The Great Western Loop

There is nothing quite like a road trip through the American West. We packed the car, prepped the grill, and set off on a loop that took us through the Black Hills of South Dakota, the alien landscapes of Wyoming, and the majestic peaks of Colorado.

South Dakota: Custer & Rushmore

Our first stop was the legendary Custer State Park. The wildlife loop did not disappoint—we got up close and personal with the "fluffy cows" (Bison) that rule the road here. The landscape is endless rolling hills, thick pine forests, and winding tunnels that cut right through the granite.

Of course, no trip to SD is complete without visiting the big guys. Mount Rushmore is iconic for a reason. Seeing Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln carved into the mountain is surreal. We found a great spot where the cave frames the monument perfectly (check the gallery below!).

Wyoming: Close Encounters

Crossing into Wyoming, the terrain shifted. The absolute highlight was Devils Tower. It rises out of the prairie like something from another planet—which explains why Close Encounters of the Third Kind made it famous. Walking the base trail gives you a sense of just how massive those hexagonal columns really are.

We spent some time exploring the small towns nearby, soaking in the neon signs and old-school architecture. It felt like stepping back in time.

Colorado: Estes Park

We rounded out the trip in Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. The air was crisp, the rivers were rushing, and the wildflowers were putting on a show. It was the perfect way to unwind after miles of driving. From grilling steaks at the cabin to watching the sunset paint the sky in pastels, this trip had it all.

Here is the full visual our adventure.