes and contrasts.

Here, the elements are part of the experience. President Theodore Roosevelt even once described the Dakota Badlands as a place that left an ‘everlasting impression’ on his soul.

You can hike through ancient canyons, watch the Northern Lights dance above wide-open plains, drift on a crystal-clear river or stand at the base of a geyser as steam meets sunlight. Whether you’re drawn to small towns steeped in Old West history or national parks filled with wildlife, a road trip through this region will take you deeper into the essence of the American West.

Travellers looking to immerse themselves in the spirit of the Wild West will find that each state offers its own take on frontier heritage, from cowboy traditions to historic mining towns.

South Dakota: Earth Beneath Your Feet

South Dakota’s story begins with the land itself. The element of Earth is etched into every ridge, canyon and prairie, from the otherworldly spires of Badlands National Park to the rolling pine forests of the Black Hills. This is where the ground feels ancient — shaped by time, weather and the footsteps of those who came before.

Driving the Needles Highway through the Black Hills rewards you with dramatic granite spires and sweeping views at every turn.

Standing before the immense faces of Mount Rushmore, carved into solid granite, you can’t help but feel the scale of human ambition set against nature’s permanence. Nearby, the Crazy Horse Memorial pays tribute to Lakota leader Crazy Horse, a monumental work still in progress, deeply connected to the traditions and history of the region’s Native American nations.

The land’s bounty is celebrated each autumn during the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup, when hundreds of bison thunder across the prairie in a spectacle of sound, dust and raw power. In Deadwood, gold rush legends come alive in historic saloons and old mining streets — a reminder of how the Old West grew from the promise of the earth beneath.

Hiking Trails in the Black Hills

For those seeking adventure, South Dakota offers hiking trails for every level, from the gentle paths around Sylvan Lake to the rugged peaks of Black Elk Peak, the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains. Wildlife lovers can spot elk, pronghorn and bighorn sheep in national parks and state reserves.

The mix of dense forest, open meadows and hidden lakes makes the Black Hills a year-round favourite for photographers.

And while South Dakota leads the Earth story, you’ll find its element echoed across the American West: at Devils Tower located in Wyoming, where stone rises like a sentinel above the plains; along Idaho’s Hiawatha Trail, cutting through old railway tunnels and forest; and in the ranching traditions still alive across all four states.

Some of the most scenic hiking trails also lead to panoramic viewpoints over the rolling prairies, offering a sense of how vast this region of the American West truly is.

North Dakota: Air and Endless Horizons

In North Dakota, the element of Air is everywhere — in the sweep of the prairie wind, the arc of a soaring eagle and the endless horizons that seem to stretch into forever. It’s a state where the skies feel bigger, the light sharper and the sense of space almost infinite.

Theodore Roosevelt and the Spirit of the Old West

In Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the badlands meet rolling grasslands, home to wild horses, bison and prairie dogs. The air here is alive with movement — a hawk circling high above, the rustle of cottonwood leaves, the low call of a meadowlark. Roosevelt himself once ranched here and his conservation legacy is felt in every protected acre.

The connection between sky and culture comes alive at the United Tribes powwow in Bismarck each September, where dancers in feathered regalia move to the beat of drums beneath an open sky. August visitors can still experience Native American culture at the MHA Earth Lodge Village, where traditional earth-sheltered homes offer a glimpse into the history of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation.

For those drawn to the thrill of flight, the Fargo Air Museum showcases historic aircraft from the dawn of aviation to the present. And when night falls, North Dakota’s skies reveal another wonder — the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, especially in the far north and during active solar periods.

Air may be North Dakota’s defining element, but you’ll find its influence drifting far beyond the state lines: at Idaho’s Craters of the Moon National Monument, where the dark, open sky reveals a brilliant tapestry of stars; in Wyoming’s Sinks Canyon State Park, an International Dark Sky Park; and on the wide-open ranch lands across South Dakota, where the wind is as much a part of life as the land itself.

Wyoming: Light Over the Land

Wyoming’s landscapes are defined by Light — the golden glow that spills over the Rocky Mountains at sunrise, the shimmer of alpine lakes in midsummer, and the deep indigo skies that come alive with stars after dark. This is a place where light feels almost tangible, changing the mood of the land from hour to hour.

In Yellowstone National Park, morning mist rises from the geysers as the first rays hit the steaming pools of Old Faithful, Steamboat and the rainbow-hued Grand Prismatic Spring. By afternoon, the light turns warm and soft over the valleys, picking out the silhouettes of elk and bison grazing in the grasslands. In autumn, the forests glow gold as aspen and cottonwood trees change with the season — but in August, wildflowers still brighten the meadows and long days mean more time to explore.

National Parks in the Heart of the American West

Grand Teton National Park offers some of the most dramatic mountain sunrises in the American West, while Flaming Gorge reflects a palette of reds and oranges as the day winds down. After dark, the state’s Dark Sky destinations — from Jackson Hole to Sinks Canyon State Park — offer crystal-clear stargazing. Rangers at Devils Tower National Monument even lead full moon hikes, where the silver light transforms this ancient volcanic rock into something otherworldly.

Wyoming’s connection to light isn’t just natural — it’s woven into its history. In the ghost town of South Pass City, the glint of gold once lured miners westward, shaping the communities that still carry the spirit of the Old West. Today, that same golden light bathes the wooden facades and quiet streets, a reminder of the dreams that built the frontier.

While Wyoming leads the story of Light, its brilliance shines right across the Great American West: in Idaho, where the Northern Lights cast ribbons of colour across the night sky; in North Dakota, where stargazing unveils a dazzling canopy of stars stretching to infinity; and in South Dakota’s Festival of Lights in Rapid City, where winter nights glow with thousands of sparkling displays. Here, light is not just something you see — it’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve gone.

Idaho: Power of Water

In Idaho, Water shapes both the land and the adventures you can have. From the roar of waterfalls to the stillness of mountain lakes, the state’s 3,100 miles of navigable whitewater promise excitement, beauty and a deep connection to nature.

From certain high ridges in Idaho’s mountain ranges, on an exceptionally clear day, you can even imagine the distant connection between these inland waters and the far-off Pacific Ocean.

For thrill-seekers, August is the perfect month for rafting trips through Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge, or navigating the wild rapids of the Salmon and Payette Rivers. The snowmelt-fed waters are at their warmest now, making multi-day expeditions as inviting as they are exhilarating. If you prefer a slower pace, paddleboarding on high-altitude lakes or taking a scenic float along the Snake River offers a more tranquil way to experience Idaho’s waterways.

Some of Idaho’s most striking sights are its waterfalls. Shoshone Falls, known as the Niagara of the West, thunders into the Snake River Canyon, while Idaho Falls combines river views with a vibrant small-town atmosphere. Along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, you can trace the explorers’ route and learn how rivers served as vital pathways for both Indigenous nations and early settlers.

Rivers and Lakes of the American West

Water in Idaho also means fishing — from fly fishing for cutthroat trout in clear mountain streams to casting a line in vast reservoirs framed by the Rocky Mountains. And just as Earth, Air and Light cross state borders, Water flows through the whole Great American West: the Missouri River winding through North Dakota, the glacial lakes and rivers of Wyoming’s national parks, and Sioux Falls in South Dakota, where the Big Sioux River cascades over pink quartzite ledges.

In Idaho, Water is a lifeline, an adventure, and a reminder of how the elements connect every corner of the American West.

Your Great American West Road Trip Itinerary Through the Elements

A road trip through the Great American West is the best way to experience all four elements in one journey. With long summer days and clear August skies, you can discover vast landscapes and endless attractions while taking your time to savour each local stop.

Our Elements of Nature: A Journey Through the American West holiday is a 17-night adventure that begins in North Dakota and ends in Idaho, weaving together wide horizons, frontier towns and world-famous national parks.

You’ll start in Fargo, North Dakota, with its vibrant downtown and impressive range of museums, before heading west into the wild beauty of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where the sweep of the prairies and soaring skies capture the element of Air.

From there, journey south into South Dakota, where Earth comes alive in the dramatic landscapes of the Badlands and the Black Hills. Here you can stand beneath the faces of Mount Rushmore, visit the Crazy Horse Memorial and experience the energy of Rapid City.

Crossing into Wyoming, Light takes centre stage. Golden sunsets bathe the mountains around Sheridan and Cody, while Yellowstone National Park dazzles with its geysers, hot springs and wildlife. In Grand Teton National Park, sunrises over jagged peaks and starlit nights create moments you’ll never forget.

Jackson Hole is a highlight here, with not only spectacular alpine scenery but also some of the region’s best fine dining, from ranch-to-table bistros to award-winning restaurants serving creative mountain cuisine.

The journey ends in Idaho, where Water is the defining force. From the alpine beauty of Sun Valley to the mountain lakes around McCall and the sparkling shores of Coeur d’Alene, rivers and lakes set the rhythm for your final days. Whether you choose rafting, fishing or simply relaxing on the water’s edge, it’s a refreshing finale to your adventure.

This holiday offers a perfect balance of culture, history and the natural world, but remember that all Journeyscape trips are bespoke. If you’d like more time in a particular national park, extra nights in small towns or a different route through the region, our Travel Experts can design a journey that’s tailored exactly to you.

Old West History and Culture Along the Way

No journey through the Great American West would be complete without stepping into the stories of the Old West. In South Dakota’s Deadwood, you can wander streets once walked by gold prospectors and legendary figures like Wild Bill Hickok.

In Wyoming, the preserved buildings of South Pass City recall the mining boom that helped shape the state. Across the region, you’ll find ranching traditions still alive and well, rodeos that celebrate Western culture and Native American heritage sites where you can connect with centuries of history.

Seasonal Tips for Visiting the Great American West

Each element of the Great American West has its own season, but August is one of the best times to experience them all in a single trip.

Earth

South Dakota’s hiking trails are dry and accessible, wildlife is active in the Black Hills and Badlands, and long daylight hours give you more time to explore.

Air

Warm summer nights in North Dakota are perfect for stargazing, while cultural events like the United Tribes powwow in early September make late summer a vibrant time to visit.

Light

Wyoming’s high summer days offer crystal-clear visibility for mountain views and August sunsets paint the Rocky Mountains in rich gold and crimson.

Water

Idaho’s rivers run warm and inviting, making it peak season for rafting, paddleboarding and fishing.

While summer is prime time for road trips, shoulder seasons (late spring and early autumn) bring fewer crowds and a different palette of colours. In winter, snow transforms much of the region into a serene, frost-covered landscape, with skiing in Wyoming and cosy small-town stays across all four states.

Why the Great American West Should Be on Your List

The Great American West is more than a collection of national parks, small towns and scenic routes — it’s a place where the forces of nature shape every experience.

Earth grounds you in the history and landscapes of South Dakota. Air lifts your spirit under North Dakota’s boundless skies. Light in Wyoming changes the way you see the world and Water in Idaho carries you through some of the most spectacular wilderness in the USA.

Here, the Old West meets living culture and the history of Native nations and pioneering settlers sits alongside wild rivers, open prairies and mountain peaks. It’s a region where you can hike, raft, ride and simply stand still to take in the view — knowing there’s nowhere else quite like it.

Plan your journey with Journeyscape and you’ll not only visit the Great American West — but you’ll also feel its elements in your bones, long after you’ve returned home. View our Great American West holiday or get in touch with our expert team.